The real story behind Lambie’s dummy spit. Rundle on the people’s republic of Victoria. Crikey Clarifier: can WA really shut down remote communities? How the Texas Tribune became the darling of new media. Essential: Abbott says he’s kept the faith, voters disagree. Why Baird won’t go the way of Napthine. No starry eyes as climate talks kick off in Lima. Macquarie invests in cluster bombs. And Tony Blair’s creepy Christmas greetings.