June, 2011


Glenn Dyer's TV Ratings: Seven’s week again

Seven won All People in all metro markets and the main channels.

Political snippets: A better educated lot

The median sentence length was longest for defendants sentenced to a custodial order in New South Wales and the Northern Territory (both 36 months) and shortest in the Australian Capital Territory (17 months).

Video of the Day: Introducing Seagullcam

Don’t you hate it when you put down your camcorder and a seagull comes and steals it? Last week one cheeky bird in Cannes unwittingly created Seagullcam when it stole a camera and proceeded to direct its own short film.

Tips and rumours: Tips and rumours

Qantas heavies accounting firms? Qantas has told each of the four accounting firms used by the company that if they talk to the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) they will be blacklisted, we’re told. AIPA has apparently engaged a forensic accounting firm to do some snooping. ‘Witch-hunt’ on pay at Queensland Health. Crikey has hinted previously […]

Seriously, how old are you Australia?

Crikey Says: They did it for the lulz

So farewell to Lulzsec, who burnt brightly but, it turns out, briefly in the firmament of cyber security with a rapid-fire series of cracks and thefts …

Abbott’s economic cred, sports bias at the ABC, the battle for Libya, bureaucratic bungles at Sydney film festival?

China’s 800 billion yuan snatch and run scandal

In the last two decades an estimated 800 billion yuan (more than US$120 billion) has been pilfered by corrupt Chinese government officials, many of whom are fleeing the country, writes Xin Haiguang.

US adaptation of Wilfred: funny, upbeat, spot-on

Cult Australian TV show Wilfred has been adapted for American audiences and the new version, co-starring Elijah Wood, is well deserving of the critical praise it is generating, writes Dan Barrett.

Prince slams digital music, endorses “no choice”

Eccentric musician Prince, now 53, appears to have mellowed with age. In a recent interview with The Guardian he endorsed the “no choice” lifestyle in Islamic countries and maintained his hardline position against digital music, writes Michael Hann.

Wikipedia to feel the love with WikiLove

Wikipedia volunteers sift through incredible amounts of information in their plight to keep the site accurate but encounter constant streams of criticism. That’s why the ‘WikiLove Button’ is on its way, reports Marshall Kirkpatrick.

Crikey Sports Jock Wrap — episode two

In this week’s episode of Jock Wrap, hosts Lethal, Cow and First Dog discuss the week’s AFL games, Queensland’s efforts to save Johnathan Thurston and whether it’s “un-Australian” to badmouth Lleyton Hewitt.

Radiohead’s The King of Limbs — alluring experimental soundscapes

Radiohead’s habit of confounding and delighting fans continues with the release of The King of Limbs, a bold eight-track 38 minute foray into experimental soundscapes and tunes, writes Neil Walker.

Five underrated newspaper movies

Citizen Kane, His Girl Friday and All the President’s Men are among the most celebrated newspaper-themed movies, but there are plenty of other great ones. Benjamin Mercer presents five that slipped through the cracks of critical acclaim.

How I accidently became a hero for right wing Gore haters

It all began when Slate writer Brian Merchant uploaded a one minute Youtube video of Al Gore talking about population control. To Merchant’s astonishment, the clip become the central point in a frenzy whipped up by conservative media.

The one issue it’s fine for politicians to flip flop on

The state of New York passed gay marriage over the weekend and it was largely thanks to Republican politicians who previously refused to support it. It’s great to see politicians ignore partisan ties and stand up for something they believe in, writes Margaret Talbot

Why would anyone become a journalist?

Despite crap pay, long hours and a broken core business model, becoming a journalist remains highly sought after. But why? One thing is for sure: it ain’t for the money, writes Mr Denmore.

Times are a-Changin’ for Thailand’s ‘institution’

In the lead-up to Thailand’s July 3 national election, which many hope will bring stability to a turbulent period, The Bangkok Post call for calm, defending ‘the institution’ and its role in guarding culture and tradition.

Daytripping down Kent way

From the cliffs of Dover to wandering the Turner Contemporary, a day trip to Kent is a perfect antidote to busy London, writes Nicola Heath. But don’t expect flowerly English villages: pints, tattoos and dogs bred for fighting appeared to be order of the day.

Short fiction and Spineless Wonders

Crikey book blogger Angela Meyer discusses short fiction with Bronwyn Mehan, founder of new Australian publishing company Spineless Wonders.

Sunday Mail: 58-42 to Liberal in SA

The Sunday Mail/Adelaide Advertiser’s latest in-house poll has the South Australian Labor government’s primary vote at a mere 25 percent, leveling out at 58-42 two party-preferred, writes William Bowe.

Find a chome amongst the goom trees in Tunisia

Jay Martin spends a week perched on top of a camel, travelling through the Sahara desert with 10 women from Poland. Is there a more classic Australian song to teach foreigners around the campfire than Home Among the Gum Trees?

Obama’s gay marriage flip-flop hints at campaign targets

Why is it so hard to believe a left-leaning politician might genuinely oppose same-sex marriage? The bigger problem for Barack Obama is not even he’s sure what side he supports.

Crikey Says: It’s not a comedy

In the wake of Joe Hockey’s ‘cardboard Kevin’ antics, here’s a free hint to any politician chasing some respect from their voters: don’t do comedy.

‘A breath of fresh air’: pollster Gary Morgan to host Monckton shindig

Gary Morgan has defended his firm over a decision to host a speech by fervent climate change skeptic Christopher Monckton next month, as controversy continues to swirl ahead over the ex-Margaret Thatcher adviser’s use of the Nazi swastika.