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Find out what’s being said, debated, and discussed in the world of books and ideas.
As I was watching hailstones the size of ping pong balls hit the roadway last week, I thought to myself: “Is this climate change at work?” It got me thinking about the proposed Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. In a nutshell, the scheme looks to reduce carbon emissions in Australia by between 5% and 25% by the year 2020. It’s a cap and trade scheme, which means that producers of carbon will have to pay $10 per tonne of carbon dioxide they create (in the beginning), and it will eventually be a tradeable commodity in 2012. The money raised will go towards creating greener power sources. All good – I like it. Continue reading
I’ve just arrived at Sydney airport and the smell of the taxi I rode here in is mysteriously still caught in my throat. An interesting scent that borders somewhere between mould, body odour and sweaty feet – and maybe a touch of air freshener. I take a deep breath to try and clear it, but soon realise that I need something wet to move the sensation along. Even though I’m already late for my flight, I hustle through security and head directly to the nearest shop, the whole way trying to decide what liquid would best neutralise what I’m feeling. Continue reading
Every time you make someone laugh, you should get paid. Even if you don’t know the person.
I know it sounds impractical and ridiculous, but people that make you laugh are more socially valuable than people who are serious. Far more valuable. If you give me a chance I think you’ll agree. Think about the funniest person you know. Imagine their face. Really picture it. You’re smiling aren’t you? You can’t help it. Continue reading
Where have all the good ideas gone?
I set myself a challenge today, to come up with just one really good idea. Something original, something ground-breaking. It sounds easy doesn’t it? Just one idea. The measurement criteria are threefold: the idea must have a business application, and if the idea was put into production it would help thousands of people and also make money. Continue reading
I went to Michael’s funeral today.
The funeral director did a speech about losing people that we love – I could tell that he had done the speech many times. The congregation then listened to Michael’s best friend do the eulogy; everyone laughed in the right places and smiled when they remembered Michael’s peculiar and intelligent sense of humour. “Michael had three loves,” his friend told us.
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