Swan River at Nedlands (i)   Still today as always the jewelled patterns of golden sand under a yacht’s suddenly buoyant keel lifting in morning sun, in bird-shallows and wavelets blown on shining pebbles and oyster-shells.   Swan River at Nedlands (ii)   How lucky, how lovely, to have the golden sands, green banks, the blue expanse of the estuary with its kites…

Seal of confession Confession is a community service, not only to restore the relationship of us sinners with God, but also to help civil authorities to preserve law and order. In the case of major wrongdoing affecting someone else, a good priest, when he hears confession, will not give absolution unless the person concerned has notified the police and makes reparation. The confessing…

Six Lies on Audiotape by Sweet Claxon Septet Gravel Rash Record Distributors CD1234 Price: $80 (digital version: fingers: $150; toes: $220) Reviewed by Sebastian Gunlighter (while the search for Tobias Eisteddfod continues) Although this disc is not really jazz, and would be expensive at half the price, it merits a review in so far as Sweet, with astonishing prophetic foresight, has informed me…

IN THE SHADOWS OF THE AMERICAN CENTURY: The Rise and Decline of U.S. Global Power by Alfred McCoy OneWorld, London Hardcover: 368 pages Price: AUD$34.99 Reviewed by Jeffry Babb It would be precipitate to declare the end of the United States empire, if ever there was such a thing. The U.S. empire is neither a maritime empire, like Britain’s, nor…

FREEDOM FROM REALITY: The Diabolical Character of Modern Liberty by D.C. Schindler University of Notre Dame Press, Indiana Hardcover: 496 pages Price: AUD$123.99 Reviewed by Brian Coman A friend who had persuaded Dr Johnston to accompany him to a musical concert noted that the great man was somewhat inattentive. “This is a very difficult piece”, said his friend. “I wish…