Opinion Australia

Apparantly this is about to become a reality for millions of city dwellers in NSW courtesy of the State Government. According to the Premier, they are seeking ‘expressions of interest’ for the creation of free universal wireless broadband access in the CBD of several largish city areas.

This sounds like a wonderful idea… but I’ll be willing to bet as soon as he sees what happens when several million geeks descend on the access points totally sucking the internet dry of movies, porn and pirated software the plan will come to a screaming halt It almost sounds as if there is an electiuon coming… oh wait… there is??

I’m really getting cynical in my old age. There was a time when a visit by a US President to a friendly state would be nothing to comment on other than to note how nice it was to receive a visit from a foreign dignitary.

Well, I’m very aware there is little dignified about George Bush these days. The recent debacle of his election setbacks has left him a lame duck president… so what is the point of his visit?

Well for a start you have to recall that just a few short months ago the Israelis felt their hawkish relationship with Bush was so strong they could risk an invasion of Lebanon without censure from their strongest ally. Of course they failed to recover the soldier they ostensible invaded in order to rescue and had to retreat in ignominy having killed thousands of Lebanese civilians and caused billions of dollars of damage to the infrastructure for no good purpose… but who’s counting.

Well ‘who was counting’ was the American people who began to fear Bush was going to either invade, or allow to be invaded, more Middle Eastern countries with the accompanying heavy death toll of their sons, husbands and fathers.

So what happened? Amazingly, right out of the blue, Israel decides it will call for a ceae-fire with Lebanon. Not only that, even when they are shelled with rockets… they do not retaliate. What could have brought this sudden change of heart? Could it perhaps have something to do with Bush now having to deal with a non-compliant with the House of Reps?

Cynical moi? Shirley knot.

There is a little site in the states called Jesus Pets. This site proudly states that it’s mission is to help those christians who will be ‘called to glory’ when the rapture begins… but will be worried about who will take care of their pets when they are communing with god in the great hereafter.

I have no doubt this is a huge hoax… but the site makes a good convincing read. So for all you committed christians out there… or all you christians who ought to be committed… if you have pets, then this is the site for you.

We sat through several hours of ice skating yesterday as the girls went through the dress rehearsal for their show. The lights were on full so we didn’t get the full picture… and some of the performers were a little ‘shaky’ so they have yet another dress rehearsal on Thursday as well.

The picture shows them in their finery. A friend made the skirts, and the wife sewed on the sequins… and she really enjoyed every second of it… not

They have the full performances to look forward to. One on Friday… one on Saturday. I’ll be ok… sitting wrapped up in a skiing jacket up in the stand as it all flows by me. The wife on the other hand ‘volunteered’ to help out with the costume changes as there are dozens of kids all needing to be shepherded onto and off the ice for their turns.

This means she won’t see the actual show… so you say that’s ok, no worries… just video it.

Well I *would* if I was allowed… but it seems the parents aren’t allowed to video their kids any more… not sure why… probably because of all the pervs out there… or maybe the rink just wants to turn a profit. Who knows. But we can’t take stills either… in fact they got upset when I wanted to take a photo of the kids with Father Christmas… is this political correctness got out of hand or what?

Anyway… they’ll be selling us a DVD which I’m sure will *not* concentrate as much on our kids as we’d like (if at all). I’m considering trying to sneak in the video to see if I can film them anyway… so long as I don’t get caught of course.

Each year the same problem… what the hell to buy people? Our circle has shrunk so much now that apart from the oldies, there are really only kids to buy for… ours and friends. Still I have no idea what anyone wants… or needs… so I tend to go out and take pot luck.

Right now I have *no* idea what to buy the oldies. Last year we got them a video camera… but this year?? Drawing a blank so far. It has to be large enough to be worth having… but small enough for them to transport back. Suggestions would be appreciated

For the kids… well they’ll have to take pot luck. They already have everything and anything they could reasonably want… though various hints have been made for totally impracticable stuff like motor bikes… or ponies!! Will have to wander about and see what’s there.

For the wife… well here I’m doing ok (I think). I’ve been saving a few dollars here and there all year for something… and I think I have enough to buy it. No idea if she wants it… or will like it… but what do you give someone who already has everything they want?

Either way… I hope it’ll be a pleasant surprise – and that I don’t get hit with it instead!!