Random thoughts and observations
I know from past experience that writing about fluoride provokes strong views, especially from people who oppose compulsory fluoridation of water supplies. I’m inclined though to accept the anecdotal evidence I’ve personally heard from dentists and health experts that tooth decay is higher in areas that don’t have fluoridated water. There is a push now [...]
The Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) has extensive powers. In addition to combating organised crime its role includes seeking “to reduce the incidence of misconduct in the public service”. The commission’s powers include being able “to compel a witness to attend a hearing, to produce documents, to obtain a search warrant on application [...]
Many of our public holidays are obscure or meaningless and should be replaced. Although a lot of positive effort has gone into making Australia Day a significant occasion it comprises an odd mixture of citizenship awards and wet t-shirt competitions. We are the only country in the world that celebrates the founding of a prison. [...]
I take an interest in marketing and the odd behavior of some big companies never ceases to amaze me. The banks are a good example of what not to do. I used to bank with Westpac. They were the Bank of New South Wales. The transition to Westpac went reasonably well, albeit unnecessarily in my [...]
I’m opposed to capital punishment, but have little sympathy for the nine Australians charged with drug trafficking in Indonesia this week. I’ve travelled overseas and I always respected the laws and customs in foreign countries. I was apprehended in Malawi for accidentally bumbling up to the front gates of President Banda’s palace in Blantyre.
