“Taxation without representation is a tyranny… I am unable to pay money to the state, as I am not allowed to exercise any control over its expenditure.” – Princess Sophia’s response in court, on charges of refusing to pay licence… Read More ›
history
those who do not know are doomed to repeat etc, besides it’s fascinating
Talk like a pirate day Friday Hoyden: Sayyida al Hurra
It be that time o’ the year once more when we don our arrghs and polish up our mateys for tomorrow’s Talk Like a Pirate Day (19th September). It’s a great time to remind ourselves that women could be just… Read More ›
Letters to Tiptree: what does it mean to “write like a man”?
In Letters to Tiptree, forty writers, editors, critics, and fans address questions of gender, of sexuality, of the impossibility and joy of knowing someone only through their fiction and biography. They reminisce about the impact of Tiptree’s work, about teaching her stories, and about what it means that a woman can write “like a man”.
Brainstorming session: Shakespeare 400
Here’s a little bit of Australian history trivia: the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death coincided with the first celebration of ANZAC day. Sydney’s Shakespeare memorialists had spent four years planning major events, including booking the fanciest theatre in town for… Read More ›
Friday Hoyden: Bree Newsome
After the murder of nine people at a Bible study group in a church in South Carolina, USA, in a white supremacist terrorist massacre specifically targeting black Americans, many people’s patience has run out with the display of racist symbols… Read More ›
Media Circus: the “to no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay justice” edition
So this week marks a big round number anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta. I’m expecting our Prime Minister will say something especially cringeworthy to mark the occasion.
What news items have caught your interest lately?
Vale Joan Kirner 1938-2015
Australia’s first female premier, 1990-92 in Victoria, has died aged 76.
Media Circus: Lest We Forget edition
The enduring lesson I learnt about ANZAC Day from the family members who served in either/both World Wars is that political incompetence costs lives, and that the sacrifices made by the dead are best honoured by the rest of us keeping a really close eye on our political class. I wish our mainstream media understood this ongoing need for vigilance better right now.
What’s piqued your media interests lately?
Friday Hoyden: Hildegard von Bingen
Long ago I promised a set of the “three wise H’s”. After Hrotsvit and Heloise, we are overdue to hear about Hildegard, and Good Friday seems like the perfect time to promote one of the great medieval Christian philosophers. She… Read More ›
Please don’t liken yourselves to Rosa Parks
Please don’t say that having lunch at a male membership only club makes you like Rosa Parks.