The national launch for 2006 Australia Day celebrations happened in Kalgoorlie on Monday. It was the second such occasion following a successful inaugural event last year at Ayers Rock. It was a great honor for the city, accorded in recognition of significant local efforts towards achieving reconciliation with indigenous people. Kalgoorlie was also seen as [...]
State funeral for Kerry Packer
I don’t believe a state funeral is justified for media magnate Kerry Packer. Sure, he was a successful businessman who contributed much to Australian society. However, a state funeral should be reserved for those who served in the public interest, instead of their own. Despite the platitudes that Packer gave millions to charity, he almost [...]
Keep perspective on execution
I’m sorry that will be executed today. I don’t support capital punishment. I wouldn’t care if a mass murderer was executed, but I do care that a young man who made some mistakes is paying for them with his life. It’s important to keep some perspective though. The candlelight vigils and apparent national obsession with [...]
Hangman axed
The Herald-Sun reported today that Singapore has sacked its hangman, Darshan Singh, because he gave a media interview and exposed his identity. Darshan is a 74-year-old grandfather. He has been responsible for implementing every instance of capital punishment in Singapore since 1946. The whole concept of being a hangman is totally surreal and I won’t [...]
Following footsteps from the past
We had a family trip to Shepparton today. After shopping we went swimming at the indoor pool and then stocked up on bulk foods at the fruit factory. Afterwards we travelled about 40km out of our way to enjoy a barbecue at Goulburn Weir near Nagambie. Juliet and I had been there before with the [...]
