Outrageous overreaction to Beaconsfield musical
By Joshua Cameron - Collingwood, Vic
I just want to comment on the outrageous reaction to the Fringe Festival production of Beaconsfield: The Musical - a reaction most probably instigated by a journalist hack that was clearly meant to create more mileage out of the media hype that went on in 2006. The artists clearly never meant to create any disrespect to Larry Knight's family and only meant to expose the ridiculous nature of our mainstream media to conduct their shambled grasp at ratings.
A fringe show that could occupy throughout their whole season a maximum of 200 seats does not deserve the kind of slandering they are receiving. It signifies the danger of mass media generalising to obscure an extremely important part of social commentary: theatre. Satirically, or otherwise.
We should be very careful of our emotions when we have reactions such as this. None of the reporters or commentaries had any idea of what could happen in this show and the reaction created is way out of proportion and much to the imagination of what the show could even contain, if not even before it had opened.
Govt payment not a solution
A one-off payment is welcomed by all people who will receive it, especially just before Christmas. But it will not solve anything. The rate for pensioners needs to be increased, as this will assist with their day to day needs. The reduction in interest rates by the RBA will not solve anything either. The USA and Japan had rates down to 1 or zero per cent. Banks cannot obtain the funding they need to lend to their clients - fix this first.
Simon - Petrie, QldWhat about first home buyers?
I am deeply shocked about the situation with the bank deposit guarantee. To limit to such a low amount is a serious problem for me.
I am to be a first home buyer who is saving hard instead of getting into extreme levels of debt. Now they will not guarantee my house deposit! What is wrong with this government? Bail out the the indebted but don't guarantee the savers?
Government, you better rethink your decision for the sake of future first home buyers and their house deposit.
Graham Helwig - Athelstone, SAWhere's it all going?
How is it a rich country like Australia with all its minerals cannot sustain a value dollar against countries like the Philippines and other Asian countries? America is supposed to be in trouble but it looks like Australia is going down the shoot quicker. I've always wondered what royalties are paid to the Government for the export of our minerals. The Island of Nauru has, or rather had, only one mineral. Yes a small population but I'd guarantee per capita Australia would be far more advantaged than Nauru. Where is the money going?
Rob Spurway - Maroochydore, QldTourism campaign a hit
Re: New Australian tourism campaign. That was the most beautiful piece of advertising I have seen from any Australian producer in a very long time. It was more like a short film with story, rhythm and beautiful cinematography rather than an ad. It is (thankfully) a far cry from the echoes of 'where the bloody hell are ya?'. I'm glad Australian tourism funds are finally being well spent.
Emma - Mosman Park, WAHappiness the greatest wealth
The reason for the fall in value of the Australian dollar is simply that the banks have been permitted to print money way in excess of the value of the country. The mint is left printing Monopoly money as a substitute for wealth. On that score, if you can laugh and be happy occasionally, then I think you are amongst the most wealthy people on the planet.
Douglas Beames - Brisbane, QldSuch is life!
A guarantee for bank deposits is a great idea, but all financial institutions and super funds? Surely not such a great idea.
I chose a very conservative option for my super in case the share market went belly-up. Those who made less conservative choices made huge gains initially, but also took the risk of a change in market fortunes. Such is life!
The greater the risk, the greater the potential for loss or gain. If the Government indemnifies all losses, why take the conservative option?
A bargaining paradise
With the nervous nellies dropping their holdings like the sky is falling, the share market is quickly becoming a bargain hunter's paradise.
History tells us that markets always come back eventually, and with some managed funds down over 55 per cent from their last November high, the bottom is approaching. Your rule should be never sell, but buy when the market is down, just like Warren Buffett says.
David Fredericks - Toowoomba, QLDThe beginning of the end?
Are we witnessing the beginning of the end of our civilisation? A civilisation built on the ruthless exploitation of the earth's resources to feed never-ending and increasing levels of consumption and waste?
Let's face it - human beings have been taking and taking and putting nothing back for centuries.
It seems to me that the basic foundation of our civilisation, our economic model, is flawed as it is based on limitless resources. Until we can develop an alternative measure of wellbeing other that the material and personal wealth we will continue to suffer these wild gyrations in our "sense of wellbeing".
Bill Cuneo - Fremantle, WAGive the banks a break
I think everyone should take a breath on the fact the banks have not passed on the full interest rate reduction. It does keep the banks liquid and stable and as most of the people making comments in this column will in fact be shareholders via their super funds, what they lose on the reduction will be gained in their fund in the long-term.
George Lodge - Bentley, WASearch for news
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In Brief
Why is there this madness to go autograph hunting? And why do people get excited giving their autograph? Ringo, you shoulda stopped it 40 years ago.
Cary R Scotton - Gladstone, QldHeaps of bouquets to the writers/actors/producers of brilliant show The Hollowmen.
It was without a doubt one of the best shows we have viewed on ABC TV. We particularly loved the laconic character played by Merrick Watts. Great acting on everybody's behalf. Will there be another series? We hope so!!! Once again, well done.
Christine Marsden - Glengowrie, SAI don't agree that doing more than 15 hours of voluntary work is harmful mentally. I am the treasurer and book-keeper of a big non-profit cultural organisation and I often work more than 30 hours a week. I strongly believe in 'if you use it, you don't lose it.'
Michael Kennedy - Vaucluse, NSWI agree wholeheartedly that the environment deserves, for all our sakes, to be treated as well as the economy. In this context, we should think that if fuel prices were to fall due to a world recession, then the Australian (and other governments around the world) should artificially raise the price of petrol, though tax to encourage research and development of alternative non-fossil fuels.
Peter Eynaud - Surrey Hills, VICThere must be a system to ensure good performance in state public schools. As parents and guardians, we wanted value for taxpayers' money and good academic performance besides an education. We really need to watch what our children are achieving in maths and the sciences if we are to have a future.
Anne and Steven Chu - Ballajura, WA
