Ever tried to do a press conference at Southern Cross station and compete with a locomotive for the microphone? Don’t try. Locos 1. Me 0. — Kevin Rudd PM on Twitter Amusing. It occurred to me that there’s not very many people who would be qualified to reply in the affirmative to that, so even ... [More]
Category: Politics and activism
I’m a troublemaker sometimes
Speaking of…
A few quick things… This Daily Show segment about Obama’s inauguration was mucho funny. The Daily Show With Jon StewartM – Th 11p / 10c Changefest ’09 – Obama’s Inauguration Daily Show Full EpisodesImportant Things With Demetri Martin Funny Political NewsJoke of the Day Speaking of Obama, as with Rudd before him, I’m still getting ... [More]
Free at lunchtime?
Free at lunchtime and not too far from Parliament House? Join the protest WHAT: Stop the Brumby Government riding roughshod over our rights. WHEN: Tuesday 3rd February Arriving at 11.30 am. Speakers begin at Midday. WHERE: Parliament House, Bourke + Spring Sts, Melbourne. WHY: Bring back democracy. A joint protest on water, climate change and ... [More]
Five percent?!
Letter of note in yesterday’s Age: IT IS interesting to note the objections and opposition to the Government’s climate plan, particularly from more affluent groups and individuals. They see it as up to industry, particularly the power industry, to lower consumption of energy and reduce emissions. What effort are these people prepared to make to ... [More]
This survey of candidates was not on behalf of the PTUA. I’ve got responses back from four of the council candidates for Tucker ward in Glen Eira. All four responded positively when asked about transport (in particular public transport) issues. A number of them highlighted the issue of a lack of direct bus service from ... [More]
Who to vote for?
This Saturday is local council election day. Only nine councils are doing voting in person — all the rest have switched to postal voting. I’m lucky enough to be voting in person. Oh sure, sending in an envelope might be more convenient. But I’ll be getting to peruse the cake stall and buy a sausage. ... [More]
CO2 isn’t so bad
A full-page advert for the coal industry in The Age caught my eye the other day. I just love this bit (quoted here from their web site): Carbon dioxide in our daily lives Carbon dioxide itself is not a danger in our everyday lives. In fact, all life on the planet depends on carbon dioxide. ... [More]
It’s time for a clearout. Here’s a bunch of posts I wrote but never got around to posting. In some cases I intended to research them a bit more before publishing, so beware they may be a little half-arsed. Backwards There were claims and counter-claims during the Kororoit byelection campaign (June 2008). I suppose Les ... [More]
Lessons from 1983
25 years ago last week, the battle to stop the Franklin river dam was won. I think it provides some lessons for today. At the time it was seen as a battle between the economy and the environment. Most now concede that by stopping the dam, we have both — the stunning scenery of the ... [More]
Missed opportunity
Yesterday there were demonstrators outside the SX building in Exhibition Street, with brochures, a big banner calling for a Royal Commission. Into what? I’m not sure to be honest; it wasn’t obvious. I didn’t look too closely and I didn’t take a brochure as I had other things on my mind. The Premier John Brumby ... [More]
I don’t miss you, Johnny
Did you see the stuff Howard was spouting in an address to American conservatives the other day? (Text of speech) … his most bitter remarks were reserved for those seeking to unwind his WorkChoices legislation … Mr Howard also attacked Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s decision to withdraw combat troops from Iraq as “naive and dangerous”. ... [More]
Keating!
Keating! — the musical. It was great. Very funny script, great cast, great band. Really good. I’m still chuckling over the election night coverage bit. Highly recommended, but if you’re pondering catching it, get a move on: apparently it’s only on for another fortnight. PS. Interestingly, we (in our late-30s) were among the youngest there. ... [More]