February 27, 2007 • 7:37 pm 0
The Denial Machine, on Four Corners last night, tells the now-familiar story of how fossil fuel corporations have kept the global warming debate alive long after most scientists believed that global warming was real and had potentially catastrophic consequences. But it’s worth watching (tonight, 11.35 pm, ABC TV) for the twist in the tale and the appearance of Karl Lunz. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed under: Economics, Environment, Media, Politics, Science
February 25, 2007 • 4:45 pm 1
From Ken at The Road to Surfdom, a definitive analysis of why performance-pay as a method for improving standards in schools is doomed to be an ineffective and costly failure. Well worth the read, especially for those who think that Julie Bishop even has a clue, let alone a coherent education policy.
February 24, 2007 • 8:47 pm 2
David Jones may be suing the Australia Institute over its Corporate Pedophilia report targetting them for advertising that sexualised young children, but the AI has clearly had the desired effect. DJ’s ad in the Good Weekend today for their kids’ winter range is as wholesome as apple pie – not a hint of skanky-ho to be seen.
Filed under: Media
February 24, 2007 • 8:37 pm 0
ABC TV news reports just now that Dick Cheney has said the the Australian-US alliance is robust and would withstand Australia withdrawing troops from Iraq.
Watch out for a Howard exit strategy before the election.
Filed under: Politics
February 24, 2007 • 12:23 pm 2
Iraq has been the main story of the week. We’ve been subjected to a barrage of contradictory and incomprehensible spin from Howard and Downer about when a troop reduction is an exit strategy because the job is done, or cutting and running and handing victory to the terrorists, about staying until the job is done without defining just what that job is and what performance outcomes might demonstrate that the job is actually done. Anything but admit the simple truth that we will stay while Bush stays, or it becomes an untenable electoral liability. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed under: Politics
February 23, 2007 • 9:57 pm 3
A good logical analysis at The Raving Wingnut of the kind of thinking that gives rise to Islamic totalitarianism. Such thinking of course, is not limited to Muslims. It can be found among other religions and belief systems, including the free-market global economy. My way or the highway. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed under: Australian values, Economics, Media, Religion
February 21, 2007 • 10:57 pm 2
Julie Bishop was on the news tonight talking about improving teaching outcomes. She roundly condemns State curricula for being outcomes based. Teachers measure these outcomes through the use of Key Performance Indicators. There seems to be some inconsistency here. Outcomes and PKIs are OK as a basis for remunerating teachers, but should not be used for measuring student learning? Hmmm… Read the rest of this entry »
February 20, 2007 • 5:32 pm 0
Let’s see if I’ve got this right. Years before 9/11, the neo-con Project for a New American Century plans for the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq to ensure access to natural gas and oil reserves, after decades of US support for both Hussein’s brutal regime and the Taliban. The tragic events of 9/11 provide the political support to proceed on false evidence of WMD and Hussein’s support for Al Qaeda. Read the rest of this entry »
February 20, 2007 • 7:58 am 0
There has been some speculation in recent times that Howard will play the Muslim dogwhistle in his election prelude with the Australian values debate providing the chorus. A survey conducted by The Age and the BBC World Service has found that world opinion emphatically rejects the idea that Islam and the West are heading for an inevitable clash of civilisations. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed under: Australian values, Politics
February 19, 2007 • 10:38 pm 0
Tony Jones on Lateline tonight gave a sneek preview of tomorrow’s Newspoll figures, and altough the Government has clawed back 2 points on 2pp, the surprise is that on preferred Prime Minister, Rudd leads Howard 47% to 37% – a record for an ALP Opposition Leader. It’s an omen I tells ya.
Filed under: Politics
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