Go read John Birmingham’s angry rant about the government’s recent straight-up racist demonisation of Sudanese migrants. I was so angry with immigration minister Kevin Andrews last week I couldn’t actually write for fear my brain would explode. Birmingham has let his explode — and the world is a better place for it.
What is my degrading media designation?
Author John Birmingham writes (well, of course he writes, he’s an author):
I recently saw myself described as an ‘overrated misanthropic pot monster.’ I liked that so much I’m thinking of getting a tee shirt printed. It made me think of [writing a column] on the topic of media tags, you know — adjective adjective noun. But I couldn’t get four hundred words out of it. So I thought I’d throw it out here. Invent your own degrading media tag.
I like the challenge. I haven’t thought up one for him. But I’m wondering… What would be a good “degrading media designation” for me? And, for that matter, for the Prime Minister?
(On the latter, “lying rodent” doesn’t count. It has to have two adjectives. Even though a Google search on “lying rodent” gives you… well, look for yourself.)
Three Friday Rants
Ah, yet another busy week! So that I have at least some content to offer, here’s links to three pieces I found worthwhile.
- Fag daddy: John Birmingham’s take on this week’s “debate” about gay marriage.
- Political correctness, John Howard-style: It’s four years old now, but it’s still a good explanation by Labor’s deputy leader Julia Gillard of why John Howard and his far-right media cheer squad are out of touch with the values of the majority.
- Why Everything You Think You Know About Blog Architecture is Wrong: OK, a bit geeky. But you might see some of these thoughts reflected in this very website soon.
It’s not a “space”, it’s a “market”
Of all the current corporate buzzwords, “space” shits me the most. I’ve been meaning to write about it, but web pioneer Marc Andreessen got there first:
There is no such thing as a “space”.
There is such a thing as a market — that’s a group of people who will directly or indirectly pay money for something.
There is such a thing as a product — that’s an offering of a new kind of good or service that is brought to a market.
There is such a thing as a company — that’s an organized business entity that brings a product to a market.
Marc’s article goes on to explain why there’s no such thing as “Web 2.0” either — in fact that’s its main thrust. It’s worth reading.
Hell, his entire blog is worth reading.
On the other hand, William Shakespeare is worth reading too.
So are P J O’Rourke, Daniel Petre, George Orwell, David Marr, John Birmingham, James Burke, George Lakoff, Brian Eno, Lao Tsu, Sherry Turkle, Steven Levy, Neal Stephenson, Umberto Eco, Richard Watts, Paul Graham, Bruce Schneier, Father Bob Maguire, Matt Ridley, Daniel Dennett, Zern Liew, Steven Levitt… but you’ve just got to draw the line somewhere!
If I ever become an Evil Overlord…
… then here’s the plan: Follow the advice given in The Top 100 Things I’d Do If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord. Including:
- My Legions of Terror will have helmets with clear plexiglass visors, not face-concealing ones.
- I will not interrogate my enemies in the inner sanctum — a small hotel well outside my borders will work just as well.
- If my advisors ask “Why are you risking everything on such a mad scheme?”, I will not proceed until I have a response that satisfies them.
- My vats of hazardous chemicals will be covered when not in use. Also, I will not construct walkways above them.
Sure, the list is a decade old, but I only found out about it just now from author John Birmingham, who continues the discussion.
Post 100: Thinking about Values
Writing this, my 100th blog post, has set me a-thinkin’ about why. Why I’m writing a blog, yes, but also why I’m doing lots of things. Why I’m frustrated by the work I’m doing. Why I love Sydney (and Melbourne, don’t feel left out, folks). Why I get passionate about certain issues in the media.
Actually, I’ve been thinking about these things for some time, but writing this post focussed my thoughts. And while doing so, the word “values” turned up — twice. Once for the current public debate about “Australian values”. And again when my friend and colleague Zern Liew asked me to list my own “personal values”.