December 2009
Lucy and Gemma, two pretty little girls, live across the road from me.
While walking on the beach, I regularly meet a trio of handsome hunks named Max, Henry and George, as well as a stately old lady, Rosie, and her sprightly young companion, Ruby.
Their owners are Shane, Riley, Jordan and Tayla. (That’s one boy and three girls, for the record.)
Continue reading "Why are we giving our kids names fit for puppies" »
I recently attended the opening of the Templestowe Community Bank in my electorate. As a result of more than two years hard work by local traders and residents, the village has a bank for the first time in over a decade.
The branch was the 248th to open under the Bendigo Community Bank umbrella, one of the great local success stories of the past decade across Australia.
As the big banks closed their branches, and forced people to use ATMs and online services, many local communities lost an important institution. In some rural areas, this was devastating. In most, it caused considerable inconvenience to local residents.
Continue reading "Save money this year because thrift isn’t a four letter word" »
Latest 2 of 35 comments
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www.thepunch.com.au says:
Save money this year cause thrift isnt a four letter word.. Tiptop Read more »
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Tim says:
Interesting article Kevin. I wonder if you would be willing to return to depression era values for climate change mitigation. Will the Liberals have a ‘carbon thrift’ policy? Rationing perhaps…. Read more »
A second miracle has been confirmed for Mary MacKillop, and she is now on her way to becoming Australia’s first saint in 2010.
But who was she?
Mary MacKillop’s was a life of struggle and passion that was underpinned by integrity.
Latest 2 of 30 comments
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abucs says:
Thanks for the article on MM. Good to see an Australian politician brave the tired rhetoric and discuss the contribution of a famous Australian of a religious persuasion. The declared miracles make interesting reading and it will be interesting to study the matter further. Read more »
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Chris Smyth says:
What’s worst? (1) The ridiculouslessness of the notion that a dead nun (who may or may not have done good deeds in her lifetime, or who may or may not have been a morally exemplary person - but that’s all quite irrelevant) is responsible for the remission of someone’s cancer?… Read more »
It’s Thursday @ The Punch
Today in 1991 Vladmir Putin takes over presidency of Russia following Boris Yeltsin’s resignation.
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Russell says:
That would be 1999 wouldn’t it? Gorbachev was still on the scene in ‘91 Read more »
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T.Chong says:
Steph; not so sure about the circular breathing, but he does seem to be succesfully promoted as everyrmans Everyman. Even with the USSR gone, Putin has been able to put across the idea that Russia has mostly moved on from the “cold war” while the US is still actively still… Read more »
MELBOURNE’S Boxing Day Test has a profound effect on Aussie cricketers’ form. Some batsmen thrive on the festive atmosphere and give opposing bowlers a serve on the MCG wicket.
Other batsmen – and bowlers – crumble under pressure. Some Aussies had glorious batting innings and magic spells with the ball.
It was a memorable Test, particularly as the Melbourne crowd celebrated their Test hero – Shane Watson, who redeemed himself at the crease in Australia’s 170-run win.
Continue reading "Pakistan may have lost the heart for the Sydney Test" »
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Julie Tullberg says:
Ricky Ponting made a bad call which mucked up the Aussies’ innings. If Ricky and other commentators could foresee what will happen in Test matches, we will all be millionaires! Read more »
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Mark says:
So Pakistan washed up. Just been smashed all over the park by an opening partnership of Butt and Fart…. See any Irony there?? Read more »
England is reportedly seriously considering pulling out of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in India in October because of fears its team will be targeted by Pakistani militants.
If it does pull the pin, it will be the first time England has not competed in the Games’ 80-year history - it’s potentially a very significant move. Presumably if the Brits pull out they won’t be the only ones - the whole Games could be in jeopardy.
Sport and geo-politics have always been inextricably linked, and sometimes this has resulted in great peril for the athletes. Images of the 1972 Munich Olympics, when Israeli athletes were taken hostage and then murdered by extremists with links to Fatah, are seared into our memories.
Continue reading "If we stop playing sport have the terrorists won?" »
Latest 2 of 46 comments
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Garry says:
We can take any flight, visit any land, ride any train, sit & watch any sport, sit and enjoy a coffee in a cafe somewhere and it is a fact of life someone somewhere will want to kill you for that choice. (as happens somewhere in the world everyday) Terrorism… Read more »
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Dan says:
Thanks Wombat, I really appreciate it. I probably should ignore these people. Its just with Eric, he’s so much like an aggrevating child. The less said about Steeve and his bizarre anti-Chinese nonsence the better. Nonetheless, you are absolutely right, Wombat, that I probably shouldn’t bother. Thanks for your support! Read more »
* Warning - this post contains offensive language (actually, it depends a bit on your definition of “offensive”).
F***, f***, f***, f***, f*** and f*** it again. I have just agreed to write a 500 word article over the weekend. What a f****** pain in the arse. I should have said I was too f***** busy and they should get some other stupid f*** to do it.
Gosh, I hope I haven’t offended anyone. Have I used any offensive language? So what is offensive language anyway? You could go to any pub in Sydney and hear language much worse than I’ve used.
But you better not speak like that in front of a police man or woman. Especially if you are being difficult anyway and they are looking for some way to get you under their control.
Continue reading "Heading out tomorrow night - watch your mouth*" »
Latest 2 of 87 comments
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Carl Palmer says:
Interesting – it is ok to say these words but not ok to write them. If anyone did reply using the actual word then the moderator should have published them because Phillip-Gibson classifies them just as “naughty words”. Nothing posted thus far so I can only assume that they are… Read more »
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Classic says:
New Age and Criminologist, neither you nor I (nor anyone for that matter) should open their mouths without complete, undisputed “facts” at their disposal - the coward’s refuge when their opinion is indefensible. Noone should read a newspaper or any other literature to form an opinion without having every possible… Read more »
In January 2005 the public was still reeling from the devastation of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami when the beginning of the end for Mark Latham took place.
The then-Opposition Leader refused to break his summer holiday to put out a statement about the horrific event - he wouldn’t even return the calls of the then acting leader Senator Chris Evans (deputy Labor leader Jenny Macklin was also on leave). It turned out Latham was sick, of the pancreas and of politics, and he disappeared off into the Western Sydney sunset.
At the time it seemed inexplicable that someone wouldn’t halt their vacation for an hour or two to deal with a crisis of such enormity. But perhaps Mark Latham was a work life balance visionary.
Latest 2 of 15 comments
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She only works on her arms... says:
I am glad we are focusing on the ‘big’ issues here…. holidays and bums. Christmas reading doesn’t get better than this! Thank goodness there is nothing more important for my resting brain to ponder. Read more »
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Bill says:
Biff, It’s not the dress that makes her bum look big. Read more »
There were only a few minutes left of the 1970s. Patrick and I were sharing a peaceful New Years Eve joint in a friend’s back yard at quiet Hervey Bay.
We were 21, two of the (then) little town’s bright and shiny minds, the world at our feet, the stars in our sights. Where would we be, we wondered, come the 21st century? What would we be like? Would we follow the generational pattern of wild youth becomes tame middle-aged man becomes conservative old man?
So we made a pact that night, Patrick and I. In fear of turning into our parents, we vowed that each of us, no matter where we were, would be stoned as the 21st century rolled in. But Patrick hesitated. He turned to me under the unnaturally bright stars and said, very seriously: “Does it have to be just grass?”
Continue reading "It looks like Patrick, it must the clouds in my eyes" »
Latest 2 of 2 comments
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T.Chong says:
John dude: “Daniel” nice sentiments but a bit heavy on the maudlin. Your mate sounded a top bloke who knew how to laugh. Maybe more fitting tunes would be Bobby Z’s “Rainy Day Women #12 + 35” He would also probaly enjoy the very versatile, all occasions:“Am I Ever…,” with… Read more »
It’s Wednesday @ The Punch
The Ginza Line, Asia’s first subway opened in Tokyo on this day in 1927.
Latest 2 of 9 comments
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rofLiaigo says:
MAG.CM create your very own fake magazine covers, its quick & simple, Just upload your photo, select your design & your done! Then with a click of a button you can share it with your friends! <a >fake magazine cover</a> Read more »
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aspetteSumwam says:
I would like too take some time out Thank everyone for doing what you do and making the community what it is im a long time reader and first time poster so i just wanted to say thanks. Read more »
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