The presence of a French military aircraft over western Fiji surveying the damage from the recent widespread flooding has again highlighted the close ties between France and the government of the Fijian dictator, Frank Bainimarama. In stark contrast with Australia and New Zealand - which have shunned Fiji since Bainimarama's coup in 2006 - France … [Read more...] about # 55 PACIFIQUE FRANCAISE
#54 THE POLITICS OF HATE
Most countries have laws that prevent religious and racial vilification. Most responsible media outlets - including those on the internet - excise comments designed to inflame religious and racial hatred. But sadly not the most prominent of the websites set up to oppose the government of Fiji's prime minister, Frank Bainimarama. That site calls … [Read more...] about #54 THE POLITICS OF HATE
#53 REMEMBERING MISS BLISS
I knew Diana Bliss. Not well, though I'd been to the home she shared with Alan Bond at Cottesloe Beach in Perth and had basked in the same dazzling charm that those who knew her better have recalled in the wake of her tragic death. I will never forget the day we met because even though I was there to see her celebrated husband, we both knew who we … [Read more...] about #53 REMEMBERING MISS BLISS
# 52 DEATH OF A TYRANT
The passing of Kim Jong-il followed the script of all tyrants who aren't defeated by war or revolution - a black-clad news reader weeping as she made the announcement that the self-styled "Dear Leader" was dead. There would have been onions at the ready throughout North Korea -if only onions could be had. But in a blighted country whose inhabitants … [Read more...] about # 52 DEATH OF A TYRANT
# 51 THE GOD PARTICLE
Never mind gay marriage, falling house prices or impending holidays in Paris or Buenos Aires. The smartest, sexiest people at your average office Christmas party this year are engaged in intense banter about the Higgs boson. The Higgs what? Yes, the Higgs boson. And it's boh-sun not bos-son. What on earth are they on about? Don't you know, stupid? … [Read more...] about # 51 THE GOD PARTICLE
#50 THE GAY WEDGE
As if the looming global financial crisis isn't enough to cause the odd palpitation this holiday season, Australia has been plunged into a full scale debate about the pros and cons of gay marriage. Arguably, this is the work of one man - the famously gay (and strangely grey) Greens leader, Bob Brown, who wields gay marriage as one of the many … [Read more...] about #50 THE GAY WEDGE