I purchased a copy of 'The Costello Memoirs' last week - a couple of days after the book was launched by Peter Costello and the book's co-author, Peter Coleman.
Almost as soon as the book hit the stores it was discounted dramatically from its RRP of $55.00. In fact, the day I bought mine, I checked out Borders, Big W and Angus & Robertson, and all of those chains had it on discount. Big W, where I got mine, being the cheapest at $32.00.
Peter Costello was the longest serving Australian federal treasurer in this country's history.
He was deputy leader of the Liberal (Conservative) Party from 1996 to 2007 and treasurer for the same period.
Costello was one of only three politicians to serve in the same position for the entire eleven-year reign of the Howard government - the other two being John Howard as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, and Alexander Downer as Foreign Affairs minister.
Not many politicians write their memoirs whilst still in parliament, even fewer can do so with the experience of eleven years in the same position in the second-most important role in government.
So it was with anticipation that I started reading 'The Costello Memoirs.'
The book is full of interesting anecdotes and enlightening behind-the-scenes machinations, but it is let down by errors of chronology and rushed editing. The book jumps around all over the shop in places, and at times left me wondering if someone had moved my bookmark.
Mike Steketee in his review in 'The Australian', rather kindly referred to the editing as 'inadequate'.
Considering Costello's humour and gift for entertaining speeches, I found the book disappointingly dry, and a bit of a tedious read (not exactly what I would call a 'page-turner'.)
A work such as this by one of the most prominent Conservative politicians of the last 20 years should have been deserving of much tighter - and less rushed - editing. Editing that allowed for the author's wit and engaging personality to shine through, whilst ensuring the integrity of the chronology of events.
I hope these things are addressed in Volume 2!
I give the book 6/10 - for political afficionados and aspiring treasurers only.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
What caused the subprime crisis
A fascinating look at the financial crisis in the US and the real reasons behind it. Great video! I hope my American friends watch!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Corny but amazing
If I'd not seen this I wouldn't have believed it - the things you can do with a GPS and a John Deere tractor...!
Rudd sends UN to sleep
Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister and minister for bewildering neology, made his debut speech to the United Nations yesterday.
Here is a sample of why most of the UN's members will be hoping Rudd doesn't deliver an encore:
It gets better (I mean worse):
Kevin Rudd has once again embarrassed himself and Australia on the world stage by his highfalutin gobbledygook.
It is time someone in DFAT took away this jetsetting fool's diplomatic passport, once and for all!
Here is a sample of why most of the UN's members will be hoping Rudd doesn't deliver an encore:
The global financial crisis of today presents usI'm serious - he actually said that. (I don't know what being vertically challenged has to do with international finance, though!)
afresh with a critical opportunity to act comprehensively and collectively for
the long term - rather than selectively and separately for the short.
It gets better (I mean worse):
What we have seen in financial markets should
bring home to us all that the central organising principle of this 21st century
is interdependence.
For the century just past, interdependence may
have been one option among many.
For the century that is to come, there is no
longer an alternative.
Interdependence is not the expression of
sentimental idealism.
Instead it is a recognition of the new realism of
our current time.
snip
For what all these things tell us is this: thatWhat this buffoon means is anyone's guess.
interdependence is the new realism of this 21st century.
Kevin Rudd has once again embarrassed himself and Australia on the world stage by his highfalutin gobbledygook.
It is time someone in DFAT took away this jetsetting fool's diplomatic passport, once and for all!
The Palin Effect
I found this article by Noemie Emery whilst trawling the net earlier this week. I saved the link, but the link didn't work, so the story took a bit of finding as I couldn't remember its original source or author.
It is long, but well worth reading. A shrewd analysis focusing on the effect of Palin's nomination on the Democrats and Hillary Clinton.
It is long, but well worth reading. A shrewd analysis focusing on the effect of Palin's nomination on the Democrats and Hillary Clinton.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
TIME story on David Cameron, UK Conservative leader
I was browsing through the magazines in my dentist's waiting room today (refreshing to visit a waiting room to find current magazines, let me tell you!) and I came across an article on David Cameron in TIME, entitled: "David Cameron: UK's Next Leader?"
Personally, I don't think the question mark was necessary!
It was a good article. On the' general interest' scale, I'd give it 8 out of ten. For 'balance', I'd give it a 6 - but for the MSM (mainstream media) that's not bad going.
Personally, I don't think the question mark was necessary!
It was a good article. On the' general interest' scale, I'd give it 8 out of ten. For 'balance', I'd give it a 6 - but for the MSM (mainstream media) that's not bad going.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Kevin Rudd: Doing his bit for greenhouse gasses
The globe-trotting penchant of Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is starting to test the patience of the media, the voters and his own backbench.
His trip to the USA this week means that he has been out of the country for 50 days since becoming Prime Minister last November. In other words, he has spent one in six days overseas since the Australian people made the mistake of electing him.
Naturally the PM needs to travel overseas. But either Rudd doesn't trust his Ministers or senior bureaucrats to do some of this travel on his behalf, or Rudd just wants to get in as much travel as he can, knowing that at the back of his mind there is a possibility he could be a 'oncer' (one-term PM).
If, god spare us, Rudd and his cronies get re-elected in 2010, I predict a dramatic reduction in the amount of overseas travel he does, for he will have done it all during his first term!
I don't mind Rudd spending time out of the country. The problem is he keeps returning to Australia.
His trip to the USA this week means that he has been out of the country for 50 days since becoming Prime Minister last November. In other words, he has spent one in six days overseas since the Australian people made the mistake of electing him.
Naturally the PM needs to travel overseas. But either Rudd doesn't trust his Ministers or senior bureaucrats to do some of this travel on his behalf, or Rudd just wants to get in as much travel as he can, knowing that at the back of his mind there is a possibility he could be a 'oncer' (one-term PM).
If, god spare us, Rudd and his cronies get re-elected in 2010, I predict a dramatic reduction in the amount of overseas travel he does, for he will have done it all during his first term!
I don't mind Rudd spending time out of the country. The problem is he keeps returning to Australia.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
More assistants who wouldn't know customer service if they tripped over it
Just got back from Woolworths.
I was in the grog section buying a six pack. (I've been trying to get a six pack for years, but that's a different blog entirely!)
I digress.
The tattooed, identity-challenged sprig behind the counter had just finished serving the lady in front of me.
He then grabbed my six pack, scanned it, took my $20 note without asking for it and give me the docket - all whilst having a conversation with the lady in front of me!!
He finally interrupted himself and asked me if I wanted a bag. How thoughtful of him. As Woolworths doesn't (yet) charge for plastic bags, I said yes.
As I said in my previous post - I have some sympathy for sales assistants, but not much!
Any wonder.
I was in the grog section buying a six pack. (I've been trying to get a six pack for years, but that's a different blog entirely!)
I digress.
The tattooed, identity-challenged sprig behind the counter had just finished serving the lady in front of me.
He then grabbed my six pack, scanned it, took my $20 note without asking for it and give me the docket - all whilst having a conversation with the lady in front of me!!
He finally interrupted himself and asked me if I wanted a bag. How thoughtful of him. As Woolworths doesn't (yet) charge for plastic bags, I said yes.
As I said in my previous post - I have some sympathy for sales assistants, but not much!
Any wonder.
No, thanks - I don't need a hand!
I was in the AV section of a well-known, large chain store yesterday, admiring the pictures coming from a bank of plasmas.
Then this young geek came up to me - typical of sales assistants in stores like this - asks all the standard (dumb) questions, but can't respond to the answer.
Him: "Do you need a hand there?"
This question was as superfluous as they come, inferring that I was having difficulty in operating something; when, in reality, I was standing dead still with both hands in my pockets, looking at a Plasma TV!
Me: "No, I'm just looking, thanks."
As self-evident a statement, if ever there was one.
I am never rude to sales assistants, no matter how tempting - I used to be one. I have some sympathy for them. Some, not much.
My answer elicited a look from this dude that could only come from someone who had just been told their souped-up Mitsubishi Lancer had just been broken into.
He didn't say anything. Just gave me this inane look.
He then walked away. As did I.
Why is it that when you want to ask a question you can never find a sales assistant, yet when you only want to browse, they are all over you like a rash?
If anyone can answer that and offer a solution, then they surely deserve the Nobel Prize!
Then this young geek came up to me - typical of sales assistants in stores like this - asks all the standard (dumb) questions, but can't respond to the answer.
Him: "Do you need a hand there?"
This question was as superfluous as they come, inferring that I was having difficulty in operating something; when, in reality, I was standing dead still with both hands in my pockets, looking at a Plasma TV!
Me: "No, I'm just looking, thanks."
As self-evident a statement, if ever there was one.
I am never rude to sales assistants, no matter how tempting - I used to be one. I have some sympathy for them. Some, not much.
My answer elicited a look from this dude that could only come from someone who had just been told their souped-up Mitsubishi Lancer had just been broken into.
He didn't say anything. Just gave me this inane look.
He then walked away. As did I.
Why is it that when you want to ask a question you can never find a sales assistant, yet when you only want to browse, they are all over you like a rash?
If anyone can answer that and offer a solution, then they surely deserve the Nobel Prize!
When all is said and done
I was in my local ABC Shop yesterday enquiring as to whether 'Time Team' was available on DVD (no - damn!), and you know how when you are just browsing and in a world of your own, suddenly the Muzak playing in the store can infiltrate your consciousness. And you think to yourself 'what on earth is that song?'
This happened to me. So I waddled over to the counter to look at the 'CD Now Playing' display.
Turns out I was listening to track 15 of the Mamma Mia Movie Soundtrack.
The song in question - "When All Is Said and Done" - is sung by Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep.
I thought the song was quite melodic in a strangely non-musical way, and I liked some of Mr Brosnan's phrasing. His singing voice has a rough edge to it. I know he is not known (or famous) for his singing voice, and it mightn't have the velvety smoothness of some well-known tenors, but I liked it enough to seriously consider buying the song from iTunes.
Actually, I think I will. Let me put it this way, I would rather listen to a whole CD of Pierce Brosnan than one track of Andrea Bocelli!
Here is the song in question - judge for yourself.
This happened to me. So I waddled over to the counter to look at the 'CD Now Playing' display.
Turns out I was listening to track 15 of the Mamma Mia Movie Soundtrack.
The song in question - "When All Is Said and Done" - is sung by Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep.
I thought the song was quite melodic in a strangely non-musical way, and I liked some of Mr Brosnan's phrasing. His singing voice has a rough edge to it. I know he is not known (or famous) for his singing voice, and it mightn't have the velvety smoothness of some well-known tenors, but I liked it enough to seriously consider buying the song from iTunes.
Actually, I think I will. Let me put it this way, I would rather listen to a whole CD of Pierce Brosnan than one track of Andrea Bocelli!
Here is the song in question - judge for yourself.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Post-council election gaffe-fest
It didn't take long.
Hutchville's local rag today lists our new-look council, complete with the three new faces.
In the same story, comes a gem of a quote from a successfully re-elected councillor - a person known to me and whom I quite like, but who really should have taken a look in the mirror before dropping this clanger:
Three (that I know of, could be more) out of the nine councillors are members of the Australian Labor Party (including the councillor who gave the above quote!!), and another is a member of The Greens - an outfit even more left of the ALP. I call that bordering on 'stacked', not 'balanced'.
Now, I know...people will say that party politics should be put to one side in local councils - and I totally agree - but, notwithstanding, to call this council 'well-balanced' is like calling John McCain 'middle-aged'.
Hutchville's local rag today lists our new-look council, complete with the three new faces.
In the same story, comes a gem of a quote from a successfully re-elected councillor - a person known to me and whom I quite like, but who really should have taken a look in the mirror before dropping this clanger:
It is a well-balanced council that represents a good'Well-balanced' my middle ear!
blend...snip
Three (that I know of, could be more) out of the nine councillors are members of the Australian Labor Party (including the councillor who gave the above quote!!), and another is a member of The Greens - an outfit even more left of the ALP. I call that bordering on 'stacked', not 'balanced'.
Now, I know...people will say that party politics should be put to one side in local councils - and I totally agree - but, notwithstanding, to call this council 'well-balanced' is like calling John McCain 'middle-aged'.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
NSW Council Elections - Results
The counting and final distribution of preferences in my LGA (local government area) were finalised today.
Out of 9 vacancies on council, the voters of this LGA have elected three new faces. Personally, that is a disappointingly modest number. I was hoping for at least four.
Of the three new faces, two of them got my vote.
But, out of the six re-elected councillors, only two got the nod from me.
The mood out there last Saturday was decidedly tense. But was it a mood for change? Council had become complacent in many areas, especially in regards to planning, and had made some very strange decisions that were seemingly at odds with council's own previous rulings.
I have spoken to several people since the voting took place, and I know many of these folk shared my concerns, and were also hoping for four or five new faces on council.
We will have to make do with three.
But, with one of the three newbies being a member of The Greens, I think there will be some very interesting debates in council over the next four years.
Out of 9 vacancies on council, the voters of this LGA have elected three new faces. Personally, that is a disappointingly modest number. I was hoping for at least four.
Of the three new faces, two of them got my vote.
But, out of the six re-elected councillors, only two got the nod from me.
The mood out there last Saturday was decidedly tense. But was it a mood for change? Council had become complacent in many areas, especially in regards to planning, and had made some very strange decisions that were seemingly at odds with council's own previous rulings.
I have spoken to several people since the voting took place, and I know many of these folk shared my concerns, and were also hoping for four or five new faces on council.
We will have to make do with three.
But, with one of the three newbies being a member of The Greens, I think there will be some very interesting debates in council over the next four years.
More praise for Palin
This time from Greg Craven in The Australian (full article).
Has it ever!
snip...the US presidential race suddenly has gone from being a substitute for strong sedatives to the political equivalent of cocaine with an adrenalin
chaser.
Has it ever!
Her appeal is straightforward. Palin is just like the millions of Americans who are going to vote for her. She is cleverer than them, tougher than them, prettier than them, more ruthless than them and at the same time identical to them. Voting for her is like voting for yourself, but after you've died and gone to heaven.Great article.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Labor attacks Turnbull for being successful
Since Malcolm Turnbull's elevation to the Federal Liberal leadership, the predictable character assassinations have begun.
I don't think there is any currency (no pun intended) in the bovver children of the ALP attacking Turnbull for being a very successful, self-made man.
Yes, Turnbull is very wealthy. Money, incidentally, he has made himself - not born into.
But Kevin Rudd is not exactly down to his last twenty bucks either; but you don't hear the coalition criticise Rudd for having more money than the "workers" he and the ALP represent will probably ever have.
Thus, it is disingenuous of the Labor party to attack Turnbull as being unrepresentative of the Australian people because he happens to have made something of himself. It also smacks of double standards.
Both parties should leave the character point-scoring and focus on policy.
I don't think there is any currency (no pun intended) in the bovver children of the ALP attacking Turnbull for being a very successful, self-made man.
Yes, Turnbull is very wealthy. Money, incidentally, he has made himself - not born into.
But Kevin Rudd is not exactly down to his last twenty bucks either; but you don't hear the coalition criticise Rudd for having more money than the "workers" he and the ALP represent will probably ever have.
Thus, it is disingenuous of the Labor party to attack Turnbull as being unrepresentative of the Australian people because he happens to have made something of himself. It also smacks of double standards.
Both parties should leave the character point-scoring and focus on policy.
Local council election gets passionate
I was astounded to read in my local newspaper today of a verbal altercation between Hutchville's mayor (standing again for council) and our local state member of parliament (a member of the National Party), as to our local member's right to hand out how-to-vote cards for an Independent candidate for council, who is also a member of the National Party.
I really don't think this is a matter people need to get on their high horse about.
Our MP should be fully entitled to hand out how-to-votes for anyone they like, considering, as my MP said - and it is an important point: there was no National Party ticket line. OK, perhaps our MP should have removed their ID badge. In my view, though, our MP was, for all intents and purposes, assisting at the polling station as a private citizen. They just happen to be our local member.
Our mayor needs to take a cold shower.
As a very interested political observer, I was staggered (not necessarily in a good way) by some of the results of this election. Nevertheless, my hope is that all councillors work together in an unprejudiced manner for the betterment of this wonderful part of the world.
Post Script: I am not a member of the National Party.
I really don't think this is a matter people need to get on their high horse about.
Our MP should be fully entitled to hand out how-to-votes for anyone they like, considering, as my MP said - and it is an important point: there was no National Party ticket line. OK, perhaps our MP should have removed their ID badge. In my view, though, our MP was, for all intents and purposes, assisting at the polling station as a private citizen. They just happen to be our local member.
Our mayor needs to take a cold shower.
As a very interested political observer, I was staggered (not necessarily in a good way) by some of the results of this election. Nevertheless, my hope is that all councillors work together in an unprejudiced manner for the betterment of this wonderful part of the world.
Post Script: I am not a member of the National Party.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Welcome back to Alan Jones on 2GB
Australia's pre-eminent breakfast broadcaster, Alan Jones, returned to the microphone today after recovering from his prostate cancer operation about two months ago.
I warmly welcome Alan back to the airwaves, and I look forward to his continued righting of the ills of society, political and otherwise.
I warmly welcome Alan back to the airwaves, and I look forward to his continued righting of the ills of society, political and otherwise.
Turnbull the new leader of the Liberal Party
Malcolm Turnbull has won the federal Liberal Party leadership from Brendan Nelson by 45 votes to 41. Julie Bishop remains the deputy leader.
I thought Nelson had the numbers. I certainly thought he should have been given a bit longer to prove himself.
If you had asked me three months ago who should be leader of the Libs I probably would have said Turnbull, but, ironically, I have changed my mind.
Regrettably, the person who is, head and shoulders above all others, the best to lead the party, decided not to stand: Peter Costello.
I thought Nelson had the numbers. I certainly thought he should have been given a bit longer to prove himself.
If you had asked me three months ago who should be leader of the Libs I probably would have said Turnbull, but, ironically, I have changed my mind.
Regrettably, the person who is, head and shoulders above all others, the best to lead the party, decided not to stand: Peter Costello.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sister Act
The Hutch was possibly one of the first blogs to draw the similarities between Sarah Palin and Tina Fey.
Tina Fey's appearance on the weekend on Saturday Night Live, in a skit with 'Hilary Clinton', has gone viral. It confirms my view that Fey is a comic genius.
Watch it here.
Tina Fey's appearance on the weekend on Saturday Night Live, in a skit with 'Hilary Clinton', has gone viral. It confirms my view that Fey is a comic genius.
Watch it here.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Pronouncing Nevada
A nice little piece on Sarah Palin's visit to Carson City, Nevada, from the Las Vegas Review Journal.
But this excerpt left me scratching my head:
I turns out that many non-Nevadan natives pronounce it with a long first 'a', as in 'nev-AH-da'. The resulting sound is apparently offensive to Nevadans. The first 'a' should actually be short, like in "glad".
Which all strikes me as very odd, because I thought Americans always had an inclination towards the short 'a', such as 'path', compared to our 'pAH-th'; 'bath', 'math', etc. So I just assumed the silver state would be 'nev-adda'.
Turns out I was right.
Here's proof.
But this excerpt left me scratching my head:
And Palin passed one test that many out-of-stateI was wondering how anyone, let alone Americans, could possibly mispronounce 'Nevada'.
politicians have failed: correctly pronouncing Nevada.
I turns out that many non-Nevadan natives pronounce it with a long first 'a', as in 'nev-AH-da'. The resulting sound is apparently offensive to Nevadans. The first 'a' should actually be short, like in "glad".
Which all strikes me as very odd, because I thought Americans always had an inclination towards the short 'a', such as 'path', compared to our 'pAH-th'; 'bath', 'math', etc. So I just assumed the silver state would be 'nev-adda'.
Turns out I was right.
Here's proof.
The Boring Broadsheet lives up to its name
This gem in the SMH on Barry Obama. To wit:
I have no intention of giving the Democrats free advice, but it seems obvious that they should be telling voters what they will do if they get elected. Attacking the opposition only makes the public see them as angry and divisive. The fact that they are angry and divisive owes more to history than to this campaign specifically.
From the same article:
Appalling, stereotyped and wrong.
McCain is no luddite. He cannot use computers himself because of the torture dished out to him as a POW. From all reports he is a voracious user of the internet, it's just that he needs to get his staff and family to do the searching and typing for him.
Barack Obama seems finally to have hit on a strategy to fight the Sarah Palin phenomenon: sidestep the feisty Republican vice-presidential pick and turn full fire on an "out of touch" John McCain.I'm not sure which is worse: the SMH for running this article, or the Obamessiah campaign for dreaming it up. Honestly, if this is the best that BHO's disciples can come up with then they might as well start writing their concession speeches now.
I have no intention of giving the Democrats free advice, but it seems obvious that they should be telling voters what they will do if they get elected. Attacking the opposition only makes the public see them as angry and divisive. The fact that they are angry and divisive owes more to history than to this campaign specifically.
From the same article:
But the Democrat is now firing back - branding 72-year-old McCain as an economic illiterate stuck in the pre-internet era...
Appalling, stereotyped and wrong.
McCain is no luddite. He cannot use computers himself because of the torture dished out to him as a POW. From all reports he is a voracious user of the internet, it's just that he needs to get his staff and family to do the searching and typing for him.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Local Council elections
I wasn't going to write about this, but I've started now, so I may as well continue!
Tomorrow, I, like thousands of others across this pitiful excuse for a state, have to vote in local council elections.
My LGA is boasting a record field of candidates this year, including three Green candidates - the first time ever party politics has encroached into my LGA elections.
I admit to having a somewhat perfunctory view of current council - many councillors have been there too long, and the rest haven't really done very much.
But I wish some of the (new) candidates standing for election had made it clearer to residents of certain barrows they are inclined to push.
One candidate is against a proposed development in the town close to where he lives - a matter he has seen fit to write to the local paper about, but conveniently fails to mention his geographical proximity to said development.
Another candidate is a recidivist left-leaning letter writer to my local paper on matters of utter irrelevance to 95% of the paper's readership. If this particular BOF (boring old fart) gets elected, rather than congratulate him, I will be sending him the bill for the blood pressure medication that I know I will be needing!
I am in a quandary: I'm not sure who I am going to vote for (but I certainly know whose box I won't be numbering.)
I normally look forward to Saturdays. Might have to do a rain check on this one, though!
UPDATE - 14/9/08
At the end of the 1st preference counting, it looks certian that my local council will have its first party-political representative - a Green candidate. Words fail me.
Counting of votes in proportional representational elections is full of complex equations and the final make up of council will not be known until the middle of next week; but it looks certain that my council will have four new faces. That is a good thing. Party politics rearing its ugly head in local council elections is not.
Tomorrow, I, like thousands of others across this pitiful excuse for a state, have to vote in local council elections.
My LGA is boasting a record field of candidates this year, including three Green candidates - the first time ever party politics has encroached into my LGA elections.
I admit to having a somewhat perfunctory view of current council - many councillors have been there too long, and the rest haven't really done very much.
But I wish some of the (new) candidates standing for election had made it clearer to residents of certain barrows they are inclined to push.
One candidate is against a proposed development in the town close to where he lives - a matter he has seen fit to write to the local paper about, but conveniently fails to mention his geographical proximity to said development.
Another candidate is a recidivist left-leaning letter writer to my local paper on matters of utter irrelevance to 95% of the paper's readership. If this particular BOF (boring old fart) gets elected, rather than congratulate him, I will be sending him the bill for the blood pressure medication that I know I will be needing!
I am in a quandary: I'm not sure who I am going to vote for (but I certainly know whose box I won't be numbering.)
I normally look forward to Saturdays. Might have to do a rain check on this one, though!
UPDATE - 14/9/08
At the end of the 1st preference counting, it looks certian that my local council will have its first party-political representative - a Green candidate. Words fail me.
Counting of votes in proportional representational elections is full of complex equations and the final make up of council will not be known until the middle of next week; but it looks certain that my council will have four new faces. That is a good thing. Party politics rearing its ugly head in local council elections is not.
B plus performance from Palin
I have just seen the first interview by Sarah Palin.
I thought she answered some tough and very wordy questions well, and even managed to throw in the names of the leaders of Iran and Georgia in giving her answers.
She is one impressive lady.
Her no-nonsense approach to Russia and Iran will scare the left witless, as they realise even more that she is no pushover. Those who have compared her to Margaret Thatcher aren't too far off the mark.
Some in the blogosphere said Palin looked nervous. She probably was, but I think a large part of her demeanour and how she came across is due to her chatty and informal persona - something which viewers are only getting a proper look at now.
Many have crticised Charlie Gibson for his questions and the manner and tone in which some of them were asked. To be fair, I cannot comment, as, being from another country, I have little to no experience of Mr Gibson. I will let others pass judgement on him.
A solid, rather than earth-shattering performance from Sarah Palin.
I look forward to the next round.
UPDATE
Having just seen a segment of Palin's interview on the evening news tonight, and with the benefit of a much larger and wider screen, clearer picture and no lip sync delay, I have to say I was even more impressed with her. I still give her a B+ though!
I thought she answered some tough and very wordy questions well, and even managed to throw in the names of the leaders of Iran and Georgia in giving her answers.
She is one impressive lady.
Her no-nonsense approach to Russia and Iran will scare the left witless, as they realise even more that she is no pushover. Those who have compared her to Margaret Thatcher aren't too far off the mark.
Some in the blogosphere said Palin looked nervous. She probably was, but I think a large part of her demeanour and how she came across is due to her chatty and informal persona - something which viewers are only getting a proper look at now.
Many have crticised Charlie Gibson for his questions and the manner and tone in which some of them were asked. To be fair, I cannot comment, as, being from another country, I have little to no experience of Mr Gibson. I will let others pass judgement on him.
A solid, rather than earth-shattering performance from Sarah Palin.
I look forward to the next round.
UPDATE
Having just seen a segment of Palin's interview on the evening news tonight, and with the benefit of a much larger and wider screen, clearer picture and no lip sync delay, I have to say I was even more impressed with her. I still give her a B+ though!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Will he or won't he?
Peter Costello has, apparently, stated today that he will not be contesting the leadership of the federal Liberal Party, nor will he accept it if it is offered to him.
Um, sorry - but isn't that exactly what he said the day after the election last November?
So, after all the columns of newsprint since then; after all the carpal tunnel claims from frazzled journos are submitted; after all the talk shows are over....I might be a bit thick, but what's new here??? The man said last November that he wouldn't be seeking the leadership of the party! Why in God's name has everyone and anyone been going on in the meantime with all this speculation, when Costello comes out today and has essentially repeated exactly what he said last November?!!
I'm utterly nonplussed.
Having said that, whether he stays in parliament or not, I think it is only reasonable to assume that the speculation as to whether Peter Costello will take the reins of the Liberal leadership will always have oxygen, whilst ever Costello himself is breathing it in.
Um, sorry - but isn't that exactly what he said the day after the election last November?
So, after all the columns of newsprint since then; after all the carpal tunnel claims from frazzled journos are submitted; after all the talk shows are over....I might be a bit thick, but what's new here??? The man said last November that he wouldn't be seeking the leadership of the party! Why in God's name has everyone and anyone been going on in the meantime with all this speculation, when Costello comes out today and has essentially repeated exactly what he said last November?!!
I'm utterly nonplussed.
Having said that, whether he stays in parliament or not, I think it is only reasonable to assume that the speculation as to whether Peter Costello will take the reins of the Liberal leadership will always have oxygen, whilst ever Costello himself is breathing it in.
Greg Sheridan thinks the US election will be close
An interesting and thorough article here from Greg Sheridan from The Australian, on the vicissitudes of the US electoral process, and the contest between character and celebrity. Well worth a read.
Mr Sheridan boasts of his success in predicting the outcomes of US presidential elections, and believes the red and blue states will remain pretty much as they were for both the 2000 and 2004 elections, and predicting a close, but, nevertheless, BHO victory.
God help the world.
Mr Sheridan's well-reasoned (though frightening) prediction notwithstanding, being an interested observer in elections myself, I would have a little wager on the final result being actually surprisingly clear cut, and some blue states turning a distinct shade of crimson.
Draw your own conclusion on who you think will be sworn in next January.
Do they get any moose in Washington?
Mr Sheridan boasts of his success in predicting the outcomes of US presidential elections, and believes the red and blue states will remain pretty much as they were for both the 2000 and 2004 elections, and predicting a close, but, nevertheless, BHO victory.
God help the world.
Mr Sheridan's well-reasoned (though frightening) prediction notwithstanding, being an interested observer in elections myself, I would have a little wager on the final result being actually surprisingly clear cut, and some blue states turning a distinct shade of crimson.
Draw your own conclusion on who you think will be sworn in next January.
Do they get any moose in Washington?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
How to use the Apostrophe
Away from politics for a moment now, but no less an important matter, and something very dear to my heart (dear to my heart, because it causes my blood pressure to skyrocket every time I see it done incorrectly - which is frequently), that is, how to use the humble little apostrophe.
This is an indictment on the educational system in this country, but I see the poor apostrophe abused time and time again. It's left out when it shouldn't be, and (worse) included, and used wrongly.
A few examples of incorrect use:
An ad on an employment website asked that CV's be sent....
Walking past a book store last week: non-fiction book's on sale this week
And, one of my favourites in another job ad, this time in a newspaper: Chef's wanted
In each of the three examples above, the apostrophe must be OMITTED. You do not form the plural of a noun by adding an apostrophe and an 's'. Leave the apostrophe out!
The apostrophe has many other uses, some of which I will go into in a later post, but I just want to touch on one final example:
The apostrophe is used in contractions.
A contraction occurs when two words are combined to make one word, and an apostrophe is inserted to take the place of the missing letter or letters, eg, the contraction for we are is we're; you are = you're; it is = it's. A contraction can also refer to the shortening of a word, such as number being contracted to no. But, as no apostrophe is used here we'll (a contraction for we will) move on!
Finally, two words which are often confused are your and you're. Although they are pronounced exactly the same way, they are not alternative spellings of the same word!! Your means belonging to you, and you're is, as I've said, the contraction of you are.
I once received an invitation to a work function which began: your welcome to attend...
Needless to say, I didn't!
This is an indictment on the educational system in this country, but I see the poor apostrophe abused time and time again. It's left out when it shouldn't be, and (worse) included, and used wrongly.
A few examples of incorrect use:
An ad on an employment website asked that CV's be sent....
Walking past a book store last week: non-fiction book's on sale this week
And, one of my favourites in another job ad, this time in a newspaper: Chef's wanted
In each of the three examples above, the apostrophe must be OMITTED. You do not form the plural of a noun by adding an apostrophe and an 's'. Leave the apostrophe out!
The apostrophe has many other uses, some of which I will go into in a later post, but I just want to touch on one final example:
The apostrophe is used in contractions.
A contraction occurs when two words are combined to make one word, and an apostrophe is inserted to take the place of the missing letter or letters, eg, the contraction for we are is we're; you are = you're; it is = it's. A contraction can also refer to the shortening of a word, such as number being contracted to no. But, as no apostrophe is used here we'll (a contraction for we will) move on!
Finally, two words which are often confused are your and you're. Although they are pronounced exactly the same way, they are not alternative spellings of the same word!! Your means belonging to you, and you're is, as I've said, the contraction of you are.
I once received an invitation to a work function which began: your welcome to attend...
Needless to say, I didn't!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Boring headline of the year award
She's the most talked-about woman in the world at the moment.
She's on the cover this week of half a dozen magazines, including the US, Asia, and South Pacific editions of 'Time'.
Yet, for all the power, grace, guts, determination and intrigue she offers, Time comes up with the blandest, most understated, insipid and plain boring headline I've seen in years.
They may as well have put 'Story about woman from Alaska'.
Thank God Time's sub-editors aren't writing Palin's speeches!
She's on the cover this week of half a dozen magazines, including the US, Asia, and South Pacific editions of 'Time'.
Yet, for all the power, grace, guts, determination and intrigue she offers, Time comes up with the blandest, most understated, insipid and plain boring headline I've seen in years.
They may as well have put 'Story about woman from Alaska'.
Thank God Time's sub-editors aren't writing Palin's speeches!
Let's hope for some new lines from Sarah
There is a lot to admire about Sarah Palin, and also a lot to digest about her; but each time I see a video of her speaking at rallies across America, she seems to be repeating large chunks of her speech from the GOP convention. It was a stunning speech that has earned its place in the annals of American politics, but I'm craving some new material.
I realise there will be some people at each rally who didn't hear her speech in St. Paul, however, with a TV audience of 37 million, I can't imagine it would be all that many.
Charles Gibson from ABC America will interview Palin in Alaska across two days. Apparently the McCain-Palin team has said there have been no discussions about specific interview material and, at this stage anyway, all questions are on the table.
This will give interested observers such as I, a fresh look, and hopefully some new insights, into the person who could be about to become the most powerful woman in the world.
I realise there will be some people at each rally who didn't hear her speech in St. Paul, however, with a TV audience of 37 million, I can't imagine it would be all that many.
Charles Gibson from ABC America will interview Palin in Alaska across two days. Apparently the McCain-Palin team has said there have been no discussions about specific interview material and, at this stage anyway, all questions are on the table.
This will give interested observers such as I, a fresh look, and hopefully some new insights, into the person who could be about to become the most powerful woman in the world.
Monday, September 8, 2008
The elites are panic-stricken
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Rees off to good start
The new premier of NSW, Matthew, um, sorry, (how soon we forget) Nathan Rees, has done his requisite shuffling of the deckchairs, and has banished one of the most unpopular ministers in living memory, Frank Sartor, to the backbenches (hooray!)
A chastened (read 'dumbstruck') Mr Sartor reckons he will be missed.
Not by me he won't!
The purging of those with delusional tendencies from government ministries is always a good thing; far better, however, that they never be elevated to such positions in the first place.
A chastened (read 'dumbstruck') Mr Sartor reckons he will be missed.
Not by me he won't!
The purging of those with delusional tendencies from government ministries is always a good thing; far better, however, that they never be elevated to such positions in the first place.
Labor gets a thumping in the West. Those holding the BOP shouldn't get big heads
The Western Australian government of Alan Carpenter got a thumping in the state election last night.
It looks like loosing about eight seats.
Neither the Labor party nor the Libs have enough seats to form government in their own right.
The Nationals look like they could hold the BOP (balance of power).
A while ago, due to some strange cosmic alignment, the Libs and the Nats split in the West.
Whilst in most other states the Liberal and National parties are in coalition, i.e, they vote with each other in parliament, in WA the Nationals are an independent party, and not in a coalition.
The leader of the Nats in WA, Brendan Grylls, is not saying which party his party will support in order to form government, but whichever one it is had better come to the table and meet his demands (totalling about $700 million). Grylls even suggested his party (of 4 in the lower house!) could side with the ALP to form government - which seems utterly ridiculous ... most National voters would rather eat glass than have their elected representatives vote with the Labor party.
I don't think Mr Grylls should get too cocky - or take his supporters for granted.
Interesting times in the West.
It looks like loosing about eight seats.
Neither the Labor party nor the Libs have enough seats to form government in their own right.
The Nationals look like they could hold the BOP (balance of power).
A while ago, due to some strange cosmic alignment, the Libs and the Nats split in the West.
Whilst in most other states the Liberal and National parties are in coalition, i.e, they vote with each other in parliament, in WA the Nationals are an independent party, and not in a coalition.
The leader of the Nats in WA, Brendan Grylls, is not saying which party his party will support in order to form government, but whichever one it is had better come to the table and meet his demands (totalling about $700 million). Grylls even suggested his party (of 4 in the lower house!) could side with the ALP to form government - which seems utterly ridiculous ... most National voters would rather eat glass than have their elected representatives vote with the Labor party.
I don't think Mr Grylls should get too cocky - or take his supporters for granted.
Interesting times in the West.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hiking with the next VP of the USA
Interesting vid here of Sarah Palin and some off-the-cuff comments as she walks with a reporter from the governor's mansion in Juneau to the Capitol building.
Palin comes across as down-to-earth and personable. I'm looking forward to more unscripted moments from her.
Juneau looks like a lovely city with some amazing scenery. I will have to add it to my ever-growing North American "to visit" list.
Palin comes across as down-to-earth and personable. I'm looking forward to more unscripted moments from her.
Juneau looks like a lovely city with some amazing scenery. I will have to add it to my ever-growing North American "to visit" list.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Dilemma resigns
Earlier today, Friday, the premier of the state of New South Wales, Morris Iemma, resigned from his job and from parliament, making him the first Labor premier in 117 years to resign.
If only he could have persuaded the rest of his cabinet colleagues to do likewise.
A constitutional anomaly apparently prevents the governor of NSW from sacking this state's incompetent, inept, scandal-ridden government.
In the meantime, the people of NSW have to wait until 2011 before they have the chance to change government at the polls.
I know that in our system of government we have to take the good with the bad, but there really is only so much crap that voters can put up with from their elected officials.
If only he could have persuaded the rest of his cabinet colleagues to do likewise.
A constitutional anomaly apparently prevents the governor of NSW from sacking this state's incompetent, inept, scandal-ridden government.
In the meantime, the people of NSW have to wait until 2011 before they have the chance to change government at the polls.
I know that in our system of government we have to take the good with the bad, but there really is only so much crap that voters can put up with from their elected officials.
Palin and McCain: The rocker and the crooner
John McCain's speech to the GOP Convention in St. Paul was a heartfelt call to the people.
If Palin rocked them (and she did); McCain crooned them.
It was not a grandiose speech; nor was it particularly rousing (except for the final 60 seconds).
But it showed the character of an extraordinary man.
A man who has gone through more trials and tribulations than 95 percent of those watching.
A man whose unquestionable love for his country has led him to be within sight of the final port of call of an astonishing life.
The grace with which he referred to his oponent, together with the spirit that comes from overcoming adversity, and the courage it will take to stand up to Washington, will I believe, bring new supporters to his campaign and galvanise his current support base.
With Superwoman from Alaska by his side, I think America had better hang on!
If Palin rocked them (and she did); McCain crooned them.
It was not a grandiose speech; nor was it particularly rousing (except for the final 60 seconds).
But it showed the character of an extraordinary man.
A man who has gone through more trials and tribulations than 95 percent of those watching.
A man whose unquestionable love for his country has led him to be within sight of the final port of call of an astonishing life.
The grace with which he referred to his oponent, together with the spirit that comes from overcoming adversity, and the courage it will take to stand up to Washington, will I believe, bring new supporters to his campaign and galvanise his current support base.
With Superwoman from Alaska by his side, I think America had better hang on!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Palin Rocks 'em in St Paul
For 37 minutes on Wednesday, Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin became the most important - certainly the most looked at - woman in the world.
Her keynote address at the GOP conference in St Paul was arguably the most anticipated speech by a politician in the last ten years.
The speech had it all - it was warm, witty, shrewd, and incredibly confident.
It might have been a bit light on policy, but, to be fair, this probably wasn't the time to knock everyone sideways with ideas for domestic and international affairs.
It was Palin's job tonight - as a relatively unknown politician a week ago - to introduce herself to the world, tell her story and praise her boss.
I am sure she quelled the fears of many Republicans and swinging voters still jittery and bewildered by her meteoric ascension, who wondered whether she'd be able to handle being on the world stage.
I reckon she could handle it, alright!
Palin delivered in spades.
The delegates loved it.
So did I.
Her keynote address at the GOP conference in St Paul was arguably the most anticipated speech by a politician in the last ten years.
The speech had it all - it was warm, witty, shrewd, and incredibly confident.
It might have been a bit light on policy, but, to be fair, this probably wasn't the time to knock everyone sideways with ideas for domestic and international affairs.
It was Palin's job tonight - as a relatively unknown politician a week ago - to introduce herself to the world, tell her story and praise her boss.
I am sure she quelled the fears of many Republicans and swinging voters still jittery and bewildered by her meteoric ascension, who wondered whether she'd be able to handle being on the world stage.
I reckon she could handle it, alright!
Palin delivered in spades.
The delegates loved it.
So did I.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The hutch will be closed for a couple of days...
I will be in Sydney tomorrow, but will be back on Friday.
There will be other news...sometime
This blog has been rather Sarah Palin-centric lately, and, although I never started this blog with the intention that it focus only on one or two individuals, you will appreciate that what happens in the US government has a momumental effect on world affairs, like no other democracy on the planet.
I will get around to writing about other stuff, when and if I get side-tracked from the fascinating events unfolding in US politics.
But I must say, I owe John McCain a huge debt of gratitute for turning one of the most boring presidential races in living memory into something quite extraordinary.
I will get around to writing about other stuff, when and if I get side-tracked from the fascinating events unfolding in US politics.
But I must say, I owe John McCain a huge debt of gratitute for turning one of the most boring presidential races in living memory into something quite extraordinary.
Experience? 1-0 Palin
A little from Piers Akerman in his column in the Daily Telegraph today:
Obama is possibly the least experienced person ever to run for US
president, having a resume as thin as rice paper and a sad history of
cultivating the wrong people throughout his brief career.and
McCain’s experience would bring a unique wisdom to the top job. His running mate, Palin, is an experienced reformer. She has the scalps and the moose stew on the stove to prove it.
Palin's Daughter is Pregnant. The Left are Wrong...again
It appears that the left side of the blogosphere is full of the most insidious, bilious rumours about Sarah Palin, especially one that claims she is really the grandmother of Trig, rather than his mother. I am sure her supporters expected some smear campaigns, but some, like this one, are just plain vicious, and utterly repugnant.
In a statement issued by Sarah and Todd Palin today (yesterday my time), Palin confirms that her daughter Bristol is pregnant.
I'm no obstetrician, but I think this would make it somewhat improbable that Bristol had given birth to Trig in April, as claimed by the rumourmongers.
Palin rightly requests privacy for her daughter from the media, and I don't intend to blog about it further, save to wish that the baby be brought into the world healthy, and into a loving and caring family.
In a statement issued by Sarah and Todd Palin today (yesterday my time), Palin confirms that her daughter Bristol is pregnant.
I'm no obstetrician, but I think this would make it somewhat improbable that Bristol had given birth to Trig in April, as claimed by the rumourmongers.
Palin rightly requests privacy for her daughter from the media, and I don't intend to blog about it further, save to wish that the baby be brought into the world healthy, and into a loving and caring family.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Palin To Significance 3
Sorry to keep going on about Sarah Palin. Well, actually I'm not sorry. Not half as sorry as Democrats could be come November.
Of the hundreds of stories on Palin that I've read since Friday, I'm astonished by the number of comments by readers to these articles who insist that her appointment is mere tokenism: a clumsy attempt by McCain to appease (among others) disaffected Hillary supporters and Republican women who are either undecided or who are going to vote for Obama.
Palin's appointment was no tokenism; and those (especially Republicans) intent on peddling this line are not only denying John McCain due credit, but are insulting their own intelligence.
But Palin is inexperienced, the critics bark. It's a very insipid and relative allegation. And so what, anyway? I can't speak French but that didn't stop me from visiting France!
Besides, inexperience can be a good thing. Who better than someone inexperienced, someone not jaded through having spent the past 300 years as a Senator, someone fresh and down-to-earth to change the way things are done. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when some Washington crony tells Palin: "if it ain't broken don't fix it." I hope she finds lots of "broken" things in Washington, as I'm sure she will.
Palin now needs to vindicate McCain's faith in her by selling herself like she's never done before. If she can pull it off come November, then McCain will go down as one of the most inspired Republican leaders in history.
The Chicago Tribune's editorial said that "Sarah Palin embodies John McCain's audacity of hope."
We will have to see, come November, whether the voters of America are as audacious as John McCain - and as visionary.
Of the hundreds of stories on Palin that I've read since Friday, I'm astonished by the number of comments by readers to these articles who insist that her appointment is mere tokenism: a clumsy attempt by McCain to appease (among others) disaffected Hillary supporters and Republican women who are either undecided or who are going to vote for Obama.
Palin's appointment was no tokenism; and those (especially Republicans) intent on peddling this line are not only denying John McCain due credit, but are insulting their own intelligence.
But Palin is inexperienced, the critics bark. It's a very insipid and relative allegation. And so what, anyway? I can't speak French but that didn't stop me from visiting France!
Besides, inexperience can be a good thing. Who better than someone inexperienced, someone not jaded through having spent the past 300 years as a Senator, someone fresh and down-to-earth to change the way things are done. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when some Washington crony tells Palin: "if it ain't broken don't fix it." I hope she finds lots of "broken" things in Washington, as I'm sure she will.
Palin now needs to vindicate McCain's faith in her by selling herself like she's never done before. If she can pull it off come November, then McCain will go down as one of the most inspired Republican leaders in history.
The Chicago Tribune's editorial said that "Sarah Palin embodies John McCain's audacity of hope."
We will have to see, come November, whether the voters of America are as audacious as John McCain - and as visionary.
Separated at Birth
Andrew Bolt on his excellent blog points to similarities between Sarah Palin and Geena Davis.
But I can't get over how much McCain's running mate looks like Tina Fey, from my favourite comedy, 30 Rock.
Judge for yourself....
But I can't get over how much McCain's running mate looks like Tina Fey, from my favourite comedy, 30 Rock.
Judge for yourself....
Phenomenology
I needed to resort to the dictionary to check a spelling in my last post.
In so doing, I succumbed to a habit given to me by a former teacher, a habit for which I will always be grateful.
The habit is this: whenever you are searching for a word in the dictionary, always read the definitions for the preceding word, as well as the following word. That way you get the spellings and definitions for three words instead of one.
All this lead me to 'phenomenology'. I'd not heard the term before, but I love how it rolls off the tongue. What's it mean? "1. In philosophy, the movement that concentrates on the detailed description of conscious experience. 2. the science of phenomena as opposed to the science of being."
Phenomenological!
In so doing, I succumbed to a habit given to me by a former teacher, a habit for which I will always be grateful.
The habit is this: whenever you are searching for a word in the dictionary, always read the definitions for the preceding word, as well as the following word. That way you get the spellings and definitions for three words instead of one.
All this lead me to 'phenomenology'. I'd not heard the term before, but I love how it rolls off the tongue. What's it mean? "1. In philosophy, the movement that concentrates on the detailed description of conscious experience. 2. the science of phenomena as opposed to the science of being."
Phenomenological!
Palin To Significance 2
Sarah Palin has become something of an internet phenomenon. Apparently on Friday she became the most Googled politican in history.
I found this internet radio chat yesterday. It's quite long, but the first 15-20 minutes or so is very interesting. The host talks with the author of a blog (when he can get a word in) who, back in February 2007, started a blog supporting the enlistment of Sarah Palin as the GOP VP.
That's quite a remarkable effort - especially considering the blogger in question, Adam Brickley, is just 21 years old.
I found this internet radio chat yesterday. It's quite long, but the first 15-20 minutes or so is very interesting. The host talks with the author of a blog (when he can get a word in) who, back in February 2007, started a blog supporting the enlistment of Sarah Palin as the GOP VP.
That's quite a remarkable effort - especially considering the blogger in question, Adam Brickley, is just 21 years old.
Palin To Significance
The news of John McCain's remarkable choice of running mate has made the front page today (Monday) of our one national newspaper, The Australian.
In the online edition of the same paper, this article by The Aussie's witty and erudite conservative columnist, Janet Albrechtson, paints a picture of Palin that I wish those whose published letters appear in today's print edition had the benefit of reading before many of them shot her (and McCain) down in flames.
Judging by said letters, the consensus appears to be that McCain chose Palin because she is a woman, and to appease women. Both of which is heifer dust, to put it mildly.
I would encourage Aussies (and anyone else for that matter) to do a bit of research on Sarah Palin before you start vilifying her. I think that the more you read about her, the more intriguing and likeable and, more importantly, capable, she gets.
In the online edition of the same paper, this article by The Aussie's witty and erudite conservative columnist, Janet Albrechtson, paints a picture of Palin that I wish those whose published letters appear in today's print edition had the benefit of reading before many of them shot her (and McCain) down in flames.
Judging by said letters, the consensus appears to be that McCain chose Palin because she is a woman, and to appease women. Both of which is heifer dust, to put it mildly.
I would encourage Aussies (and anyone else for that matter) to do a bit of research on Sarah Palin before you start vilifying her. I think that the more you read about her, the more intriguing and likeable and, more importantly, capable, she gets.
Welcome
Hello
Here you will find my perpectives on a range of eclectica. These perspectives will be both serious and humorous, but hopefully not boring.
By the way, my name is Nick, not Basil, but more on that later.
I am new to this, so let's hold hands and dip our tootsies in the water together!
Let's begin...
Here you will find my perpectives on a range of eclectica. These perspectives will be both serious and humorous, but hopefully not boring.
By the way, my name is Nick, not Basil, but more on that later.
I am new to this, so let's hold hands and dip our tootsies in the water together!
Let's begin...
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