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We need the authorities in these times of crisis, but that doesn't mean we can trust them
Opinion
Opinion

We need the authorities in these times of crisis, but that doesn't mean we can trust them

We need to trust the authorities with increased power during the pandemic. But they need to earn that trust, every day, by not exceeding their already oppressive powers.

  • by John Birmingham

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Classic novels in the time of novel coronavirus

Classic novels in the time of novel coronavirus

With a little tweaking, literature can really speak to us prisoners of the plague.

  • by John Birmingham
One of the real heroes during the virus crisis delivered your pizza
Opinion
Queensland

One of the real heroes during the virus crisis delivered your pizza

When everything is falling apart, it is often average people doing normal things who are the true heroes – and the ones we must honour.

  • by John Birmingham
Trapped working from home? Here's my pro survival tips
Opinion
Opinion

Trapped working from home? Here's my pro survival tips

I am Gen X and I have been training for this my whole life.

  • by John Birmingham
Conan the Deliverer of Wisdom (but not Scrolls of Sorbent)
Opinion
Opinion

Conan the Deliverer of Wisdom (but not Scrolls of Sorbent)

As the dark coronavirus plague descends and the panicked villagers rush for toilet rolls, hearken to the words of the mighty Conan.

  • by John Birmingham
When the coronapocalypse is over, I’m never washing my hands again
Opinion
Satire

When the coronapocalypse is over, I’m never washing my hands again

I’ve washed them so many thousands of times the last few days that I have scrubbed off every loop and whorl of my fingerprints and clogged up every pore with soap.

  • by John Birmingham
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What they're not telling you about the Great Baboon Escape
Opinion
Satire

What they're not telling you about the Great Baboon Escape

Nobody in the so-called "responsible" media will tell you this, so it falls to me to screech an appropriate warning about the great baboon escape yesterday. The Danger Has Not Passed.

  • by John Birmingham
Brisbane Metro could be cool – if it gets more than a ghost of a chance

Brisbane Metro could be cool – if it gets more than a ghost of a chance

Brisbane's Metro may seem underwhelming but it's an important first step for an increasingly gridlocked city.

  • by John Birmingham
Slowly, surely and quietly, electric vehicles are here – let the battle begin
Opinion
Opinion

Slowly, surely and quietly, electric vehicles are here – let the battle begin

There are few tech sectors more likely to be turned into battle grounds for our never-ending culture war than the car industry.

  • by John Birmingham
The NBN is coming for me and I can not slip through the net
Opinion
NBN

The NBN is coming for me and I can not slip through the net

I'm terrified because the few people I know who do admit to having NBN don’t like to talk about it.

  • by John Birmingham
Take off those Cheeky Monkey PJs because this sickness is not a dream

Take off those Cheeky Monkey PJs because this sickness is not a dream

This week’s story about the Chinese response to a deadly virus outbreak had none of charm of the pyjama party in the previous week.

  • by John Birmingham

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/blunt-instrument-1r9