Paint the Country Blue
From The Daily Kos comes news of a fund raising site for the local and national campaigns underway this year, Act Blue. The idea is to set up a page you can direct your friends to so they can donate to the campaigns in which they share your interest. Handy links are provided for candidates’ own websites, volunteer registration, meetups, and weblogs, so you can find out more about each race and Democratic candidate. DNC, DSCC, DCCC site links are also provided. Find out more and take back the country. George II may have given Iraq back early, but we can’t expect the same at home.
30 June 2004
29 June 2004
Can’t Get Out Fast Enough
Two days early, the Bush government has dropped Iraq into self-governance like a coal into a tinderbox, but with the Supremes ruling the Guantanamo detainees can have access to the US judicial system, George II’s henchmen are going to have their hands a bit more full at home. Of course we still do have 160,000 troops there to keep the Pax Americana.
Two days early, the Bush government has dropped Iraq into self-governance like a coal into a tinderbox, but with the Supremes ruling the Guantanamo detainees can have access to the US judicial system, George II’s henchmen are going to have their hands a bit more full at home. Of course we still do have 160,000 troops there to keep the Pax Americana.
28 June 2004
Missed
I blame my mother. Well, not really, but I did miss Father's Day, and it was largely a result of paying attention to the arrival of my mother in Sydney, so there you have it. Nevertheless, I had the foresight to have made an on-line purchase of delicious Tasmanian whiskey for him, which I hope he received and enjoyed. But because I was a bad son and didn't call, I have to wait and find out when next I ring the States, an occasion I'll have to plan carefully so as not to negatively affect Mom catching up on her jetlagged circadian rhythms. Happy Father's Day.
I blame my mother. Well, not really, but I did miss Father's Day, and it was largely a result of paying attention to the arrival of my mother in Sydney, so there you have it. Nevertheless, I had the foresight to have made an on-line purchase of delicious Tasmanian whiskey for him, which I hope he received and enjoyed. But because I was a bad son and didn't call, I have to wait and find out when next I ring the States, an occasion I'll have to plan carefully so as not to negatively affect Mom catching up on her jetlagged circadian rhythms. Happy Father's Day.
Read It and Weep
The Texas GOP’s platform is an incredible collection of politics as usual and pandering to the fanaticism of the neoconservatives who have come to dominate the development of policies. “Activist judges” behaving “wantonly” and opposition to any sex-ed curriculum that includes any mention of condoms, the elimination of accountability to government agencies with oversight of the environment, and dropping out of the UN now. Meanwhile, if you’re keeping up at home, via Democrats Abroad – Australia has provided its members with this handy chart of Red vs. Blue. Let’s bolster those weak states and target those that might flip the other way (you listening in Vegas?).
The Texas GOP’s platform is an incredible collection of politics as usual and pandering to the fanaticism of the neoconservatives who have come to dominate the development of policies. “Activist judges” behaving “wantonly” and opposition to any sex-ed curriculum that includes any mention of condoms, the elimination of accountability to government agencies with oversight of the environment, and dropping out of the UN now. Meanwhile, if you’re keeping up at home, via Democrats Abroad – Australia has provided its members with this handy chart of Red vs. Blue. Let’s bolster those weak states and target those that might flip the other way (you listening in Vegas?).
Ta-Ta, Ted
Well, Mom is off into the return journey by now (and, strangely enough, she will an hour ago have been in Los Angeles). M. & I hope her journey home will not leave (have left) her too debilitated with jet lag. Certainly we found her stamina remarkable during the time she spent with us, perhaps especially after hearing the tales of travels elsewhere through the country - Melbourne to Adelaide to Kangaroo Island to Coober Pedy to Cairns - with enough time spent in airports to account for at least two days of pure downtime. She weathered it all well, including her forced march up the arch of the Harbour Bridge, right up at the front, too, so the guide could keep an eye on her, and to and fro along the foreshore and amongst the Blue Mountains. We had a lot of fun and plenty of dining out, both high (the Boathouse in Glebe is my favorite, while Cafe Sydney suffered from a surfeit of "up themselves") and low (well, moderate, anyway, such as Al Mustafa, with its reliable and fresh Lebanese dishes, and the Porterhouse in Surry Hills, where pub dining is extended to include actual fresh food). If any others ever deign to visit, we will ensure they, too, ride the Bondi Explorer and stroll the Bondi to Bronte cliff walk, but I think we'd insist they not stay in a hotel, at least not one all the way down at Wynard Station.
It was a lot of fun. Next it's our turn to visit back, or mine, anyway, if not everyone will fly. May be a little while yet, though. I need a better paying job first.
Well, Mom is off into the return journey by now (and, strangely enough, she will an hour ago have been in Los Angeles). M. & I hope her journey home will not leave (have left) her too debilitated with jet lag. Certainly we found her stamina remarkable during the time she spent with us, perhaps especially after hearing the tales of travels elsewhere through the country - Melbourne to Adelaide to Kangaroo Island to Coober Pedy to Cairns - with enough time spent in airports to account for at least two days of pure downtime. She weathered it all well, including her forced march up the arch of the Harbour Bridge, right up at the front, too, so the guide could keep an eye on her, and to and fro along the foreshore and amongst the Blue Mountains. We had a lot of fun and plenty of dining out, both high (the Boathouse in Glebe is my favorite, while Cafe Sydney suffered from a surfeit of "up themselves") and low (well, moderate, anyway, such as Al Mustafa, with its reliable and fresh Lebanese dishes, and the Porterhouse in Surry Hills, where pub dining is extended to include actual fresh food). If any others ever deign to visit, we will ensure they, too, ride the Bondi Explorer and stroll the Bondi to Bronte cliff walk, but I think we'd insist they not stay in a hotel, at least not one all the way down at Wynard Station.
It was a lot of fun. Next it's our turn to visit back, or mine, anyway, if not everyone will fly. May be a little while yet, though. I need a better paying job first.
21 June 2004
Omigod, Everybody Get Out! It's My PARENT!
Yes, TCA arrives in Sydney tonight around 8 p.m. (so it's out to the airport to escort her to her hotel - no, she is allowed to stay with us, we're not so mean or scarey as that, but the room's part of her tour package, so why not use it?). We've got a full itinerary for her, including the Eastern Suburbs, the Blue Mountains, excellent restaurants, and the dreaded Bridge Climb. If I can do, so can she, but, Dad, I promise not to break her; she'll get home safe, if a little tired.
Yes, TCA arrives in Sydney tonight around 8 p.m. (so it's out to the airport to escort her to her hotel - no, she is allowed to stay with us, we're not so mean or scarey as that, but the room's part of her tour package, so why not use it?). We've got a full itinerary for her, including the Eastern Suburbs, the Blue Mountains, excellent restaurants, and the dreaded Bridge Climb. If I can do, so can she, but, Dad, I promise not to break her; she'll get home safe, if a little tired.
18 June 2004
Superhero Tights Next
Traditionally, tights are standard wear for enhanced-ability crime fighters, although they’ve been trending away from such displays ever since everyone started turning up for aerobics dressed as if they were just stopping off while waiting for the next bat-signal. In the Marvel Universe™, Mr. Fantastic, scientist and super-stretchy battler of evildoers everywhere, makes a point of providing costumes made from “unstable molecules,” whereby the clothing alters itself to suit the requirements of the wearer, thus allowing the Human Torch, for example, not to spoil his Levis with every “flame on.” Such innovations being beyond our capabilities at present, Hong Kong Polytechnic scientists have gone Alec Guinness one better by coating cotton fabric in titanium dioxide nano-particles which when exposed to light oxidize other organic matter; i.e., the clothes clean themselves. Well, o.k., they’re not clothes yet, just fabric swatches, but just imagine the various industrial interests threatened by such a development. Even if, as the article says, “a quarter of all toilet bowls . . . now come with self-cleaning nano-coatings” that would only affect a small portion of, for example, Dow’s product line. (If they’ve got them in Taiwan, though, I wonder if they’re marketed here? Do they have shower stalls and bathtubs, too? Note to self: research prior to home renovation.) Thanks to Follow Me Here.
Traditionally, tights are standard wear for enhanced-ability crime fighters, although they’ve been trending away from such displays ever since everyone started turning up for aerobics dressed as if they were just stopping off while waiting for the next bat-signal. In the Marvel Universe™, Mr. Fantastic, scientist and super-stretchy battler of evildoers everywhere, makes a point of providing costumes made from “unstable molecules,” whereby the clothing alters itself to suit the requirements of the wearer, thus allowing the Human Torch, for example, not to spoil his Levis with every “flame on.” Such innovations being beyond our capabilities at present, Hong Kong Polytechnic scientists have gone Alec Guinness one better by coating cotton fabric in titanium dioxide nano-particles which when exposed to light oxidize other organic matter; i.e., the clothes clean themselves. Well, o.k., they’re not clothes yet, just fabric swatches, but just imagine the various industrial interests threatened by such a development. Even if, as the article says, “a quarter of all toilet bowls . . . now come with self-cleaning nano-coatings” that would only affect a small portion of, for example, Dow’s product line. (If they’ve got them in Taiwan, though, I wonder if they’re marketed here? Do they have shower stalls and bathtubs, too? Note to self: research prior to home renovation.) Thanks to Follow Me Here.
Secretary of the Indefensible
Donald Rumsfield personally violated the Geneva Conventions, but is this the impetus behind Tenet’s resignation, too? Where’s an Independent Counsel when you need one? (Meanwhile, the Ashcroft Injustice Department is chasing civilian contractors - not that they don’t deserve it.)
Donald Rumsfield personally violated the Geneva Conventions, but is this the impetus behind Tenet’s resignation, too? Where’s an Independent Counsel when you need one? (Meanwhile, the Ashcroft Injustice Department is chasing civilian contractors - not that they don’t deserve it.)
17 June 2004
Geek Gwaking
Paper Skye is a hybrid site, part 'blog, part webpage dynamism. The various elements posted are click-and-draggable. No more fun than that, but no less either. It's times like these I think I ought to learn some code.
Paper Skye is a hybrid site, part 'blog, part webpage dynamism. The various elements posted are click-and-draggable. No more fun than that, but no less either. It's times like these I think I ought to learn some code.
"The Size of a House"
If the meteorite that fell on the south NSW coast last night had, indeed, been as large as that, we would be with the dinosauers by now, so I'm guessing the witness's report more accurately described an atmospheric effect. Of course, from the description, it sound more War of the Worlds than just some bit of space rock, so keep an eye out for three-legged walking machines with death rays.
(This seems to be part of a series of meteorological events coincident with the arrival of my sainted mother: her arrival in Adelaide being marked by a drop in temperature and three days of heavy rain in South Australia, her departure presaged by an earthquake up by her destination, as well as the Martian invasion. She's coming to Sydney in four days: should we expect volcanoes?)
If the meteorite that fell on the south NSW coast last night had, indeed, been as large as that, we would be with the dinosauers by now, so I'm guessing the witness's report more accurately described an atmospheric effect. Of course, from the description, it sound more War of the Worlds than just some bit of space rock, so keep an eye out for three-legged walking machines with death rays.
(This seems to be part of a series of meteorological events coincident with the arrival of my sainted mother: her arrival in Adelaide being marked by a drop in temperature and three days of heavy rain in South Australia, her departure presaged by an earthquake up by her destination, as well as the Martian invasion. She's coming to Sydney in four days: should we expect volcanoes?)
16 June 2004
Wait for the Video
While I still prefer VHS over DVD in many respects – I don’t spend a lot of time on the extras, after all – going to the movies to see a first-run picture on the big screen is still an experience far different than watching a film on t.v. But if they’re going to charge $15.30 per ticket, I may have to stay home. Many schemes have been floated for improving cinemas’ profit margins. Eliminating the popcorn and so forth would, for example, reduce the operational costs significantly. Another option would be to vary the prices according to the show time, lower for off-peak hours and higher for “prime time.” Claiming price increases are indexed to inflation is just an excuse for socking it to the consumer. The real inflation is the multi-million dollar blockbuster budgets, so why not charge more for the movies with the Schwarzeneggers and special effects?
While I still prefer VHS over DVD in many respects – I don’t spend a lot of time on the extras, after all – going to the movies to see a first-run picture on the big screen is still an experience far different than watching a film on t.v. But if they’re going to charge $15.30 per ticket, I may have to stay home. Many schemes have been floated for improving cinemas’ profit margins. Eliminating the popcorn and so forth would, for example, reduce the operational costs significantly. Another option would be to vary the prices according to the show time, lower for off-peak hours and higher for “prime time.” Claiming price increases are indexed to inflation is just an excuse for socking it to the consumer. The real inflation is the multi-million dollar blockbuster budgets, so why not charge more for the movies with the Schwarzeneggers and special effects?
15 June 2004
Sacramental Politics
Can churches deny the sacrament of the eucharist to politicians who support abortion? Not if I’ve got my catechism straight. The way I understand it, it is a sin to take communion while in a state of sin, but unless it’s now a sin to vote in compliance with the principles of Roe v. Wade, there’s no issue there. Insofar as this may be considered sinful, or insofar as any politician acts to enable or provide or participate in the decision of another to have an abortion, which I suppose might be considered sinful, then there’s still the sacrament of Reconciliation (formerly known as “Penance”) which would allow that person to expiate his or her sin and to receive absolution. Nevertheless, unless the priest handing out the wafers is the sinner’s confessor, he can’t know the state of the communicant’s soul, so it would be wrong to deny the sacrament. In the end, it’s up to the politician to ensure he or she is in a state of grace and therefore capable of participating in the Eucharistic sacrament, not the bishops or priests. Unless they enact a writ of excommunication. But I’m probably being too reasoned.
Can churches deny the sacrament of the eucharist to politicians who support abortion? Not if I’ve got my catechism straight. The way I understand it, it is a sin to take communion while in a state of sin, but unless it’s now a sin to vote in compliance with the principles of Roe v. Wade, there’s no issue there. Insofar as this may be considered sinful, or insofar as any politician acts to enable or provide or participate in the decision of another to have an abortion, which I suppose might be considered sinful, then there’s still the sacrament of Reconciliation (formerly known as “Penance”) which would allow that person to expiate his or her sin and to receive absolution. Nevertheless, unless the priest handing out the wafers is the sinner’s confessor, he can’t know the state of the communicant’s soul, so it would be wrong to deny the sacrament. In the end, it’s up to the politician to ensure he or she is in a state of grace and therefore capable of participating in the Eucharistic sacrament, not the bishops or priests. Unless they enact a writ of excommunication. But I’m probably being too reasoned.
It Takes a Global Village
Rebecca Blood points us to Naburr, an internet-based social networking service for Third World communities striving to improve their local conditions, whether for building latrines or increasing the educational opportunities for women.
Rebecca Blood points us to Naburr, an internet-based social networking service for Third World communities striving to improve their local conditions, whether for building latrines or increasing the educational opportunities for women.
Kerry and ANZUS
I’d hoped for a better response from my candidate on the issue, but Kerry did support the initiation of the Iraq war, so it shouldn’t surprise me he want’s Latham to keep the 250 Australian troops there past Christmas. (Tim Dunlop points to the withdrawal of the Netherlands’ 1400 troops, but maybe the additional 90 days is enough to make a difference for the Democratic candidate.)
I’d hoped for a better response from my candidate on the issue, but Kerry did support the initiation of the Iraq war, so it shouldn’t surprise me he want’s Latham to keep the 250 Australian troops there past Christmas. (Tim Dunlop points to the withdrawal of the Netherlands’ 1400 troops, but maybe the additional 90 days is enough to make a difference for the Democratic candidate.)
Festival Notes
We’ve begun our festival season activities, attending a screening of Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclisse this weekend. The State is a grand old theatre, but this is the second year we’ve gone here for a film during the Sydney Film Festival, and we’ve concluded as a result that they cannot manage a crowd of eager filmgoers. This year, they also started the show 30 minutes late, which wouldn’t have been much of an issue, except that this is part of a major travelling retrospective of Antonioni’s oeuvre, requiring not one, but three introductions: one for the festival, one for the retrospective, and one for the movie itself. Which was a terrific piece of Italian cinema, even if Vittoria is one of the moodiest film characters of all time, and the final seven minutes, “the most famous seven minutes in cinema,” was the most inexplicable movie endings of all time (at least immediately following lights-up; afterward, it all started to make sense, which is what often happens in art-house movies). It’s quite stunning, the ending, after all that angst, but it’s perhaps just as well that next week we’ll be going to see documentaries on the Ramones and Charles Bukowski.
We’ve begun our festival season activities, attending a screening of Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclisse this weekend. The State is a grand old theatre, but this is the second year we’ve gone here for a film during the Sydney Film Festival, and we’ve concluded as a result that they cannot manage a crowd of eager filmgoers. This year, they also started the show 30 minutes late, which wouldn’t have been much of an issue, except that this is part of a major travelling retrospective of Antonioni’s oeuvre, requiring not one, but three introductions: one for the festival, one for the retrospective, and one for the movie itself. Which was a terrific piece of Italian cinema, even if Vittoria is one of the moodiest film characters of all time, and the final seven minutes, “the most famous seven minutes in cinema,” was the most inexplicable movie endings of all time (at least immediately following lights-up; afterward, it all started to make sense, which is what often happens in art-house movies). It’s quite stunning, the ending, after all that angst, but it’s perhaps just as well that next week we’ll be going to see documentaries on the Ramones and Charles Bukowski.
T.V. Controversy
Big Brother is an appeal to the prurient interests of television viewers, but without any actual pornography. As for one contestant’s using the show to stage a political protest, well, it was clever (although to hear him speak about it was painful – not a very bright boy). He shouldn’t have apologized, however (especially to children who might have been frightened – what? Did I miss something?), and the producers should have given his prizes to charity. Never watch Ten again, never watch Ten again. (O.k., Neighbours; must find out what happens to Susan next.)
Big Brother is an appeal to the prurient interests of television viewers, but without any actual pornography. As for one contestant’s using the show to stage a political protest, well, it was clever (although to hear him speak about it was painful – not a very bright boy). He shouldn’t have apologized, however (especially to children who might have been frightened – what? Did I miss something?), and the producers should have given his prizes to charity. Never watch Ten again, never watch Ten again. (O.k., Neighbours; must find out what happens to Susan next.)
New Bookshelf Requirement
Corrupting the Youth is a new survey of Australian philosophy and philosophers, and if I'm ever going to catch up with my new country's intellectual character, this has to go on my wish list.
Corrupting the Youth is a new survey of Australian philosophy and philosophers, and if I'm ever going to catch up with my new country's intellectual character, this has to go on my wish list.
11 June 2004
Global Economics
What is the biggest effect of globalization? Probably that 51 out of the top 100 “economic entities” are corporations. Yes, the U.S. is at the top of the list, and Australia is 14th, 9 places ahead of the first company, General Motors (with just over half it’s GDP being the difference between 14th and 23rd place). 9 of the corporations are car companies, and 3 are oil companies, that I can identify just by looking, anyway, and 5 are banks. Communications companies have a noticeable representation, but it was the 5 insurance companies that stood out for me somehow, perhaps because most of them were Japanese. 2 retailers, Kroger and Wal-Mart, also made the list. Australia’s position hasn’t changed in the ranking since 1996, but GM’s has, climbing three places in 8 years, displacing Mitsubishi, Mitsuiand, and Itochu, which have dropped to 38, 37, and 41, respectively. Japan still dominates in terms of the number of companies listed, however.
What is the biggest effect of globalization? Probably that 51 out of the top 100 “economic entities” are corporations. Yes, the U.S. is at the top of the list, and Australia is 14th, 9 places ahead of the first company, General Motors (with just over half it’s GDP being the difference between 14th and 23rd place). 9 of the corporations are car companies, and 3 are oil companies, that I can identify just by looking, anyway, and 5 are banks. Communications companies have a noticeable representation, but it was the 5 insurance companies that stood out for me somehow, perhaps because most of them were Japanese. 2 retailers, Kroger and Wal-Mart, also made the list. Australia’s position hasn’t changed in the ranking since 1996, but GM’s has, climbing three places in 8 years, displacing Mitsubishi, Mitsuiand, and Itochu, which have dropped to 38, 37, and 41, respectively. Japan still dominates in terms of the number of companies listed, however.
Private & Public II
Gracie Mansion has been the NYC Mayor’s home for fifty years, but Bloomberg, the billionaire who presently holds that office, has turned it into a public space, preferring his own home to moving house. There has been speculation before about mayors with homes of their own moving into Gracie Mansion, and sometimes those mayors have started by indicating they wouldn’t move but ending by moving anyway. Not this time, and I applaud Mayor Mike for not only keeping his word but also for the uses by which he has made the house a public space. As part of Carl Schurz Park, it makes sense, and I’m sure any NYC mayor would be secure and private at home in a co-op or condo unit, so why not take down that ugly fence and integrate the building into the park a little more? Adjacent to the East River, the park is a lovely stretch of public land that would thereby only be enhanced. Of course, as someone fully supportive of Mark Latham’s earlier promise regarding the Prime Minister’s residence in Kirribilli, I speak from a partisan’s perspective. In fact, I also like Australia becoming a republic all the more if the Governor General’s job change to President included a relocation, leaving that much more of the harbour to the public.
Gracie Mansion has been the NYC Mayor’s home for fifty years, but Bloomberg, the billionaire who presently holds that office, has turned it into a public space, preferring his own home to moving house. There has been speculation before about mayors with homes of their own moving into Gracie Mansion, and sometimes those mayors have started by indicating they wouldn’t move but ending by moving anyway. Not this time, and I applaud Mayor Mike for not only keeping his word but also for the uses by which he has made the house a public space. As part of Carl Schurz Park, it makes sense, and I’m sure any NYC mayor would be secure and private at home in a co-op or condo unit, so why not take down that ugly fence and integrate the building into the park a little more? Adjacent to the East River, the park is a lovely stretch of public land that would thereby only be enhanced. Of course, as someone fully supportive of Mark Latham’s earlier promise regarding the Prime Minister’s residence in Kirribilli, I speak from a partisan’s perspective. In fact, I also like Australia becoming a republic all the more if the Governor General’s job change to President included a relocation, leaving that much more of the harbour to the public.
Dogs Smarter Than Some Children
I’m going to have to have a word with the cat. She only understands her name and “dinner.”
I’m going to have to have a word with the cat. She only understands her name and “dinner.”
Public & Private
Monday is the celebration for the Queen's Birthday, a public holiday commemorating Australia's status as an independent nation beholden to a foreign sovereign (and matriarch of the wackiest royal family in Europe). This is almost certain to affect TCA's holiday in Adelaide, if only in reducing the number of restaurants open for business. We eagerly await the 21st, so we can hear the stories.
Monday is the celebration for the Queen's Birthday, a public holiday commemorating Australia's status as an independent nation beholden to a foreign sovereign (and matriarch of the wackiest royal family in Europe). This is almost certain to affect TCA's holiday in Adelaide, if only in reducing the number of restaurants open for business. We eagerly await the 21st, so we can hear the stories.
Trains Are On or Close to Schedule
I used to hear that announcement during the traffic report on the news back in NYC, and it always handed me a laugh. I mean, what schedule? The MTA had one for the subways, I know, but they didn’t publish it anywhere. It didn’t really matter anyway, because the subway you could squeeze onto would either be delayed by the one ahead of it (or the one ahead of that, etc.), or because of some problem, mechanical or otherwise, it had itself. They ran frequently enough, however, that it rarely made that much difference, and when it did, everyone else was late, too, so again, it was just an aggravation. Commuter rail, however, as in the suburban lines feeding the city centers, is another matter. In this instance, trains running off schedule are a problem, because they only run every 15 to 20 minutes during rush hour for each line, so a delay sufficiently long to cancel a train or affect a following service, can put you that behind by that much or more, especially if the problem isn’t just with the one train, but is instead systemic, thereby causing more and longer delays. Michael Costas will fix that by redefining “late” as “on-time,” at least within five minutes. On-time has been defined as such within four minutes for the last 10 years, but the Minister for Making the Trains Run Badly clearly figures an extra minute will be enough to solve the problem. The “realistic” schedule promised for September of next year will build in the delays of this year, which will give RailCorp an extra five minutes’ slack. By that time, then, on-time will be within 10 minutes of schedule, effectively. With all the trains they run, those 10 minutes each should add up to the kind of time they need to fix the infrastructure and staffing problems that will make the service work the way it should have been doing since the Olympics.
I used to hear that announcement during the traffic report on the news back in NYC, and it always handed me a laugh. I mean, what schedule? The MTA had one for the subways, I know, but they didn’t publish it anywhere. It didn’t really matter anyway, because the subway you could squeeze onto would either be delayed by the one ahead of it (or the one ahead of that, etc.), or because of some problem, mechanical or otherwise, it had itself. They ran frequently enough, however, that it rarely made that much difference, and when it did, everyone else was late, too, so again, it was just an aggravation. Commuter rail, however, as in the suburban lines feeding the city centers, is another matter. In this instance, trains running off schedule are a problem, because they only run every 15 to 20 minutes during rush hour for each line, so a delay sufficiently long to cancel a train or affect a following service, can put you that behind by that much or more, especially if the problem isn’t just with the one train, but is instead systemic, thereby causing more and longer delays. Michael Costas will fix that by redefining “late” as “on-time,” at least within five minutes. On-time has been defined as such within four minutes for the last 10 years, but the Minister for Making the Trains Run Badly clearly figures an extra minute will be enough to solve the problem. The “realistic” schedule promised for September of next year will build in the delays of this year, which will give RailCorp an extra five minutes’ slack. By that time, then, on-time will be within 10 minutes of schedule, effectively. With all the trains they run, those 10 minutes each should add up to the kind of time they need to fix the infrastructure and staffing problems that will make the service work the way it should have been doing since the Olympics.
Rates
It wouldn’t bother me so much that the electricity rates are going up (by $0.67 to $1.17 per week - $34.84 to $60.84 annually, not so much, but it all counts), except that I don’t have any choice. Everything in my apartment is electric: heat, hot water, stove. If I just had the option of gas for some of this, or if the building itself had a bit of climate control, I’d feel better about it. Not o.k., but better. Of course, then my levies would be higher, and they’re bad enough as it is. Welcome back, Carter, I say. We’re on a regimen to turn off lights when we’re not in the room, rug up in sweaters (jumpers) during the day and blankets (doonas) at night. And no more veggie roasts. Stove-top cooking only. That’ll fix ‘em.
It wouldn’t bother me so much that the electricity rates are going up (by $0.67 to $1.17 per week - $34.84 to $60.84 annually, not so much, but it all counts), except that I don’t have any choice. Everything in my apartment is electric: heat, hot water, stove. If I just had the option of gas for some of this, or if the building itself had a bit of climate control, I’d feel better about it. Not o.k., but better. Of course, then my levies would be higher, and they’re bad enough as it is. Welcome back, Carter, I say. We’re on a regimen to turn off lights when we’re not in the room, rug up in sweaters (jumpers) during the day and blankets (doonas) at night. And no more veggie roasts. Stove-top cooking only. That’ll fix ‘em.
Shore ‘nuff
I’m a big fan of urban greenways, and combined with Sydney’s harbour, I expect this latest effort, started by Lucy Turnbull, and now driven by Clover Moore’s vision for a more liveable city, is almost certain to be a terrific non-development development. I already enjoy running down to the Opera House and through the Botanical Gardens and the Domain, not to mention walks through The Rocks under the Harbour Bridge and past the Observatory. Perhaps while Mom’s in town, we’ll even manage the Spit-to-Manly walk, but I’d have loved to take her through the southern, westward shore, presently cut up into bits of parkland by run-down, half-working port facilities. 50 years is a long time to wait for the completion of this project, particularly as I may not be in a position to hike 17 kilometers by that time. I will accept whatever piecemeal portions can be achieved in the meanwhile.
I’m a big fan of urban greenways, and combined with Sydney’s harbour, I expect this latest effort, started by Lucy Turnbull, and now driven by Clover Moore’s vision for a more liveable city, is almost certain to be a terrific non-development development. I already enjoy running down to the Opera House and through the Botanical Gardens and the Domain, not to mention walks through The Rocks under the Harbour Bridge and past the Observatory. Perhaps while Mom’s in town, we’ll even manage the Spit-to-Manly walk, but I’d have loved to take her through the southern, westward shore, presently cut up into bits of parkland by run-down, half-working port facilities. 50 years is a long time to wait for the completion of this project, particularly as I may not be in a position to hike 17 kilometers by that time. I will accept whatever piecemeal portions can be achieved in the meanwhile.
Brains and Business
I’m not impressed by the reports of an internet database project to draw on the expertise of Australia’s expatriates, as it appears to be just a kind of business networking effort, rather than a method of drawing this talent into Australia, even leaving aside the physical return. On the other hand, from what I’ve seen of some of the notable expats when they come home, whether the acerbic Germaine Greer or the surprisingly bitter Peter Carey (and Robert Hughes isn’t coming back in the first place, not any time soon), maybe Expatriate Connect really will “advance Australia by advancing Australians.” But what can I expect from the Australian Institute for Commercialisation, if not the merchandising of intellect?
I’m not impressed by the reports of an internet database project to draw on the expertise of Australia’s expatriates, as it appears to be just a kind of business networking effort, rather than a method of drawing this talent into Australia, even leaving aside the physical return. On the other hand, from what I’ve seen of some of the notable expats when they come home, whether the acerbic Germaine Greer or the surprisingly bitter Peter Carey (and Robert Hughes isn’t coming back in the first place, not any time soon), maybe Expatriate Connect really will “advance Australia by advancing Australians.” But what can I expect from the Australian Institute for Commercialisation, if not the merchandising of intellect?
Blues Note
R.I.P., Ray Charles. I remember so many moments when his music interjected an otherwise bland cultural moments, suddenly reviving it, contextualizing, critiquing but never losing its swing. He was one of those musicians I wish I’d paid more attention to and earlier.
R.I.P., Ray Charles. I remember so many moments when his music interjected an otherwise bland cultural moments, suddenly reviving it, contextualizing, critiquing but never losing its swing. He was one of those musicians I wish I’d paid more attention to and earlier.
’80s AIDS Dramas
Over the last three nights M. and I watched the ABC’s presentation of Mike Nichols’ adaptation of Angels in America, the sprawling Broadway hit of whenever that was, by Tony Kushner. Al Pacino had the best role, playing the dying Roy Cohn, alongside the multiply-cast Meryl Streep, whose best bit was as “Mother Pitt,” the Mormon mother of one of the secondary characters. Emma Thompson was well cast in the role of the angel, as well as the AIDS nurse, but despite the casting, the performances, and the obviously expensive, lavish production, and undoubtedly like the play itself, Angels in America is pretty bad. Perhaps my opinion is colored by the wrap-up, which is preached in near incoherence and obviously tacked on in desperation for an end to it all, despite the narrative’s inherent characteristic of having no end short of death, perhaps even short of the end of the world, as we know it or otherwise. Perhaps it is the lack of true visionary imagining as exemplified in the sections dealing with the nature and drive of prophecy. The entire drama is at its best when it is dealing with the lives of its characters, and in the end it doesn’t seem to do so honestly enough, taking too much time out for cheap laughs and cheaper fantasy. The subject is huge, difficult to handle even now, when we know so much more about treatment and prevention and the lives affected, so at the time, I can see how this would have been regarded as a big deal, but it is deeply flawed and always will be, regardless of who plays whom or how much money is spent on special effects. I admire the ambition, and in some ways, that’s the point.
Over the last three nights M. and I watched the ABC’s presentation of Mike Nichols’ adaptation of Angels in America, the sprawling Broadway hit of whenever that was, by Tony Kushner. Al Pacino had the best role, playing the dying Roy Cohn, alongside the multiply-cast Meryl Streep, whose best bit was as “Mother Pitt,” the Mormon mother of one of the secondary characters. Emma Thompson was well cast in the role of the angel, as well as the AIDS nurse, but despite the casting, the performances, and the obviously expensive, lavish production, and undoubtedly like the play itself, Angels in America is pretty bad. Perhaps my opinion is colored by the wrap-up, which is preached in near incoherence and obviously tacked on in desperation for an end to it all, despite the narrative’s inherent characteristic of having no end short of death, perhaps even short of the end of the world, as we know it or otherwise. Perhaps it is the lack of true visionary imagining as exemplified in the sections dealing with the nature and drive of prophecy. The entire drama is at its best when it is dealing with the lives of its characters, and in the end it doesn’t seem to do so honestly enough, taking too much time out for cheap laughs and cheaper fantasy. The subject is huge, difficult to handle even now, when we know so much more about treatment and prevention and the lives affected, so at the time, I can see how this would have been regarded as a big deal, but it is deeply flawed and always will be, regardless of who plays whom or how much money is spent on special effects. I admire the ambition, and in some ways, that’s the point.
SOI
The Southern Oscillation Index, or the measure of the El Niño effect, has been going up, point-by-point, over the last few days, anyway, and last night we saw some of the rain that trend has been promising. So much rain, in fact, that it even zapped our television reception for about fifteen minutes, although that may have had something to do with all the electrons flying around. Passing the overflow control on the Parramatta River this morning, I could see that there must have been a heavy fall out west, too, but how much good this does for the cachements remains to be seen. I expect the ABC will have a report.
The Southern Oscillation Index, or the measure of the El Niño effect, has been going up, point-by-point, over the last few days, anyway, and last night we saw some of the rain that trend has been promising. So much rain, in fact, that it even zapped our television reception for about fifteen minutes, although that may have had something to do with all the electrons flying around. Passing the overflow control on the Parramatta River this morning, I could see that there must have been a heavy fall out west, too, but how much good this does for the cachements remains to be seen. I expect the ABC will have a report.
10 June 2004
What “Is” Is
Have a look at one of the memos the White House lawyers put together to relieve the Bush administration of the burden of not being able to torture anyone they wanted. They declined to sign up for the International Criminal Court, but is that because they wanted to be tried in absentia? Bush likes to throw the word “evil” around, but I don’t think he’s going to like having it thrown back in his face. (Memo via Rebecca's Pocket.)
Have a look at one of the memos the White House lawyers put together to relieve the Bush administration of the burden of not being able to torture anyone they wanted. They declined to sign up for the International Criminal Court, but is that because they wanted to be tried in absentia? Bush likes to throw the word “evil” around, but I don’t think he’s going to like having it thrown back in his face. (Memo via Rebecca's Pocket.)
Code Red
The hits just keep coming, which is exactly what Rumsfeld wanted for John Walker Lindh, although in a different sense. “Take the gloves off,” he said, and as much as Lindh might have deserved a slap in the head, this looks like the first step down the path that led us to Abu Ghraib. The Special Prosecutors ought to be lining up around now.
The hits just keep coming, which is exactly what Rumsfeld wanted for John Walker Lindh, although in a different sense. “Take the gloves off,” he said, and as much as Lindh might have deserved a slap in the head, this looks like the first step down the path that led us to Abu Ghraib. The Special Prosecutors ought to be lining up around now.
Competition
Because he is a failed businessman himself, it should come as no surprise that regulations on competition would be anathema to the Bush administration, and hence that he would allow telephone service equipment leasing rules to expire. Only “modest” increases are expected from SBC, Verizon, BellSouth, and Qwest, at least by the thief-in-chief, which AT&T, MCI (among others) are expected to “absorb.” With the FCC focussed on the use of profanity in radio and television, I wouldn’t expect to hear a peep out of them, at least not over the phone.
Because he is a failed businessman himself, it should come as no surprise that regulations on competition would be anathema to the Bush administration, and hence that he would allow telephone service equipment leasing rules to expire. Only “modest” increases are expected from SBC, Verizon, BellSouth, and Qwest, at least by the thief-in-chief, which AT&T, MCI (among others) are expected to “absorb.” With the FCC focussed on the use of profanity in radio and television, I wouldn’t expect to hear a peep out of them, at least not over the phone.
Political Capital
There was a joke running around for a while some months ago that Bush had two secret weapons in cold storage waiting for the right moment to boost his re-election campaign: the dead bodies of Osama bin Laden and Ronald Reagan. Leaving aside the obvious follow-ups, it now appears that in fact there really isn’t anything too low, beneath which Bush will not stoop, as his campaign replaces their entire website with devotionals to Reagan. This is simply crass. Speaking of which, whose idea was this? It’s an insult to every working stiff in America to have that union-buster on the money. (Thanks, again, to Elect-a-blog.)
There was a joke running around for a while some months ago that Bush had two secret weapons in cold storage waiting for the right moment to boost his re-election campaign: the dead bodies of Osama bin Laden and Ronald Reagan. Leaving aside the obvious follow-ups, it now appears that in fact there really isn’t anything too low, beneath which Bush will not stoop, as his campaign replaces their entire website with devotionals to Reagan. This is simply crass. Speaking of which, whose idea was this? It’s an insult to every working stiff in America to have that union-buster on the money. (Thanks, again, to Elect-a-blog.)
Incompetence & Justice
John Ashcroft has much to answer for, so I’m rather pleased to read Senator Pat Leahy’s opening remarks to the Attorney General at his June 8 testimony. (Via Elect-a-blog.) I also caught Joe Biden's admonishments to Ashcroft on the news last night. Good point.
John Ashcroft has much to answer for, so I’m rather pleased to read Senator Pat Leahy’s opening remarks to the Attorney General at his June 8 testimony. (Via Elect-a-blog.) I also caught Joe Biden's admonishments to Ashcroft on the news last night. Good point.
ANZUS
With George Bush and his State Department lackey, Richard Armitage, offering some rather pointed messages to Mark Latham, Steven Wade assesses international relations, and makes a good job of it, too. Australia is not a superpower nation, and despite its size is unlikely to become one. Its natural resources are unlikely to support a population the size of the U.S., which precludes the military-industrial complex (let alone the tax base to support it) needed to be a major player in that respect. It is, however, a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and as such has a potent political role to play here, well beyond whether or not it has a free trade agreement with the United States. I have to concur with Mr. Wade that Mark Latham’s indications of political independence offers superior value. The treaty will stand, despite the threatening miens of Bush and Armitage, and the free trade agreement will probably go forward, too (although I’d love to see it advantage Australia more than it seems to do at present). I look forward to the Federal elections here as much as I do those at home.
With George Bush and his State Department lackey, Richard Armitage, offering some rather pointed messages to Mark Latham, Steven Wade assesses international relations, and makes a good job of it, too. Australia is not a superpower nation, and despite its size is unlikely to become one. Its natural resources are unlikely to support a population the size of the U.S., which precludes the military-industrial complex (let alone the tax base to support it) needed to be a major player in that respect. It is, however, a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and as such has a potent political role to play here, well beyond whether or not it has a free trade agreement with the United States. I have to concur with Mr. Wade that Mark Latham’s indications of political independence offers superior value. The treaty will stand, despite the threatening miens of Bush and Armitage, and the free trade agreement will probably go forward, too (although I’d love to see it advantage Australia more than it seems to do at present). I look forward to the Federal elections here as much as I do those at home.
09 June 2004
Where in the World is TCA?
We're in for it now: my mother is on her way to Australia even as we speak. Arriving in Melbourne Friday morning (for long enough to get a quick look at the airport before moving on to Adelaide, from whence she will immediately proceed to Coober Pedy to be dragooned into finding opals for us), we only have a little over a week to get the place cleaned up. Will she avail herself of an internet cafe to keep us up-to-date on her experiences, or will we have to wait for the photos? Tune in often.
We're in for it now: my mother is on her way to Australia even as we speak. Arriving in Melbourne Friday morning (for long enough to get a quick look at the airport before moving on to Adelaide, from whence she will immediately proceed to Coober Pedy to be dragooned into finding opals for us), we only have a little over a week to get the place cleaned up. Will she avail herself of an internet cafe to keep us up-to-date on her experiences, or will we have to wait for the photos? Tune in often.
The Measure of a Man
Make that the measure of a glass of beer. In Merrie Olde, beverages served in pubs are measured in pints and half pints and, um, what do they call shots again? It doesn't matter: we're talking beer. In Australia, it's usually schooners and middies, respectively, but those are not precise measures as are used in the old country. Schooners are big, middies are small. Some places serve pints, and if you order a schooner, they'll ask you, "we serve pints. Is that o.k.?" Yes, yes it is. Pints are bigger, cost only marginally more (depending on what you're having), so serve pints. About half the tourist population is expecting pints anyway. I'd like to know the origin of these names, too. My guess is that schooners are so-called because after one or more you're full-sail out to sea, and that middies are thusly named after the children who shipped out at that rank in the days of sailing vessels and couldn't manage the same quantities of spiritous potables as the more seasoned tars. In any event, when I order a schooner, I expect something more than a middie, but there is no standard here. It becomes imperative therefore to choose your local wisely.
Make that the measure of a glass of beer. In Merrie Olde, beverages served in pubs are measured in pints and half pints and, um, what do they call shots again? It doesn't matter: we're talking beer. In Australia, it's usually schooners and middies, respectively, but those are not precise measures as are used in the old country. Schooners are big, middies are small. Some places serve pints, and if you order a schooner, they'll ask you, "we serve pints. Is that o.k.?" Yes, yes it is. Pints are bigger, cost only marginally more (depending on what you're having), so serve pints. About half the tourist population is expecting pints anyway. I'd like to know the origin of these names, too. My guess is that schooners are so-called because after one or more you're full-sail out to sea, and that middies are thusly named after the children who shipped out at that rank in the days of sailing vessels and couldn't manage the same quantities of spiritous potables as the more seasoned tars. In any event, when I order a schooner, I expect something more than a middie, but there is no standard here. It becomes imperative therefore to choose your local wisely.
Activism Activities
Last night's Meet-Up was the best I've attended so far. O.k., I've gone to two, now. What's your point? Anyway, there were more people and more activity (I even got some jobs to do; how civic of me). I have to admit that it's a little too democratic for me, as I'd be just as happy to have the Committee come up with the plans, present them to the membership, and sign up the volunteers. On the other hand, it is kind of fun trying to come up with ideas for fund-raising and increasing our noteriety. So what I'd really like is to find a venue that's more suitable for these kinds of meetings (but that still sells beer) than we've found so far. The Lord Nelson was good, except the food was pretty expensive, and the Hippo Lounge was not (see above). There has to be a place we can take over, but we need to be sure of a sufficiently large audience that the publican is going to enjoy the revenue but isn't going to freak out at the service demands. It would also be good if they had cable and could host a Convention party.
Last night's Meet-Up was the best I've attended so far. O.k., I've gone to two, now. What's your point? Anyway, there were more people and more activity (I even got some jobs to do; how civic of me). I have to admit that it's a little too democratic for me, as I'd be just as happy to have the Committee come up with the plans, present them to the membership, and sign up the volunteers. On the other hand, it is kind of fun trying to come up with ideas for fund-raising and increasing our noteriety. So what I'd really like is to find a venue that's more suitable for these kinds of meetings (but that still sells beer) than we've found so far. The Lord Nelson was good, except the food was pretty expensive, and the Hippo Lounge was not (see above). There has to be a place we can take over, but we need to be sure of a sufficiently large audience that the publican is going to enjoy the revenue but isn't going to freak out at the service demands. It would also be good if they had cable and could host a Convention party.
08 June 2004
Night in the City
The party's over: I know a bar on 92nd Street and 3rd Avenue that's going to have to put in some insulation and turn down the bass.
The party's over: I know a bar on 92nd Street and 3rd Avenue that's going to have to put in some insulation and turn down the bass.
Nature vs Nurture
Aren’t we past the whole “lifestyle” argument? Hasn’t it been shown that homosexuality is not simply a psychological aberration or gender confusion or preference? Or is the furor over Playschool’s “two mommies” segment just part of the Howard government’s political agenda of pandering to the worst elements of conservatism in Australia? Kevin Donnelly’s op-ed piece certainly is, and it couldn’t have gone out without Education Minister Kevin Andrews’ approval, evidently another attempt by the Liberals to politicize what’s being taught in schools (as usual). What’s really at issue for MP Andrews and his chief-of-staff is how not to pay teachers what they’re worth. Their agenda undermines education more than any inclusive instruction being provided in the classroom.
Aren’t we past the whole “lifestyle” argument? Hasn’t it been shown that homosexuality is not simply a psychological aberration or gender confusion or preference? Or is the furor over Playschool’s “two mommies” segment just part of the Howard government’s political agenda of pandering to the worst elements of conservatism in Australia? Kevin Donnelly’s op-ed piece certainly is, and it couldn’t have gone out without Education Minister Kevin Andrews’ approval, evidently another attempt by the Liberals to politicize what’s being taught in schools (as usual). What’s really at issue for MP Andrews and his chief-of-staff is how not to pay teachers what they’re worth. Their agenda undermines education more than any inclusive instruction being provided in the classroom.
Antitrust News: Update
Microsoft's announcement that it had held merger talks with SAP is sure to affect the Justice Department's antitrust suit against Oracle over their proposed takeover of PeopleSoft. It appears to bolster Oracle's argument, but I'm not so sure. For one thing, they began their talks shortly after Oracle made their initial bid against PeopleSoft, which seems to me they were looking to pre-empt Ellison's bid for dominance in the market. It also suggests that Microsoft is a long way from entering this area of the business software market, which makes them much less of a competitive force in that area than Oracle would have us believe. My own opinion is that Oracle, SAP, and PeopleSoft are the only players out there at the high end of the business. For small to medium-sized companies and regional markets there are other products, but those aren't the ones these 3 play to normally. Of course, because the U.S. Federal government already uses PeopleSoft, as do some State governments, there's more than one reason to block the takeover.
Microsoft's announcement that it had held merger talks with SAP is sure to affect the Justice Department's antitrust suit against Oracle over their proposed takeover of PeopleSoft. It appears to bolster Oracle's argument, but I'm not so sure. For one thing, they began their talks shortly after Oracle made their initial bid against PeopleSoft, which seems to me they were looking to pre-empt Ellison's bid for dominance in the market. It also suggests that Microsoft is a long way from entering this area of the business software market, which makes them much less of a competitive force in that area than Oracle would have us believe. My own opinion is that Oracle, SAP, and PeopleSoft are the only players out there at the high end of the business. For small to medium-sized companies and regional markets there are other products, but those aren't the ones these 3 play to normally. Of course, because the U.S. Federal government already uses PeopleSoft, as do some State governments, there's more than one reason to block the takeover.
Illinois Ballot Bulletin
Scrolling through Chicagoist, a political tidbit of some humorousness came to my attention: George II won't be on the ballot in November in Illinois. Well, yes, he probably will. This is the kind of thing that gets fixed before long, howsoever much the Democrats stall. Right now, though, it's pretty funny that due to the timing of the GOP convention, the Republicans would miss the certification deadline to have their Presidential candidate on the ballot. Maybe we should start allowing independent auditors to monitor our elections.
Scrolling through Chicagoist, a political tidbit of some humorousness came to my attention: George II won't be on the ballot in November in Illinois. Well, yes, he probably will. This is the kind of thing that gets fixed before long, howsoever much the Democrats stall. Right now, though, it's pretty funny that due to the timing of the GOP convention, the Republicans would miss the certification deadline to have their Presidential candidate on the ballot. Maybe we should start allowing independent auditors to monitor our elections.
07 June 2004
Human Resources & the Future of Work
The battle between Oracle and PeopleSoft, one in which I have an interest due to my occupation, is set to be resolved over the next two weeks. Will Larry Ellison prevail over his one-time protégé, Craig Conway, or will the Justice Department deliver the verdict for the Pleasanton, California, takeover target? Did I do a good thing, helping steer my present client/employer away from the big 3 (the other being SAP)? There's something in Oracle's claim that Microsoft is the elephant no one's talking about, but Bill Gates doesn't actually have a product in this market (yet). Vaporware probably won't hold up in court, so I'm putting my money on PeopleSoft.
The battle between Oracle and PeopleSoft, one in which I have an interest due to my occupation, is set to be resolved over the next two weeks. Will Larry Ellison prevail over his one-time protégé, Craig Conway, or will the Justice Department deliver the verdict for the Pleasanton, California, takeover target? Did I do a good thing, helping steer my present client/employer away from the big 3 (the other being SAP)? There's something in Oracle's claim that Microsoft is the elephant no one's talking about, but Bill Gates doesn't actually have a product in this market (yet). Vaporware probably won't hold up in court, so I'm putting my money on PeopleSoft.
Committed to the Political Process
Peter Garrett, front man for the ‘80s band, Midnight Oil, has been touted as a potential star candidate for the Greens since the band finally dissolved, but with the resignation of Laurie Brereton (in preparation for becoming the ambassador to the U.S. under a Labour government, if Latham takes Parliament this year), there’s been a lot of talk amongst party officials of recruiting Garrett to the ALP. Not everyone is happy about the idea. Midnight Oil’s songs often had a political edge. Sometimes, it was a blunt edge, too, especially in the later years of the band’s career, and while all the band members were politically active, at least as a unit, Peter Garrett’s political activism was the driving force of this aspect of their music. He is a staunch environmentalist, intelligent, committed to positive action, particularly from within the community at large. He’d make a good representative in Parliament. He doesn’t live in the district he’s being recruited for, however, and that does make a difference. Unlike the U.S. system, however, he couldn’t just be appointed to a cabinet-level post: those are held by MPs, known as Ministries. Given Mr. Garrett’s celebrity status, it seems entirely possible, even probable, that if he were to run from his home district, he could win. Because the Australian Greens (and the Democrats) function as effective third parties to Labour and the Liberals, there’s no real reason for him to give up his political affiliation, either. The only reasons for him not to stand – if he wants to – in his own district and his own party is if the seat is not being contested or if the Greens don’t want him there. If Kingsford-Smith doesn’t want him either, then perhaps he can just continue as he has been or opt for full retirement.
Peter Garrett, front man for the ‘80s band, Midnight Oil, has been touted as a potential star candidate for the Greens since the band finally dissolved, but with the resignation of Laurie Brereton (in preparation for becoming the ambassador to the U.S. under a Labour government, if Latham takes Parliament this year), there’s been a lot of talk amongst party officials of recruiting Garrett to the ALP. Not everyone is happy about the idea. Midnight Oil’s songs often had a political edge. Sometimes, it was a blunt edge, too, especially in the later years of the band’s career, and while all the band members were politically active, at least as a unit, Peter Garrett’s political activism was the driving force of this aspect of their music. He is a staunch environmentalist, intelligent, committed to positive action, particularly from within the community at large. He’d make a good representative in Parliament. He doesn’t live in the district he’s being recruited for, however, and that does make a difference. Unlike the U.S. system, however, he couldn’t just be appointed to a cabinet-level post: those are held by MPs, known as Ministries. Given Mr. Garrett’s celebrity status, it seems entirely possible, even probable, that if he were to run from his home district, he could win. Because the Australian Greens (and the Democrats) function as effective third parties to Labour and the Liberals, there’s no real reason for him to give up his political affiliation, either. The only reasons for him not to stand – if he wants to – in his own district and his own party is if the seat is not being contested or if the Greens don’t want him there. If Kingsford-Smith doesn’t want him either, then perhaps he can just continue as he has been or opt for full retirement.
Australian Political Primer, 2004
Scott has a nice overview of the present political scene in national politics here, for anyone who’s interested. Following John Howard’s visit to the White House, where George II endorsed the Liberal Party’s commitment to the coalition in Iraq (giving rise to some complaint of unwarranted and unprecedented meddling), it’s probably worthwhile for post-equator pundits to keep an eye on election developments here.
Scott has a nice overview of the present political scene in national politics here, for anyone who’s interested. Following John Howard’s visit to the White House, where George II endorsed the Liberal Party’s commitment to the coalition in Iraq (giving rise to some complaint of unwarranted and unprecedented meddling), it’s probably worthwhile for post-equator pundits to keep an eye on election developments here.
Ex-Presidents: Mourning in America (someone was going to say it)
With the departure of Ronald Reagan, we are once again down one ex-President, but as with Richard Nixon, we’re also up one current, so there will be the same number of executive office-holders at The Great Communicator’s funeral as there were the last time. This time, however, it’s a full service, state funeral. There is some truth in the news reports as I've heard them that he is "most remembered" as a B-movie actor, but that's not what I remember him for. Re-establishing registration for the draft, record deficits, "Star Wars," Iran-Contra (another election stolen), giving us George Bush I . . . there are so many other things to remember than King's Row and Bedtime for Bonzo. He was a powerful President, though, to give him his due, and his military defense spending did bankrupt the Soviet Union, changing the face of the earth in a shorter period than might be said of other modern Presidents. There's a nice post over at Kos assessing the positive aspects of the Reagan legacy. Meanwhile, I'll just take this opportunity to reiterate that George II's agenda in the Oval Office has been at least in part to perpetuate the policies of the Reagan-Bush years, but he's screwed it up, because he didn't understand what those two actually meant to accomplish.
With the departure of Ronald Reagan, we are once again down one ex-President, but as with Richard Nixon, we’re also up one current, so there will be the same number of executive office-holders at The Great Communicator’s funeral as there were the last time. This time, however, it’s a full service, state funeral. There is some truth in the news reports as I've heard them that he is "most remembered" as a B-movie actor, but that's not what I remember him for. Re-establishing registration for the draft, record deficits, "Star Wars," Iran-Contra (another election stolen), giving us George Bush I . . . there are so many other things to remember than King's Row and Bedtime for Bonzo. He was a powerful President, though, to give him his due, and his military defense spending did bankrupt the Soviet Union, changing the face of the earth in a shorter period than might be said of other modern Presidents. There's a nice post over at Kos assessing the positive aspects of the Reagan legacy. Meanwhile, I'll just take this opportunity to reiterate that George II's agenda in the Oval Office has been at least in part to perpetuate the policies of the Reagan-Bush years, but he's screwed it up, because he didn't understand what those two actually meant to accomplish.
First Commandment Politics
Over at The Coffee Sutras, Kurt has an good post on perception and suffering that references an article by John Garvey in Commonweal (which isn’t on-line yet), where he says: “any time any politician says anything about God . . . we should realize we are being used.” You know whom I’m talking about, and it is among the most offensive things I hear coming from George II’s mouth. Yes, I know they all invoke God, but none of them, not even Jimmy Carter, has ever done so to so obviously a deceptive purpose. I think he even fools himself sometimes.
Over at The Coffee Sutras, Kurt has an good post on perception and suffering that references an article by John Garvey in Commonweal (which isn’t on-line yet), where he says: “any time any politician says anything about God . . . we should realize we are being used.” You know whom I’m talking about, and it is among the most offensive things I hear coming from George II’s mouth. Yes, I know they all invoke God, but none of them, not even Jimmy Carter, has ever done so to so obviously a deceptive purpose. I think he even fools himself sometimes.
04 June 2004
Supply & Demand
I haven't had a culture-shock temper-tantrum in a while, but this seems as good a time as any. As supplies dwindle and because repairs are impractical, I am faced with the seemingly extraordinary recourse of buying underwear on-line. It is therefore official: I do not understand Australia. I appear to be the only male in this country who does not prefer whitie-tighties and who requires a fly (particularly one that is not buttoned). It must be cultural, but I can't for the life of me figure out why Bonds, Jockey, Holeproof, and a host of name designers do not stock men's underwear the only gender-specific design feature is a closed seam down the front.
(Updated: I've discovered that it is impossible to purchase underwear on-line for shipment to Australia. Evidently it awaits the ratification of the free trade agreement for me to get what I want.)
I haven't had a culture-shock temper-tantrum in a while, but this seems as good a time as any. As supplies dwindle and because repairs are impractical, I am faced with the seemingly extraordinary recourse of buying underwear on-line. It is therefore official: I do not understand Australia. I appear to be the only male in this country who does not prefer whitie-tighties and who requires a fly (particularly one that is not buttoned). It must be cultural, but I can't for the life of me figure out why Bonds, Jockey, Holeproof, and a host of name designers do not stock men's underwear the only gender-specific design feature is a closed seam down the front.
(Updated: I've discovered that it is impossible to purchase underwear on-line for shipment to Australia. Evidently it awaits the ratification of the free trade agreement for me to get what I want.)
03 June 2004
Innovations in Recycling
After we turn our plastic bags into steel, what do we do with the steel? Well, it's a start.
After we turn our plastic bags into steel, what do we do with the steel? Well, it's a start.
I Volunteer
Dear Mr. Laws: I accept your offer of a flight to and from Manus Island to retrieve Honey, the cat who kept Aladdin Sisalem company there during his detention. I will bring my own cat carrier and a selection of cat food to entice Honey to accept my assistance. My qualifications include: raised by Golden Retrievers and over forty years petting, feeding, and cleaning up after cats (of all stripes, too).
Dear Mr. Laws: I accept your offer of a flight to and from Manus Island to retrieve Honey, the cat who kept Aladdin Sisalem company there during his detention. I will bring my own cat carrier and a selection of cat food to entice Honey to accept my assistance. My qualifications include: raised by Golden Retrievers and over forty years petting, feeding, and cleaning up after cats (of all stripes, too).
02 June 2004
Where the Beautiful Women Are
Right here in Sydney, when they aren't appearing in Ecuador to win the Miss Universe pageant, but I already knew that, having come here in 2000 to steal one of them out from under the country's collective nose. For some strange reason, the beauty contest winner and Bondi Beach resident now has to spend the next year in America. If it's "universal" shouldn't she have to travel or at least reign from the International Space Station?
Right here in Sydney, when they aren't appearing in Ecuador to win the Miss Universe pageant, but I already knew that, having come here in 2000 to steal one of them out from under the country's collective nose. For some strange reason, the beauty contest winner and Bondi Beach resident now has to spend the next year in America. If it's "universal" shouldn't she have to travel or at least reign from the International Space Station?
Economic Reform
William Safire has turned from irrationalizations about politics to a one-off rant on economic reform wherein he advocates abolishing the penny. Fine. There’s a lot of copper there that can be used for something more tangible in the economy of the nation. Wiring or pipes or something. I don’t think it will really go very far. Australia no longer uses one- or two-cent coins. Five cent pieces are still in circulation, and come in handy now: with the end of cents came the new economics of rounding. Everything here is priced the same as it ever was. Whatever the gross count is, the net price is calculated accordingly. So if you have a product that costs $109 per 25 and has a mark-up of 5%, one unit will cost $4.58. Because there are no cents, and the figure in the cents column is greater than 5, the price gets rounded up to $4.60. Sometimes it will work out to the consumer’s benefit and get rounded down. It ought to equal out, all things being fair, which they’re not, but that’s what Mr. Safire is advocating (even if his math’s no good), so you’ll have to get used to it when it happens. And it will, too, you know. Think of the economic boom that will result when all those retailers start raking in those extra cents. Once you get a job at Wal-Mart, your salary is sure to reflect the increased profit margin, so you’ll benefit, too, although it will all equal out. Is Mr. Safire arguing against the penny because of economic concerns or environmental (if you’re buying any of his argument about zinc)? I think he just wants Roosevelt off the dime; he probably grew up thinking FDR was a communist.
William Safire has turned from irrationalizations about politics to a one-off rant on economic reform wherein he advocates abolishing the penny. Fine. There’s a lot of copper there that can be used for something more tangible in the economy of the nation. Wiring or pipes or something. I don’t think it will really go very far. Australia no longer uses one- or two-cent coins. Five cent pieces are still in circulation, and come in handy now: with the end of cents came the new economics of rounding. Everything here is priced the same as it ever was. Whatever the gross count is, the net price is calculated accordingly. So if you have a product that costs $109 per 25 and has a mark-up of 5%, one unit will cost $4.58. Because there are no cents, and the figure in the cents column is greater than 5, the price gets rounded up to $4.60. Sometimes it will work out to the consumer’s benefit and get rounded down. It ought to equal out, all things being fair, which they’re not, but that’s what Mr. Safire is advocating (even if his math’s no good), so you’ll have to get used to it when it happens. And it will, too, you know. Think of the economic boom that will result when all those retailers start raking in those extra cents. Once you get a job at Wal-Mart, your salary is sure to reflect the increased profit margin, so you’ll benefit, too, although it will all equal out. Is Mr. Safire arguing against the penny because of economic concerns or environmental (if you’re buying any of his argument about zinc)? I think he just wants Roosevelt off the dime; he probably grew up thinking FDR was a communist.
Reasons to Be a Scientist (Part 1)
Some experiments are more fun than others, but this one is sure to need peer review.
Some experiments are more fun than others, but this one is sure to need peer review.
Marriage and the State: Antipodean Edition
John Howard almost immediately took up George Bush’s cause in speaking out against gay and lesbian marriage, but he’s stolen a march on the States by actually introducing a bill to amend existing legislation to exclude the non-heterosexual population from being married, including a clause to allow Australia to deny recognition of the legal marital status of gay and lesbian couples from such countries where their rights are recognized. As reported by Michael Darragh in Living in Australia, the Labour Party is working to ensure the legislation doesn’t make it past Senate review, although Tanya Plibersek’s report of the Party’s strategy sounds a bit dicey to me. MP Plibersek’s analysis, that this is a typical Howard ploy to politicize an issue that offers no threat to reasonable-minded people, is, I think, spot-on. Howard needs distractions from the real issues, and until something better comes along, this one fits him out well as a tough conservative determined to preserve Australia’s way of life. Too bad he’s 50 years behind the times. We appreciate Mr. Darragh’s reportage and follow-through with his Member of Parliament.
John Howard almost immediately took up George Bush’s cause in speaking out against gay and lesbian marriage, but he’s stolen a march on the States by actually introducing a bill to amend existing legislation to exclude the non-heterosexual population from being married, including a clause to allow Australia to deny recognition of the legal marital status of gay and lesbian couples from such countries where their rights are recognized. As reported by Michael Darragh in Living in Australia, the Labour Party is working to ensure the legislation doesn’t make it past Senate review, although Tanya Plibersek’s report of the Party’s strategy sounds a bit dicey to me. MP Plibersek’s analysis, that this is a typical Howard ploy to politicize an issue that offers no threat to reasonable-minded people, is, I think, spot-on. Howard needs distractions from the real issues, and until something better comes along, this one fits him out well as a tough conservative determined to preserve Australia’s way of life. Too bad he’s 50 years behind the times. We appreciate Mr. Darragh’s reportage and follow-through with his Member of Parliament.
01 June 2004
Banquo Agnew
Did Dick Cheney get Halliburton its sole-bid contract in Iraq? A lot of people have always assumed his influence was at work, but it may be time for a little investigation. Just how clean are the cuts that severed his ties with the company he led for the five years before he joined Bush’s ticket in 2000? Will this be another spectre to haunt Bush’s illegitimate power-grab?
Did Dick Cheney get Halliburton its sole-bid contract in Iraq? A lot of people have always assumed his influence was at work, but it may be time for a little investigation. Just how clean are the cuts that severed his ties with the company he led for the five years before he joined Bush’s ticket in 2000? Will this be another spectre to haunt Bush’s illegitimate power-grab?
45-Day Rule
If you haven’t already contacted the MTA, there’s a rule of review requiring a 45-day period to accept and consider public comment before implementing the ban on photography and videotaping. You can contact them directly to add a little sense to the situation while there’s still time.
If you haven’t already contacted the MTA, there’s a rule of review requiring a 45-day period to accept and consider public comment before implementing the ban on photography and videotaping. You can contact them directly to add a little sense to the situation while there’s still time.
No Wonder Tom Didn’t Say Anything
Ashcroft’s announcement of a newly escalated terror threat is based largely on flawed intelligence, his own, or just taking the word of people he wants to believe over that of those he doesn’t, as is the usual course of action in the Bush administration. “The only thing [the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades] haven’t claimed credit for recently is the cicada invasion of Washington.” This is why we have a Department of Homeland Security, to coordinate, test, and follow-up on intelligence from abroad and at home. I still don’t trust Tom Ridge, but I’ll wait for his announcements before I’ll give much credence to the ideologue demagogue from Missouri.
Ashcroft’s announcement of a newly escalated terror threat is based largely on flawed intelligence, his own, or just taking the word of people he wants to believe over that of those he doesn’t, as is the usual course of action in the Bush administration. “The only thing [the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades] haven’t claimed credit for recently is the cicada invasion of Washington.” This is why we have a Department of Homeland Security, to coordinate, test, and follow-up on intelligence from abroad and at home. I still don’t trust Tom Ridge, but I’ll wait for his announcements before I’ll give much credence to the ideologue demagogue from Missouri.
David Hicks and Howard’s Hiccups
Why has the Prime Minister stepped up now to demand trials for David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib, the Australian citizens trapped in Guantanamo Bay for the last two years? Because Australia and China had been the only two countries not to protest the illegal detention of their citizens? Because now we know of the prisoner abuses committed in Cuba, as in Iraq? Because there’s an election coming up and Mr. Howard needs to distance himself from the U.S. at last? Maybe a little from column A, a little from column B. . . .
Why has the Prime Minister stepped up now to demand trials for David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib, the Australian citizens trapped in Guantanamo Bay for the last two years? Because Australia and China had been the only two countries not to protest the illegal detention of their citizens? Because now we know of the prisoner abuses committed in Cuba, as in Iraq? Because there’s an election coming up and Mr. Howard needs to distance himself from the U.S. at last? Maybe a little from column A, a little from column B. . . .
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