8º of latitude

Richard Laidlaw on things that interest, engage and enrage

  • Originally posted on Tom Benner Reports: Op-ed published in Today, Feb. 27, 2013 By Tom Benner It would not be like forward-looking Singapore to ignore the factors that will determine its future. Nor would Singaporeans, however upset some may be over the White Paper on Population, want a Government that isn’t thinking for the long… Continue reading

  • Here’s a very thoughtful piece that deserves to be read. Continue reading

  • A Couple of Talking Points

    Jennifer Wilson, who blogs (very nicely) at No Place for Sheep, posted a piece today about women’s breasts and their right to exposure. Her post is here: http://noplaceforsheep.com/2013/02/21/breasts-nipples-breasts-nipples-breasts-breasts-nipples-breasts/. It prompted comment, including from me. Here’s what I wrote: Surely the “phwaar!” factor encompasses more than just the base sexual titillation of exposure? My Primary Question… Continue reading

  • HECTOR’S DIARY Bali Advertiser, Feb. 20, 2013

    His fortnightly diet of worms and other non-religious experiences Snow Job Kathryn Bonella, who knows a lot more about Bali’s drug scene than most people, including the police, dropped us a little line from Sydney after the last Diary, two weeks back, which took a view about the fate of convicted British drug-runner Lindsay Sandiford.… Continue reading

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  • Originally posted on British Asian Woman: Have you ever felt afraid to walk alone at night? I know I have. If I’m in a cab late at night coming home, I talk to my husband on my mobile so the cab driver knows there’s someone expecting me at home. I once even faked a conversation… Continue reading

  • HECTOR’S DIARY Bali Advertiser, Feb. 6, 2013

    His fortnightly diet of worms and other non-religious experiences   Shooting Party The fate of British drug smuggler Lindsay Sandiford is far from settled, despite Governor Pastika’s apparent belief that we should all be relaxed and comfortable with the decision of the judges at her trial in Denpasar in January to ignore the prosecution, and… Continue reading

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  • Originally posted on Lottie Nevin – The Red House Diaries: Those of you who regularly read my posts will know that I’m a sucker for markets. Clean, A/C’d malls have their place from time to time, but for the most part I’m never happier than when I’m getting down and dirty and bitten to death… Continue reading

  • Originally posted on Passionfruitcowgirl: Evilcabamba Diary #2 – Miss piggy cries wolf! In the story of The Three Little Pigs there was the one who made his house out of straw, the one who built from sticks and the last one who was (unfashionably) fond of red brick. I have had reason of late to wonder… Continue reading

  • HECTOR’S DIARY Bali Advertiser, Jan. 23, 2013

    His fortnightly diet of worms and other non-religious experiences   In the Swim We hear that Celia Gregory, the underwater sculptress, will soon be back among us. She’s coming up for air after a longish sojourn in Britain. Gregory’s interest lies in the crisis of coral – everywhere but chiefly in our own interest in… Continue reading

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  • Originally posted on No Place For Sheep: David Marr’s excellent piece in the Fairfax press yesterday is a reminder of just how conflicted our anti discrimination legislation is, and has been for some time. Exemption from the law for religious organisations means they are permitted to behave in ways that are unlawful for the rest… Continue reading