• Media Bias
  MediaBias/Fact Check (USA) They say: “(MBFC), founded in 2015, is an independent online media outlet. MBFC is dedicated to educating the public on media bias and deceptive news practices. MBFC’s aim is to inspire action and a rejection of overtly biased media. We want to return to an era of straight forward news reporting.”

  Searching “Australia” gives you a comprehensive list of Australian media outlets and their bias rating.

  Their News Facts Networks claims “Verified Factual News from Media Bias Fact Check” NFN will only publish news summaries that are certified to be factual according to the editor of Media Bias Fact Check. While a source may be rated Mostly Factual by MBFC, we will ensure that the article is factual before publication. In the unlikely event that something is not factual or circumstances change we will immediately issue a correction.

• Fake News
  How to spot fake news online Australian government
  How Fake Science Can Fool You (YouTube) Wisecrack. They say “Pseudoscience: It’s easy to mock it, and even easier to fall for it.”
• Conspiracy Theories
  Watch – The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories, BuzzFeed. They say: “People are susceptible to conspiracy theories by nature, and periods of uncertainty and heightened anxiety increase that susceptibility.” An AI tool can distinguish between a conspiracy theory and a true conspiracy – it comes down to how easily the story falls apart, Timothy R. Tangherlini, in The Conversation To combat conspiracy theories teach critical thinking – and community values, Thomas Roulet, The Conversation
• Echo Chambers
  Idea Labs and Echo Chambers – Tim Urban [USA] Wait But Why

Tip Sheet: Coronavirus-Covid19 Managing Stress and Anxiety University of Melbourne

Some Tim to keep you sane- TOP 5 Tim Minchin Songs | Universal Comedy

Emerging Leadership: Starting a Business During Quarantine Joanna Martin and Wendy McCristil

Who do you trust getting your information from? Check out (You Tube) Why are Smart People so Dumb? – Wisecrack exposes the Ideas Industry, TED Talks and more.

Bill Gates – Gates Notes: the blog of Bill Gates. My Bookshelf “I’ve always loved reading. I read whenever I can, because books help me understand more about the world. I also like sharing the books I’ve read, and getting book suggestions from others.”

Carl Sagan (check out Carl Sagan’s Best Productivity Tricks) “A Pulitzer Prize winner for the book The Dragons of Eden: Speculations of the Evolution of Human Intelligence, Dr. Sagan was the author of many bestsellers, including Cosmos, which became the bestselling science book ever published in English. The accompanying Emmy and Peabody award-winning television series has been seen by a billion people in sixty countries. He received twenty-two honorary degrees from American colleges and universities for his contributions to science, literature, education, and the preservation of the environment, and many awards for his work on the long-term consequences of nuclear war and reversing the nuclear arms race. His novel, Contact, is now a major motion picture.”

The Conversation Great online site espousing – “Academic rigour, journalistic flair… The enemy of trusted journalism is disinformation and spin… [Find here independent]  … evidence based analysis, research and news”.  The topics you’ll find here cover cover current ideas and research on: Business| Economy| Environment| Energy  Health| Medicine| Politics| Society| Science| Technology.

General Knowledge “Knowledge is embodied in people gathered in communities and networks. The road to knowledge is via people, conversations, connections and relationships.”

A Practical guide to Critical Thinking Greg R. Haskins

The Global Mail (Aus) they say is: “Independent Journalism for Independent Minds”

SG Teach – Fun, thought provoking photos and videos from Facebook, Internet

TED  they say: “is a (worldwide) nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design … its scope has become ever broader.”

Media, Disinformation:  Russell Brand especially in Russell Brand Blasts MSM Lies in Mindblowing Interview

Fallacies and Biases of our Imperfect Mind and Programming an HS-1969 – Anders Janmyr

The 37 Best Websites to Learn Something New

Future Learn [FREE online courses] “We offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life. We believe learning should be an enjoyable, social experience, so our courses offer the opportunity to discuss what you’re learning with others as you go, helping you make fresh discoveries and form new ideas. We’re a private company wholly owned by The Open University, with the benefit of over 40 years of their experience in distance learning and online education. We have 40 partners from the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. These include many of the best UK and international universities, as well as institutions with a huge archive of cultural and educational material, such as the British Council, the British Library, the British Museum, and the National Film and Television School. We also work with a range of internationally renowned organisations – from professional bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), to businesses like the BBC and Marks & Spencer, to the UK Government.”

12 Sites That Will Teach You Coding for Free

Mind Maps How to Use Mind Maps to Unleash Your Brain’s Creativity and Potential

Health and Science

• Ben Goldacre Bad Science “Ben is a best-selling author, broadcaster, campaigner, medical doctor and academic who specialises in unpicking the misuse of science and statistics by journalists, politicians, quacks, drug companies, and more. ‘From homeopathy to anti-vaccination: why people believe ‘quack science’
• How to pick the good from the bad smartphone health apps by Carol Maher – The Conversation
• Using supplements? You need to keep these things in mind – ABC Health & Wellbeing
• The dark side of alternative health treatments – Daily Life: Samantha Selinger-Morris
• Homeopathy (audio) Ezard Ernst On Why He Changed His Mind About Homeopathy

George Megalogenis “The Australian Moment: How we were made for these times” (Book) and hear his interview Richard Fidler Conversations ABC

Stiglitz, Joseph Invest in people, infrastructure and technology for future prosperity. Nobel prize winning economist says if Australia wants to prosper in the coming years the Abbott government should be spending more, not less.

8 TED Talks Women Need to Watch

Feminism:

• Gerda Lerner – She studied feminism before it was cool. Decades later, we all have her to thank for that.
• Bridget Christie – Feminists never have sex and hate men opening doors for them
• Laci Green is a fun, eloquent video blogger on Sex, Feminism, Sexuality, Self Esteem and more. Check out her video – Why I’m a … Feminist *gasp*
• Joseph Gordon–Levitt’s Beautiful Definition of Feminism is Pretty Much Perfect
• Daniel Radcliffe I think I’m a feminist
• All women are feminists (and all men are too)
• Women, work and the art of gender judo Joan C. Williams Washington Post 24.1.15

The Hoopla “We Magazines, publisher of The Hoopla and Birdee, believes in creating magazines that talk back. We strive to have lively, honest, and smart online conversations that inform, infuriate, illuminate and entertain our readers on a daily basis… 100% independent and we pay our contributors for their journalistic, writing and artistic talents. We are very proud of our lively salon of evocative, witty and often naughty news and opinion writers… co-founder of The Hoopla, Wendy Harmer:

“The Hoopla is an online news and magazine site for a community of wise, warm, witty and wonderful women. I believe that the views and concerns of mature Australian women are increasingly overlooked in a landscape of celebrity, youth and sensation. In what many have termed “a race to the bottom”, where can we see ourselves? In this outing I’m joining forces with Jane Waterhouse who is the head of her own powerhouse company, Sister Communications, which specialises in marketing to women.

“If you take this leap of faith with us, I can assure you that we will repay you with our time and energy in the creation of an independent, intelligent and unique voice for Australian women. WHO WE ARE:

Wendy Harmer – Editor In Chief, Co-Founder Wendy’s media and entertainment career spans almost four decades. She has worked as a journalist, radio broadcaster, television host and stand-up comedian.  She has written plays, stage shows and is now a highly successful author of children’s books and adult novels.

Jane Waterhouse – Publisher, Co-Founder As CEO of We Magazines, publisher of The Hoopla and Birdeemag.com, Jane is also the founder of Sister Communications a strategic consultancy for brands wishing to engage women. Jane has worked across leading brands including Weight Watchers, Woman’s Day, New Idea, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Bonds, Berlei, Country Road, Mount Franklin, and Diet Coke. Her 25 years experience spans publishing, advertising, marketing, web development and design, for companies such as Ogilvy & Mather, The Campaign Palace, DMB&B, ACP (now Bauer), and Pacific Magazines and she was the co-founder of award-winning design company Moon Design (formerly New Moon).

Kath Kenny – Acting Editor Kath Kenny has contributed comment pieces, book reviews, features and news stories to the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, The Melbourne Times and numerous other publications. In two decades working in the media she has had stints as an award-winning author with Lonely Planet, taught journalism at universities, worked as a media advisor for non-profit organisations and contributed to numerous books. She was a contributor to the book DIY Feminism (Allen & Unwin). You can follow Kath on Twitter @kathkenny.kath-kenny

Hayley Gleeson – Managing Editor Hayley is passionate about publishing positive, real content for women and girls. Her background in marketing, advertising and design has seen her work closely with many brands for women, including a collection of titles at Pacific Magazines. She f*cking loves science, cycling, cats, fibre media, eating and cooking good food, and women doing great things. She is also the Editor of BirdeeMag.com.

A Mighty Girl Blog and “The world’s largest collection of books, toys and movies for smart, confident, and courageous girls.”

Mamamia they say: “On Mamamia everything is up for discussion – from pop culture, politics, body image, food, motherhood, feminism to fashion and celebrity.”

Breast Cancer

Chrissy Amphlett’s Legacy: I Touch Myself

Diet and Weight Loss

‘Superfoods’ – Goji, Chia, Acia, Quinoa, and other antioxidants – worth the $, or not? SUPERFOODS | The Checkout | ABC1

Top 5 Misled But Widespread Nutrition Myths

Laci Green

Dr George Blair-West “… author, medical doctor, psychiatrist and the President of the Obesity Prevention and Treatment Society. His bestselling book Weight Loss for Food Lovers: Understanding our minds and why we sabotage our weight loss was the first book to comprehensively review the research into Restraint Theory, the correlates of sustained weight loss and the psychology of exercise and then formulate the clinical application of these and other psychological findings into patient care. This was followed by a children’s book co-authored with his wife, Penny, a clinical psychologist. His third book THE WAY OF THE QUEST released in 2012 is a “self-help novel” set in the time of Queen Elizabeth…. about the importance of finding one’s meaning and purpose in life as seen through the eyes of young man and his adventures on Mont St Michel. [It] is designed to help people develop their self-confidence through showing them how to find what they are passionate about and how to make sense of their particular life. Dr Blair-West’s fourth book … is built around his work as a relationship therapist… [and] has led him to help single people focus on finding a healthy relationship at the outset.

Dieting has it become a religion? Weekend Sunrise

Image and Self Esteem

• Laci Green
• Fifi Box – honest cover photo with new baby

Sex, Power, Politics, Sport …

• Anna Krien author of: (and more) Night Games, Sex, Power and Sport (Book) and Conversations Richard Fiedler “A high-profile rape trial led journalist Anna Krien to investigate a broader issue: the treatment of women by professional footballers.”
• Women’s Agenda “is the digital destination for career-minded women, where women (and men) help women achieve. We support women in business, women on boards, women in media, women in leadership and all aspirational women in the workplace.”

Stress

• Strategies to cope with stress, anxiety or distress – Melbourne University
• One of Many: Stress. 6 Signs and Symptoms that something’s got to change – Dr Joanna Martin

Happiness

Brené Brown is the author of three #1 New York Times Bestsellers: Rising Strong, Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection. She is also the Founder and CEO of The Daring Way and COURAGEworks – an online learning community that offers eCourses, workshops, and interviews for individuals and organizations ready for braver living, loving, and leading. Brené’s 2010 TEDx Houston talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world, with over 25 million viewers.

Brilliant Harvard psychologist explains how to achieve happiness in this popular TED talk

Professor Paul Dolan (UK) “is an internationally renowned expert on happiness, behaviour and public policy. He is currently a Professor of Behavioural Science in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Director of the new Executive MSc in Behavioural Science.

His book ‘Happiness by Design’ published on the 28th August 2014, see more at www.happinessbydesign.com. There are three main themes to his work:

Developing measures of happiness and subjective wellbeing that can be used in policy and by individuals looking to be happier. Considering ways in which the lessons from the behavioural sciences can be used to understand and change individual behaviour, and to add to the evidence base in this regard.
Using lab and field experiments to address major challenges, such as the impact of interventions on people’s lives and on their behaviour.”

The internet, technology and older relatives and friends

Getting confident with technology, the internet and the digital economy can be daunting. Particularly when dealing with money and finances. There’s a lot of useful information and resources around such as:
Be Connected they say “is an Australian government initiative committed to increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians. Be Connected aims to empower everyone to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in our digital world.

Through the Be Connected online resources, Australians will be able to learn the basics of using digital devices and engaging with the internet, including:

• being safer while online
• talking to or seeing family and friends who live far away
• finding new friends who share interests and hobbies
• connecting with old friends
• keeping up to date with what’s happening in communities and around the world
• shopping and selling online, safely and securely.

Be Connected is not just a website; it is a national movement working across Australia, within communities, to help people with their digital skills. Our Network Partners are the local arm of Be Connected, and offer in-person help and support to older Australians who are disengaged with digital technology.

Australians with low internet skills can often feel isolated from their community and family at a time in their lives when feeling connected is increasingly important. Be Connected aims to change this through a family and community centred approach by supporting community organisations that are committed to digital inclusion and supporting older Australians bridge the digital divide. Be Connected also supports families to mentor a relative or friend to help them be more connected online.”

Charities and donations

You might already donate to some of the more well known organisations like Amnesty International, World Vision, The Smith Family, the Red Cross. Here are some smaller ones:

Forge for Humanity Helping single, male refugees in Athens, Greece. “Our overarching vision at FORGE is to bring the importance of supporting single men to the forefront of how we think about social development and aid delivery for refugees and asylum seekers.”

The Hunger Project “The Hunger Project works to break the cycle of poverty. We believe hungry people themselves are the key to ending hunger. In partnership, we unleash their vision, commitment and leadership so they can feed themselves and their families.” Inspirator: Cathy Burke CEO “We believe that women should have roles working as equals to men, determining community priorities that transform their live.”

Hutt St Centre “Within the heart of the south-eastern corner of the City of Adelaide, Hutt St Centre is a frontline agency for homeless and vulnerable people. The Centre is accessed by people who sleep in our adjacent parklands, squat in nearby buildings, and reside in cheap hotels, boarding houses, community housing and public housing. Hutt St Centre’s Vision is for a society where everyone is respected and encouraged to reach and sustain their full potential in a healthy, safe and inclusive community.”

Dulcie’s Shop of Real Opportunity “More than an op-shop – a Shop of Real Opportunity! She’s perky, dazzling and filled with the ultimate in vintage clothing: hand-sourced and handpicked, not henpecked. Vintage fashion with a heart; your purchase helps rebuild lives. Proceeds help Hutt St Centre and Centacare provide services and support to people facing disadvantage and homelessness in Adelaide.”

Tutti Adelaide, South Australia. “Tutti is an inclusive multi arts community with a focus on breaking down barriers, challenging preconceptions and boldly placing disabled visual and performing artists centre stage.”

Here’s a smattering of motivating and inspiring resources and ideas. Good luck:

• Some people swear by goal setting, some the “Law” of attraction, some vision boards. Whatever works for you. Check out How to create a vision board that actually helps you get what you want out of life Business Insider; The Vision Board Joyce Schwarz;  or try some Apps, there are lots in Pinterest. Some don’t believe in them! Throw Away Your Vision Board Vision boards are for dreaming, action boards are for achieving and Throw Away Your Vision Board – Part 2 How Dare I Question The Law of Attraction! Neil Farber, Psychology Today

Goal Setting: The Key to Achieve Neil Farber (USA)

• Tim Minchin – 9 Life Lessons – UWA Address  1.Dreams (short term goals) 2. Happiness 3. Luck 4. Exercise 5. Opinions (‘like assholes’…) 6. Be a teacher 7. Pro – stuff 8. Respect less powerful 9. Don’t rush
• Dr Seuss – Oh, the Places You’ll Go at Burning Man
• Alan Watts – Any Dream You Want (with rare footage) and What if money didn’t matterDr George Blair-West – “Did he live with passion?” “The Greeks, when someone died, asked one question: Did he live with passion? … I attended the funeral of a close friend of more than 30 years who suicided … under the influence of the most severe, treatment-resistant depression I have ever come across…. part of a larger, complicated condition of Bipolar Disorder…”
• Alicia Keys – New York – Sillhouette YouTube/dance
• BrainyQuote – huge array of quotes on hundreds of topics from famous (and not so) authors, plus imagesfor you to individualise
• Wikiquote – “a free online compendium of sourced quotations from notable people and creative works in every language, translations of non-English quotes, and links to Wikipedia for further information.” See especially Martin Luther King Jr.
• GoodReads

Identifying with your future self can help overcome the tendency to procrastinate – Science Of The Spirit [USA], SOTT.net

Inside The Mind Of A Master Procrastinator [YouTube, TED Talk] and The Procrastination Matrix  – Tim Urban [USA], Wait But Why

Cost of Procrastination – Jeremy Sheppard, DSRData

5 ways to feel empowered about politics: Sara Price guest post on One of Many Blog

The moral roots of liberals and conservatives fascinating TED talk by psychologist Jonathan Haidt.

THINK TANKS

“A think tank (or policy institute, research institute, etc.) is an organization that performs research and advocacy concerning topics such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, technology, and culture. Most policy institutes are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax exempt status. Other think tanks are funded by governments, advocacy groups, or businesses, or derive revenue from consulting or research work related to their projects.[1]”  Wikipedia

The Rise of think tanks in Australian politics: “Over the previous two decades, a plethora of advocacy organisations have emerged seeking to engage and inform the public on political issues. Some of these entities, such as Get-Up, are self-funded bodies that are financed by supporter contributions.

Alongside these organisations exist an elite collection of think tanks that perform a similar range of educative functions but which have close links to the main political parties. What is further distinctive about these organisations is that they receive public disbursements.”

Some are politically aligned:

• The Green Institute – Australian Greens
• The Page Research Centre – The National Party
• The Menzies Research Centre – The Liberal Party
• The Chifley Research Centre – The ALP

Some are independent (you decide whether or not they are):

• The Grattan Institute
• The Lowy Institute

Fact Check ABC They say: “determines the accuracy of claims by politicians, public figures, advocacy groups and institutions engaged in the public debate. We aim to be available to all audiences by operating across multiple platforms, including television, radio and online…The ABC Fact Check team will monitor the media on a daily basis for contentious claims. Our focus will be on statements likely to influence the public debate, rather than minor errors or gotcha moments involving trivial gaffes. Opinions and exaggerated rhetoric will be avoided. Fact check suggestions from the audience are welcomed…”

The Daily Show (USA) Trevor Noah (previously Jon Stewart; Foxtel – Comedy channel. Obama says: Truly clever, funny political analysis and satire. They say: “It is currently the longest-running program on Comedy Central, and has won 18 Primetime Emmy Awards.” 

Here’s Jon Stewart’s story – How the Fake Newsman Won Over America

Alex Jones Media Wars is not a fan of Stewart!!!

Ricky Gervais: “Equality Street” Brent and Johnson

The Conversation It’s not just Islam most religions are discriminatory

Peanuts on theology

How to Stand Firm in a Runaway World | Resisting the self-improvement craze: Svend Brinkmann, Ph.D. “is a professor of psychology and qualitative methods at the University of Aalborg, Denmark, and the author of ‘Stand Firm: Resisting the Self-Improvement Craze’. Winner of the prestigious Rosenkjær prize, Svend travels widely to host events and lecture on the key problems of modern life. He has appeared in various television documentaries, and presented Danish television’s “Live Fast!” programs and the “Meaningful Life” series … Svend has studied psychology and philosophy at Aarhus and Oxford Universities, and his research is particularly concerned with philosophical, ethical, and methodological issues in psychology… he has been studying the impact of psychiatric diagnoses on individuals and society…”