The Big Dumb Number approach to fire hazard reduction redux.
I have previously posted about the potential pitfalls of framing the fire hazard reduction task in Australian landscapes in terms of simple numerical targets, which I characterised as a Big Dumb Number approach. Nonetheless, the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission decided [...]
Old-school police culture strikes back
After the controversy surrounding the two past Victorian police commissioners, it seems that traditionalists are going to like Ken Lay just fine. One of his first acts as commissioner was a new dress code that bans officers from having ponytails, [...]
This post brought to you by the letters N, B, and N
When I found out that Schloss Merkel was located in the NBN trial site in Brunswick, Victoria, it wasn’t a hard decision to sign up.
2011 Melbourne Cup thread
It’s that time of year again. Post whatever you like about the Melbourne Cup – tips for Tuesday, anecdotes, trivia, deconstruction, equine sock puppets, fashion advice, hangover cures, etc.
A movie review: The Whistleblower
The war in Bosnia has been the focus of what seems to me a surprisingly large number of good films, from the farce of No Man’s Land to the drama of Welcome to Sarajevo. However, rather than the war itself, [...]
NSW election: What is the way forward for progressive parties?
Some quick observations on the New South Wales election result: The really useful guide to what occurred is The Poll Bludger’s breakdown of votes and swings by region. 1. Labor Barry O’Farrell was right to pitch part of his fairly [...]
In affectionate remembrance
…of Australian cricket, which died at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26th December 2010. Deeply lamented by a sorrowing circle of friends and acquaintances (but not the tens of thousands of celebrating Poms at the game). R.I.P. (Retire Immediately, Ponting). [...]
Victorian election – twin-blade razor’s edges?
The Poll Bludger summarizes the public polling thus far, with the latest Galaxy poll suggesting Labor and the Coalition are 50-50 on the two-party preferred vote. Today’s Crikey email has another Morgan poll, with the Coalition in front 51-49. In [...]
Planning policies: circle not squared yet
Urban planning is one of the more wicked problems facing state politicians. To caricature, politically powerful groups a) dislike urban sprawl, c) want to develop stuff for sale, d) want affordable housing, and most significantly, e) intensely oppose development anywhere [...]
2010 Melbourne Cup roundtable
It’s the day before The First Tuesday In November, so it’s time once again for an open thread where people can share with us their Cup tips, tipping systems, amusing anecdotes, withering critiques, fashion fascism, hangover remedies and anything else [...]
Footy finals
Winter is almost at an end, and with the longer, warmer days Melburnians clean off the barbeque, tune the plasma, and look forward to four weekends of finals football. Those with “corporate” connections, or the combination of the right club [...]
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