An open thread, where at your weekend leisure, you can discuss anything you like.
Life, Culture and Politics from BrisVegas
Larvatus Prodeo was an Australian group blog which discussed politics, sociology, culture, life, religion and science from a left of centre perspective. more»
You can play Pacman with the Google logo.
You can play Pacman with the Google logo.
Thanks, Anna – that is worth it. You may want to turn down the speakers on your PC first, though.
Thanks, Anna – that is worth it. You may want to turn down the speakers on your PC first, though.
Here is an in depth Mike Patton interview for anyone that’s interested talking about his latest Mondo Cane project, the Faith No More reunion as well as touching on future Fantomas, Tomahawk, Lovage and Peeping Tom albums:
http://blog.mtvmusic.com/2010/05/11/cast-in-metal-mike-paton-on-50s-italian-pop-rejoining-faith-no-more/
and here is Faith No More doing an absolute cracking version of Ashes To Ashes on a UK TV show in ’97:
Here is an in depth Mike Patton interview for anyone that’s interested talking about his latest Mondo Cane project, the Faith No More reunion as well as touching on future Fantomas, Tomahawk, Lovage and Peeping Tom albums:
http://blog.mtvmusic.com/2010/05/11/cast-in-metal-mike-paton-on-50s-italian-pop-rejoining-faith-no-more/
and here is Faith No More doing an absolute cracking version of Ashes To Ashes on a UK TV show in ’97:
Collingwood… evidently can’t kick a goal to save their life?
Collingwood… evidently can’t kick a goal to save their life?
11 suicide attempts at iPhone maufacturer Foxconn, in Taiwan and China. 9 deaths and 2 survived.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10137101.stm
11 suicide attempts at iPhone maufacturer Foxconn, in Taiwan and China. 9 deaths and 2 survived.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10137101.stm
David Campbell Resignation
Its appalling that Campbell was staked out by people following him with cameras and broadcasting his personal life all over the TV with no regard for the effects on himself and his family. Suicides and divorce can follow such irresponsibility by the media.
First I thought it was the NSW Liberals going crazy again and ordering a sting, a bit like the horrendous unsubstantiated allegations they made prior to the last election against Bob Debus. That blew up in their faces and switched the public off them at a time when they had momentum. It was the first misstep in them losing an election they were favoured to win.
But the stake out turns out to be a venal revenge attack on Campbell by the Ch. 7 reporter who had been previously asked to go easy on Campbell following the recent F3 debacle on the grounds that Campbell’s wife was sick. The arrogant reporter gets all self-righteous, stakes out Campbell and discovers his secret, which he then airs on national TV. Disgraceful. (Preceeding info. gained from reporter’s own mouth in Stateline interview yesterday night)
David Marr says Campbell was targeted because he was gay. Incorrect IMO. Campbell was targeted because the Ch. 7 reporter wanted revenge for being asked to go easy on a hot story by NSW Labor minders. Marr was more on the money when he said that this fiasco could provide impetus to some seriously anti-democratic Media Privacy laws which are apparrently mooted.
Campbell says he resigned for ‘personal reasons’. I guess that would mean ‘hurt to family’. If so, that’s the wrong reason or at least does not include a better reason. He should have resigned because being Police Minister with a blackmail-able secret life makes his position invidious.
Keneally says she was angry and appalled that Campbell kept his secret from the ALP and family for 20 years. This is a sop to family values voters (such as myself) and is basically code for ‘pollies using govt. cars to visit brothels esp. gay brothels, will lose us votes’. When she departed from her scripted notes (the very which words of were in camera shot) she was much more convincing on her disgust that Australia that has a homophobic streak that sometomes people in public life to heep such secrets.
The use of the govt. car to visit brothels, or for personal use generally, is apparrently not in contravention of govt. rules, but of course does not sit well with some voters.
That why Premier Tripodi accepted Campbell’s resignation
David Campbell Resignation
Its appalling that Campbell was staked out by people following him with cameras and broadcasting his personal life all over the TV with no regard for the effects on himself and his family. Suicides and divorce can follow such irresponsibility by the media.
First I thought it was the NSW Liberals going crazy again and ordering a sting, a bit like the horrendous unsubstantiated allegations they made prior to the last election against Bob Debus. That blew up in their faces and switched the public off them at a time when they had momentum. It was the first misstep in them losing an election they were favoured to win.
But the stake out turns out to be a venal revenge attack on Campbell by the Ch. 7 reporter who had been previously asked to go easy on Campbell following the recent F3 debacle on the grounds that Campbell’s wife was sick. The arrogant reporter gets all self-righteous, stakes out Campbell and discovers his secret, which he then airs on national TV. Disgraceful. (Preceeding info. gained from reporter’s own mouth in Stateline interview yesterday night)
David Marr says Campbell was targeted because he was gay. Incorrect IMO. Campbell was targeted because the Ch. 7 reporter wanted revenge for being asked to go easy on a hot story by NSW Labor minders. Marr was more on the money when he said that this fiasco could provide impetus to some seriously anti-democratic Media Privacy laws which are apparrently mooted.
Campbell says he resigned for ‘personal reasons’. I guess that would mean ‘hurt to family’. If so, that’s the wrong reason or at least does not include a better reason. He should have resigned because being Police Minister with a blackmail-able secret life makes his position invidious.
Keneally says she was angry and appalled that Campbell kept his secret from the ALP and family for 20 years. This is a sop to family values voters (such as myself) and is basically code for ‘pollies using govt. cars to visit brothels esp. gay brothels, will lose us votes’. When she departed from her scripted notes (the very which words of were in camera shot) she was much more convincing on her disgust that Australia that has a homophobic streak that sometomes people in public life to heep such secrets.
The use of the govt. car to visit brothels, or for personal use generally, is apparrently not in contravention of govt. rules, but of course does not sit well with some voters.
That why Premier Tripodi accepted Campbell’s resignation
While news.com.au gives BP the thumbs up over Deepwater and an “official” Deepwater Horizon response site has surfaced, complete with impressive pictures and videos it is hard to figure out what is going on. The hurricane season starts soon, the planned cap mightn’t work this weekend and then there’s the question of how much is leaking and why use a chemical dispersant that is more toxic than the oil?
Interesting in the news.com.au story is the reiteration by BP that they will compensate anyone financial affected by the spill. What about the other effects, who will pay for those?
While news.com.au gives BP the thumbs up over Deepwater and an “official” Deepwater Horizon response site has surfaced, complete with impressive pictures and videos it is hard to figure out what is going on. The hurricane season starts soon, the planned cap mightn’t work this weekend and then there’s the question of how much is leaking and why use a chemical dispersant that is more toxic than the oil?
Interesting in the news.com.au story is the reiteration by BP that they will compensate anyone financial affected by the spill. What about the other effects, who will pay for those?
Join us at Th!nk3: Developing World global conversation. Nat Bayjay from Ceasefire Liberia might lift flagging spirits.
Join us at Th!nk3: Developing World global conversation. Nat Bayjay from Ceasefire Liberia might lift flagging spirits.
Devotees of ecological disasters might like this NYT feature…
Devotees of ecological disasters might like this NYT feature…
Every country is best at something. It appears that what Australia is best at isn’t that flattering. informationisbeautiful
Every country is best at something. It appears that what Australia is best at isn’t that flattering. informationisbeautiful
In a recent discussion on I mentioned Frank Hardy and made a passing reference to Billy Borker.
It reminded me that a generation or so back, long before the ABC had endless trailers for coming programs or ABC sales, the ABS had numerous miniature programs as fillers. Often they were only about 5 minutes in length and they included such things as Billy Borker yarns (set in a pub with one actor playing Billy and the other playing the long-suffering listener). Others from memory included Tim Bowden’s often hilarious Backchat and John Hind’s movie reviews. Media Watch might even have started that way.
Some of this represented the best ABC work and is sadly missed today. The nearest is the brilliant French Miniscule series. But nothing much local.
Would be good to revive and might even help morale at the ABC without a lot of expense.
In a recent discussion on I mentioned Frank Hardy and made a passing reference to Billy Borker.
It reminded me that a generation or so back, long before the ABC had endless trailers for coming programs or ABC sales, the ABS had numerous miniature programs as fillers. Often they were only about 5 minutes in length and they included such things as Billy Borker yarns (set in a pub with one actor playing Billy and the other playing the long-suffering listener). Others from memory included Tim Bowden’s often hilarious Backchat and John Hind’s movie reviews. Media Watch might even have started that way.
Some of this represented the best ABC work and is sadly missed today. The nearest is the brilliant French Miniscule series. But nothing much local.
Would be good to revive and might even help morale at the ABC without a lot of expense.
Still, Peta, it’s good to know we’re punching above our weight again! (Doubtless aided by the fact that the Holden Commodore is rumoured to be the easiest car in the world to steal.)
Still, Peta, it’s good to know we’re punching above our weight again! (Doubtless aided by the fact that the Holden Commodore is rumoured to be the easiest car in the world to steal.)
Peta @10, that is kind of sad and hilarious at the same time. My Kiwi husband will LOL at the half shell mussels.
Peta @10, that is kind of sad and hilarious at the same time. My Kiwi husband will LOL at the half shell mussels.
On another thread, someone has mentioned that there might be such a thing as a ‘dominant notion’ on LP.
As an occasional contributor to L.P. let me say how shocked I am that anyone could think such a terrible, libelous thing.
L.P. is a forum where every view is welcome, no matter how bizarre. L.P. is a forum where every commentator is welcomed with open arms and always treated with courtesy. And there is no such thing as a narrow, ruling clique on L.P., no there isn’t, not ever, cross my heart and hope to die.
I think that the mention of ‘dominant notion’ on L.P. should be banned and those who promote it should be sterilized or forced to spend an evening with Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbot!
Dominant notion, indeed. It’s heresy!
On another thread, someone has mentioned that there might be such a thing as a ‘dominant notion’ on LP.
As an occasional contributor to L.P. let me say how shocked I am that anyone could think such a terrible, libelous thing.
L.P. is a forum where every view is welcome, no matter how bizarre. L.P. is a forum where every commentator is welcomed with open arms and always treated with courtesy. And there is no such thing as a narrow, ruling clique on L.P., no there isn’t, not ever, cross my heart and hope to die.
I think that the mention of ‘dominant notion’ on L.P. should be banned and those who promote it should be sterilized or forced to spend an evening with Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbot!
Dominant notion, indeed. It’s heresy!
When I look at a picture of Kevin Rudd and compare it to a picture of BA Santamaria, I wonder if the ALP today is really the love child of the DLP.
The internet filter and now the compulsory customs declaration if you have anything ‘naughty’ in your travel bags just makes me a bit suspicious. Not to mention that suspicious political sidling to the right, pandering to family first etc.
I thought we had voted the DLP out of existence. Obviously someone left the back door open. I never thought I would live to see the day when the voters’ choice was between the Coalition and the DLP.
When I look at a picture of Kevin Rudd and compare it to a picture of BA Santamaria, I wonder if the ALP today is really the love child of the DLP.
The internet filter and now the compulsory customs declaration if you have anything ‘naughty’ in your travel bags just makes me a bit suspicious. Not to mention that suspicious political sidling to the right, pandering to family first etc.
I thought we had voted the DLP out of existence. Obviously someone left the back door open. I never thought I would live to see the day when the voters’ choice was between the Coalition and the DLP.
Bit sickening, isn’t it, Marks. Can anybody explicate on the likelihood of the Qld. influence here. I know you had some real nutters many years ago (And I don’t mean Jo Bjelke-Peterson) and your stuck with Hettie whatever her name is right now. Is this kind of thing/person Krudd looks to for ideas, or should one blame the peculiar religiosity of the NSW ALP Right?
David G @ 14,
I’ll just pop down to K-Mart and order a truckload of blue workingman’s singlets.
Bit sickening, isn’t it, Marks. Can anybody explicate on the likelihood of the Qld. influence here. I know you had some real nutters many years ago (And I don’t mean Jo Bjelke-Peterson) and your stuck with Hettie whatever her name is right now. Is this kind of thing/person Krudd looks to for ideas, or should one blame the peculiar religiosity of the NSW ALP Right?
David G @ 14,
I’ll just pop down to K-Mart and order a truckload of blue workingman’s singlets.
As a single non practising hetero,crap from Kenneally about homophobia makes me wonder if there is phobia about names like Bob Brown who also has family values and has been in the public eye for a long time.I don’t fault him re sexuality,and most critics of him either.So is Bob a lesser man for not having wifee and kids!? Sometimes I hurt deeply about no kids or wifee.CAMP BELL is a arsehole.
As a single non practising hetero,crap from Kenneally about homophobia makes me wonder if there is phobia about names like Bob Brown who also has family values and has been in the public eye for a long time.I don’t fault him re sexuality,and most critics of him either.So is Bob a lesser man for not having wifee and kids!? Sometimes I hurt deeply about no kids or wifee.CAMP BELL is a arsehole.
@ 11 – The short I loved from that era was The Red and the Blue. Funny and slightly nightmarish.
Fans of the bearded bellower might get a kick out of Henry 8.0 on BBC comedy clips.
@ 11 – The short I loved from that era was The Red and the Blue. Funny and slightly nightmarish.
Fans of the bearded bellower might get a kick out of Henry 8.0 on BBC comedy clips.
David G@14, yep and I am Marie of Romania.
David G@14, yep and I am Marie of Romania.
Ahoy Baraholka @ 6
I live and (often) work in the NT, and am used to friends from ‘down south’ giving me the occasional ribbing about NT ‘rednecks’, crocodiles and the NT News (Headline about a topless someone or other on NT Budget day just about sums it up).
However, I feel the David Campbell furore in NSW has put the boot on the other foot.
A little over ten years ago, a Minister of the Crown here was caught red handed in a similar situation. The NT News did a channel seven.
The result in the NT – nothing other than a big yawn. He remained a Cabinet Minister, got re-elected at the next election, the then Chief Minister basically said, “So effing what? He’s a good Minister. Anyone want to ask about policy? Nup, press conference over.” Compare that to the reaction in NSW. LOL. I’m not taking any more ‘redneck’ crap from down south after this.
Some time earlier, another NT Politician, at an interview with the ABC, ended up winding the microphone cord about the interviewer’s neck. At the time this was regarded as being an example of NT red-neckedness. However, in light of the behaviour of the press over the D Campbell and a few other stories over the past couple of months, this attempted strangling should rather be seen as insightful prescience.
Ahoy Baraholka @ 6
I live and (often) work in the NT, and am used to friends from ‘down south’ giving me the occasional ribbing about NT ‘rednecks’, crocodiles and the NT News (Headline about a topless someone or other on NT Budget day just about sums it up).
However, I feel the David Campbell furore in NSW has put the boot on the other foot.
A little over ten years ago, a Minister of the Crown here was caught red handed in a similar situation. The NT News did a channel seven.
The result in the NT – nothing other than a big yawn. He remained a Cabinet Minister, got re-elected at the next election, the then Chief Minister basically said, “So effing what? He’s a good Minister. Anyone want to ask about policy? Nup, press conference over.” Compare that to the reaction in NSW. LOL. I’m not taking any more ‘redneck’ crap from down south after this.
Some time earlier, another NT Politician, at an interview with the ABC, ended up winding the microphone cord about the interviewer’s neck. At the time this was regarded as being an example of NT red-neckedness. However, in light of the behaviour of the press over the D Campbell and a few other stories over the past couple of months, this attempted strangling should rather be seen as insightful prescience.
In defense of Australia, that map’s crime information comes from Nation Master, which uses the UNODC crime figures, which I suspect are very dodgy.
I like the cuter ones, like half-shell muscles for NZ, robots for Japan, and Footballs for Pakistan. Who knew?
In defense of Australia, that map’s crime information comes from Nation Master, which uses the UNODC crime figures, which I suspect are very dodgy.
I like the cuter ones, like half-shell muscles for NZ, robots for Japan, and Footballs for Pakistan. Who knew?
News from the lunatic fringe …
Rand Paul is a candidate for the republicans in the Kentucky senate. He is the explict choice of the right-wing “Tea Party” movement. …
News from the lunatic fringe …
Rand Paul is a candidate for the republicans in the Kentucky senate. He is the explict choice of the right-wing “Tea Party” movement. …
Company announcements for RIO TINTO LIMITED (RIO)
Released between 16/05/2010 and 22/05/2010
No announcements were released by RIO during your search period.
http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/announcements.do?by=asxCode&asxCode=RIO&timeframe=D&period=W
Company announcements for RIO TINTO LIMITED (RIO)
Released between 16/05/2010 and 22/05/2010
No announcements were released by RIO during your search period.
http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/announcements.do?by=asxCode&asxCode=RIO&timeframe=D&period=W
Paul, blue singlets are also banned on L.P. If you’re not wearing a white collar, one preferably adorned with a stained university tie, then POQ!
Fortunately, there’s no restriction on knickers and underpants. They can be grotty or holed. This gives a nice touch and suggests that you are not entirely elitist!
Paul, blue singlets are also banned on L.P. If you’re not wearing a white collar, one preferably adorned with a stained university tie, then POQ!
Fortunately, there’s no restriction on knickers and underpants. They can be grotty or holed. This gives a nice touch and suggests that you are not entirely elitist!
Don’t forget to raise awareness of my youth voting campaign Pokemon Election:
http://pokemonelection.tumblr.com/
Pokemon Election’s premise is this: If you are old enough to have had memories of playing Pokemon Red and Blue when it was first released in 1998 – you are old enough to register in the next election. If you have kids of this age, let them know, because more people my age need to register to vote.
Don’t forget to raise awareness of my youth voting campaign Pokemon Election:
http://pokemonelection.tumblr.com/
Pokemon Election’s premise is this: If you are old enough to have had memories of playing Pokemon Red and Blue when it was first released in 1998 – you are old enough to register in the next election. If you have kids of this age, let them know, because more people my age need to register to vote.
Jaques@3
Cheers.
Jaques@3
Cheers.
Think about the RSPCA WINTER APPEAL and be kind to thrown away pets just in case you become a German like taxpayer!
Think about the RSPCA WINTER APPEAL and be kind to thrown away pets just in case you become a German like taxpayer!
Can’t say much. Spent the week on an island.
Can’t say much. Spent the week on an island.
@Terangeree
Lucky bugger. I’ve been their twice (early 90s) and it is a lovely place. One trip I managed to coincide the trip during Hanami.
@Terangeree
Lucky bugger. I’ve been their twice (early 90s) and it is a lovely place. One trip I managed to coincide the trip during Hanami.
CMMC @23. I note Rio Tinto has lodged with London Stock Exchange since 6 May, http://www.riotinto.com/shareholders/12323_regulatory_news_filings_12493.asp. But you are right, nothing with ASX, which is unlike previous record of regular reporting. mmmmmm
CMMC @23. I note Rio Tinto has lodged with London Stock Exchange since 6 May, http://www.riotinto.com/shareholders/12323_regulatory_news_filings_12493.asp. But you are right, nothing with ASX, which is unlike previous record of regular reporting. mmmmmm
Could it simply be because Rio Tinto AGM in Melbourne had to be posponed til 26 May due to flight restrictions out of Europe http://data.iguana2.com/hemscott/news-item?N=335924&Code=RIO
Could it simply be because Rio Tinto AGM in Melbourne had to be posponed til 26 May due to flight restrictions out of Europe http://data.iguana2.com/hemscott/news-item?N=335924&Code=RIO
“When launching the tax review process in 2008 Henry was asked whether he would have another go at removing negative gearing as he tried to when advising Treasurer Paul Keating in 1985.
Henry said he still thought he was right but that he “still wares the scars” of the attempt.”
Peter Martin
“When launching the tax review process in 2008 Henry was asked whether he would have another go at removing negative gearing as he tried to when advising Treasurer Paul Keating in 1985.
Henry said he still thought he was right but that he “still wares the scars” of the attempt.”
Peter Martin
@ Shaun.
I’m going back there in July.
@ Shaun.
I’m going back there in July.
I spent Christmas day on Miyajima one year. Very nice when the tourists are gone! Also I got lost in the mountains there in early summer with a pregnant woman, not so good… and I knew a chap who got married in the shrine there, which would be very splendid indeed I think.
I spent Christmas day on Miyajima one year. Very nice when the tourists are gone! Also I got lost in the mountains there in early summer with a pregnant woman, not so good… and I knew a chap who got married in the shrine there, which would be very splendid indeed I think.
BAN IT!
BAN IT!
kuke #32 the article in the SMH by both Peter Martin and David Humphries
Heroes in hard hats fleshes out Martin’s blog piece:
http://www.smh.com.au/business/heroes-in-hard-hats-20100521-w1tt.html
Good to see “Much of the rest of the resource-rich world, including India, Canada, Peru and Chile, is already looking to follow Australia’s lead.”
I see other articles of the mining industry fear of contagion. But the sooner this happens the better for all the world’s peoples.
kuke #32 the article in the SMH by both Peter Martin and David Humphries
Heroes in hard hats fleshes out Martin’s blog piece:
http://www.smh.com.au/business/heroes-in-hard-hats-20100521-w1tt.html
Good to see “Much of the rest of the resource-rich world, including India, Canada, Peru and Chile, is already looking to follow Australia’s lead.”
I see other articles of the mining industry fear of contagion. But the sooner this happens the better for all the world’s peoples.
Whatever it is!
Gillard cuts through the mining companies’ crap, and give them a taste of where this will head if they want a stoush. Do they really want the public to know what a bunch of tax-dodging freeloaders they are?
Pay up, and shut up. Or piss off. See if we care – there’ll be another company lining up five minutes later.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/miners-not-pulling-their-weight-gillard-20100523-w3fi.html
Whatever it is!
Gillard cuts through the mining companies’ crap, and give them a taste of where this will head if they want a stoush. Do they really want the public to know what a bunch of tax-dodging freeloaders they are?
Pay up, and shut up. Or piss off. See if we care – there’ll be another company lining up five minutes later.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/miners-not-pulling-their-weight-gillard-20100523-w3fi.html
Thanks Nana Levu @36 – I’m always interested in anything about trying to get negative gearing removed, same as a carbon tax, but I fear both are a long way off. The thing that annoys me about the RSPT is that it only makes introducing a carbon tax even harder.
Thanks Nana Levu @36 – I’m always interested in anything about trying to get negative gearing removed, same as a carbon tax, but I fear both are a long way off. The thing that annoys me about the RSPT is that it only makes introducing a carbon tax even harder.
This is an alert from my blog for L.P.ers. There is a confrontation looming! You’ve been warned.
I wonder if Israel will nuke the convoy?
This is an alert from my blog for L.P.ers. There is a confrontation looming! You’ve been warned.
I wonder if Israel will nuke the convoy?
kuke, Henry said “still wears the scars”. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/negative-gearing-is-safe-from-tax-review-treasurer-hints-20100326-r34t.html
I took advantage of the negative gearing: Changed my life from poor single mum with four kids and no house to now being close to having a house plus a bit of cash for my emminent retirement. If you can’t beat them join them But I do fear for my kids that have not yet begun to buy a place. It is so hard to get a foot in.
kuke, Henry said “still wears the scars”. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/negative-gearing-is-safe-from-tax-review-treasurer-hints-20100326-r34t.html
I took advantage of the negative gearing: Changed my life from poor single mum with four kids and no house to now being close to having a house plus a bit of cash for my emminent retirement. If you can’t beat them join them But I do fear for my kids that have not yet begun to buy a place. It is so hard to get a foot in.
The week just past presented us with the full spectrum of issues concerning the gay community.
There’s the battle against intolerance in the nation of Malawi, with a male couple sentenced to 14 years of hard prison labour under laws that date back to British colonial rule.
At the other end of the spectrum is the battle for (and against) the equal recognition of gay relationships, with rivals Rodney Croome and Bill Muehlenberg co-authoring a book called “WHY vs WHY Gay Marriage”, the week’s topic of discussion on ABC Radio’s Big Ideas program.
Somewhere in between these issues were the big media stories surrounding the actions of AFL footballer Jason Akermanis (commenting on the possibility of the first openly gay AFL player) and NSW politician David Campbell (forcefully outed by the media).
Given the ways that issues surrounding homosexuality are addressed in society, starting from a point of intolerance and heading towards tolerance, acceptance and eventual recognition, I thought that the particular thoughts of Eddie McGuire were worth noting. He yesterday wrote in the Sunday Herald Sun:
“For a nation that bangs on about the spirit of the Anzacs and how they sacrificed so much so that we could live in freedom, we still appear to blanch at anything outside the mainstream.
Gay footballers makes as much sense as indigenous footballers, Muslims, kids from broken marriages, wonderful families, poor suburbs, the country or Western District farmers – that is, they are just another piece of the rich tapestry of life of which the football world is a microcosm.
Aker’s view has credibility.
His words do reflect the thoughts of many people, whether through lack of knowledge, fear, bigotry or just their take on the world.”
Indeed, football is a microcosm of life, located somewhere in between Malawi and the gay activist’s vision of a free and equal Australia. If you think about the world as a collection of microcosms, rather than a collection of nations, it gets easier to comprehend the progress of gay issues, including those related to identity, rights and relationships.
Progress happens at various speeds, which explains one comment by Jason Akermanis:
“We have made massive steps in other areas of society and in time I hope the environment (Jason means the footy environment) changes to a degree where coming out isn’t a big deal.”
Akermanis is speaking of a microcosm environment that contains “Locker room nudity and homoerotic activities”, to quote his Herald Sun article (which sounds a bit like a film classification warning). It might sound ignorant for Mr Aker to suggest a gay footballer would lack the professionalism to deal appropriately with exposure to team player nudity, but this isn’t exactly the sort of comment that warrants a gay activist like Gary Burns to lodge a complaint against Akermanis with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (yet that’s what is being intended).
Rather, I found a little quote from a small business book about “the loneliness of leadership” to counter the Akermanis microcosm view of the challenges faced by the AFL’s first openly gay footballer. Written by Michael E. Gerber:
“After you have said what you have said, done what you have done, concluded what you have concluded, argued, deliberated, debated what you have believed in and fought for, after all of that, there still will be that deathly uncertainty in your own mind, in your own heart, about whether you will be successful, or whether the decision you finally made is going to come crashing down in the future. And that feeling of being alone, that feeling is more isolating than anyone can ever know until you’ve experienced it. What happens then is what will determine your ability to lead.”
The point being that loneliness does not have to be the consequence of being set apart from all others, yet Gerber is suggesting that being a leader is synonymous with the feelings of being lonely. That thought probably applies equally well to our gay leaders across the whole spectrum of the issues, whether he be the bold, the gradualist or the reluctant leader.
From Justin
The week just past presented us with the full spectrum of issues concerning the gay community.
There’s the battle against intolerance in the nation of Malawi, with a male couple sentenced to 14 years of hard prison labour under laws that date back to British colonial rule.
At the other end of the spectrum is the battle for (and against) the equal recognition of gay relationships, with rivals Rodney Croome and Bill Muehlenberg co-authoring a book called “WHY vs WHY Gay Marriage”, the week’s topic of discussion on ABC Radio’s Big Ideas program.
Somewhere in between these issues were the big media stories surrounding the actions of AFL footballer Jason Akermanis (commenting on the possibility of the first openly gay AFL player) and NSW politician David Campbell (forcefully outed by the media).
Given the ways that issues surrounding homosexuality are addressed in society, starting from a point of intolerance and heading towards tolerance, acceptance and eventual recognition, I thought that the particular thoughts of Eddie McGuire were worth noting. He yesterday wrote in the Sunday Herald Sun:
“For a nation that bangs on about the spirit of the Anzacs and how they sacrificed so much so that we could live in freedom, we still appear to blanch at anything outside the mainstream.
Gay footballers makes as much sense as indigenous footballers, Muslims, kids from broken marriages, wonderful families, poor suburbs, the country or Western District farmers – that is, they are just another piece of the rich tapestry of life of which the football world is a microcosm.
Aker’s view has credibility.
His words do reflect the thoughts of many people, whether through lack of knowledge, fear, bigotry or just their take on the world.”
Indeed, football is a microcosm of life, located somewhere in between Malawi and the gay activist’s vision of a free and equal Australia. If you think about the world as a collection of microcosms, rather than a collection of nations, it gets easier to comprehend the progress of gay issues, including those related to identity, rights and relationships.
Progress happens at various speeds, which explains one comment by Jason Akermanis:
“We have made massive steps in other areas of society and in time I hope the environment (Jason means the footy environment) changes to a degree where coming out isn’t a big deal.”
Akermanis is speaking of a microcosm environment that contains “Locker room nudity and homoerotic activities”, to quote his Herald Sun article (which sounds a bit like a film classification warning). It might sound ignorant for Mr Aker to suggest a gay footballer would lack the professionalism to deal appropriately with exposure to team player nudity, but this isn’t exactly the sort of comment that warrants a gay activist like Gary Burns to lodge a complaint against Akermanis with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (yet that’s what is being intended).
Rather, I found a little quote from a small business book about “the loneliness of leadership” to counter the Akermanis microcosm view of the challenges faced by the AFL’s first openly gay footballer. Written by Michael E. Gerber:
“After you have said what you have said, done what you have done, concluded what you have concluded, argued, deliberated, debated what you have believed in and fought for, after all of that, there still will be that deathly uncertainty in your own mind, in your own heart, about whether you will be successful, or whether the decision you finally made is going to come crashing down in the future. And that feeling of being alone, that feeling is more isolating than anyone can ever know until you’ve experienced it. What happens then is what will determine your ability to lead.”
The point being that loneliness does not have to be the consequence of being set apart from all others, yet Gerber is suggesting that being a leader is synonymous with the feelings of being lonely. That thought probably applies equally well to our gay leaders across the whole spectrum of the issues, whether he be the bold, the gradualist or the reluctant leader.
From Justin
39#, there’s not a lot good can be said about them (the Israelis) just at the moment. The only sort of people I can rate as low as them just now, are the likes of cretinous Julie Bishop, hell-bent on actual encouragement of Israel in its pursuit of documented murderous activities.
39#, there’s not a lot good can be said about them (the Israelis) just at the moment. The only sort of people I can rate as low as them just now, are the likes of cretinous Julie Bishop, hell-bent on actual encouragement of Israel in its pursuit of documented murderous activities.
Yippee. Got through. Somebody must have turned off the rude-words and naughty-ideas filter. Alright, it’s Tuesday, not Saturday …. so here goes:
Dave (11):
My oath! Bring back more ABC fillers. 7:30 Report Encores are very good. And there’s nothing wrong with Billy Borker (unless someone makes Billy Borker – The Opera).
LeftyE (37):
You said “…. there’ll be another company lining up five minutes later”.n True enough – but that ignores the non-commercial factor: executive spite and revenge – they’ll do it even if they have to squander the shareholders’ life savings to satisfy their vanity.
Yippee. Got through. Somebody must have turned off the rude-words and naughty-ideas filter. Alright, it’s Tuesday, not Saturday …. so here goes:
Dave (11):
My oath! Bring back more ABC fillers. 7:30 Report Encores are very good. And there’s nothing wrong with Billy Borker (unless someone makes Billy Borker – The Opera).
LeftyE (37):
You said “…. there’ll be another company lining up five minutes later”.n True enough – but that ignores the non-commercial factor: executive spite and revenge – they’ll do it even if they have to squander the shareholders’ life savings to satisfy their vanity.
Michael Johnson now independant along with Nicole Johnston. What have they got against people whose names begin with Johns….
Also see Cr Prentice plans to run. Hope she resigns from council so she is not sucking off the Brisbane ratepayers teat while trying to get elected to Canberra. Can-do Campbell must surely not be impressed that one of his Councillors is willing to let his team down!
Michael Johnson now independant along with Nicole Johnston. What have they got against people whose names begin with Johns….
Also see Cr Prentice plans to run. Hope she resigns from council so she is not sucking off the Brisbane ratepayers teat while trying to get elected to Canberra. Can-do Campbell must surely not be impressed that one of his Councillors is willing to let his team down!