Showing 1 - 10 of 906
News bulletins are going 'off-ramp'
Roger Crutchley, Published on 22/03/2026
» An expression that is being used with increasing frequency in recent news reports, particularly concerning the goings on in the Middle East, is "off-ramp". Switch on the TV and it won't be long before a "talking head" will be authoritatively discussing "off-ramp" opportunities.
Global travel erases places we love
News, Richard Florida and Carlo Ratti, Published on 17/03/2026
» Venice is drowning -- not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and "Tourists go home" signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
A good time to hail Caesar Salad
Roger Crutchley, Published on 15/03/2026
» For anyone planning on doing something important today and who might be just a little superstitious, it may be a good idea to stay at home and play with the dog. It is the 15th day of the month, perhaps better known in Roman times as the "Ides of March" which marks the anniversary of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC.
Poor timing
Oped, Postbag, Published on 12/03/2026
» I was stunned by the airing of American Psycho (unedited version, sic) at 12.15pm on True Visions Channel 228. This movie is only suitable for late-night viewing (parents note) at best, given its horrific and lewd content, although we are assured by film critics that it is a satire of contemporary society. Given ongoing developments, this seems to be true. It's going to get a remake too, God help us.
Coalition chaos
News, Editorial, Published on 07/03/2026
» Tradition holds that within days of the results of a general election being announced, winning contestants and parties let the media photograph them -- typically holding or shaking hands with someone, or hugging.
Carney's speech signals end of Western illusions
Oped, Antara Haldar, Published on 27/02/2026
» When the late playwright Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll first opened 20 years ago, it was deeply personal for me as a student at Cambridge studying film in Prague. A meditation on the clash between communism and capitalism in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia), it dwelt on the confrontation between high theory and lived reality in a way that moved me profoundly. Two decades later, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent speech in Davos felt like the sequel.
People's Party needs to sort out its mess
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 23/02/2026
» Two weeks have passed since the election on Feb 8, and yet no one has come up with proof that the barcodes and QR codes printed on ballot sheets used on the day can be traced back to individual voters, showing for whom and which parties they voted for.
The longevity flex: hit the track, not the bar
Petprakai Hansiri, Published on 04/02/2026
» Social feeds are hitting differently lately, teeming with a younger crowd at parks. Instead of the strobes and neon of a nightclub, the feed is filled with morning mist and the greenery of public parks.
Time to legalise
Postbag, Published on 03/02/2026
» Re: "Sex workers get pre-election boost", (BP, Feb 1).
Reflect, respect and celebrate
Oped, Angela Macdonald, Published on 26/01/2026
» Australia Day 2026 is an opportunity to reflect on our nation, history and achievements. We are grateful to celebrate this occasion with our colleagues, partners and friends here in Thailand, a country with whom Australia shares a long and enduring partnership, and a country close to Australians' hearts.