We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others.

- Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Of Interest

By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

Bulletin 7 - 30 May 2023

The community radio station where I broadcast, Radio Skid Row, is having a fundraiser! You can just donate, but there's also plenty of perks you can get too. My show is "Roving Spotlight", and I say it is Ripley's believe it or not for ideas, along with all the letters to the editor that I never had published. You can check it out here.On this website, I recently wrote an article on Modern Monetary Theory, https://johnaugust.com.au/article/modern-monetary-theory .
By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

Aboriginal Art and Australia

Back around 2010, I wrote this article on Aboriginal Art in Australia, focusing on the artist Gordon Syron. It was originally published on the "Home Page Daily" website, I've since found an original copy for this website.

Gordon Syron is an Aboriginal artist who understands the market better than most, having run an art gallery in conjunction with his partner Elaine. It's a closed shop - particularly for Aborigines. Gordon : "the whites have stolen our land - and now they're trying to steal from our culture as well.".

By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

Abiogenesis - the Chemical origins of life

I've been interested in Abiogenesis, or the chemical origins of life, for quite some time. It was something I struggled with, but the explanations I heard around the traps just didn't cut it - there wasn't enough detail, at the same time as I'd struggle with the advanced chemical papers.

But over time, I did develop some familiarity with the ideas. I gave a talk to the Sydney Futurists on the subject here. My views have developed a bit since then.

By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

Environmental Speech - RHHFFPS 7th May

This is the text of a speech I gave to the Ryde-Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society on the 7th of May. I was asked to comment on environmental issues, and hope I did a decent job of that.Hello, I'm John August Fusion/Pirate party candidate for Bennelong. Within Bennelong, I often bushwalk, and have walked here from Cressy Road, I've been on your local walking tours, and have also sometimes dropped in on your outpost down the way. I'm also getting involved with the Lane Cove bushcare group, so have an additional interest in the area.
By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

I'm Being Spammed!

I'm receiving multiple similar emails from different people about the same set of causes. Sites like getup.com , dogooder.co and advocacysender.com These sites offer to back causes, monetising your desire to change the world for the better. 

By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

2022 Speech to Eastwood Chamber of Commerce

Here's the speech I gave recently to the Eastwood Chamber of Commerce on the 11th of April. At the time, I made the point of recognising that there can be good people in the Liberal Party, and good candidates , but that was in the broader context of the Morrison Government and its record. For sure, I did not want to directly have a go at the Liberal Party candidate next to me. Trying to further illustrate this duality, I noted that Menzies increased the pension and decimalised currency - but also took us to Vietnam and invited the Brits to test their nukes in our backyard.
By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

Why I am not an Australian Skeptic

Why am I not a skeptic? Well, at least, why am I not a part of organised skepticism, as claimed by the so-called Australian Skeptics, actually the NSW branch of Skepticism in Australia? It's the experiences I've had, and the resulting appreciation I developed. You might just claim it's sour grapes, but hopefully you'll find the detailed story persuasive.
By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

Jordan Peterson - A left anarchic crititique

Jordan Peterson is a professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto. A controversial figure, he has attracted much attention and criticism. Missing, however, is a critique from a left anarchic viewpoint - both Prof. Peterson and his critics have a blind spot here. I wrote this article to fill that hole.
By drupal_2_admin, 6 September, 2023

Froth Flotation and Broken Hill

Taking a look at "Froth Flotation" the technology mentioned, but not explained to my satisfaction, around Broken Hill

Some years ago, I visited Broken Hill. It is an intriguing oasis, a place of interest after driving for so long through the outback. The streets are named after minerals and chemicals, and it has made a name for itself supporting artists. The Mullock heap has a memorial to industrial accidents and a restaurant - a creative use of the discards from mining. You'll find numerous musems around the way. In nearby Silverton there's the Mad Max Museum.

Of Interest