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Created
Thu, 23/07/2020 - 07:15
On July 21, the Alternative Federal Budget Recovery Plan was released. The document aims to provide public policy direction to Canada’s federal government, in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. I was author of the Recovery Plan’s chapter on affordable housing and homelessness, which can be accessed here.
Created
Sun, 19/07/2020 - 23:10
And while we’re on the subject of toys and childhoods, here’s a shameless plug for my new feature documentary BATMAN AND ME. The movie presents the experience of Batman collector Darren Maxwell, who begins his hobby in 1989 and winds up addicted to buying Batman merchandise. It’s currently streaming as a part of the Melbourne […]
Created
Tue, 14/07/2020 - 23:38
Modern Monetary Theory or MMT has crept in from the academic margins to become an influential doctrine in progressive policy circles in the United States. Both Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders drew on the ideas of MMT to shape their ambitious public spending platforms. MMT has been cited as one way to fund a Green New Deal, in combination with [...]
Created
Fri, 10/07/2020 - 16:37
Why do those people who agitate for a fixed exchange rate between currencies also advocate for a floating rate between government bonds and the currency? If a move between bonds and currency needs to be discouraged by a floating rate, then why doesn’t a move between a local currency and a foreign currency need to be discouraged by a floating rate? If the Euro is such a great idea across such a wide area, why aren’t Eurozone government bonds payable at par on demand at any bank in the Eurozone?
Created
Thu, 09/07/2020 - 21:30

[ This blog post was cross-posted from the blog at Software Freedom Conservancy where I work. ]

I've been concerned this week about aggressive negative reaction (by some) to the formation of an additional organization to serve the Free and Open Source (FOSS) community. Thus it seems like a good moment to remind everyone why we all benefit when we welcome newcomer organizations in FOSS.

Created
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 11:05
Changed situations for learning

The epidemic, and the lockdown responses to it, have shifted the ground for great numbers of students. School closures meant a vast number of families suddenly had to do home-schooling and distance education. University closures have driven students online, even more than they were before. With social distancing, peer groups have been disbanded and many of the opportunities for informal learning have gone.
Created
Thu, 02/07/2020 - 09:52
No matter where you are in Australia or how you are impacted by COVID-19, this weekend you can come together with fellow fans in a two day watch-along marathon, organised by past DWCA president Dallas Jones! Full details of the epic two day event are included below. THE 4TH & 5TH AUSTRALIAN DOCTOR WHO WATCH-ALONGS 4TH — “DALEK” & “THE LONG GAME” ON SATURDAY JULY 4TH 5TH — “TERROR OF THE ZYGONS” ON SATURDAY JULY 11TH HOW THEY WILL WORK For Dalek and The Long Game we understand that you have the option to watch it streaming on either Stan… Continue reading