Jamie Whyte writes a breathtaking piece of crap in his Times Column today. He proposes privatising healthcare and education and forcing people to pay for it all. It's the usual Tory rant questioning why we should have to pay for other people's healthcare and education. I tell you why Jamie, because we live in a society. What is it about community spirit and the desire to want to help other people out that so enrages the tiny little minds of Conservative thinkers?
To suggest that by making all schools charge fees this will help the poor is laughable. Schools, if this model were adapted, would inevitably try and charge the highest fees possible to attract the wealthiest pupils and the wealthiest schools would attract the best teachers. What then happens to people earning £10K a year? They will only be able to afford the worst schools with the worst teachers. How the hell can this be of benefit to them? People like Whyte like to bang on about choice but if someone has no money what choice do they have? None, they simply send their child to where they can afford it - what other option would they have? Ah, yes I'm sure the nice, caring, compassionate private sector will be more than willing to offer a top class, low cost alternative to those people living in poverty.
His use of the tired example about the NHS also doesn't stand up to scrutiny, choice quote:
' Jack smokes, drinks and overeats. Jill does not. Jack’s behaviour means he consumes more healthcare than Jill. It would be unfair if healthcare cost Jack and Jill the same. Yet this injustice is precisely what the NHS guarantees.'
No it doesn't by the very nature of the taxation system. If you smoke and drink lots then you are paying far more tax than someone who doesn't (assuming both earn the same wage) - therefore your contribution is larger to the NHS.
Sure, privatising both spheres would increase quality for those who can afford it but what about for those who can't? Just looking at the US experience regarding healthcare shows what a terrible mess it would be. The Government runs the NHS and Education and therefore it's answerable to the general public not a small group of shareholders. What's good for the private sector is not always good for the public - you may call it 'Marxist' Jamie but I'd call it 'Commonsense'.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Mexico caves...
Looks as if the USA's 'respect' for other democracies is once again proven to be a load of old balls. Mexico will now not proceed with drug decriminalisation after the US piles on the pressure....
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Boycott Cruise
I was chatting to the Wife the other week about how I was going to call for a boycott of anything to do with Tom Cruise on this blog but then I thought as I only have about 10 readers it's impact would be slightly limited. However, I see that Andrew Sullivan has called for such a thing on his massively read blog today and has asked other bloggers to sign up. Well, I'm definitely onboard Andrew - count me and my 10 readers in! (perhaps I shouldn't speak for all my readers - if you don't think that Cruise is a tosspot then please leave a comment explaining why...)
Agreeing with Abbott
This must be a first for me but I actually agree with Tony Abbott! He has called for fast food companies to show the calorie content of their food to their customers...Wow! What a revolutionary perspective - giving consumers clear, concise information on what they are eating. Predictably, the fast food giants are fighting the move with Con Mormanis of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia saying he believed that people should "take responsibility for their own health and welfare, and that includes nutritional selections".
That's all very well and good but surely in order to make an informed choice you need to know what the food contains? Fast food companies depend on misinformation and deception to sell their products so when anyone tries to get them to act in a more ethical way they can see their profits falling in front of their eyes. To be honest, seeing a calorie content of even 1000cal wouldn't stop me eating a Whopper burger after a night on the tiles, but it might make those people who eat them on a more regular basis think about the damage they are doing to their bodies.
There are warnings on fag packets and bottles of booze - with obesity becoming a major public health issue then I can't see why the same rule cannot apply to fast food.
That's all very well and good but surely in order to make an informed choice you need to know what the food contains? Fast food companies depend on misinformation and deception to sell their products so when anyone tries to get them to act in a more ethical way they can see their profits falling in front of their eyes. To be honest, seeing a calorie content of even 1000cal wouldn't stop me eating a Whopper burger after a night on the tiles, but it might make those people who eat them on a more regular basis think about the damage they are doing to their bodies.
There are warnings on fag packets and bottles of booze - with obesity becoming a major public health issue then I can't see why the same rule cannot apply to fast food.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Dear Janet....
Dear Janet,
I read your Australian op-ed piece with great interest today. In it you talk about howAustralia (and all liberal democracies) should be more vocieforous in encouraging their immigrants to learn about Western values. I agree with you, I think we have many things to be proud of here in the West including the rule of law, legal equality between the sexes, the right to protest etc.
However, if people had to be tested on the values you claim are 'uniquely Australian' - 'giving others a fair go, tolerance and compassion' - how do you think your chums in the Howard Administration would fair?
Was Howard giving others a fair go in lying about refugees chucking their children overboard? Is locking asylum seekers up in detention centres on remote pacific islands a demonstration of his compassion towards others? Or how about his government's tolerance of gays?
The problem you have in trying to convince others they should live by our values is that those who actually run this country are utter hypocrites in this and seem to living by the maxim, 'Do as I say, not as I do'.
Maybe if the government of the day really embodied the values that they claim are typical of the Australian character then new immigrants to this country would subscribe to them. Otherwise, they are mere empty words designed simply to increase distrust between communities. I am against Sharia Law as much as you are Janet but I suspect that those who actually want it to be imposed in Australia are very very few in number. I'd hazard a guess that there are many more people in Australia that believe that it should return to a White Australia policy. That doesn't mean they are representative of Australia, it doesn't mean 'Australian Values' are under threat. All it means is that a few idiots live in Australia. Of course they should be confronted and tackled, as should Islamic Fundamentalists, but let's not pretend we are facing a major clash of civilisations.
Yours, lovingly as ever
Shaun
I read your Australian op-ed piece with great interest today. In it you talk about howAustralia (and all liberal democracies) should be more vocieforous in encouraging their immigrants to learn about Western values. I agree with you, I think we have many things to be proud of here in the West including the rule of law, legal equality between the sexes, the right to protest etc.
However, if people had to be tested on the values you claim are 'uniquely Australian' - 'giving others a fair go, tolerance and compassion' - how do you think your chums in the Howard Administration would fair?
Was Howard giving others a fair go in lying about refugees chucking their children overboard? Is locking asylum seekers up in detention centres on remote pacific islands a demonstration of his compassion towards others? Or how about his government's tolerance of gays?
The problem you have in trying to convince others they should live by our values is that those who actually run this country are utter hypocrites in this and seem to living by the maxim, 'Do as I say, not as I do'.
Maybe if the government of the day really embodied the values that they claim are typical of the Australian character then new immigrants to this country would subscribe to them. Otherwise, they are mere empty words designed simply to increase distrust between communities. I am against Sharia Law as much as you are Janet but I suspect that those who actually want it to be imposed in Australia are very very few in number. I'd hazard a guess that there are many more people in Australia that believe that it should return to a White Australia policy. That doesn't mean they are representative of Australia, it doesn't mean 'Australian Values' are under threat. All it means is that a few idiots live in Australia. Of course they should be confronted and tackled, as should Islamic Fundamentalists, but let's not pretend we are facing a major clash of civilisations.
Yours, lovingly as ever
Shaun
Ronney
It's all over for Rooney according to The Sun.
I reckon Joe Cole playing in Rooney's usual role just behind Owen will be the smartest choice. The worst choice would be sticking Peter Crouch upfront and lobbing long balls to him all the time. He simply is not good enough for international football. I hope Ericsson sees sense...
I reckon Joe Cole playing in Rooney's usual role just behind Owen will be the smartest choice. The worst choice would be sticking Peter Crouch upfront and lobbing long balls to him all the time. He simply is not good enough for international football. I hope Ericsson sees sense...
News just in!
Goldfish swept away by floodwater but survives. Wow! That'll be on Channel Ten news tonight no doubt.
How the hell does this stuff become news? I mean imagine the conversation between the Goldfish Owner and the News Desk at Local News Weekly...
News Desk 'Hi there, news desk.'
Goldfish Owner ' Hi, I've got a hot new breaking story for you'
ND ' Really? What is it?'
GO 'It's my Goldfish, it's a miracle!'
News Desk bloke starts to get exited, after all animal stories sell papers! Will certainly be of more interest to the residents of Small Town than that bloody Iraq war business or the forthcoming recission
ND ' Really? What happened?'
GO ' Well, you know we had that really big storm the other day'
ND ' Yes'
GO' Well, our pond got flooded and little Nemo, that's what we call him, got washed away'
ND, eyes lighting up at the prospect of a cute animal AND tragedy in the same story ' Oh no!'
GO' But then we found him alive 5 days later'
ND 'Wow! How did he survive?'
GO 'Well it seems he must have been carried by the water to a flooded roadside ditch and he stayed there till we found him'
ND ' So, let's get this straight. A goldfish stays alive by staying in water.'
GO 'Well, yes'
ND' Brilliant - HOLD THE FRONT PAGE!'
ND bloke phones Editor, 'Boy have I got a story for you'
How the hell does this stuff become news? I mean imagine the conversation between the Goldfish Owner and the News Desk at Local News Weekly...
News Desk 'Hi there, news desk.'
Goldfish Owner ' Hi, I've got a hot new breaking story for you'
ND ' Really? What is it?'
GO 'It's my Goldfish, it's a miracle!'
News Desk bloke starts to get exited, after all animal stories sell papers! Will certainly be of more interest to the residents of Small Town than that bloody Iraq war business or the forthcoming recission
ND ' Really? What happened?'
GO ' Well, you know we had that really big storm the other day'
ND ' Yes'
GO' Well, our pond got flooded and little Nemo, that's what we call him, got washed away'
ND, eyes lighting up at the prospect of a cute animal AND tragedy in the same story ' Oh no!'
GO' But then we found him alive 5 days later'
ND 'Wow! How did he survive?'
GO 'Well it seems he must have been carried by the water to a flooded roadside ditch and he stayed there till we found him'
ND ' So, let's get this straight. A goldfish stays alive by staying in water.'
GO 'Well, yes'
ND' Brilliant - HOLD THE FRONT PAGE!'
ND bloke phones Editor, 'Boy have I got a story for you'
Berlusconi - Best EVER!
So, Silvo finally departs from the seat of power in Italy. But to prove to everyone what a joker he is he told the Italian people that:
'"We will be remembered as the best government in the history of the republic."
Erm, I'm not sure if such a government would preside over zero economic growth, join a disastrous war in the middle east and attempt to fiddle the system of government to give legal immunity to it's members who are corrupt. But hey, maybe I'm just being picky.
'"We will be remembered as the best government in the history of the republic."
Erm, I'm not sure if such a government would preside over zero economic growth, join a disastrous war in the middle east and attempt to fiddle the system of government to give legal immunity to it's members who are corrupt. But hey, maybe I'm just being picky.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Bush takes a beating
This has caused a bit of a furore in the blogosphere in the US, seems as if Bush has finally heard some criticism of his administration - and did he like it? Did he hell! Go Colbert!
Big Feet
Choice quote from this Guardian article regarding people's voting intentions in the forthcoming local elections in London...
Richard Smith, 77, "always votes BNP" because there are too many foreigners in the country. He says "they" burgled him four weeks ago. Asked how he knew it was "them", he said: "We knew by the big foot mark, I can't see many English people having feet as big as that."
Those bloody immigrants and their big feet!
Richard Smith, 77, "always votes BNP" because there are too many foreigners in the country. He says "they" burgled him four weeks ago. Asked how he knew it was "them", he said: "We knew by the big foot mark, I can't see many English people having feet as big as that."
Those bloody immigrants and their big feet!
Beazley
'Bomber' Beazley shows an amazing lack of political judgment by attacking the Howard Govt. over the Tasmanian Mine incident. He may be right in what he is saying but surely now is not the time to try and score political points over this while the two men are still down there? Could this have not waited until they are rescued? This is yet another example of why he is not suitable to lead the main opposition in this country.
Meanwhile, his approval ratings fall even lower. Labor have go to sort this out and fast if they have any hope of recovering to put up a good fight in next year's election....
The Australian attacks Beazley's leadership in today's editorial but to be honest, being attacked by The Australian is no bad thing. When they talk about the party's 'need to reform' what they really mean is that they wish Labor would drop it's ideology & principles and accept the Liberal Party's way of thinking. Drop opposition to full fee paying courses, drop opposition to millionaires receiving family benefits, drop opposition to lack of funding for public education and public healthcare. The Labor Party should not drop any of these things. The problem Labor has is a lack of visionary and firm leadership. Only by getting rid of Beazley will they be able to portray their values as those that can benefit Australians.
Meanwhile, his approval ratings fall even lower. Labor have go to sort this out and fast if they have any hope of recovering to put up a good fight in next year's election....
The Australian attacks Beazley's leadership in today's editorial but to be honest, being attacked by The Australian is no bad thing. When they talk about the party's 'need to reform' what they really mean is that they wish Labor would drop it's ideology & principles and accept the Liberal Party's way of thinking. Drop opposition to full fee paying courses, drop opposition to millionaires receiving family benefits, drop opposition to lack of funding for public education and public healthcare. The Labor Party should not drop any of these things. The problem Labor has is a lack of visionary and firm leadership. Only by getting rid of Beazley will they be able to portray their values as those that can benefit Australians.
Monday, May 01, 2006
TV
The Age reports that traditional TV broadcasting is facing it's most serious threat ever from 'on demand' download sites and torrents. I can only think that this is a good thing, people are sick of adverts every five minutes, of Channel 7 not showing Desperate Housewives and other top rating shows during Easter just because it is deemed as a 'non rating' period, of programs being moved around the schedules willy nilly, of programs being dropped after just 2 episodes... If you could download Desperate Housewives from the net (legally) then why the hell would you bother watching it in five minute at a time intervals on Channel 7? It's time for the networks to step up to the plate and improve the 'watchability' of their stations. My guess is though that they are too conservative and too monolithic to do this and will suffer badly as the new information age steams ahead...
Consumers in the US can now download their favourites shows from iTunes - when is this feature going to be made available in the UK or Australia? We wait and wait for a legal solution, meanwhile Australia and the UK head the league table of internet TV piracy. You can't keep a lid on this (as those in the MSM would like to) - give people what they want otherwise they'll get it through illegal methods. The music industry have finally recognised this, now it's time for the TV industry to get real.
Consumers in the US can now download their favourites shows from iTunes - when is this feature going to be made available in the UK or Australia? We wait and wait for a legal solution, meanwhile Australia and the UK head the league table of internet TV piracy. You can't keep a lid on this (as those in the MSM would like to) - give people what they want otherwise they'll get it through illegal methods. The music industry have finally recognised this, now it's time for the TV industry to get real.
Mexico follows Portugal in applying sanity to their drug laws. I hope that other countries such as the UK and Australia follow their lead, although the chances of Howard decriminalising Ecstasy possession are less than him saying sorry to those bloody abo's in my opinion.
Let's face it, arresting a clubber for possession of 2 pills is not making any contribution at all, in the wider sense, to the never ending 'war on drugs'. Police resources would be much better deployed at disrupting the organised criminal gangs that control the market. Of course, you could legalise the market completely and massively reduce crime but that isn't realistically gonna happen so the small steps that Mexico and Portugal have taken are most welcome. The day we stop punishing people for seeking to get high for a few hours is the day our society will become more grown up.
Let's face it, arresting a clubber for possession of 2 pills is not making any contribution at all, in the wider sense, to the never ending 'war on drugs'. Police resources would be much better deployed at disrupting the organised criminal gangs that control the market. Of course, you could legalise the market completely and massively reduce crime but that isn't realistically gonna happen so the small steps that Mexico and Portugal have taken are most welcome. The day we stop punishing people for seeking to get high for a few hours is the day our society will become more grown up.
Ingerland
Saturday was a bad day for England fans but Ericsson seems optimistic about Wayne's chances of recovering in time to play some part in the forthcoming World Cup. Owen is also looking doubtful at the moment. If both are out that means our strikeforce will most likely comprise of Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe. Yes, a donkey and a Spurs subsitiute. Germany, Italy and Brazil will be shaking in their boots! I have genuine optimism about our chances of winning this year but if Owen and Rooney are both out we can kiss any chance of winning goodbye...
Friday, April 28, 2006
Charles Clarke sinks further into it...
Charles Clarke is in even more trouble now. The thing to remember about these people is that they have actually served their sentences, therefore in reality they should be no more of a threat to people than any other British prisoner who gets released at the end of their sentence. The ever excellent Jonathan Freedland writes about it here with great clarity. I particuarly agree with this part of the piece and is something I talked about yesterday:
Was this Labour's Black Wednesday? Hardly. The Tories nightmare day in 1992 was horrendous because it affected every single voter - by hiking interest rates up to 15%. It destroyed the Tories' reputation for
competence in a stroke. The Clarke and Hewitt stories affect some people directly, but not everyone. And they erode Labour's image of competence, but they don't destroy it.
Nevertheless, this week's events do capture a mood - one of a government in a state of decay, no longer in control of events but buffeted by them. A resignation or reshuffle might dispel that mood for a while. But it won't go away - not until this government renews itself radically. And we all know what that will take.
Booze
As the years go on my body is becoming more and more intolerant of alcohol. Last night for example, I had a very nice meal at a friends place and over the course of the evening I had 4 glasses of white wine. That's all. No beer, no spirits and there was a meal in amongst that to soak it up. I left feeling tipsy but then the more I slept the more I seemed to get pissed. I woke up at 5am feeling very queasy and very drunk. The cat snoring (yes, really) irritated me and I spent an hour between 5-6 awake and feeling like I used to when I was 16 and drinking whole bottles of Martini in the space of an hour...
What on Earth is going on? It's not as if I am binge drinking. The last time I did that I found myself on the floor, with the wife, in a club in London making tune signs. Is it normal to become progressively more intolerant of booze? Or am I so out of practise that a few glasses of wine makes me feel like the drunk tramps who hang around outside tube stations in London?
Does anyone have a solution? Not drinking is not a solution, I live in Australia. That behaviour just isn't tolerated.
What on Earth is going on? It's not as if I am binge drinking. The last time I did that I found myself on the floor, with the wife, in a club in London making tune signs. Is it normal to become progressively more intolerant of booze? Or am I so out of practise that a few glasses of wine makes me feel like the drunk tramps who hang around outside tube stations in London?
Does anyone have a solution? Not drinking is not a solution, I live in Australia. That behaviour just isn't tolerated.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Leftwing reporter Robert Fisk makes a bit of an arse of himself in an interview with Tony Jones from Lateline last night...
Labour's woes
Labour are in their worst trouble in the UK since the 1992 election. The government is lurching from one disaster to another with the latest one being that a Home Office blunder has meant that 1023 criminals have been accidently released onto the streets of the UK rather than deported. Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, is hanging on to his job but it is clear that his position is untenable and he will have to resign.
Add to this Patricia Hewitt's embarrassing appearance before NHS workers (although being booed by a union is not necessarily a bad thing) and Prescott's extra-marital affair and the impression is of a government that is adrift.
But not all is lost. Labour's poll figures at the moment are at a 19 year low but the Conservative opposition do not seem to be benefiting as they should as they are only 2% ahead of Labour. For a Government, 9 years in, and perceived to be in 'crisis' these are amazing figures for Labour. Remember, in Australia where the Howard government is still wildly popular the Labor Party are 2% ahead in the polls. If the Tories were a realistic prospect then they would surely expect to be 10% ahead in the polls at this stage?
I agree with this Times Leader that Blair is running out of chances. He must have a full cabinet reshuffle and make sure that this time he gets it right. One more day like yesterday and I think Blair's time will be up. I have enormous respect for him (Iraq not withstanding) but I think that it is getting close to the stage where Brown will need to come in and renew the party and get them focussed on the job in hand - improving public services and making sure Labour are re-elected in 2008/9.
I've been constantly supportive of Blair and have wanted him to stay on for this full term but the future of Labour means more to me than the future of one individual and if Blair is becoming a liability to Labour it is time for him to step aside. I'll give you one more chance Tony...
Add to this Patricia Hewitt's embarrassing appearance before NHS workers (although being booed by a union is not necessarily a bad thing) and Prescott's extra-marital affair and the impression is of a government that is adrift.
But not all is lost. Labour's poll figures at the moment are at a 19 year low but the Conservative opposition do not seem to be benefiting as they should as they are only 2% ahead of Labour. For a Government, 9 years in, and perceived to be in 'crisis' these are amazing figures for Labour. Remember, in Australia where the Howard government is still wildly popular the Labor Party are 2% ahead in the polls. If the Tories were a realistic prospect then they would surely expect to be 10% ahead in the polls at this stage?
I agree with this Times Leader that Blair is running out of chances. He must have a full cabinet reshuffle and make sure that this time he gets it right. One more day like yesterday and I think Blair's time will be up. I have enormous respect for him (Iraq not withstanding) but I think that it is getting close to the stage where Brown will need to come in and renew the party and get them focussed on the job in hand - improving public services and making sure Labour are re-elected in 2008/9.
I've been constantly supportive of Blair and have wanted him to stay on for this full term but the future of Labour means more to me than the future of one individual and if Blair is becoming a liability to Labour it is time for him to step aside. I'll give you one more chance Tony...
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
This may destroy the reputation I (don't) have as a serious hard hitting political blogger but what the hell! Here's a picture of the wife and I dressed up for my fancy dress birthday party which was held on April 21st. We went as a Raver and a Shuffler . It was the first time in my life I have ever worn a singlet and it will be the last ever time. No need at all!
Big Brother Australia
So, my life for the next three months at 7pm is planned.
Big Brother 06 has started in Australia!
It looked at first as if the mix of contestants would be the same as last year: young, white, single and attractive. But the BB producers have gone all 'multicultural' on us this year and in amongst the youthful, nubile WASPs are a girl from China*, a guy from Bosnia and *gasp* a gay guy! It's political correctness gone mad I tell ya! There is also a Mother/Daughter team (who have both had boob jobs) in there who have to keep their relationship secret for the first week.
I haven't really sussed out who I hate the most yet, but it's early days. Early contender is Michael - the guy who is doing a political science degree and who wants to work as a political strategist for any party! Doesn't sound like Mr Prinicples has come a knockin' on his door recently eh? Also he has put 'Everything happens for a reason' as his 'life motto' which immediately marks him down as a cunt in my eyes.
One thing I did notice from the first episode was that a desire to fuck everyone over to get to where you want to be is seen somehow as a virtue. Never mind being kind, compassionate, considerate & generous it seems that all young people care about these days is how to get what they want and to hell with the consequences. For the first time in my life I actually preferred the hippy to any of them and for me to align myself with a hippy shows just how selfish and nasty our society is becoming.
Mind you, I could be over analysing (see Daniel Kitson rant for further evidence of this). I think the contestants have to big up their Gordon Gekko attributes to get on the show but once on there their kinder sides shine through. Well, I live in hope.
*ableit one that said that she hates people who move to Australia and don't become Australians! lol
Big Brother 06 has started in Australia!
It looked at first as if the mix of contestants would be the same as last year: young, white, single and attractive. But the BB producers have gone all 'multicultural' on us this year and in amongst the youthful, nubile WASPs are a girl from China*, a guy from Bosnia and *gasp* a gay guy! It's political correctness gone mad I tell ya! There is also a Mother/Daughter team (who have both had boob jobs) in there who have to keep their relationship secret for the first week.
I haven't really sussed out who I hate the most yet, but it's early days. Early contender is Michael - the guy who is doing a political science degree and who wants to work as a political strategist for any party! Doesn't sound like Mr Prinicples has come a knockin' on his door recently eh? Also he has put 'Everything happens for a reason' as his 'life motto' which immediately marks him down as a cunt in my eyes.
One thing I did notice from the first episode was that a desire to fuck everyone over to get to where you want to be is seen somehow as a virtue. Never mind being kind, compassionate, considerate & generous it seems that all young people care about these days is how to get what they want and to hell with the consequences. For the first time in my life I actually preferred the hippy to any of them and for me to align myself with a hippy shows just how selfish and nasty our society is becoming.
Mind you, I could be over analysing (see Daniel Kitson rant for further evidence of this). I think the contestants have to big up their Gordon Gekko attributes to get on the show but once on there their kinder sides shine through. Well, I live in hope.
*ableit one that said that she hates people who move to Australia and don't become Australians! lol
This proves the beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Dear old John - the flagbearer for Northern Socialism in the Labour Party has been caught with his pants down. And at the age of 67! Cripes.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
England Fans Start Praying
because if this is true then this World Cup may be the only chance we have of winning anything for a very very very long time....
Party
So tonight it's my birthday party which I am looking forward to immensely. It's fancy dress as well so stay tuned (if that's an applicable phrase for checking blogs?) on Monday and I'll put up some highly embarrasing photos of the wife and yours truly.
I saw Daniel Kitson at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival last night and very funny he was too. His rants against 'smokers rights' and Zoo magazine were highlights and in some places he hit comedy nirvana particuarly when he described someone as 'cunt cubed'. Exceptionally funny.
However, the whole premise of his narrative was that stuff that is 'alternative' gets shit as soon as it hits the mainstream and that success inevitably means that fuckwits will start to like it and therefore the appeal of it (whether it be a band, song, movie etc) becomes diminished.
Now, this is a perspective I have always had issue with.
I like ATB '9pm Till I Come' - the slightly cheesy tune that really launched the trance explosion in 1999. Now, this tune was loved by every Sharon and Tracey in the land, in Ritzy nightclubs from Aberdeen to Aylesbury but you know what, I still liked it and still like it to this day. The actual tune hasn't changed no matter how many Barrys in their Ben Sherman tops have oi oi'ed to it down Chasers. It's the same song. If you like the song for what it is then your love for it shouldn't have changed. If however, you liked it because at first it was a new 'in' thing and only known by a few people 'in the know' then I would say your love of that song was extremely shallow. Similarly, if a band you like gets big and they start playing to 5,000 people rather than 100 people then surely you should be happy for them that their success is reaping rewards? And yes, some of the 'great unwashed' may come along and see them but hey ignore them and concentrate on the reason you're meant to be there: the music.
The problem with a lot of well educated middle class people is that they really hate it when the working classes start to invade their turf. Whether it be in a cultural sense or an educational sense. For example, it's all very well for Tarquin to study Philosophy & Latin at Cambridge but dear god, look at those oiks studying Media Studies at Kingston University - surely they should be doing something worthwhile with their lives like carpentery or plumbing?
The argument Kitson and many of his ilk make is nothing but smug snoberry - he may be funny, but he's wrong.
However, the whole premise of his narrative was that stuff that is 'alternative' gets shit as soon as it hits the mainstream and that success inevitably means that fuckwits will start to like it and therefore the appeal of it (whether it be a band, song, movie etc) becomes diminished.
Now, this is a perspective I have always had issue with.
I like ATB '9pm Till I Come' - the slightly cheesy tune that really launched the trance explosion in 1999. Now, this tune was loved by every Sharon and Tracey in the land, in Ritzy nightclubs from Aberdeen to Aylesbury but you know what, I still liked it and still like it to this day. The actual tune hasn't changed no matter how many Barrys in their Ben Sherman tops have oi oi'ed to it down Chasers. It's the same song. If you like the song for what it is then your love for it shouldn't have changed. If however, you liked it because at first it was a new 'in' thing and only known by a few people 'in the know' then I would say your love of that song was extremely shallow. Similarly, if a band you like gets big and they start playing to 5,000 people rather than 100 people then surely you should be happy for them that their success is reaping rewards? And yes, some of the 'great unwashed' may come along and see them but hey ignore them and concentrate on the reason you're meant to be there: the music.
The problem with a lot of well educated middle class people is that they really hate it when the working classes start to invade their turf. Whether it be in a cultural sense or an educational sense. For example, it's all very well for Tarquin to study Philosophy & Latin at Cambridge but dear god, look at those oiks studying Media Studies at Kingston University - surely they should be doing something worthwhile with their lives like carpentery or plumbing?
The argument Kitson and many of his ilk make is nothing but smug snoberry - he may be funny, but he's wrong.
Women + World Cup = Bad
I like this:
World Cup Rules for Women
World Cup Rules for Women
LIST OF RULES
1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.
2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).
3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.
4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it wont happen.
5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.
6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce.
7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".
8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.
9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.
10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.
11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??", the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".
12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards,
Men of the World
1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.
2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).
3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.
4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it wont happen.
5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.
6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce.
7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".
8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.
9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.
10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.
11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??", the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".
12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards,
Men of the World
Bush Lies - Wow what a surprise!
The depressing thing about this is that most people in their heart of hearts knew before the 2004 election that Bush lied about Iraq but he was still elected with an increased number of votes. The reason that Bush got relected was due to the awesome Republican strategy department and the fact that John Kerry was simply not a credible, inspiring candidate and his party had no coherent message. The same is true of the Tory Party in the UK and the Labor Party in Australia - this is why the leaders of the 'coalition of the willing' have not been punished - there has been no credible alternative and that is a tragedy for Western democracy.
Mind you, I still backed Labour in the last UK election, Blair may have fucked up over Iraq but I'd rather grin and bear that than let the Tories back in and start to ruin the improvements in domestic policy that have been achieved under Labour.
Mind you, I still backed Labour in the last UK election, Blair may have fucked up over Iraq but I'd rather grin and bear that than let the Tories back in and start to ruin the improvements in domestic policy that have been achieved under Labour.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Driving, cycling, spots and double chins
Yay! Today, I passed my driving test today which I am very excited about as you can imagine. My test went very well with even my reverse parking going perfectly. I had 5 bad marks out of 53 so scored above 90%
It's taken me a long time to get it (I'm 28 today) but I'm now pleased I can drive to the shops to pick up bread, milk and the papers on the weekend thus completely satisfying my 'no exercise on weekends' policy (bar dancing of course!)
The only irritating thing was that I had a massive spot on my cheek which I was not impressed with at all. At least it makes me look like I got my license when I was a spotty teenager though eh? Saves the embarrassment that I often have in Australia when I tell people I have been learning to drive – not being able to drive by 18 in Australia is like not taking drugs by the age of 18 in the UK : unthinkable.
I also noticed a bit of a double chin action as well going on – arrrgggh middle spread is upon me. Although I do intend to step up my efforts at the gym. Last night the wife and I went to spinning which I quite enjoyed, I think it brings out the masochist in you as being shouted at by some fitness Nazi is not usually most people’s idea of pleasure. Why oh why do they always have such shocking taste in music? I’ve heard it all in spinning classes: euro pop versions of California Dreaming, DJ Sammy, The Corrs and last night we were ‘treated’ to Scooter. Nice. Possibly the worst tune I’ve ever heard in my life but it certainly encouraged you to ‘push to the end’ as you convinced yourself that the faster you pedaled the quicker the song would finish. Alas it didn’t. Fitness Nazi even kept it playing to the end of it’s 32 bar outro. Bitch.
(and for those of who don't know, here is what spinning looks like:)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
One of the most bizzare party political ads I've ever seen. Although it may be amusing to us die hard Labourites, will the electorate really like it? I have my doubts.
Yes, I know. No posts for 5 days. Bad me.
Well I would have posted more today and yesterday if it wasn't for my bloody IT system at work going into meltdown at 11am yesterday. I accidently unplugged my modem and BAM! the whole mini network collapsed. So I spent the entirity of yesterday trying to get it back up and running but to no avail, after hours spent this morning we now have limited connectivity. Bizzare to say the least...It has meant that the spare time I have had outside of trying to fix it I have actually had to fill with work which has meant no time for the blog.
And to think of all the things I could have ranted about: Howard's new Asylum policy, Katie Holmes giving birth, USA V Iran and I could have talked at length about just how undeserved the Ice Age's success is. But they are all now rants under the bridge, swept away by time. Hopefully, there will be something worth talking about tomorrow...
Well I would have posted more today and yesterday if it wasn't for my bloody IT system at work going into meltdown at 11am yesterday. I accidently unplugged my modem and BAM! the whole mini network collapsed. So I spent the entirity of yesterday trying to get it back up and running but to no avail, after hours spent this morning we now have limited connectivity. Bizzare to say the least...It has meant that the spare time I have had outside of trying to fix it I have actually had to fill with work which has meant no time for the blog.
And to think of all the things I could have ranted about: Howard's new Asylum policy, Katie Holmes giving birth, USA V Iran and I could have talked at length about just how undeserved the Ice Age's success is. But they are all now rants under the bridge, swept away by time. Hopefully, there will be something worth talking about tomorrow...
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Philip Ruddock shows he is a man of integrity by saying that David Hicks can return to Australia if he is released from Guantanomo Bay. Gee, that's nice of you Philip! Meanwhile, it looks as if the only way Hicks is going to get out anytime soon is by claiming British Citizenship (The British have got all of their citizens out). This is a shameful situation for the Australian government. It should be their responsibility to try and uphold the legal rights of their own citizens, this isn't a British problem and it is shocking that a person has to claim another citizenship to try and see their legal rights enforced.
David Hicks may be a 'criminal' but he deserves due process and not to be locked up for 4 years without a trial date in sight. What the US are perpetrating in Camp X Ray is faciscm and Australia should not be aiding and abetting this flagrant abuse of human rights.
David Hicks may be a 'criminal' but he deserves due process and not to be locked up for 4 years without a trial date in sight. What the US are perpetrating in Camp X Ray is faciscm and Australia should not be aiding and abetting this flagrant abuse of human rights.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Damn those gays! Now they're trying to destroy society by attending the White House's Easter Egg Roll.
Pure evil I tell ya!
Pure evil I tell ya!
Iran
Not sure what I think about the alarming situation that is building up regarding Iran. On the one hand I can see that Bush is spoiling for another fight to try and salvage his poll ratings ahead of the mid term elections. There is also the matter of Iran attempting to sell it's oil in euros rather than dollars which, if followed by other OPEC members, would have an adverse effect on the US economy.
But the question that remains is why Iran is attempting to get nuclear power? It has natural resources of oil and gas in abundance, which are cheaper and easier to extract and use. There would seem to be no reason to spend so much money on a more expensive power source.
I would be firmly against the prospect of military action against Iran until the West can prove (and I mean real proof not like the 'proof' that was given re Iraq's 'wmd') that the Iranians are attempting to kickstart at nuclear weapons program. Maybe the Iranians are just grandstanding though in the way that the North Koreans do everynow and again. What the Iranians do know though is that the Americans do not start wars on countries that fight back and securing a nuclear bomb maybe their only way of guaranteeing peace....
We'll have to wait and see....
But the question that remains is why Iran is attempting to get nuclear power? It has natural resources of oil and gas in abundance, which are cheaper and easier to extract and use. There would seem to be no reason to spend so much money on a more expensive power source.
I would be firmly against the prospect of military action against Iran until the West can prove (and I mean real proof not like the 'proof' that was given re Iraq's 'wmd') that the Iranians are attempting to kickstart at nuclear weapons program. Maybe the Iranians are just grandstanding though in the way that the North Koreans do everynow and again. What the Iranians do know though is that the Americans do not start wars on countries that fight back and securing a nuclear bomb maybe their only way of guaranteeing peace....
We'll have to wait and see....
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Is this a truly shocking piece of music or what? My god, if this and Flaunt It are the sound of what the kids are listening to these days then I'm quite glad that I am about to celebrate my 28th Birthday.
Is it me or is electro house now awash with identikit, shallow, shite tunes? All of them sound exactly the same (listen to the week's new releases on Beatport to get an idea) and all the creativity and excitement seems to have been lost.
Dance music is still really good at the moment though - for some really great stuff check out Dave Seaman's new Renassiance Mix Cd - is fantastic!
Is it me or is electro house now awash with identikit, shallow, shite tunes? All of them sound exactly the same (listen to the week's new releases on Beatport to get an idea) and all the creativity and excitement seems to have been lost.
Dance music is still really good at the moment though - for some really great stuff check out Dave Seaman's new Renassiance Mix Cd - is fantastic!
Unsexy Britney
Apparently, Britney is in danger of not even getting into the top 100 of this year's FHM 100 Sexiest poll. Maybe we could vote for pre-Kevin Britney in honour of what she once was? I am afraid on current evidence she barely merits a place in the top 500...
I am trying to keep the faith with Britney but it's hard when she is looking like this:
Rather than this:
I am trying to keep the faith with Britney but it's hard when she is looking like this:
Rather than this:
It's not often I agree with an Australian columnist but Matt Price is bang on the money with this. Adam and Steve getting married does not threaten the basis of my marriage to my wife and why anyone thinks that it would threaten marriage is beyond me. Surely it is a conservative position to want two people to enter a legal contract and pledge life long monogamy to each other. The Right's bigotry is what stops this happening not their desire to protect 'family values'. The case for civil unions is compelling there is simply no good reason (not even one) to prevent them going ahead.
Labor's position on this has been pathetic (as usual) and a betrayal of the values the liberal left should hold dear. The pressure on the government is coming from within it's own party which reminds me of the concessions Georgiou & Moyland wrought from the government regarding the refugee situation.
How sad is that? That the Labor opposition are so utterly lame that the only effective opposition to government policy now comes from within their own ranks.
Labor's position on this has been pathetic (as usual) and a betrayal of the values the liberal left should hold dear. The pressure on the government is coming from within it's own party which reminds me of the concessions Georgiou & Moyland wrought from the government regarding the refugee situation.
How sad is that? That the Labor opposition are so utterly lame that the only effective opposition to government policy now comes from within their own ranks.
The problem for Cameron's new Tory Party is no matter how much he tries to dress them up as a 'compassionate, modern, inclusive' party, their member's real views will always be at odds with this new spun public image.
Monday, April 10, 2006
And so it begins. Even though he adds a caveat at the end, Simon Burnton is now starting what was inevitable - when England fans start believing we will win the World Cup. It always happens. We struggle through qualifying, we lose to Northern Ireland - we accept reality. We are good but not that good. There are better teams. It'll be wicked if we make it through to the Semis.
But then as the World Cup gets closer and closer we just can't help ourselves. We start thinking 'Well, this is the best England team in the last 30 years' or 'Brazil have never won a World Cup in Europe' or other such fanciful thoughts.
Then come the World Cup we'll scrape through the first round, again our hopes will be lowered to something near normal but then we'll win in style against Costa Rica in the second round and GAME ON! We're gonna win the world cup! Woo-hoo!
Then we'll play Germany. We'll be much the better team. We'll have a goal disallowed. We'll pretend we're Italian and try and defend a one goal lead. When Germany score to equalise in the last minute we'll realise that was very silly and perhaps we should have learnt from the 1000 unsuccessful attempts before when we've tried to defend a one goal lead. We'll hit the post in extra time. The whistle will blow. Peter Crouch will stand up to take our last penalty.
There'll be tears before bedtime.
It would be funny if it wasn't so fucking predictable.
But then as the World Cup gets closer and closer we just can't help ourselves. We start thinking 'Well, this is the best England team in the last 30 years' or 'Brazil have never won a World Cup in Europe' or other such fanciful thoughts.
Then come the World Cup we'll scrape through the first round, again our hopes will be lowered to something near normal but then we'll win in style against Costa Rica in the second round and GAME ON! We're gonna win the world cup! Woo-hoo!
Then we'll play Germany. We'll be much the better team. We'll have a goal disallowed. We'll pretend we're Italian and try and defend a one goal lead. When Germany score to equalise in the last minute we'll realise that was very silly and perhaps we should have learnt from the 1000 unsuccessful attempts before when we've tried to defend a one goal lead. We'll hit the post in extra time. The whistle will blow. Peter Crouch will stand up to take our last penalty.
There'll be tears before bedtime.
It would be funny if it wasn't so fucking predictable.
Beazley says something sensible for once. Yeah, so meritocracy may require another $150m of government money to keep it going but it's a price worth paying in my opinion.
Friday, April 07, 2006
I liked this from this week's Popbitch email...
>> Es are good, Es are good <<
Police officers prefer a smiley culture
Must be hard to be a rebellious teenager these
days. Even the police are trendy. The pigs
used to spend their time shutting down raves,
arresting drug dealers and generally trying
to stop us having any fun. It's all changed.
Fed up with the gang culture, weapons carrying
and general moodiness in West End members bars
and clubs, police are now going round actively
encouraging clubs to change from R&B and
hip-hop to house music. Because taking
ecstasy makes you nicer.
Police officers prefer a smiley culture
Must be hard to be a rebellious teenager these
days. Even the police are trendy. The pigs
used to spend their time shutting down raves,
arresting drug dealers and generally trying
to stop us having any fun. It's all changed.
Fed up with the gang culture, weapons carrying
and general moodiness in West End members bars
and clubs, police are now going round actively
encouraging clubs to change from R&B and
hip-hop to house music. Because taking
ecstasy makes you nicer.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Despite swearing that our (the Wife and I) Eastenders days were behind us we've recently been sucked back into the Eastender's vortex and are watching it again (on UK TV.)
When we first bought Foxtel I turned on 'enders just to show myself how far it was behind the UK run and that it would be pointless just watching episodes I've already watched. Reminded me of having a cigarette a few months after I gave up smoking just to *really* make sure I didn't like it. Anyway, the wife and I worked out that it was at least a year and a half, possibly two behind the UK and although we watched the odd 5 minutes I really thought our addiction was broken. Then this week happened.
By chance we flicked over to UK TV one night...
'Shit, I don't think we've seen this one' says the Wife. 'Oh we must have' I replied, in self denial. I knew we hadn't seen it and that the Australian broadcast had caught up with the point we left the UK. Fuck Fuck Fuck. 'No, I'm sure it's up to date now' she said, 'maybe' I replied knowing full well that the answer was definitely. And WHAM! that was it - like the last year and 6 months never happened, I remembered it all so clearly - Den back in the Square, Sharon and Dennis hiding their love for each other, Ian and that dappy bird trying to hide their feelings due to her being married to a desperately ill bloke, that ultra pikey family no one cares about, Dot and Jim's 'comedy' relationship. I felt at home again, amongst the family. And the best thing of all? It's on twice a day here - two episodes back to back. Bugger the denial, let the bad soap addiction begin again. I've missed you Albert Square!
When we first bought Foxtel I turned on 'enders just to show myself how far it was behind the UK run and that it would be pointless just watching episodes I've already watched. Reminded me of having a cigarette a few months after I gave up smoking just to *really* make sure I didn't like it. Anyway, the wife and I worked out that it was at least a year and a half, possibly two behind the UK and although we watched the odd 5 minutes I really thought our addiction was broken. Then this week happened.
By chance we flicked over to UK TV one night...
'Shit, I don't think we've seen this one' says the Wife. 'Oh we must have' I replied, in self denial. I knew we hadn't seen it and that the Australian broadcast had caught up with the point we left the UK. Fuck Fuck Fuck. 'No, I'm sure it's up to date now' she said, 'maybe' I replied knowing full well that the answer was definitely. And WHAM! that was it - like the last year and 6 months never happened, I remembered it all so clearly - Den back in the Square, Sharon and Dennis hiding their love for each other, Ian and that dappy bird trying to hide their feelings due to her being married to a desperately ill bloke, that ultra pikey family no one cares about, Dot and Jim's 'comedy' relationship. I felt at home again, amongst the family. And the best thing of all? It's on twice a day here - two episodes back to back. Bugger the denial, let the bad soap addiction begin again. I've missed you Albert Square!
Wow! That last post really was a rant eh? lol
Well, Autumn is now in full swing here in Melbourne with top temperatures of 17c and a biting wind swirling around. Although the darkness of Winter depresses me I do quite enjoy the cold temperatures, particuarly when cold here means no lower than 10c! Bright, cold, sunny days are wonderful and perfect for bracing walks and afternoons ensconsed in pubs eating hearty pub fare.
Mind you, I always look forward to winter around the eve of winter. Just wait till it starts properly -- I'll be on here like a flash moaning about the cold, the wind, the rain, the darkness. Gee. I am SO predictable.
Well, Autumn is now in full swing here in Melbourne with top temperatures of 17c and a biting wind swirling around. Although the darkness of Winter depresses me I do quite enjoy the cold temperatures, particuarly when cold here means no lower than 10c! Bright, cold, sunny days are wonderful and perfect for bracing walks and afternoons ensconsed in pubs eating hearty pub fare.
Mind you, I always look forward to winter around the eve of winter. Just wait till it starts properly -- I'll be on here like a flash moaning about the cold, the wind, the rain, the darkness. Gee. I am SO predictable.
The Australian calls the Labor policy on schools at the last election as 'class war'. I've got another name for it: social justice. It really makes my blood boil that my tax money goes on subsidising the rich's private education. And Labor, if they are a true progressive party, should be arguing against this flagrant redistribution of money from the have nots to the haves. But with Beazley in charge don't expect anything as courageous as that to happen. The Australian claims that it is the 'politics of envy' but it's not. People should have the right to eduate their children privately but if they wish to do this they should not expect the state to help them. The state should provide a 'public' education system open to all and paying the wealthy middle classes to opt out of this system benefits a few at the expense of the many. They dress this up as 'relieving the pressure on the public system' but as this study on the private medical insurance shows all it does is benefit those people who could already afford to pay. The same goes for education.
But it is a hallmark of this government to give money to people who don't need it. Earn $1million a year and have a baby? Here's $3000! Send your child to the best private school in the country - here's a subsidy! Want private medical insurance? Here's a 30% rebate! Want to get your child into Uni but they aren't clever enough? Pay the full fee and we'll lower the admission score! Unskilled and poorly paid? Here's our new IR changes - fuck you!
But it is a hallmark of this government to give money to people who don't need it. Earn $1million a year and have a baby? Here's $3000! Send your child to the best private school in the country - here's a subsidy! Want private medical insurance? Here's a 30% rebate! Want to get your child into Uni but they aren't clever enough? Pay the full fee and we'll lower the admission score! Unskilled and poorly paid? Here's our new IR changes - fuck you!
Gotta love these. I think I'd look particuarly fetching in the 'Speak English Or Get Out' one.
What is wrong with these people? Takes a particular kind of hateful lunatic to not only think like that but to actually want to wear it on their person??
Meanwhile here are some from the other side....
What is wrong with these people? Takes a particular kind of hateful lunatic to not only think like that but to actually want to wear it on their person??
Meanwhile here are some from the other side....
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Good God. For once I agree with George Galloway. It's ok for the tabloid press in the UK to go around ruining people's lives but they don't like it when they tables are turned do they? I hope the pictures are published. After all, the reporter is a public figure now in his own right, so in the words of many a tabloid journalist, surely he is 'fair game' ?
Putting up a post about 'the end of ironing' was a low point in my blog so far and I apologize for that. Even thinking that it was interesting at the time was disturbing enough but looking back now I am even more horrified by my enthusiasm for breaking domestic chores news. Well, it's time to get back on form so here we go with another politics rant! Hurrah!
If Bomber Beazley really cares about the future of progressive politics in Australia then he should resign. Now.
His current approval ratings stand at less than 40% and less than 30% of people believe he would make a good prime minister. Meanwhile this government gets away with taking money from poor people to subsidise the wealthy middle classes, with dismantling the very notion of meritocracy in universities, with locking non-criminals up for years on end and deporting their own citizens. But not a single minister has resigned. Why? Because Labor are hopeless. Beazley and the Labor party need to accept the fact that as long as he is head of the party they are not going to seize power and that as long as he is leader the government is not going to be held to account.
He is too conservative, too bland, too quick with meaningless soundbites. He doesn't inspire people, he doesn't move people - he doesn't work.
If he really cares about this country and it's future direction he should realise that he is a hindrence to the reform his party wants to introduce and not a benefit. By remaining leader he is denying the progressives a chance to win back power in this country and start winding back some of the injustices of the Howard government, he should resign and let someone younger with more vitality and, more importantly, more vision take over.
Bomber Beazley? He's barely got the firepower of a pea shooter. For god's sake give it up.
If Bomber Beazley really cares about the future of progressive politics in Australia then he should resign. Now.
His current approval ratings stand at less than 40% and less than 30% of people believe he would make a good prime minister. Meanwhile this government gets away with taking money from poor people to subsidise the wealthy middle classes, with dismantling the very notion of meritocracy in universities, with locking non-criminals up for years on end and deporting their own citizens. But not a single minister has resigned. Why? Because Labor are hopeless. Beazley and the Labor party need to accept the fact that as long as he is head of the party they are not going to seize power and that as long as he is leader the government is not going to be held to account.
He is too conservative, too bland, too quick with meaningless soundbites. He doesn't inspire people, he doesn't move people - he doesn't work.
If he really cares about this country and it's future direction he should realise that he is a hindrence to the reform his party wants to introduce and not a benefit. By remaining leader he is denying the progressives a chance to win back power in this country and start winding back some of the injustices of the Howard government, he should resign and let someone younger with more vitality and, more importantly, more vision take over.
Bomber Beazley? He's barely got the firepower of a pea shooter. For god's sake give it up.
Not sure how much attention Madonna is going to pay to a Daily Telegraph petition trying to get her to extend her world tour here but I guess it's worth a shot.
Football is really hitting the big time in Australia at the moment. I reckon if they do well in the World Cup then it could get massive. Let's hope they make it through the first round....
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
Billie Piper just loves a quickie apparently. I reckon her fucking Chris Evans would have made this a necessity rather than a choice, could you imagine seeing him naked for more than 5 minutes? Yuck.
Good to see that in the USA, a country where 12.5% of the population live in Poverty and where 30,000 people die each year from being shot, the real priorties are not forgotten. The problem with the US of course is that women are getting too many orgasms from vibrators. So to combat this growing menace Mississipi has banned the sale of sex toys and this ban has been upheld in the courts. Unbeliveable.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Talk about wasting £1.4m to state the bleeding obvious! I could have told them the answer for a fraction of the price...fuckwits. How has the world got 1.4million quid to wank away on shit like this while other people starve. grrrr....
Excellent April Fools joke from the Guardian. Must admit I did believe it at first but Chris Martin re-recording Talk as Talk to David was a step too far and suddenly it dawned on me...
Friday, March 31, 2006
Annie Mac's dance music show on BBC Radio 1 really is a pleasure to listen to and I recommend it to anyone with leanings towards doof doof music. Her enthusiasm for the music and the clubbing lifestyle is very infectious....Go Annie!
A song is about to go to the top of the charts in the UK on download sales alone. This is surely a watershed moment in music with downloads now beginning to threaten the existance of CD singles. The scam of the rip off CD single is slowly coming to an end....
Add together the infamous British incomptence and extremely slow building practices from the Aussies (I mean HOW long has it taken to build Southern Cross station?) and what do you get? An $80million loss and no Wembley until 2007! Nice. Next time just get the bloody Germans to do it eh?
Save our BYOs! A restaurant in Sydney is now charging it's patrons a $25 A BOTTLE corkage fee. Mind you this is the City where a one day travelcard costs $15 so it's hardly surprising....
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Even by her usual standards yesterday's op-ed piece in The Australian from Janet Albrechtsen is breaktaking in it's chutzpah. Instead of writing about the real villians in the AWB scandal - the AWB Management/DFAT/Government Ministers - she took this opportunity to lay into those namby pamby lily livered liberals who promote corporate responsibility. Yes, once again those damned bleeding hearts are the real problem! Not the men who put profits before ethics or Government ministers who turned a blind eye to illegal activities.
The problem with Janet is that she is so blinded by her hatred of the 'left' that she fails to see what is right in front of her eyes.
The problem with Janet is that she is so blinded by her hatred of the 'left' that she fails to see what is right in front of her eyes.
The wife and I went to Taxi last night to celebrate our third wedding anniversary (ah, bless). Was a sensational meal, as to be expected from the Restaurant of the year, and a really nice ambiance about the place. I had deepfried GarFish with a Pink Grapefruit jus to start, she had a Crayfish cannelloni. Mains were Wagyu Porterhouse steak for me and twice cooked duck for her and we finished it off with the divine chocolate plate for two.
I recommend a visit there for sure although it is not as spectacular as Ezard where I found the service to be more attentive and the food slightly better cooked.
I recommend a visit there for sure although it is not as spectacular as Ezard where I found the service to be more attentive and the food slightly better cooked.
Details of the preparation Madonna is putting into her upcoming tour. Let's hope she blesses us down under with a visit!
This is most amusing. Seems someone has made a statue of Britney Spears but has completely forgotten to make it actually look like her! Excellent work.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Cocaine Kate is helping Lindsay Lohan get her life back on track. Mmmm....Great role model to follow Lindsay! Are you going to be getting pearls of wisdom dispensed at you as well from Kate's sensible boyfriend - uberbore Pete Doherty? Before you know it you'll be shooting up in some dingy starwell in Hoxton and people will start pretending that you are interesting. Good luck with your rehab though - I'd say going into retox with those two is like taking lessons from Kevin Federline on how to be a good husband.
If you have an interest in US politics (unlikely I know) then this is essential reading from The Nation.... Nice to see those 'compassionate' conservatives, the Republicans taking advantage of Katrina's devastating effect on New Orleans.
The debate over Nine's coverage of the games continues.... This is quite an frank exchange of views between Eddie Maguire (MD of Channel Nine) and The Age's TV Critic. Eddie has some fair points but unfortunately Warneke does not question him on the sheer amount of ad breaks that were on during the games and the numerous occassions when they cut away from live sport to show these ads. Maguire has to be happy, his channel has no doubt made shitloads of cash out of this whilst the viewing public have been short changed once again.
Welcome to Howard's new Australia where people can be sacked on a whim and given no redundancy payouts. People have already been sacked with no explanation a mere 2 days after the new IR laws come in. Welcome to a world where the working poor have no rights and no recourse to justice. Let's hope that those in the 'burbs are also effected so they can turn their wrath on this lame excuse for a government and boot them out at the next election.
What's Tim Blair's genius solution to the problem of women being sexually assaulted? Guns. Yes, Guns. Those things that kill people. Brilliant Tim! We might have 1% less sexual assaults but a whole lot more murders instead. Wouldn't that be swell?
Andrew Sullivan mentioned this in his blog yesterday and I thought it worth repeating on here. IS Tom Cruise about to challenge Michael Jackson for the title of the weirdest man in showbusiness?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Shrink you bastards...
I spotted a superb letter in today's Age:
I SAT in a city park yesterday morning, trying in vain to appreciate the "souvenir edition" of The Age to mark the end of the Commonwealth Games. Poster-sized pages flapped in the breeze; whole sections escaped my grasp and literally flew away. Opposite me, an elderly couple enjoyed their Herald Sun with quiet dignity. I refuse to be made a laughing stock. For God's sake, go tabloid.
Sam McMillan, Richmond
I couldn't agree anymore Sam McMillan. For God's sake Andrew Jaspan, DO IT! Is the publishing of this letter the first stage of an under the radar campaign by the Age to soften its readers up to the prospect of turning tabloid? I live in hope....
I SAT in a city park yesterday morning, trying in vain to appreciate the "souvenir edition" of The Age to mark the end of the Commonwealth Games. Poster-sized pages flapped in the breeze; whole sections escaped my grasp and literally flew away. Opposite me, an elderly couple enjoyed their Herald Sun with quiet dignity. I refuse to be made a laughing stock. For God's sake, go tabloid.
Sam McMillan, Richmond
I couldn't agree anymore Sam McMillan. For God's sake Andrew Jaspan, DO IT! Is the publishing of this letter the first stage of an under the radar campaign by the Age to soften its readers up to the prospect of turning tabloid? I live in hope....
Fernando V Alexis
So I promised I would keep you all up to date with the story of how our cats are getting along. Those who know us know that we have a rather curmudgeonly but utterly adorable cat called Fernando. Here is a picture of him in a big pile of leaves in our backyard:
We got Fernando from the Save A Dog scheme in Malvern, Melbourne. They have loads of cats and dogs that have been picked up by the council warden and have been abandoned by their owners. You can either adopt the animals or foster them until they find permanent homes. We ended up adopting Fernando but because the shelter desperately needs foster families we agreed to foster a small black cat called Layla.
Now, Fernando didn't like Layla. In fact he hated her and there wasn't a day went by when he wasn't trying to tear her apart from limb to limb. So although we were sad when Layla left we were happy for her as it meant she would finally be able to spend her days without the fear of being brutally killed.
Then a week ago we got a call from Save the Dog asking if we could foster another as there were so many cats there in need of homes. We agreed on the proviso that we could return the cat if, as was likely, Fernando didn't like it. We picked up the new cat, Alexis, on Saturday. She is a gorgeous looking creature and very very elegant and princess like. Here's a rather unflattering picture of her:
I expected more cat inspired fireworks in my backyard so thought it would be an interesting addition to my blog to let you know how they are getting along but I'm afraid it's been somewhat of a non story.
When they first met Alexis hissed at him in that terrifying way that cats do. Fernando snarled a little but then just couldn't be arsed and just slumped on the floor. And that's been the end of their antagonism really. Fernando has been watching her every move though and appears to be following a containment policy in much the same way Clinton contained Saddam. Maybe Fernando realised the errors of his George W Bush (i.e. attack first, think later) methods with Layla and has decided he has better things to do with his time (like sleep).
Hell, they even shared a bed with each other last night. Admittedly at opposite ends but who knows it could be the start of something beautiful. I'll keep you updated if anything significant happens but it looks as if I am going to have to think of something else to fill this webpage up with. Bugger.
We got Fernando from the Save A Dog scheme in Malvern, Melbourne. They have loads of cats and dogs that have been picked up by the council warden and have been abandoned by their owners. You can either adopt the animals or foster them until they find permanent homes. We ended up adopting Fernando but because the shelter desperately needs foster families we agreed to foster a small black cat called Layla.
Now, Fernando didn't like Layla. In fact he hated her and there wasn't a day went by when he wasn't trying to tear her apart from limb to limb. So although we were sad when Layla left we were happy for her as it meant she would finally be able to spend her days without the fear of being brutally killed.
Then a week ago we got a call from Save the Dog asking if we could foster another as there were so many cats there in need of homes. We agreed on the proviso that we could return the cat if, as was likely, Fernando didn't like it. We picked up the new cat, Alexis, on Saturday. She is a gorgeous looking creature and very very elegant and princess like. Here's a rather unflattering picture of her:
I expected more cat inspired fireworks in my backyard so thought it would be an interesting addition to my blog to let you know how they are getting along but I'm afraid it's been somewhat of a non story.
When they first met Alexis hissed at him in that terrifying way that cats do. Fernando snarled a little but then just couldn't be arsed and just slumped on the floor. And that's been the end of their antagonism really. Fernando has been watching her every move though and appears to be following a containment policy in much the same way Clinton contained Saddam. Maybe Fernando realised the errors of his George W Bush (i.e. attack first, think later) methods with Layla and has decided he has better things to do with his time (like sleep).
Hell, they even shared a bed with each other last night. Admittedly at opposite ends but who knows it could be the start of something beautiful. I'll keep you updated if anything significant happens but it looks as if I am going to have to think of something else to fill this webpage up with. Bugger.
David Aaronovitch speaks sense about the smoking in public places bans being enacted across the world....
Bananas
So, due to a bit of wind up north, Australia is about to imminently run out of bananas. How has that effected imported bananas though you might reasonably ask? Well it hasn't but bananas are banned from being imported into Australia (yes, that's Australia - a 'free market' economy) due to the dubious reason of wanting to keep exotic bugs out of the country. The real reason though lies in the fact that the Nationals and Liberal party want to keep their banana growing mates happy up in QLD by preventing competition in this sector (competition being an anathema in many sectors of the Australian economy). So we, the consumer, suffer again and we now have no bananas to eat. What a load of balls. The Agriculture minister, Peter McGuaran says this:
"People will have to understand that their unsatisfied yearnings for bananas are infinitesimal compared to the suffering and hardship of the banana growers of north Queensland." "We all have to put it into that context and bear the pain for the next nine to 12 months."
No one has even begin to suggest that our suffering is comparable to theirs. But all we ask for, you dimwit, is that you lift the ban on imports for the next year so we can get our potassium & smoothie fix When the QLD bananas come back online we can revert back to your Sovietesque system of import control and you can tell the dirty phillipinos to fuck off again. But until then let the philipinos flood the country with their produce - we need bananas god damn it!
"People will have to understand that their unsatisfied yearnings for bananas are infinitesimal compared to the suffering and hardship of the banana growers of north Queensland." "We all have to put it into that context and bear the pain for the next nine to 12 months."
No one has even begin to suggest that our suffering is comparable to theirs. But all we ask for, you dimwit, is that you lift the ban on imports for the next year so we can get our potassium & smoothie fix When the QLD bananas come back online we can revert back to your Sovietesque system of import control and you can tell the dirty phillipinos to fuck off again. But until then let the philipinos flood the country with their produce - we need bananas god damn it!
Wrong Uns Watch Part 1
Love this story from today's Guardian. Pure hilarity. I love the way the girl got a 2 year ban from driving as her punishment even though she was under the legal driving age. A real detterent that is then! lol Choice quote from the article:
Black had arrived at court armed with eggs — to pelt photographers with — and her mother, Nora, also contributed to the day's events by sticking out her bottom for the cameras and saying "film this".
I wonder where the girl gets it from? ha ha ha
Oh my sweet Britney. What are you doing? You shouldn't be buying Kevin Fish & Chips for his birthday dinner let alone splashing out $60K on him! What does he have though that keeps her going back to him? Answers on a postcard please.
Canadian lunatic Mark Steyn speaks some sense for once. The problem that he has is that he can only ever see fault on the Islamic side and seems to never apportion any blame for the current state of the world on US foreign policy over the past 50 years. To have such a one dimensional view of the 'clash of civilisations' is naive and blinkered. But he does write funny columns, in a way that only offensive rightwing people ever can....
Monday, March 27, 2006
Bugger the 202 medals Australia won at the ad break games - THIS is something the country should be genuinely proud of. Go on s'trya!
So the 'Australian and Lets Go To An Ad Break Games' are over. Think we can all agree what a wonderful job Channel 9 did in their coverage eh? Apparently a few medals were won by countries other than Australia and people are still scanning the footage to see if they can locate that lesser-spotted creature - an interview with a non Australian athlete. I don't rate their chances I am afraid.
One interesting statistic was presented by ABC's The Offsiders yesterday and that is this:
Gold Medals won in Swimming
Australia 17
Great Britain 15 (When you put England, Scotland, Wales etc together)
Not quite the landslide of golds that Channel Nine would have you believe exsisted. Now, I think having England, Scotland and Wales competing seperately is usually a good idea as I don't then have to feign supporting a Scot simply because he is competing as a British athlete, but surely it'd be worth all teaming up just for one games so we can beat the Aussies in the pool. Let's put our petty differences aside and focus on beating the real enemy eh?
One interesting statistic was presented by ABC's The Offsiders yesterday and that is this:
Gold Medals won in Swimming
Australia 17
Great Britain 15 (When you put England, Scotland, Wales etc together)
Not quite the landslide of golds that Channel Nine would have you believe exsisted. Now, I think having England, Scotland and Wales competing seperately is usually a good idea as I don't then have to feign supporting a Scot simply because he is competing as a British athlete, but surely it'd be worth all teaming up just for one games so we can beat the Aussies in the pool. Let's put our petty differences aside and focus on beating the real enemy eh?
So, I wasted 2 hours of my life and $20 of my wife's money by going to the cinema and watching the new Woody Allen film Match Point (the 'best film he's made for a very long time' according to David Stratton from ABC's At The Movies) at the weekend.
Now, I am not a film snob - I have remarkably philistine tastes when it comes to the big screen, I am easily pleased. Hell, I even liked Love Actually for christsakes. But every now and again there comes along a film that is is so mind-numbingly, bowel achingly bad that even I don't like it!
The plot revolves around an Irish tennis coach (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who marries into an English Upper Class family and has an affair with a struggling American Actress (Scarlett Johanssen). When the affair with Scarlett Johansson looks like it will destroy his place within the upper classes he takes drastic action. (I won't ruin the plot as some of you may still see it I guess...please don't though...you'll never forgive yourself).
You know you're onto a loser in a film when within the first 5 minutes of it your film going partner leans over and says 'his [Jonathan Rhys Meyers] acting is shocking', I mean surely it should take at least 10-15 minutes to formulate such an opinion but no it was there for all to see the second he started speaking. I mean this guy is meant to be Irish but sounds more like a home counties cunt who has been on a few stag parties to Dublin. Jesus.
Is Jonathan Rhys Meyers Irish? I have no idea having never heard of him before. He speaks throughout the film in that loud whisper way, all earnest and whimpering. Urgh. The acting from all is diabolical but Scarlett Johansson at least attempts to act during parts of it and looks divine throughout. The bint who plays Meyer's wife is one of the most irritating characters I've seen in a film since Jar Jar Binks appeared on Star Wars.
The dialogue is consistently cringeworthy with several lines making me physically squirm in my seat, at times people laughed out loud in the cinema but this is a film that has no intentionally funny lines so I could only guess that they (like me) were laughing at the sheer FUCKMETHISISRUBBISHness of it all.
I would guess that Woody Allen has spent about 12 minutes in the presence of English people before if this is seriously how he thinks they behave and speak. Do English Upper Class people really call their father 'papa'???
The plot itself is a feasible one but the pace of the film completely lets it down. The first half is way too slow and the second half is way too fast with Meyers turning from someone who wants to spend the rest of his life with Johansson to someone who wants to kill her. IT IS LUDICROUS. Other parts of the story simply do not ring true. Can someone who has NO experience in the financial sector be put into a senior job just because they are fucking the MD's daughter? Would someone who worked at a desk in an open plan office have a fucking chaffeur? How can someone earning fuck all in shop afford to rent a flat in Notting Hill? Would the police give up on persuing a line in a murder case just because someone has asked them not to for fear of his wife finding out about his affair? Etc etc
It is impossible to emphasize with any of the characters because of two reasons:
1) They are either posh twats
or
2) They are cunts
In the end you just couldn't care less about the sorry lot of them. The only thing you care about is the fact that you will never get the 2 hours of your life back that you wasted watching this travesty of a movie.
Now, I am not a film snob - I have remarkably philistine tastes when it comes to the big screen, I am easily pleased. Hell, I even liked Love Actually for christsakes. But every now and again there comes along a film that is is so mind-numbingly, bowel achingly bad that even I don't like it!
The plot revolves around an Irish tennis coach (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who marries into an English Upper Class family and has an affair with a struggling American Actress (Scarlett Johanssen). When the affair with Scarlett Johansson looks like it will destroy his place within the upper classes he takes drastic action. (I won't ruin the plot as some of you may still see it I guess...please don't though...you'll never forgive yourself).
You know you're onto a loser in a film when within the first 5 minutes of it your film going partner leans over and says 'his [Jonathan Rhys Meyers] acting is shocking', I mean surely it should take at least 10-15 minutes to formulate such an opinion but no it was there for all to see the second he started speaking. I mean this guy is meant to be Irish but sounds more like a home counties cunt who has been on a few stag parties to Dublin. Jesus.
Is Jonathan Rhys Meyers Irish? I have no idea having never heard of him before. He speaks throughout the film in that loud whisper way, all earnest and whimpering. Urgh. The acting from all is diabolical but Scarlett Johansson at least attempts to act during parts of it and looks divine throughout. The bint who plays Meyer's wife is one of the most irritating characters I've seen in a film since Jar Jar Binks appeared on Star Wars.
The dialogue is consistently cringeworthy with several lines making me physically squirm in my seat, at times people laughed out loud in the cinema but this is a film that has no intentionally funny lines so I could only guess that they (like me) were laughing at the sheer FUCKMETHISISRUBBISHness of it all.
I would guess that Woody Allen has spent about 12 minutes in the presence of English people before if this is seriously how he thinks they behave and speak. Do English Upper Class people really call their father 'papa'???
The plot itself is a feasible one but the pace of the film completely lets it down. The first half is way too slow and the second half is way too fast with Meyers turning from someone who wants to spend the rest of his life with Johansson to someone who wants to kill her. IT IS LUDICROUS. Other parts of the story simply do not ring true. Can someone who has NO experience in the financial sector be put into a senior job just because they are fucking the MD's daughter? Would someone who worked at a desk in an open plan office have a fucking chaffeur? How can someone earning fuck all in shop afford to rent a flat in Notting Hill? Would the police give up on persuing a line in a murder case just because someone has asked them not to for fear of his wife finding out about his affair? Etc etc
It is impossible to emphasize with any of the characters because of two reasons:
1) They are either posh twats
or
2) They are cunts
In the end you just couldn't care less about the sorry lot of them. The only thing you care about is the fact that you will never get the 2 hours of your life back that you wasted watching this travesty of a movie.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Superb column from Will Hutton in today's Observer regarding Tony Blair. Couldn't agree anymore with him....
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