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Punch on: Friday review 23/12/2011

Daniel Piotrowski

by Daniel Piotrowski

23 Dec 05:00am

Must Reads

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Filed under: Friday Review, Open Thread

76 comments

The week before Christmas was ruled by grief. Associate Professor Felix Patrikeef explained what the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il meant. The Punch team examined the curious and disturbing degree of public grieving in the isolated state. Another asylum seeker tragedy occurred. And TV journalist and anchor Hugh Riminton remembered Christopher Hitchens.

The summer solstice from the Sydney Tower Eye (nee: Centrepoint Tower). Picture courtesy: Eugene Tan.

Cairns Post journo Chris Harrison decried the over-technologification of the cricket. Nicole Dungan, mother of three, rallied readers to end the puppy farming industry. Womens’ advocate Melinda Tankard-Reist wrote about Pussy – the energy drink, thanks very much – in a piece that probably sparked the greatest debate of the week.

Radio host Derryn Hinch described what it was like to be under house arrest. Tory called bullshit on the Men’s Rights Extremists. The first weekend of cricket’s Big Bash was a smashing success even if some old school journos were too snooty to admit it, Anthony Sharwood wrote. Regular Jo Thornely had a laugh at the expense of Christmas carols. And Labor MP Richard Marles called on politicians on both sides of the aisle to join together in the spirit of Christmas.

Our Biggest Moments of 2011 series, which has come to its grand Osama-based finale today, wrapped up. The floods throughout Australia, Gaddafi’s death and the Arab Spring, the Fukushima crisis, and Cadel Evans’ victory in Le Tour rounded out the top 5.

The Punch Team wish all our readers and contributors a very happy Christmas. Rest assured we’ll be right here for your summer reading throughout the holiday season. Check out the next of our “coastal holidays of your dreams” series here.

Most commented

431Australia, you have nothing to fear but fear itself
390There's no one Thomson won't burn to save his skin
336Animal experiments won't cure me from cancer
313Thomson didn't answer the question everyone is asking
265Who murdered the Arts degree?
246A big day for Thomson, who thus far is guilty of nothing...
231Craig Thomson speaks. Meanwhile, in Australia...
231South Australia. It's the middle bottom bit.

76 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • Knemon says:

      10:54am | 23/12/11

      How depressing…thanks Shane confused

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      11:35am | 23/12/11

      Even more fun if the UK gets kicked out of the European Union. That’s twice that Cameron has screwed the French and Germans over. First time by refusing to sign the new financial regime ratified by 27 other states and the second time by refusing to kick in IMF funds. The French and Germans must be hopping mad by now and I can’t wait for the UK to go down in a screaming heap….....

    • ian m says:

      12:16pm | 23/12/11

      Shane If you took away the French farmers subsidys the French would scream the roof down. If you implemented a plan to curb the output of German cars the Germans would scream the roof down. The city of London is the mainstay of the UK economy and still the financial centre of the World (not New York) and bring in something like 20% of the UKs GDP. And that’s what the French plan backed by the Germans will do dissipate the financial control from London to Belgium and to be controlled by unelected buerocrats.

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      01:13pm | 23/12/11

      @Ian M- roughly 49% of UK’s exports go to Europe. How would they fare on the outside of those protective trade barriers? Besides the Banks and Financial Industry in City of London are largely responsible for Britains troubles to begin with. Britain is trying to have a bet each way on the European Union and I think it won’t fly

    • Erick says:

      05:28am | 23/12/11

      “Tory called bullshit on the Men’s Rights Extremists.”

      I still want to know who these “Men’s Rights Extremists” are. Not one specific person was named, not one quote was quoted, not one actual “MRE” was linked.

      Why couldn’t Tory give some examples of what she was actually talking about?

      Reply

    • Winston says:

      06:21am | 23/12/11

      I want to know why you are untouchable.  When I raise issues about a journalists story, I get banned?

    • iansand says:

      06:39am | 23/12/11

      Extremists never acknowledge their extremism.

    • Erick says:

      07:04am | 23/12/11

      @Winston - You’re not banned if you can still comment. Some comments are censored, some comments are lost in the guts of the blogging software. I’m not untouchable - I lose comments too. You just don’t see the ones that don’t make it.

      @iansand - I’m asking who these “extremists” are. And I’m asking the author, not you.

    • bec says:

      07:08am | 23/12/11

      So, am I allowed to ask, was that your article the other day Erick? Because some of the author’s bio matches up with what you’ve mentioned off-hand in the past.

    • the ghost of christmas past says:

      07:54am | 23/12/11

      “Extremists never acknowledge their extremism. “

      Thats a bit extreme you are right Erick she didnt name any one, but they all seem to be waiting for you to respond for some reason

    • Erick says:

      07:58am | 23/12/11

      @bec - You mean the one challenging the wage gap theory? No, I didn’t write it, and I only found out about it when I logged on to The Punch and saw it.

      P.S. This comment was the first one typed on the brand new laptop I bought during yesterday’s Christmas shopping spree.Now I can post comments from anywhere. Yay!

    • Winston says:

      08:01am | 23/12/11

      Oh, I have been banned, there are just ways around it. smile

    • SpagBol says:

      08:06am | 23/12/11

      @Erick, as Tory stated in the comments on that article, it ain’t all about you. You don’t get to demand things from authors, and she owes you nothing. Also, if you’re so interested in who the men’s rights extremists are, I’d suggest going back and looking over some of your previous links… any site that focuses specifically on the “feminazi” conspiracy theories, or demonising any form of feminist, is what Tory was referring to.

      Then again, this whole discussion about what was or wasn’t linked in the article (especially when you know exactly who she’s referring to) is a good way to avoid actually having to defend your views, isn’t it?

    • Hamish says:

      08:23am | 23/12/11

      Erick, it’s because they don’t exist. She was attempting to paint what are reasonable criticisms of the women’s privilege movement as extreme.

    • Tim says:

      09:00am | 23/12/11

      Spagbol,
      disagreeing with feminists doesn’t make you an extremist.
      It makes you intelligent.

    • Erick says:

      09:12am | 23/12/11

      @SpagBol - I’m not asking you, I’m asking the person who wrote the article.

      Tory called bullshit on some “Men’s Rights Extremists”. How can we have any sort of intelligent debate without actual examples of people who think this way?

      I just want her to link to some of them, so we all have a basis for discussion.

    • iansand says:

      04:32pm | 23/12/11

      Erick - You probably haven’t noticed, but there seem to be quite a few people who think you are an extremist.  I refer you to my first comment.

    • Erick says:

      05:16am | 24/12/11

      @iansand - I am not asking what you or the other extremists think. I am asking Tory Shepherd to name some of the people she was writing about.

      Internet pseudonyms will do - the important thing is links to extreme things they’ve actually said.

      Without that information, the article is talking about ... nothing.

    • Zoyd says:

      10:24am | 24/12/11

      IanSand? An “extremist”?

      What tripe!

      Lift your game, “Erick”.

      Sly baseless slurs like that - worthless.

      Posts like that - worthless.

    • Erick says:

      12:13pm | 24/12/11

      lol@Zoyd - I’m just repeating exactly what iansand said about me! Your comment condemns him as worthless.

    • Zoyd says:

      02:23pm | 24/12/11

      No. A bit of honesty required on your part “Erick”. 

      *You* said this, of IanSand:
      “I am not asking what you or the other extremists think.”

      They are your words, and it’s too late now to try and rub ‘em out. They’re a sly but clear smear.

      “just repeating exactly what iansand said?”
      No. You’re not. 
      You’re trying to play cutesy cute with IanSands posts. Won’t do.

      His 2 observations lead to a reasonable conclusion.
      You, in contrast,  are just trying on a cute, sly smear, by playing word games.

      Thirdly, don’t try putting words in my mouth, either. I didn’t say that.
      What you’ve tried to there is just more smart-arse trickery.

      You’ve tried these dirty little tricks on far too often, “Erick”.
      Lift your game.

    • NESLIHAN KUROSAWA says:

      06:02am | 23/12/11

      Hi Daniel,

      Apart from all the above mentioned.  You seem to be forgetting that there has been very serious name calling & downgrading in the Australian Politics.  Has anything changed really for the better for the ordinary Australians’ outlook on the world though?

      It is all good news for everyone to know that the Dictators of Modern Day all disappeared off the face of the earth? But does that change anything directly in our lives? I must say that I particularly enjoyed Tory’s article on the” Men’s Rights Extremists”.  Is that a new movement by the way & could anyone join?

      I would not personally consider the general male population as being the disadvantaged part of our society, anyway!  Am I wrong to think this way? How about some feel good topics just before the New Year with an incentive to expect more positive outlook in our part of the world as well as in our personal lives.  Best regards to your editors.

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      10:01am | 23/12/11

      ‘I would not personally consider the general male population as being the disadvantaged part of our society, anyway! ‘

      Erick has a different opinion. His wife probably hid the remote control for the TV !

    • john says:

      10:23am | 23/12/11

      Erick? Wife?
      you are joking right?

    • Erick says:

      10:34am | 23/12/11

      @acotrel - Don’t joke about serious things, like the remote control!

    • Scarlett Street Rocker says:

      06:13am | 23/12/11

      Hey Daniel, for a second I just want to forget all the BS and wish you and yours Jingle Bells and all the best for 2012!

      Reply
    • Daniel Piotrowski

      Daniel Piotrowski says:

      08:10am | 23/12/11

      Cheers! Merry Christmas to you too.

    • Homeless Carer says:

      07:12am | 23/12/11

      Ruddy refugees!  No need to blame anyone else.

      Reply

    • Dash says:

      07:18am | 23/12/11

      OMG, too much beer! It’s going to be a tough day at the office. Anyone got any pain killers?

      Reply

    • redvixen says:

      09:21am | 23/12/11

      Too much red wine for me!  We’re leaving at lunch time, but I’m not sure I’m going to make it.

    • neo says:

      09:44am | 23/12/11

      Just have another beer man, you’ll be fine.

    • Tim says:

      10:03am | 23/12/11

      Hit you thumb with a hammer.

      It will take your mind off the throbbing in your head.

    • Kerryn says:

      07:18am | 23/12/11

      So my ex called yesterday saying he still had some stuff for me to pick up.  I went over, taking over some chocolates for him, his parents and his sister’s family (she’s just had a baby girl).  As much as it still hurts to think about how things ended, I’m glad I went and made peace.  Hopefully I never see them ever again.  Merry Christmas all.

      Reply

    • The Battle Rages On says:

      08:10am | 23/12/11

      So, single huh?

      Any plans for this evening?

    • Kerryn says:

      08:26am | 23/12/11

      Probably go for a walk with the family to look at Christmas lights.  Nothing special.  Being stuck out in the sticks sucks sometimes.

    • nihonin says:

      09:07am | 23/12/11

      Good for you Kerryn, a Merry Christmas and fantastic 2012 to you.

    • neo says:

      09:45am | 23/12/11

      You did well smile New year, new relationships. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!

    • acotrel says:

      09:58am | 23/12/11

      It takes guts t o grab your life back, hope you didn’t leave it too late !

    • Kerryn says:

      10:31am | 23/12/11

      Thanks everyone.  At 23 years of age I’ve decided only one relationship is one I need-the one I have with my footy club!  GO BRISBANE LIONS 2012!

    • S.L says:

      12:44pm | 23/12/11

      It’s not easy Kerryn. I bought my ex a chrissy present this year. (My kids found out she bought me one). A shame I have to see her again but life goes on…..........

    • JoeyR says:

      08:09am | 23/12/11

      I have limited time to read and post on The Punch, I do enjoy the time I get, but after Tory’s weak & pathetic post yesterday I think I’ll stick to subject matter experts’ articles and guest writers.  They may have vested interests in their topics and bias, but I rather that for debate than what was dished up yesterday. Its not that i was offended by it, it was just slanderous at..no one in particular but just attempted to tar anyone who may have an opinion different from a female.

      Reply

    • Mahhrat says:

      08:09am | 23/12/11

      MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

      Have a relaxing time over the long weekend folks, enjoy the festivities, hope the weather holds fair and that you get a good feed.

      Remember the simple things, and while passing regret for those less fortunate is fine, remember too that there’s nothing wrong with making the most of your luck and opportunity to be born where you were and have the support that we enjoy.

      Chairs!!

      Reply

    • Tim says:

      10:12am | 23/12/11

      Yes,
      I’m going to visit Tasmania.
      I’ll get to see what you’re always talking about.

    • Erick says:

      10:34am | 23/12/11

      And a Merry Christmas right back to you!

      cc: All

    • Mahhrat says:

      11:15am | 23/12/11

      @Tim:  Dress warmly.  La Nina here means southerlies.  Never warm with southerlies (at least as far as you mainlanders are concerned).

      My top spots while here:

      - Mount Wellington on a clear day - get right up top.
      - Salamanca Place when the market isn’t on (i.e Saturdays) - awesome shoping, historic area, etc.
      - Taste of Tasmania.  If you want to eat until you’re stupid, get some tickets to that.  Also where the fireworks go off from on NYE.
      - Anywhere East Coast - Swansea, Bicheno etc.  Gorgeous part of the Earth.
      - If you get up North, take the Launceston to Scottsdale road via Lilydale.  Many, many good little one-person businesses, wineries, cheese farms, Bridestowe Lavender, etc.

      Enjoy!

    • Dash says:

      08:24am | 23/12/11

      When you choke a smurf, what colour does it turn?

      Reply

    • hot tub political machine says:

      09:30am | 23/12/11

      indigo

    • Aitch B says:

      09:40am | 23/12/11

      I think they might go from insipid blue to navy, Dash.

      Or perhaps from insipid blue to flesh coloured.

      Dunno…. I’ll have to go to my local toy store and strangle one. I’ve been hankerin’ to do that for decades anyway.

      I’ll report back in the New Year. smile

    • Winston says:

      09:44am | 23/12/11

      Same colour as when you choke something else?

    • neo says:

      09:47am | 23/12/11

      I asked my friend and he said when he chokes his smurf it turns purple and cries.

    • ausspud says:

      11:48am | 23/12/11

      @Dash-
      Is smurf code for penis.

    • ausspud says:

      12:21pm | 23/12/11

      Is Smurf code for penis.

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      08:27am | 23/12/11

      Christmas…..bah, humbug…....

      Reply

    • ausspud says:

      12:12pm | 23/12/11

      Enjoy your Chrstmas Mr Scrooge.

    • Aitch B says:

      08:34am | 23/12/11

      Best wishes to everybody. Hope you all have a great Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous 2012.

      Let the parties begin!! smile

      H

      Reply

    • ausspud says:

      12:16pm | 23/12/11

      Merry Chritmas H
      See you at the next phantom gig

    • nossy says:

      09:09am | 23/12/11

      Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012 to the Punch Team and all the wonderful Punchers - its been a tough year but whats that old saying ” when the going gets tough the tough get going”!

      Reply

    • ausspud says:

      12:19pm | 23/12/11

      Right back at ya nossy
      And enjoy your move from Moreton Bay 2 Port Jackson.

    • Semi Concerned Citizen says:

      09:19am | 23/12/11

      Merry Xmas Punch staff and Punchers. Please do me a favour and avoid buying kebas from the supermarket deli thats all I want for christmas.

      Reply

    • hot tub political machine says:

      09:23am | 23/12/11

      Dear Punchers n Punch staff. Wishing y’all a Merry Christmas. Hope it’s the best you’ve ever had, and hope you and yours are all safe (but not in a boring way) this Christmas.

      Reply

    • neo says:

      09:50am | 23/12/11

      I may as well jump on the bandwagon. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

      PS: Those of you who are already off work, grrrrr….. 6 more hours, and 11 minutes and counting. Boss is away today though, so I’m being even more productive than usual smile

      Reply

    • The Badger says:

      10:26am | 23/12/11

      Merry Christmas to all you punchers
      Except the right wing fringe dwellers of course

      From The Badger and his friends.

      Reply

    • Shenanigans says:

      11:01am | 23/12/11

      merry christmas and all the shiznit, now i’m off to get drunk with my lady friend and my mates. Also have a happy new year from the youngest puncher.

      Cheers one and all, its been a fantastic year on the OT, and probably on the rest of the punch if that exists!

      Reply

    • ausspud says:

      11:59am | 23/12/11

      Merry X-mas & a Happy new year everyone.
      I shall leave you with this song-
      Goodbye cruel world,I’m leaving you today
      Goodbye,goodbye,goodbye
      Goodbye all you people
      theres nothing you can say to….
      Oops wrong song :$ let’s try again-
      And have a very merry Christmas
      And a happy new year
      Lets hope it’s a good one
      Without any tears.

      Reply

    • neo says:

      12:06pm | 23/12/11

      Discovered a game called Sea Battle for my phone by a company called Dragonplay. Basically the classical battleships game, which you play for tokens. Great time killer. Also, got Big Sports fishing, which is good fun smile Both are on the Android marketplace.

      Any other suggestions?

      Reply

    • SimpleSimon says:

      01:49pm | 23/12/11

      There are the popular Words With Friends and Hanging With Friends, but they have the drawback of requiring other people.. On a non-game related app, I recently discovered Pulse, which is great for adding a bunch of news feeds from various web sites (news, sports, music, technology, DILBERT!). Unfortunately they are mostly US :-( I actually got it hoping The Punch could be fed through it!

      Some others worth trying:
      Angry birds
      Air Penguine
      Fruit ninja
      Paper Toss
      Apparently “Shoot the Apple” is quite good too.

      Truth be told, I put most of my games on my iPod Touch instead of my Android phone, or else I know I’ll become even less productive at work….

      Merry Xmas.

    • bec says:

      02:58pm | 23/12/11

      Words with Friends is great, Simon! And you can play the games for ages - both people don’t have to be online at once.

    • neo says:

      12:19pm | 23/12/11

      Anyone who hasn’t seen Ryan Gosling’s new-ish film, Drive, I suggest you watch it. Anyone who likes crime flics anyway.

      Reply

    • Vivian says:

      02:40pm | 23/12/11

      http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/23/business/energy-environment/nrc-clears-way-for-new-nuclear-plant-construction.html?_r=4&ref=atomicenergy

      Absolutely fantastic news. I am so happy. The first new nuclear reactors will be built in the States since 1996. Even better it looks like they are streamlining the approval process for new reactors.

      Australia should be straight on the phone and asking them for advice so we can get cracking on building our own batch of reactors and catch up. We are being left behind in the nuclear power generation field which is a disgrace in a country as politically and geographically stable as ours. We can use the US process and get moving.

      The time to act is now before it is too late.

      Reply

    • holden says:

      04:03pm | 23/12/11

      My beautiful daughter sent this to me for the season. Hope you’all like it.
      “If luck was a raindrop, I’d send you a shower.
      If love was a minute, I’d send you an hour.
      If joy was a leaf, I would send you a tree.
      And if you need a friend, then you’ll always have me.”

      May your own philosophies bring you all that each of you deserves.

      M

      Reply

    • iansand says:

      06:28pm | 23/12/11

      And if you need a root, see line three.

      Merry Bah Humbug and a Happy New Year to you all.

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      08:52pm | 23/12/11

      Just won’t be the same without Bruce Ruxton…...

      Reply

    • holden says:

      11:30am | 24/12/11

      Iansand. Have you been drinking? That’s not like you. And my daughter is fourteen.
      Perhaps one needs to be a father to appreciate unconditional love.
      Happy Holidays.

 
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