We can’t save big book barns, but we can save independent cultural retail. It’s independent book stores and music retailers that offer something the big chains rarely mustered: character, passion and charm.
July, 2011
My Cup Of Tea: Book barns are dead, long live cosy indies
Obama nears debt-ceiling deal with Republicans
The US has only until August 1 to re-negotiate its debt ceiling before it fails to meet repayments. Rumours are circulating that President Obama and the Republican House Speaker John Boehner may have nearly finalised a deal.
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How the Horn of Africa famine will play out
Another two regions of Somalia are offcially in famine. This Economist graphic shows the areas projected to be affected in East Africa, and notes that less than half of the $650 million in aid needed for Ethiopia alone.
Redundant in London: what does one do when one is unemployed?
When Amanda Austen was laid off from her job at the BBC, she didn’t know what to do in her day-to-day life. Does watching Neighbours and going shopping look worrying for future employers?
Fairies, a hissing microphone, red onion tart canapes and fine company
Bleary-eyed Luke Buckmaster reviews the opening night of the Melbourne International Film Festival, from the lesser-quality cinema for the pleb guests to the brilliant film The Fairy, which opened the festival.
Qantas customers still getting done over by Dallas
More inconvenience for travellers using the supposedly fast and convenient Qantas services to the Dallas Fort Worth hub in Texas has been reported, writes Ben Sandilands.
Music Which song has been soundtracking your life this week?
It’s the weekend! This is your moment! Which song has been soundtracking your life this week/weekend? Leave the YouTube link for the song in the comments section
The last Space Shuttle re-entry seen from orbit
In addition to last night’s ethereal moonlit landing of the last Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Centre, NASA has tweeted this image of the space craft’s plasma trail, writes Ben Sandilands.
How one hospital exec became a social media convert
In North America, hospitals seem to have been quicker than other parts of the health sector to realise the potential of social media. One early adopted in Oz, Dr John Ballard, former CEO of Mercy Health, explains how he was converted to Twitter.
Claims James Murdoch misled inquiry
Two former News of the World execs have come forward to question James Murdoch’s evidence to the Commons committee, saying his claim he was previously unaware more than just one reporter was involved in phone hacking was “mistaken”.
Claims James Murdoch misled inquiry
Did James Murdoch misled the UK House of Commons committee over his knowledge of the News of the World scandal? That’s what two former NotW executives claim, calling Murdoch’s statement on a settlement paid to a NotW victim”mistaken”. Colin Myler, editor of the paper until its closure last fortnight, and Tom Crone, former head of […]
podcast Canberra Calling: The News of the World don’t mention the pie podcast
Crikey’s Canberra Correspondent Bernard Keane and Crikey editor Sophie Black discuss the scandal that’s engulfed News Corporation, both overseas and at home.
Chiropractors moving in on GPs’ turf
Chiropractors are moving in on the turf of the general practitioners by convincing new parents that they are a safe and effective alternative choice for their family’s primary health care, writes Loretta Marron.
Mayne: ditching Mulcaire puts Murdoch-control of The Sun in doubt
Now that Glenn Mulcaire has been ditched by News Corporation and virtually all of those non-Murdochs in the gun are off Rupert Murdoch’s payroll, there is a serious question mark over the future of The Sun.
Abbott free of the shackles of truth
Tony Abbott has racked up three howlers on a carbon price in the last week and they’ve all received critical media coverage, even if they’re wrong.
Taking up the Whittaker challenge: examining The Daily Tele’s GST coverage
This week, in the latest salvo in The Daily Telegraph’s war with the Gillard government, baby-faced editor Paul Whittaker decided to lay down a challenge to the office of communications minister Stephen Conroy.
French Socialists still haunted by ghost of DSK
It wasn’t supposed to be like this at all for France’s Socialist Party.
What happens when you extend the idea of public interest to privacy?
There’s an inevitability about the renewed debate over privacy laws. The Australian media is ready for the fight, with complex questions over how any framework would operate.
Guy Rundle: Kooks n crackpots … give ‘em publicity, own the consequences
The Right continues to whine and dine at an impressive rate.
House of Commons? More like House of Hypocrites …
I would like to know, if someone could please explain it to me, just what is progressive and exciting and worthy of journalistic spasms of joy about a situation where the authorities can spy on us, but we cannot spy on them, writes Brendan O’Neill, editor of Spiked.
How the media will react to a right to privacy
Belatedly, the government is acting on a longstanding recommendation about a right to privacy. But it’s a little hypocritical.
Simons: if Rupert goes, the future of his papers is far from certain
It is clear, I think, that one way or another the era of Rupert Murdoch is over. We have yet to see what role his family will play in News Corporation in the future. Be clear about this: if Rupert goes, then the future of the newspapers that form part of his empire is far from certain.
Latham’s Henderson Watch IV: the war within the Hendi Coalition
Can you bear it? A never-ending list of Hendi-howlers? It’s been a bumper fortnight here at Henderson Watch, writes former Labor leader Mark Latham.
