Bottomless pit of shonkiness

With reports of widespread corruption in the Victorian government's multibillion dollar infrastructure programme, the Big Build will turn out to be a massive rort. 

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/alleged-big-build-union-corruption-may-have-cost-victorians-up-to-30-billion/ar-AA1W7HN7?ocid=BingNewsSerp

 

Son of the father

This is a neat summary of Christology, as outlined in the first chapter of the New Testament book of Hebrews. Some errant pseudo-Christian new religious movements need to be reminded that Jesus is God, and not a created being. 

Unity over division

While recognising that some Australians, Australia Day is a day of pain, it can still be celebrated in a reflective frame of mind. Australia Day brings people together to celebrate in different ways, with  community events, recognition of local achievements, and by sharing food, music, and laughter. I cherish the chance to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and celebrating the unique outdoors, humour, and diverse cultures that define Australia.

Editorial. Australia Day protests show much work to do on civics | The Australian

Secularised Christmas

Clickbait article from the Daily Mail Australia about Carols by Candlelight, held in Melbourne, Australia, on Christmas Eve. This is lazily written. All the writer needs to do is collate some social media activity, with anonymous attribution for legal reasons, and the article writes itself.

As for the event itself, it was well done as a television production. Unlike in recent years, none of the performers forgot the stage etiquette of appearing in an ensemble setting, by upstaging other performers.

This is what did not sit well with me. Why did it take almost an hour of running time before an actual Christmas carol was sung? And why was not Jesus mentioned, even once? 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15411465/Nine-Carols-Candlelight-viewers-slam-Sammy-J.html

Guilty before proven otherwise

Just like Lady Macbeth's "damn spot," some Australian critics see that Australia has a great collective national guilt that it can never assuage. 

Somebody had to say it

Josh Frydenberg, former Australian federal treasurer, and prominent member of the Australian Jewish community, delivered an impassioned speech at the makeshift memorial to the victims of the December 14 Islamist terror attacks. Evil cannot go unchallenged.  

https://thenightly.com.au/opinion/ben-harvey-power-pain-and-a-path-forward-why-josh-frydenbergs-bondi-speech-was-so-important-c-21033867

Give your ears a treat

The Christmas song, The Little Drummer Boy, is well known to many audiences around the world. I had no idea that Bob Seger had recorded a version of it back in 1987. That's so 20th century, man. A raspy voiced singer shows that he also has an introspective side.