australia Archive

  • <p>There’s been a whole bunch of grunting from the pig pen of what passes for political debate in this country of late bemoaning the lack of separation between church and state. I’m and strong atheist and secular humanist and I’ve had enough of it.</p> <p>Let’s start with the fundamentals – section 116 of the Constitution:</p> <blockquote><p>The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.</p></blockquote><p> […]</p>

    Separation of Church and State in Australia

    Posted on 30 December, 2011 | 2 Comments

    There’s been a whole bunch of grunting from the pig pen of what passes for political debate in this country of late bemoaning the lack of separation between church and state. I’m and strong atheist and secular humanist and I’ve had enough of it.

    Let’s start with the fundamentals – section 116 of the Constitution:

    The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.

    […]

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  • <p>Two months ago I tore the medial meniscus cartilage in my knee. Yesterday I had an arthroscopy operation to clean up the ragged bits in order to get me back to full activity. This post is a few notes on the experience which show that Einstein was right and that everything depends on the frame of reference of the observer.</p> <p>The weirdest aspect of going in for surgery is the disconnect between the hospital and medical staff and me and I suppose other patients). This is not to say that I’m unhappy with my treatment – I’m very satisfied. The […]</p>

    Anaesthetic and Time Travel

    Posted on 4 November, 2011 | 1 Comment

    Two months ago I tore the medial meniscus cartilage in my knee. Yesterday I had an arthroscopy operation to clean up the ragged bits in order to get me back to full activity. This post is a few notes on the experience which show that Einstein was right and that everything depends on the frame of reference of the observer.

    The weirdest aspect of going in for surgery is the disconnect between the hospital and medical staff and me and I suppose other patients). This is not to say that I’m unhappy with my treatment – I’m very satisfied. The […]

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  • <p><strong>Title: </strong>Zombie Myths of Australian Military History<br /> <strong>Author</strong>: Craig Stockings (editor)<br /> <strong>Paperback</strong>: 288 pages<br /> <strong>Publisher</strong>: University of New South Wales Press (2010)<br /> <strong>Language</strong>: English</p> <p>A fascinating look at the difference between received ideas and facts. It covers ten major historical myths across 200 years from the original settlement of the country by Europeans to our recent involvements in Southeast Asia and East Timor. It strives to show the reasons or circumstances which created and have sustained each zombie myth until it gained a life of it own and needs no more prompting. In many cases, the […]</p>

    Review: Australian Zombie Myths

    Posted on 11 June, 2010 | 3 Comments

    Title: Zombie Myths of Australian Military History
    Author: Craig Stockings (editor)
    Paperback: 288 pages
    Publisher: University of New South Wales Press (2010)
    Language: English

    A fascinating look at the difference between received ideas and facts. It covers ten major historical myths across 200 years from the original settlement of the country by Europeans to our recent involvements in Southeast Asia and East Timor. It strives to show the reasons or circumstances which created and have sustained each zombie myth until it gained a life of it own and needs no more prompting. In many cases, the […]

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