I have already reviewed this book – click here.
However I cannot stop pondering the challenge this story throws up for anyone interested in equity, fairness, and the role of the media in so many aspects of our daily lives.
If we had a real media, this story would have been totally different. Instead what happened here was the total manipulation of the media and through them members of the public, by all forms of malicious groups of people and individuals.
About the architecture along Northbourne Avenue
The saga of the proposed Garden Bridge over the Thames in London has been well covered in the UK press. It is indeed a saga. It is about a folly.
click on the banner – and bookmark the page by Jan Bridges.
It was on hearing certain phrases used over and over again on Australian TV programs talking about the 2016 US election campaign that I became suspicious that we were witnessing a lazy press.
Almost daily the media was taking the same phrases and words and using them over and over again – with no evidence that they could be accurate except that they were the words and phrases being used by most journalists and commentators at the time.
On the basis we were supposed to accept their words as fact.
Exhibition of Regis Lansac’s photographs at Janet Clayton Gallery:
3-28 May 2017 – click here for more on the-ARTMUSEum.com
There is no doubt that Anzac Parade is very special.
There’s an article in Straits Times about photographer Koh Kim Chay and his decades of photographing the ubiquitous government flats of Singapore.
Music Review: Rhiannon Giddens: Freedom Highway, February 2017My comments have nit changed much from my previous post on Rhiannon Giddens: This 2017 album features a woman with a strong and beautiful voice – singing folk songs of America – making very beautiful Americana music.
Wonderful music from Ry Cooder – see Youtube below..
Totally recommended readingThe theme being – Future thinking
From the publishers:
Although the term and precise starting point might be disputed, many anthropologists believe that ‘behavioural modernity’ – when certain traits such as abstract thinking and symbolic behaviour are said to have emerged in humans – started around 50,000 years ago.
David Marr – The White QueenFrom the publishers: Most Australians despise what Pauline Hanson stands for, yet politics in this country is now orbiting around One Nation. In this timely Quarterly Essay, David Marr looks at Australia’s politics of fear, resentment and race. Who votes One Nation, and why? How much of this is due to inequality? How much to racism? How should the major parties respond to anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim voices? What damage do Australia’s new entrepreneurs of hate inflict on the nation?
Review: Triplicate – 3 CDs, 2017Here’s a challenge – Bob Dylan in slow swing doing this set of 30 songs. I recommend listening to these with the volume up – not soft.
I enjoyed 2015’s Shadows in the Night & also the 2016’s Fallen Angels. I recommend both of those albums.
This is an official white house photo (or at least a cropped version)
Recommended: The Monthly April 2017.This is a must read for the articles on the ALT-Right by Richard Cooke – who pulls no punches and tells it as we all know it but it seems few in the press are game to do – well done Richard; and then there’s a condemning article – with maybe far too much detail – but totally providing an accurate picture of the damage done to the NBN by Malcolm Turnbull and his pals. And what a cover!
Nice online exhibition of photographs – from The Washington Post – click here.
To link to a review of The National at the Art Gallery of NSW – click here.
I cannot be! That it is 50 years since at around 11pm when I was suppose to be asleep in bed, that I heard this music coming from the lounge room.
Back in 1996, Philip Bentley, Melbourne historian, wrote a thesis on the history of the Melbourne photographers, Group M.
Oh how we wish for more voices to be critical of the current political class and their hangers-on – and I include many journalists as being hangers-on.
It had to happen. According to recent reports – roast potatoes were in the frame for causing cancer. Science says…
Click on the image for the story about a book on one wonderful aspect of Singapore culture
Martin Kantor Portrait Prize EntryApplications close: 31st May 2017
click on image for more….
click on the image
George Bell (1920 – 2008) was member of Group M – in Melbourne.
This is an exhibition at photoaccess (Canberra) curated by Ashley Lumb and Laura McLean.
The local press has done its usual things and come on board with the government and the developers to spruik the imminent construction of buildings in the centre of Canberra.
Celebrating with visual art and music
click on image for more….
click on the image for the website – Women Photograph
A selection of photographs taken from one of Frank Hurley’s books…
one of the pleasures of life – relaxing and watching the birds..
Time for some fun – and a new song from Randy Newman…
Book Review: Girt: The Unauthorised History of Australia -David HuntMy knowledge of Australian history is patchy – I know the basics and much more. History interest me but usually most history books are far too dry. Then along comes this book with that title: GIRT.
Once upon a time thought The Rolling Stones were one of the great rock’n’roll bands – who also occasionally sang the blues. In between those early years and now there was not a lot of great music from the Stones – loads of concerts and a mix of music – some good and some ok. Would they ever make great music again?
Book ReviewStill Lucky, Rebecca Huntley, 2017. This is a good book. The message is clear – Australians are far more optimistic than we have been led to believe by our governments and the media. This researcher has done the research, travelled the country, talked to loads of people over many years. If you are interested in her reports on her research and comments – this book will give you all that and more.
The Place in Sydney for all manner of gifts and good buys – recommended.
Review: Everywhere I Look, Helen GarnerHere’s a good read. Being a selection of essays and diary notes based on many events and sometimes those quite happenings that one observes.
I have not read any Helen Garner’s work but have a reasonable awareness of the topics she writes on. Other reviewers have related this work to previous writings – for me I had to take it all on face value.
click on the image for the story of how art galleries could make a stand against the Trump actions on equity and immigration.
It’s Chinese New Year again (28th January). This time around it is the year of the rooster.
Continue reading Year of the Rooster – Time to revamp Dickson Chinatown
OMG – is this really 2017 – or 1984. Click on image for the story
click on the image for the wise words about dealing with Trump
click on the image for the story behind these ‘we the people’ posters
click on the image for the article.
click on the image for the article
At the meeting in August 2016 on the government’s proposals to redevelop the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin, the main line taken by the government was that their proposals were based on the Griffin Legacy.
They have tried before and have failed–but this time they have got their way.
A word or two on the media and journalism – click on the image above
Picking up on an online article by Dr Martin Hirst where he lays out some of the problems with journalisms – I offer the following additional thoughts.
Here’s a highly recommended album for those who want to hear good Americana with a touch of rock. This is a best of Paul Thorn-2016 album – two discs. Rating 4/5
click on the image for The Guardian story – and weep about how Turnbull has set the ACB up to be dragged into the gutter.
Expressions of Interest are due by 5pm on 3 February 2017
click on the image for the story
The Place in Sydney for all manner of gifts and good buys – recommended.
Travel around Canberra and/or many cities anywhere and there is now evidence that we all love to light up our days and nights to celebrate Christmas.
A very good piece by Jack Waterford about Canberra. Click on the image
I have been buying apple computers since about 1991. Most of time I have been very impressed.
Click on the image to see the point being made – it’s a good one!
Feel like some laid back almost soporific songs as if you had wandered into a quite bar or club. And some music that does not quite follow current americana, rock, blues or jazz trends.
Here’s an album of all of that and a little more. Admittedly I am a fan of Howe Gelb and Giant Sands music – but this is not his usual fare. Yes it still has that Arizona feel but it is very laid back – and enjoyable.
We have reached the point that flying anywhere is no longer an human experience we should consider unless you are able to book business class seats.
Louise Grayson, Queensland University of Technology (this essay was originally published in The Conversation)
One of the pleasures of life is a great cup of coffee and a real baguette.
Julianne Schultz, Griffith University (This has been reprinted from The Conversation)
They have tried before and I am sure they will keep trying till they get their way.
The visual arts in Canberra is a very active scene. It has been thus for several decades.
One very nice recording just out by Suzanne Vega.
Usually at this time of the year, I am looking forward to the coming visual arts exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA).
Continue reading Versailles at the NGA–a summer of glitz, cake and unsettled staff
For many years tourists regarded Singapore as a stop over to somewhere else. Most spent a night or three but rarely much more.
The Curious Story of Malcolm Turnbull, the Incredible Shrinking Man in the Top HatI wrote briefly about this earlier – and as I said before – it’s a book for anyone puzzled by the current loser who is Prime Minister.
click here for more on the book and here’s an article by the author about his dilemma–click here.”
Here’s a fun story about two musicians and how they made this album. They hopped on the train and then jumped off at stops along the way to record a song – while making sure they were back on board as the train left. And yes – the music is good stuff. Definitely worth a listen if you are a follower of Billy Bragg and Joe Henry. Click here for more on the album.
click on image for the story in The Guardian
The Curious Story of Malcolm Turnbull, the Incredible Shrinking Man in the Top HatHere’s a book for anyone puzzled by the current loser who is Prime Minister. I am still reading it… click here or on the image. and here’s an article by the author about his dilemma–click here. Review to follow…..
Yes, there’s a new album out by our man, Leonard Cohen.
click on image for more on this public art festival
A collaboration between the writer George Monbiot and musician Ewan McLennan seeking to use music and word to open up the issue of loneliness and bring people together.
I have posted previously about driving to Sydney – and – about the drive to Melbourne and the coffee stops along the way. Here’s a few more things to consider.
Just when things were getting stupid in most sectors of Australian politics, up pops another idiot. These people vote!
Neil Young news – coming to the 2017 Byron Bay Bluesfest – online notice click here.
How does the weather affect us?
Here’s an album for the many Van Morrison fans. They will love it.
Have a look at the photograph above – taken from the Canberra Times.
A report that signals the ever increasing problems Australians have with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (the ABC) inaccurate reporting on issues.
This essay by Don Watson, is totally recommended. If you are wondering what is going on with the USA and what is happening to democracy, then read this. It is not necessarily about Trump, but more about Don Watson’s observations of the American people and how they have ended up in this place – it is logical. This is in fact where the USA is today.
National Trust of Australia (ACT) hosted a public Heritage Election Forum at St John’s church hall in Reid last Thursday night 22 September.
click on image for story
The photographer, Harold Cazneaux is an important early 20th Century artist in the history of Australia photography.
Now here’s an idea. Should we recognise the worst architecture?
Canberra is usually referred to as being a designed and/or planned city. Continue reading Government Architect – what’s that?
more on the debate around those horrible tall buildings – click on the above banner
A new song from Nick Cave – one you may need to stop and listen to especially when you realise when he wrote it – just after his son had died. Continue reading Nick Cave
