Submitted by rickeyre on
I was not a fan of Michael Jackson. I didn't hugely go for his music. I found his persona and general behaviour in adult life to be repugnant. He was either a pedophile, or dangerously and recklessly naive in his attitude to children.
However, his impact on late 20th century culture was undeniable. I don't doubt the sincerity of the grief shown for him today, even if I am not a part of it myself.
Submitted by rickeyre on
Whatever happened to the principle "Never let the facts get in the way of a good story?"
Submitted by rickeyre on
What an incredible, hilarious waste of time this week has been in the House of Representatives. Has there a more ridiculous non-scandal than Utegate - a stupid, absurdly Australian moniker that befits the stupidity of the whole saga. Here's my Player Ratings on the winners and losers among the Utegate Dramatis Personae:
Submitted by rickeyre on
"The Hon. TONY KELLY (Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs) [12.36 a.m.]: I move:
That the House at its rising this day do adjourn until Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 2.30 p.m.
The Hon. DON HARWIN [12.36 a.m.]: Mr President, I move:
That the question be amended by deleting the words—
The PRESIDENT: Order! In accordance with precedent, as there is no Minister or Parliamentary Secretary in the House, I will now leave the chair until the ringing of the long bell.
Submitted by rickeyre on
Clarence AFL Tasmania footballer Tim Orchard has been suspended indefinitely by his club and ordered to undertake counselling after wilfully permitting his manhood to be televised live on ABC television in the dressing sheds after his club's game on Saturday.
Television has a long history in this country of candid and over-intrusive pre and post-match visits to the dressing room while players are displaying their lack of club colours. Orchard, however, was (otherwise) fully clothed at the time.
Submitted by rickeyre on
Today, June 20, is the centennial of Tasmania's biggest thespian, Errol Flynn. While I pondered some three years ago whether Ricky Ponting was a bigger Tasmanian, his Punterness hasn't been swashing his buckle too well in those live action shorts better known as the ICCWT20 lately.
Submitted by rickeyre on
This has nothing to do with football, but plenty to do with sexism and petty-minded politics going hand in hand.
By way of background, here is Senator Sarah Hanson-Young's interview with Sky News Australia yesterday, including footage of Thursday afternoon's incident in the Senate when her two-year daughter was forcibly ejected from the chamber while the division bells were ringing because, consistent with Standing Orders, the toddler was a "stranger":
Submitted by rickeyre on
Aussie Pim Verbeek gets in some important practice before the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals.
Australians all, let us re-juice...
Submitted by rickeyre on
Something sinister has been happening to the dolphins that grace the waters off the Japanese township of Taiji. The quest for the horrible truth is the subject of this gripping documentary which was one of the popular favourites at last week's Sydney Film Festival.
Submitted by rickeyre on
Senator Christine Milne, the deputy leader and climate change spokesperson for the Australian Greens, gave a really inspiring speech as the televised National Press Club address on the ABC today. I'm not sure whether any of the video will turn up on Youtube or elsewhere. If you get the chance, set the recorder for ABC1 from 3.25am to 4.25am tonight (that's Thursday morning June 18) to catch the repeat.
Senator Milne's prepared text is as follows. Source and accompanying press release at her website, part of the greensmps.org.au empire:
