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The Decameron: Medieval lockdown project or ‘wine-soaked sex romp’?

July 24, 2024

By Professor Catherine Kovesi Published on July 24, 2024 For anyone versed in medieval European history, the new Netflix adaptation of a 700-year-old story about a group of noble youths seems a timely endeavour. Florentine poet and scholar Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) composed the 100 short stories collectively known as The Decameron (lI decamerone) in a lull of the plague that came to be known as the Black Death, which arrived in Italy on trade ships from the East in late 1347.

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Olympians shouldn’t pay a punishing mental price for gold

July 23, 2024

By Dr Courtney Walton Published on July 23, 2024 Sports organisations like the Australian Institute of Sport are devoting significant resourcing into supporting athletes’ mental health. For example, athletes, coaches and staff can now access external psychological support through the newly established Mental Health Referral Network. The International Olympic Committee has also devoted significant resources to support athletes at these upcoming Games. Connecting athletes with mental health professionals can foster more helpful approaches to managing the stressors faced within elite sport.

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‘Labor is a fair-weather friend of unionism’

July 22, 2024

By Dr James C. Murphy Published on July 22, 2024 The Australian Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. An in-depth investigation by the Nine papers and 60 Minutes revealed connections between the union’s Victorian leadership and organised crime, as well as evidence of corruption and intimidation on worksites. Victorian secretary of the CFMEU, John Setka, has resigned. Picture: Getty ImagesVictorian secretary of the CFMEU, John Setka, has resigned, several state branches of the union have been placed into administration, and the CFMEU’s construction arm has had its affiliation with the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Australian Council of Trade Unions suspended.

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Are cheap plastics the new tobacco?

July 19, 2024

By Amelia Leavesley Published on July 19, 2024 Tobacco and plastic have more in common than you might think. A recent report by the Centre for Climate Integrity (CCI) shows that the plastics industry has known for over 40 years that plastic recycling is ineffective and expensive. Only nine per cent of 6,500 million tonnes (Mt) of plastic waste has been successfully recycled. Picture: Getty ImagesBy mirroring well-researched ‘tobacco tactics’, some major petroleum companies have for decades promoted recycling as the solution to plastic pollution.

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The precision of vision for Olympic gymnasts and divers

July 18, 2024

By Christine Nearchou Published on July 18, 2024 Olympic gymnasts and divers seemingly defy the laws of physics with their flips, twists and perfect landings. While we marvel at the physiques of athletes like America’s Simone Biles and Greg Louganis – these physical abilities are at the core of their excellence ­– the role of their visual processing skills is also significant. Greg Louganis received a concussion from hitting his head on the board during qualification for the 1m springboard at the 1988 Olympics.

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