The Journal
2009
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The Date of Christmas
A common view about the date of Christmas goes something like this: “Well, it was a pagan festival, something to do with the sun, and the Christians pinched it to try to make their religion more…
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Beautiful Music to End the Day
Two songs by Jewel. Thoughtful lyrics, and what a rich, pure voice. Angel Standing By Hands – If I could tell the world just one thing, it would be that we’re all OK – not to worry…
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Iran Warns Switzerland of Consequences …
Iran has warned Switzerland of “consequences” over a referendum banning the building of new mosque minarets, and urged the Swiss government not to enforce the ban. As I noted a couple of days ago, the Swiss decision…
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Rudd to Abbott – No Debate on Climate Change
No surprise there. Mr Rudd says he is not interested in debating climate change with Mr Abbott. He says Mr Abbott should stop talking and develop a coherent policy on climate change. Give him time Kevin. And…
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If I Only Had A Brain
The Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009 opened this week in Melbourne. “Major speakers” include Jimmy Carter, Joan Chittister and Michael Kirby. Miss Jean Brodie said it best: “For those who like that sort of thing,…
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No Climate Change Drives Desperate ABC To Eat Polar Bears
OK, a little poetic license there. There ABC’s refusal to mention Climategate/Climaquiddick, or to acknowledge the lack of warming for the last ten years, or any aspect of scientific reality, means it is getting more and more desperate for stories…
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Double Disillusionment
My wife asked me on the way into Kingscote yesterday if I thought a double disillusionment was likely. She meant double dissolution, and corrected herself immediately. But it is a great phrase. For the Labor Party, a double disillusionment…
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Obama To Taliban: Just Hang In There For Another 18 Months
Afghanistan was always going to be a harder fight than Iraq. It is also a fight that must be won – not just for the people of Afghanistan, but for the people of Pakistan. If Afghanistan…
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The Politics and Science of Global Warming
Public opinion on climate change is shifting as awareness grows that the media has not been telling the whole story. People want to know what the evidence and arguments are. I have posted links to my introduction to…
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ETS Dumped
Despite the floor crossing brain-ejecting party betraying antics of Boyce and Troeth, the ETS/CPRS/RAT scheme has been defeated in the Senate. At very least this will give parliament time to re-examine the evidence. And for as long…
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Boyce and Troeth
Senators Sue Boyce and Judith Troeth have announced their intention to cross the floor and vote for Labor’s mind-bogglingly pointless and expensive ETS. They both express the hope that the party members and constituents they are…
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Emails? What Emails?
The nasty criminal type persons who have leaked those emails won’t do us one jolly bit of harm, says IPCC leader Rajendra Pachauri. The IPCC process is so very tough and clear that proof that the data on which…
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Diversity Disparaged
Not all diversity is good diversity, apparently. Colourful cultural customs in Nepal have drawn the ire of animal protection and environmental groups. The five yearly sacrifice of some 200,000 birds and animals at the temple of…
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Shock – Catholic Elected Pope!
I remember the horrified tones of some commentators when the present pope was elected. “Oh my God! This man believes the catholic faith. We are back in the dark ages. All our hopes are dashed.” The…
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Libs Come To Their Senses Part Two
No time to write now – I have a shop to run and clients to mollify. But I have to sound a note of thanksgiving that in choosing Tony Abbott as leader this morning, the Liberal Party made…
