Category Archives: Uncategorized

This woman who I’ve never met made me feel better about the world

Racist rants on your bus, dodgy builders on your street, scammers on the internet… sometimes you just shake your head at humanity. (And that’s before we even consider the meatier issues of war, famine and the persecution of the needy.) But not today. Today I refuse to shake my head at humanity, and all becauseContinue reading “This woman who I’ve never met made me feel better about the world”

Why we miss the ‘old’ Game of Thrones

I ASSUME we’re all familiar with those trendy tapas restaurants where the food is brought out in annoyingly tiny portions which are consistently too small to ever really satisfy? One bite and the dish is gone, and you’re once more hungrily awaiting for the next (also unfulfilling) culinary instalment. Yes, well in a case ofContinue reading “Why we miss the ‘old’ Game of Thrones”

No Federal parallels in Victoria, argue all those with a vested interest.

“The difference between my elevation and that of Julia Gillard is we have a united team, we don’t have blood all over the floor and we didn’t stab in the back an incumbent (sic) … against their wishes.” – Denis Napthine, ABC Radio. VICTORIA’S new Premier, Denis Napthine, has been quick to assure voters hisContinue reading “No Federal parallels in Victoria, argue all those with a vested interest.”

ABC ‘Reseach Report’ March, 2013

1) Surgeons who play video games are better at ‘keyhole’ procedures University of Rome. Laparopscopic surgeons may improve certain aspects of surgical performance by regularly playing on a Nintendo Wii, according to research published in PLOS ONE. Researchers analyzed how a four-week training regimen on the Wii impacted the laparoscopic skills of post-graduate residents inContinue reading “ABC ‘Reseach Report’ March, 2013”

Journey to belonging

Each year thousands of asylum-seekers try to settle in Australia. Most are fleeing persecution because of their race, religion or lifestyle. They’re looking for something simple yet sometimes elusive: a fresh start. Ryan Sheales reports on their struggles and triumphs. Randomly stop 10 people in the street and ask for their view on asylum-seeker issuesContinue reading “Journey to belonging”

Etch-a-Sketching out a path to an Australian Republic.

The Etch-a-Sketch was a staple in the toy boxes of generations of Australian children, right up until the digital revolution drove kids towards new-fangled devices with brighter screens. As Australia Day dawns and the long weekend provides a time for reflection about our nation’s identity, the humble toy might provide some much needed inspiration. TheContinue reading “Etch-a-Sketching out a path to an Australian Republic.”

Stamping out lawlessness in the media

Soon after completing a gruelling inquiry into media ethics in the UK, senior judge Lord Brian Leveson used a University of Melbourne presentation to spark discussion on what he sees as the ‘next frontier’ in media regulation. Ryan Sheales reports. With governments and media tycoons still bickering about the correct means of regulating traditional media,Continue reading “Stamping out lawlessness in the media”

What do you mean PR flacks don’t eat their young?

The conference had been organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations. The name could have been plucked from some B-grade futuristic war film like Starship Troopers, and immediately my head filled with images of armies massing for an interplanetary battle. And as former journalist now working in communications, I certainly felt like I was entering a differentContinue reading “What do you mean PR flacks don’t eat their young?”

Lets celebrate the muddled coverage of the Gillard-Abbott showdown.

Most agree that when Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard went toe-to-toe in Federal Parliament last week they were arguing at cross purposes. The Opposition Leader thought Peter Slipper was an inappropriate person to remain as Speaker. On the other side of the dispatch box, the Prime Minister (not wanting to engage in that debate) tookContinue reading “Lets celebrate the muddled coverage of the Gillard-Abbott showdown.”