During the Federal Election, Darlene had a bit to say, as well as to drink. For no extra price, here for the first time ever in one handy compilation are some edited extracts of some of her sycophantic and whiny ramblings, because as an ALP hackette she loves misery and nostalgia (“If only Mark was […]

Since the author only admits to being an ALP member in impolite company and when appearing on our national broadcaster (“Yes, John Howard is just horrible, Phillip, sweetie”), it was with much courage and alcohol that she once again braved a local branch to find out what the party is like on the inside. What […]

There has been a lot of discussion lately about what’s wrong with the ALP. Some say it’s the leader, others opine that policy is the problem, while right-wing bloggers and boys in suits just have a good old chuckle at the comrades and the mates. ALP hackette, Darlene, finally emerging after a post-election break before […]

Cinema seems overly interested in geeks. This fascination appears to have been driven by a desire to confirm how adept everyone else in comparison. While occasionally eliciting sympathy, nerds have allowed us feel relieved we don’t wear plaid, excel at science or have a name like Eugene. Fortunately for those who have only been represented […]

S’pose I should say something about the election in the United States. I suppose I should, but I’m not going to. If I had spent last night watching news and current affairs, and, heaven forbid, reading broadsheets I probably would opine away, as will surely be the style on blogs today. However, in anticipation of […]

With the concept of Reclaim the Night (RTN) first emerging in the late 1970s, it has become an annual opportunity for Brisbane women to protest against the violence which confines and damages their lives. A couple of banners flourished during last night’s rally exclaimed, “Expecting to get respect” and “Silence is not the answer”. Although […]

The final episodes of the mock documentary The Office plumb the depths of despair, but ultimately celebrate the importance of having people in our lives who accept us for who we are. Emerging at a time when many comedies were pursuing the lazy path of sending up other shows, The Office’s perceptive, if somewhat brutal; […]

Back in the days when most cars were manual, we’d talk about “dropping the clutch”. In fact, this was the opposite of what you would do. “Dropping the clutch” meant pushing the accelerator to the floor and engaging the clutch quickly. Your foot, and the clutch pedal, went up, while the clutch moved horizontally – […]

Not unlike someone whose romantic advances have been spurned, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) is currently giving itself a tough time thinking it is not good enough for the object of its affections. Of course, the ALP’s woes come not just from itself, but also from those it pursued and what they expect from a […]

After failing to convince security staff I was a serious journalist and/or a Liberal, I spent last Sunday at the anti-Howard rally outside the party’s campaign launch. Let me tell you, it is not easy covering a demonstration hostile to conservatives when dressed in a frock Princess Di would have worn before her divorce, while […]