It's farewell to Richo, the fallible Tiger hero who everyone felt they knew

The new football season will open on Thursday with a farewell to one of the game's most popular players. Martin Flanagan reflects on a household name with a self-deprecating streak.

It borders on racism

IT IS perhaps our nation's most effective method of border protection. Quick and infinitely more cost effective than detaining and deporting "unwanted" people: just make them feel so unwanted that they deport themselves. Genius.

China's LNG hunger grows

CHINESE demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is likely to continue as the world energy market shifts away from coal, according to a new report.

Hello, possum €“ but in a hospital unit?

THIS photograph was taken in the intensive care unit at the ailing Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. Staff found the brush-tailed possum sitting among open boxes of face masks, gloves and surgical sponges, its faeces scattered across the counter.

Looking for a bargain, not a dose of ill health

SHOE warehouse owner Shona Fisher has taken a strong stance when it comes to preventing the spread of swine flu.

Wacko but warming

DO YOU realise how difficult it is tonally to write about Michael Jackson's funeral? Honestly. Not least given this particular columnist's penchant for sneering Gen X cynicism.

Swine flu cases rise to 1157

SWINE FLU is continuing to spread throughout NSW with four people in intensive care, 22 in hospital and 1157 confirmed with the virus, although the real figure is likely to be much higher, health authorities say.

Swine flu spreads fears of poisoned chalice

SWINE flu has derailed one of the most sacred rites of the Catholic Church.

Chicken Wings

No hiding in masks

Changes Get Hold On Mould

IMPROVED air-conditioning and a plastic wall dividing John Hunter Hospital's medical records department have reduced the need for staff to wear face masks to protect themselves from mould.

A Hacking Cough Or Carry The Flag?

GRANT HACKETT wrote an interesting piece in his blog this week, confirming he is so fearful of catching an infection in the lead-up to the Olympics that he is wearing a face mask while around us lepers of the general public, and won't even touch handrails. He also wrote: "I can confirm I won't be participating in the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Games. For me, it's really not worth it and even if I was offered the opportunity to carry the flag, I would say no, despite what an honour it would ...

Mugged In Print By Bigots In Righteous Masks

It is a good idea to be suspicious any time the media pack decides to gang up on someone - as they have done with Tom Cruise. Sure, he belongs to a religion, Scientology, that seems pretty kooky on face value, but that is his right, as in any country that is supposed to respect freedom of religion.

Load Of Rot; Fish Deaths Cause Stink In Lake Boga

FACE masks are the new fashion around Lake Boga, as residents of the tiny Murray Valley township search for any means to repel the stench of rotting fish.

Qantas Issues Face Masks To Passengers

Qantas has begun issuing passengers and crew with surgical-style face masks to try to stem the spread of the deadly airborne respiratory virus that is scaring off international travellers.