The delicate, bespectacled visage of Yves Saint Laurent is one of the most memorable and celebrated images in the world of fashion. The Algerian-born French designer was a tortured genius, his creative life punctuated by periods of intense depression and substance abuse. But at its core was an enduring relationship with Pierre Berger, his one-time … [Read more...] about #12 SOMETHING ABOUT YVES
#11 SHOCK WAVES FROM THE APOCALYPSE
At 800 kilometers an hour - as fast as a commercial jetliner - the giant tsunami triggered by the biggest earthquake ever to hit Japan rolls across the Pacific towards the far reaches of South America, prompting mass evacuations and mass consternation, if not panic. The land masses and tiny atolls in its path can only brace for the worst and hope … [Read more...] about #11 SHOCK WAVES FROM THE APOCALYPSE
#10 WHEN WOMEN’S BUSINESS ISN’T GOOD BUSINESS
The distaff side of the human family gets to take a collective bow across the world today for International Women's Day. Commemorative stamps are being issued and portentous speeches made about the great strides forward women have made and how much further they need to go to achieve genuine equality. At the end of it all, most women across the … [Read more...] about #10 WHEN WOMEN’S BUSINESS ISN’T GOOD BUSINESS
#9 UNHOLY MATRIMONY. IT’S NOT ON, DUCKS
The most celebrated date on Australia's gay and lesbian calendar, The Sydney Mardi Gras, has brought the usual collection of colourful characters onto the streets for what's increasingly become a mainstream event. Time was when the New South Wales police behaved with outright hostility towards public expressions of gay pride. Now they have their … [Read more...] about #9 UNHOLY MATRIMONY. IT’S NOT ON, DUCKS
#8 POSTCARD SAIGON: DESIGNER COMMUNISM BY HCM
Grubsheet is in Indochina this week, marvelling at the breathtaking transformation of the city the locals still refer to as Saigon, 36 years after their communist masters insisted on changing its name to Ho Chi Minh City in honour of the wispy-bearded architect of their revolution. The French colonisers who Uncle Ho deposed before his lieutenants … [Read more...] about #8 POSTCARD SAIGON: DESIGNER COMMUNISM BY HCM
#7 UNCONSCIONABLE DECEPTION AND EMISSIONS OF HOT AIR
So Australia is to have a carbon tax from July 1st 2012, despite assurances from Prime Minister Julia Gillard before the last election that such a tax would not be imposed. The Australian electorate is used to our politicians behaving with craven self interest. But there can be few more cynical instances of a Prime Minister resorting to such a … [Read more...] about #7 UNCONSCIONABLE DECEPTION AND EMISSIONS OF HOT AIR