October 7 – 13, 2017
News
Comment
Comment
Guy Rundle
The new nationalisation
“As market capitalism has become monopoly capitalism – markets without competition – the potential capacity to see beyond it becomes ever greater. In a society benighted by privatisation, people can begin to see again what they had forgotten: that water, power, transport and other entities are social in nature, and should be controlled thus.”
News
Paul Bongiorno
Hanson gunning for Queensland
“There is a strong conviction that outside of Brisbane and the increasingly urban conglomeration that is the Sunshine and Gold coasts, guns swing votes. They are “a freedom issue”, as Katter proclaimed after tough restrictions were imposed on the Adler lever-action shotgun. Hanson, too, strongly opposed the temporary ban and the subsequent tougher limitations on that weapon. ”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Remembering The Go-Betweens
A new documentary charts the course of The Go-Betweens, the Brisbane band centred on a lauded songwriting partnership that somehow fell short of stardom. “It was literally a clash of the titans,” says Kriv Stenders, director of The Go-Betweens: Right Here. “You couldn’t have had a more egocentric band ever in history. There is still an incredible amount of emotion there.”
Film
‘Blade Runner 2049’
Thirty-five years ago, Blade Runner was a thrilling and potent sci-fi offering. But while its sequel is just as visually inviting, the film’s storyline is more replicant than cutting edge.
Portrait
‘Blue’ director Karina Holden
“Karina explains that her formative encounters with the sea made persisting ideas of the struggle between man and nature appear unusual to her. ‘I’d always seen it as Man and Nature … But if you’re making wildlife film – for the American market, particularly – it’s Man versus Nature. How do I escape? I need to get to a safe space. There was always this sense of combat …’ ”
Food
Poached eggs with asparagus and morels on toast
“Ostensibly, I would think of this recipe as a breakfast dish. Having said that, though, some days when the week has been long and harsh and comfort is needed, there is nothing better than poached eggs for dinner. Asparagus, morels, eggs, chervil. Spring is truly here.”
Books
Life
Health
Behavioural Activation for depression
A new study suggests mood-enhancing pursuits such as dancing or walking the dog could be the latest weapon in the war against depression. And such ‘behavioural activation’ is simple and cost-effective.
The Quiz
Quotes
MUSIC
“My wife and I attended a Cold Play Concert in Melbourne … as guests of National Australia Bank.”
The minister for human services updates his register of interests but not his musical tastes. Cold play is, presumably, something that can be done between consenting adults in the privacy of their home.
SEXUALITY
“What next? Are they going to start handing out their own separate homosexual citizenships?”
The conservative politician worries about separatist gays marching under their own rainbow flag and taking Macklemore’s “Same Love” as their “anthem”. Always one to rig the deck, he chooses to burden queers with possibly the only song worse than Advance Australia Fair.
WEAPONS
“This is the price of freedom.”
The disgraced Fox News anchor gives his assessment of the Las Vegas gun massacre. In fairness, he apparently thought the price of appearing on his show was unwanted sexual advances.
SLOGANS
“Bui ding a c ntry tha orks or ryon .”
Theresa May’s Conservative Party Conference speech descends into honesty, as a sign claiming she is “Building a country that works for everyone” disintegrates behind her. The Britain of May’s dreams cares for about 70 per cent of letters.
MARRIAGE
“Why are these companies involved in political campaigns?”
The immigration minister complains that Westpac sent an internal email supporting marriage equality. One way to keep companies out of politics is to pass popular legislation rather than running a national debate on the rights of queer people. Just a thought.
ABORTION
“You’ve got me there. I didn’t realise that was, err, the situation.”
The assistant health minister reveals that he doesn’t know how much an abortion costs. He probably doesn’t know women can vote, either. Or that some of them go to university now.
