Category: Writing

USyd interfaculty boxing

Went to boxing last night to see Law faculty v Medicine and support the nascent women’s boxing. There was a big push to get women permitted to box at uni, and it was only allowed a couple of years ago. There was a bout on the program, but it was cancelled as one of the competitors told me she was still a novice, so she came along and watched.

Each bout was 3 rounds and the winner was decided by audience cheers. There were a lot of people from St Johns and St Andrews, so it was a bit of a popularity vote, except when there was a Mike Tyson-like crowd pleaser.

There were four trophies presented by proper judges/coaches at the end — St John’s won overall. The older coaches and the bloke MC and referee were all out of the “Rocky” movies — such characters and clearly devoted to boxing. You could tell they love it.

It was amazing to see the big boxing ring in the Manning Bar — last event I went to there was Club Arak, wearing a burqa.

 

Made wedding costume for Law Ball

Was furiously constructing an outfit for a Las Vegas theme at Law Ball. Bought 3-4 pieces total cos of $43. Wedding dress $35 and a bed quilt for $6. Scarf was $2. Scissors and hot glue gun action. Made it while listening to four weeks’ of Q&A. Peter Jensen is like a hard-core Anglican version of Dick Smith.

Outfit held together for dinner and dancing, 7.30pm til midnight. It’s still on one piece.

Was very pleased with it, and got several compliments. Was a fun evening.

USyd comedy debate

Comedy debate at USyd tonight was hilarious. The youngsters won against Vice Chancellor Michael Spence and ABC Radio’s Adam Brandt. Beautiful setting in the Great Hall. Best gag: “USyd used Twitter to inform all students the internet was down.” (Also: “Girl with library fine of .37c was not able to take out any books til she paid. But there was a minimum amount payable, so she couldn’t pay the fine!”)

Lance Leopard part 1 columns 1993-1994

I looked forward to reading Lance’s columns every fortnight, it was such a highlight. They were in On The Street, Capital Q, the Sydney Star Observer (6 June 1996 to 18 Sept 1997), then back to Capital Q.  As a journalist since the early 1980s, I was totally blown away by Lance Leopard’s stream-of-consciousness columns and his chatty style. I cut out and kept several. Over time, Lance’s writings inspired me to write about the everyday events I attended. He could make a trip to the convenience store next to the Taxi Club at midnight sound hilarious. He was a witty gossip writer who truly captured the 1990s GLBTIQA+ social scene.

Continue reading Lance Leopard part 1 columns 1993-1994

Professor Lawrence Gostin — US Health care

Went to hear Lawrence Gostin talk about US President Obama’s health care plan, and its chances of being enacted.

Gostin works in the US for a Health Law thinktank. He said Americans are fearful of ending up with a health system similar to Canada or the UK (Australia doesn’t rate on the US radar), which they believe is rationed so noone gets good health care.

Gostin pointed out that the US system is severely rationed — only the well-off can afford to have proper medical coverage.

Continue reading Professor Lawrence Gostin — US Health care