July, 2011
Crikey Says: This is what they do
The News of the World hacking scandal just picked on the wrong person. Not rich, not powerful, not political, not privileged, not public. A murdered British schoolgirl.
Missing schoolgirl voicemail scandal a new low for News of the World
An investigation by The Guardian has unravelled a shocking episode in the News of the World scandal in which NotW journos intercepted and deleted the voicemail messages of missing schoolgirl Milly Dowler, reports Nick Davies and Amelia Hill.
travel 
The Appalachians: highs, lows and barbecue
When one hears of the Appalachians more often than not it’s accompanied with a chuckle and a ”isn’t that Deliverance country?” quip, writes traveller Tammi Jones.
The problem(s) with movies based on video games
Video game to movie adaptations inevitably suck. This is largely due to poor characterisations in games and reliance on cut scenes to propel narratives. However, responsibility ultimately lies with the filmmakers and a new benchmark needs to be set, writes TPWS.
Is the concept of privacy passé?
The debate about online privacy has grown concurrently with the rise of global connectivity through social media platforms. Is privacy a thing in the past? The big problem is there is no universal standards, writes Eric Lagier.
No.1 Superhits! (week ending 4 July 2011)
In earworm’s weekly Superhits section Neil Walker reveals the top-selling song in Australia and, for a splash of Eastern European panache, the biggest hit in the Ukraine.
Jericho: Egad! The Green goblins have arrived
The Greens, who received 13% of the vote in the Senate, now hold 11% of the seats in the Senate. Amazing! Controversial! Their evil plan has begun and, god luv ‘em, they’ve seriously screwed with the minds of the Press Gallery, writes Greg Jericho.
Can of Worms in need of more time on the stove
This week Channel Ten premiered its new panel chat show Can of Worms, hosted by Dicko. There is an interesting production lurking inside it but the show needs to address a number of issues first, writes Dan Barrett.
No day of rest for the carbon price
Crikey media wrap: The carbon price is being given its own day of worship, with PM Gillard announcing the full details of the policy at midday this Sunday.
theatre reviews Turns — Playhouse, Melbourne
Turns boasts that it is “a pantomime with a twist.” But it’s the familiarity of the performers rather than the originality of the material that will entice audiences to see this charming vaudeville act, writes Jason Whittaker.
The Federal Government’s response to dialysis in Central Australia watered-down and insubstantial
The Federal Government responded to a recently released report into Aboriginal people who require dialysis in Central Australia with a funding boost of $13 million. But the report was watered down and the response insubstantial, says Greens Senator Rachel Siewart.
Essential Research: 56-44 to Coalition
Yet more polling woe for Labor, with the latest Essential Research poll putting the Coalition lead at a new high of 56-44, reports William Bowe.
Media wrap: Strauss-Kahn walks free … and back into politics?
Assault charges levelled against ex-IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn are on the verge of collapse after details emerged late last week that his accuser had repeatedly lied to law enforcement officials. Now he could return to politics.
Carbon tax last straw for trucking industry demanding answers
A union heavy who helped install Julia Gillard as prime minister now threatens to turn against her not because of her backflip on a carbon tax, but a backdown on supporting mandated rates of pay for truck drivers. It’s an age-old argument.
German clubs ditch Monckton tour…someone tell Ticketek
Third Viscount Monckton of Brenchley, Lord Christopher Monckton’s second tour of Australia is in tatters after another venue withdrew its offer to host the climate sceptic, despite tickets for the dates still being spruiked online and sold through Ticketek.
Dead Tiger bounce as carrier brings itself undone
While shares in Qantas and Virgin Australia did a “dead” Tiger bounce in trading this morning, the implication that they stood to make more money from higher fares isn’t well based.
Essential: voters increasingly gloomy about the economy
Voters are significantly more worried about the economy, according to today’s Essential Report. And the Coalition has stretched its already big voting intention lead.
Come in Spinner: From scrolls to codices to iPads — welcome @thePope
While the Christians lead the way with the codex, they are catching up, a bit late, with the next piece of revolutionary technology — the digital pad.
An uncertain Thailand hopes for reconciliation
Despite coups, bloodshed and political upheaval, Thai voting behavior has been shown to be remarkably consistent.
Cabinet in the dark on shambolic Australia Network bidding
Cabinet is in the dark, the bidders don’t know the new criteria and questions are being asked over the murky political interference in running the Asia-Pacific TV channel Australia Network.
Gillard’s petrol trade-off more complex than it seems
It’s generally thought a carbon price on petrol won’t do much, so why not leave it off? The PC showed it was more complicated than that.
Auto makers plug into electric atmosphere at motor show
The majority of the major car makers at the 2011 motor show have showcased their EV/hybrid prototypes, or concepts, or ready-for-market models, writes Sophie Vorrath of Climate Spectator.
Latham’s Henderson Watch: … taking on the sensitive petal
One needs to read Gerard Henderson’s words carefully, to understand the circular nature of his arguments, writes former Labor leader Mark Latham.
