I can hear it building as the sun half-heartedly rises on London, passing to us beneath the oceans, an invisible wave of familiar disappointment, of a prowess blunted, a bubble burst, a city of gold turned mirage, yep, its the sad mutterings of the defeated English.
The cheap champagne flowed way too long in their national imagination. Fifteen months later they awoke on a park bench, just as the hangover kicked in. Ba Ba BANG! How garish the jubilant product endorsements peppering london's underground now appear - arms raised high, grins wide, muscles flexed, success inevitable - oops. Dave on a building site reckons cricket in England is too bloody middle class. They need some mongrel. They need to want it more. Class based or not, an invisible ingredient was missing from the fray.
I'm sad for Captain Flintoff. He was let down, deserted, and overburdened. His leadership deserved better followership. Along with Kevin 'Lekka' Peterson he would push for a baggy green were he born on sunnier shores. And most frustratingly, his lurking predecessor is absolved of responsibility - an unjust reward for physical incapacity. No cheap photographic juxtaposition of the searing agony with soaring ecstasy for Mr Vaughan. History is cruel to valiant men like Freddy. And our revenge is somehow asymetric.
As for us, well, we wanted it it, and we needed it (if only to ease the path for future generations of exiles in London). We may not be the centre of the universe, but we're bloody good at sport - cue VB-laced grunts of agreement. And unlike the shadow of empire, you have to keep winning to maintain the reputation. A drought of medals, trophies and the urn would do more emotional damage to us than a few years without rain. Bragging rights are the mining rights of the post-colonial world.
Five-nil would be cruel, but fair. That which they stole last year (and I'm not just referring to an entire nation's sleep) can only be restored thus. So onward to the G, and Warney's Hollywood moment led by Captain Punter, the most determined man ever to emerge from the wilderness island. A more stoic protector of the national reputation would be hard to find.
As the bushfires around Melbourne smoulder, from the ashes emerge new shoots, regeneration, a canopy of the future - the bush is lost, but returns doublefold. This is the natural order of things down under.
19 December 2006
As Shane Heaved Elbow Skyward....
Quote of the day
"I'm beyond caring - this is like watching a very close elderly relative being savaged to death by a gang of otters as bystanders laugh at the spectacle."
English Cricket fan as the wickets they fell, somewhere out west of Kalgoorlie.....
"I'm beyond caring - this is like watching a very close elderly relative being savaged to death by a gang of otters as bystanders laugh at the spectacle."
English Cricket fan as the wickets they fell, somewhere out west of Kalgoorlie.....
15 December 2006
Quarter time at the G
A 53 day experiment concludes today.
According to my data, I've categorically proven that blogging is for people with far too much time on their hands. In an effort to devote my bounteous time to other pursuits, I'm going to ration a bit henceforth, weeding out the turgid and tangential. I enjoy juggling words in sentences far too much. And I've proved to myself that it is possible to juggle words on virtually any topic known to humanity. That's a lot of prospective topics! Luckily there's a lot of bloggers out there covering them off.
My thoughts on blogging are these. It's a good medium. With a niche and good material you could create something significant. But the 'who cares' principle needs to be applied ruthlessly - both in terms of 'does anybody care about this issue' and 'is my opinion of any consequence beyond boring the tits off readers.' I fear nothing more than sounding like the editorialising blogchild of Andrew Bolt and Greg Sheridan. . . . . . oooooooogh.
So a hiatus is in order, energies to be deployed instead on pesky essays, walks in the deep London autumn, and, after the sun sets, the ticking off, one by one, of the 1000 books to read before you die (I'm up to #4).
I'll be back, soon as a lively thought insists on being committed to the cyberswamp.
xx
According to my data, I've categorically proven that blogging is for people with far too much time on their hands. In an effort to devote my bounteous time to other pursuits, I'm going to ration a bit henceforth, weeding out the turgid and tangential. I enjoy juggling words in sentences far too much. And I've proved to myself that it is possible to juggle words on virtually any topic known to humanity. That's a lot of prospective topics! Luckily there's a lot of bloggers out there covering them off.
My thoughts on blogging are these. It's a good medium. With a niche and good material you could create something significant. But the 'who cares' principle needs to be applied ruthlessly - both in terms of 'does anybody care about this issue' and 'is my opinion of any consequence beyond boring the tits off readers.' I fear nothing more than sounding like the editorialising blogchild of Andrew Bolt and Greg Sheridan. . . . . . oooooooogh.
So a hiatus is in order, energies to be deployed instead on pesky essays, walks in the deep London autumn, and, after the sun sets, the ticking off, one by one, of the 1000 books to read before you die (I'm up to #4).
I'll be back, soon as a lively thought insists on being committed to the cyberswamp.
xx
14 December 2006
Experisotto of the day
Combining the two easiest things in the world, procrastination and risotto, I've decided to branch out from old favourites to new experimental varieties. Today its creamy risotto with red wine, mushrooms, zuccini, rocket and sage. Splendid for a chilly london day (though must find a way to stop mushrooms, red wine and cream turning the risotto juice grey).
Buck the star
Yesterday I discovered the secret to Starbucks uncannily consistant coffee - and complete lack of athmosphere. While waiting patiently for my grande latte without cinammon, eggnog or any other festive distraction, I snuck a look at the coffee machine. Shock! The chain which claims coffee culture as a trademark uses fully automated espresso machines! No skill required. Press the button, the machine grinds the coffee, and out comes the espresso.
As a retired barista, I find this a slight affront. Where is the human element, the crash of metal on metal, the cascading coffee grind, the sweat on the barista's brow? All these things go into the making of a fine coffee. Sure, sometimes you'll encounter a dud coffee maker or some burnt beans, but that's what makes the good ones sing. Viva baristas, the artisans of the cafe world. Viva La cimbali coffee machines that last a thousand years. Viva coffee with soul. Viva romantics who care about such things.
As a retired barista, I find this a slight affront. Where is the human element, the crash of metal on metal, the cascading coffee grind, the sweat on the barista's brow? All these things go into the making of a fine coffee. Sure, sometimes you'll encounter a dud coffee maker or some burnt beans, but that's what makes the good ones sing. Viva baristas, the artisans of the cafe world. Viva La cimbali coffee machines that last a thousand years. Viva coffee with soul. Viva romantics who care about such things.
Flying Kangaroo on the barbie
Despite them being very cute animals, I love a good Kangaroo fillet, particularly when made to Tobs' patented honey and beer recipe - AKA Bundahroo. Emotional attachment is no barrier to carnivorous consumption.
Can the same be applied to the flying Kangaroo, dismembered this evening by the hungry hoards of private capital? It's easy to get misty eyed at the sight of a Qantas plane in a far flung airport. Dropping off punters at the Joburg airport always bought on a sniffle in the knowledge that the big wheels would soon touch down in terra australis. Does that change now that Aussie Macquarie and their mates will spend 11 billion bucks to take Qantas private? Not a bit. $11billion is a lot to pay for a herd of flying roos - and you can bet that a significant portion of that is brand recognition (remember Rain man). They'll need to milk every little homesick tear from ex-pat Aussies if they're to make money. The association with Australia will remain at the core of the company (hopefully accompanied by onshore jobs). And by law it will remain technically majority Australian owned (though who invests in the investors is another matter). So pop the melbourne bitters and let the roo fry. And 'mums and dads' put your money in Macquarie if you want a piece of the juicy fillet while it's rare.
Can the same be applied to the flying Kangaroo, dismembered this evening by the hungry hoards of private capital? It's easy to get misty eyed at the sight of a Qantas plane in a far flung airport. Dropping off punters at the Joburg airport always bought on a sniffle in the knowledge that the big wheels would soon touch down in terra australis. Does that change now that Aussie Macquarie and their mates will spend 11 billion bucks to take Qantas private? Not a bit. $11billion is a lot to pay for a herd of flying roos - and you can bet that a significant portion of that is brand recognition (remember Rain man). They'll need to milk every little homesick tear from ex-pat Aussies if they're to make money. The association with Australia will remain at the core of the company (hopefully accompanied by onshore jobs). And by law it will remain technically majority Australian owned (though who invests in the investors is another matter). So pop the melbourne bitters and let the roo fry. And 'mums and dads' put your money in Macquarie if you want a piece of the juicy fillet while it's rare.
President Obama - "skinny kid with a funny name"
What would a President Obama mean for the world? It's a long shot, but given rumblings suggestive of an Obama candidacy in 2008, it's suddenly a question worth posing. He's only 45. He's a two year senator. He's frighteningly eloquent. He is currently the only African-American in the Senate and only the fifth in history. But he, more than other rumoured candidates, would represent a new beginning for America. Since 1980 when George Bush Snr joined the winning Reagan ticket as Vice President, either a Bush or a Clinton has been at the centre of American power. 1980 was 26 years ago. One could imagine a Whitlam-esque 'its time' campaign tapping into residual frustration with the state of things (think Sept 11, the Iraq war, big budget deficits, frustration with divisive partisanship and politicians ethical lapses).
He has the 'American miracle' biography, rising from modest means (literally son of a Kenyan goat herder) by making the most of opportunity. We all heard his striking convention speech in 2004 - here - in which he raised the roof with a lyrical evocation of Democrat values. His biggest barrier is to persuade democrats to take a leap of faith with him. He'd be the youngest President since Kennedy. Hillary Clinton would be the safe bet - she is popular though opinion against her is hardened - but don't write her off. For either, 2008 is a great opportunity to avoid an incumbent President or Vice President - a relatively rare thing.
The problem is without a public track record to speak of, its hard to know where he stands on issues - apart from the broad rhetoric. He voted against the Iraq war when it was not comfortable to do so - that's a plus. A Time article, based on interviews with Obama, raises questions about the depth of his policy ideas - he is smart, incisive and eloquent, but not particularly willing to shake-up conventional policy approaches. Moderation and cross-party mediation are his prefered approaches. Maybe he is just keeping his policy powder dry for 2008 - he is not yet a disclosed candidate. But he could go a long way simply promising 'change' to the way politics is currently played in the US, perhaps all the way. Definately one worth watching in the months ahead.
He has the 'American miracle' biography, rising from modest means (literally son of a Kenyan goat herder) by making the most of opportunity. We all heard his striking convention speech in 2004 - here - in which he raised the roof with a lyrical evocation of Democrat values. His biggest barrier is to persuade democrats to take a leap of faith with him. He'd be the youngest President since Kennedy. Hillary Clinton would be the safe bet - she is popular though opinion against her is hardened - but don't write her off. For either, 2008 is a great opportunity to avoid an incumbent President or Vice President - a relatively rare thing.
The problem is without a public track record to speak of, its hard to know where he stands on issues - apart from the broad rhetoric. He voted against the Iraq war when it was not comfortable to do so - that's a plus. A Time article, based on interviews with Obama, raises questions about the depth of his policy ideas - he is smart, incisive and eloquent, but not particularly willing to shake-up conventional policy approaches. Moderation and cross-party mediation are his prefered approaches. Maybe he is just keeping his policy powder dry for 2008 - he is not yet a disclosed candidate. But he could go a long way simply promising 'change' to the way politics is currently played in the US, perhaps all the way. Definately one worth watching in the months ahead.
13 December 2006
Glamour in Hampstead
Meet Zarah, daughter of Terina, resident of Oshikati Namibia, part-time opera singer, part-time South Park impersonator, visiting model at the Holly Bush Inn Hampstead - and my tip for Australian Idol winner 2025.
No Tuscan - a Gospel Oak scene
The Jones' copied the Smiths who copied the Johnstons who copied the Millars who....... infinityMick was right
....You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need....
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need....
11 December 2006
Kofi Annan departs
While an essay on 'protectionism' calls, I couldn't resist watching Kofi Annan's farewell speech as Secretary-General. If ever there was a singular voice of reason in this world, it is that of Annan. Approaching the microphone he appeared uncharacteristically tentative, unsure where to put his hands, no doubt his mind whirring with thoughts about the impending close to his tenure. He is a profoundly sensible man, a peacemaker, a humanist of the finest measure. He builds bridges, he calms nerves, he warms hearts. Call me a wet-eyed commie, but I love 'im.
But when he criticises it bites. His speech at the Harry S Truman presidential library, delivered in his measured West African cadence, focused on the history and future of US leadership. Truman was a framer of the UN, a builder of postwar multilateralism who understood the importance of US leadership. Annan reminded the audience that the US can lead - it did so much to build the multilateral system - but the world's problems need another infusion of its benign leadership. He reminded of the critical importance of principles in foreign policy - a thinly veiled reference to Guantanamo etc - the maleability of which leave "friends abroad troubled and confused."
Annan laid out five lessons from his tenure as Secretary-General: We are all responsible for eachothers security; We must ensure all have the chance to benefit from global prosperity; Our security and prosperity depend on human rights and the rule of law; all states must be accountable to eachother and to non state actors; We can only achieve these things by cooperation through multilateralism - in particular the institution of the United Nations. And in closing Annan noted the responsibility of major powers to serve, not dominate institutions like the Security Council.
May he write a nice thick book in the months and years ahead, freed from the story-telling strictures of office.
But when he criticises it bites. His speech at the Harry S Truman presidential library, delivered in his measured West African cadence, focused on the history and future of US leadership. Truman was a framer of the UN, a builder of postwar multilateralism who understood the importance of US leadership. Annan reminded the audience that the US can lead - it did so much to build the multilateral system - but the world's problems need another infusion of its benign leadership. He reminded of the critical importance of principles in foreign policy - a thinly veiled reference to Guantanamo etc - the maleability of which leave "friends abroad troubled and confused."
Annan laid out five lessons from his tenure as Secretary-General: We are all responsible for eachothers security; We must ensure all have the chance to benefit from global prosperity; Our security and prosperity depend on human rights and the rule of law; all states must be accountable to eachother and to non state actors; We can only achieve these things by cooperation through multilateralism - in particular the institution of the United Nations. And in closing Annan noted the responsibility of major powers to serve, not dominate institutions like the Security Council.
May he write a nice thick book in the months and years ahead, freed from the story-telling strictures of office.
Social democracy defined
In recent months Kevin Rudd has unveiled a personal philisophical schema that will presumably guide his leadership of Labor. It makes for interesting reading. I particularly recommend his wideranging speech to the CIS - here - in which he expounds a contemporary social democratic platform, defined against the free-market thinking of Hayek. It is refreshing to see a leader state so categorically the basis of his political involvement and decision making. Whether such an exposition connects with those who care more for outcomes that philisophical definitions remains to be seen. One thing is clear though, Rudd is intent on product differentiation - from first principles up.
The death of distance
My classmates' eyes pop out at mention of my christmas flight home. "22 hours - I'd go crazy after 10." So much for my efforts to pursuade them that Australia is not the ends of the earth. My only competitor is a Swede flying to his Nicaraguan sweetheart via New York and Miami - 20 hours.
As I write I'm listening to ABC radio online having just checked The Age and The Australian - there is a hot wind blowing in Melbourne town. The separation between physical distance and emotional distance is closing fast. At one level there's a certain sadness that we'll never again experience the separation from home of travellers a century ago - the satisfaction of the trek and the discovery of a new world. I love Frank Moorehouse's book 'Grand Days' and the way it captures the transformation of an Australian country girl in 1930s Geneva. She dreams of dry paddocks at home while leading a glamorously feather-boa'ed life, linked to her roots by dust-tinged letters from home conveying months old news. But those days are gone, and my romanticism probably misplaced.
Instant is the word of our age: know anything, anywhere, immediately and feel aggrieved if something stands in the way. As I discovered in a rural Tanzanian hotel room, you can know that an election has been called in Australia before 99.9% of Australians discover (CNN). But I think its a false intimacy - one keeps abreast of the news and views, but misses the non-digital textures of home (the smell of hot gum leaves springs to mind). The company of family and friends can never be truly digitised. How would you capture the kaleidascope of conversations, asides, manerisms, smells, knowing looks and kicks under the table. I just hope the web's artifice of closeness doesn't become a substitute for the real thing. An 80% solution to justify perpetual globe trotting holds plenty of temptation.
As I write I'm listening to ABC radio online having just checked The Age and The Australian - there is a hot wind blowing in Melbourne town. The separation between physical distance and emotional distance is closing fast. At one level there's a certain sadness that we'll never again experience the separation from home of travellers a century ago - the satisfaction of the trek and the discovery of a new world. I love Frank Moorehouse's book 'Grand Days' and the way it captures the transformation of an Australian country girl in 1930s Geneva. She dreams of dry paddocks at home while leading a glamorously feather-boa'ed life, linked to her roots by dust-tinged letters from home conveying months old news. But those days are gone, and my romanticism probably misplaced.
Instant is the word of our age: know anything, anywhere, immediately and feel aggrieved if something stands in the way. As I discovered in a rural Tanzanian hotel room, you can know that an election has been called in Australia before 99.9% of Australians discover (CNN). But I think its a false intimacy - one keeps abreast of the news and views, but misses the non-digital textures of home (the smell of hot gum leaves springs to mind). The company of family and friends can never be truly digitised. How would you capture the kaleidascope of conversations, asides, manerisms, smells, knowing looks and kicks under the table. I just hope the web's artifice of closeness doesn't become a substitute for the real thing. An 80% solution to justify perpetual globe trotting holds plenty of temptation.
Climate toastiness
The BBC climate change site lists the top 10 hottests and coldest places in the world every day. Today, 8/10 of the hottest are in Australia including usual suspects Port Hedland and Exmouth as well as the more temperate Sale, Mulgrave, Tullamarine and others.
Climate guru Nick Stern spoke at school a few weeks back. Here is his speech - really worth a look.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/nolavconsole/ifs_news/hi?redirect=st.stm&news=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&nol_storyid=6133578
Climate guru Nick Stern spoke at school a few weeks back. Here is his speech - really worth a look.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/nolavconsole/ifs_news/hi?redirect=st.stm&news=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&nol_storyid=6133578
10 December 2006
Renewal of the trident
Incidentally, I've been chatting to a few fellow students about the UK government's decision this week to renew the Trident submarine-based nuclear deterrent. Two questions came through - what does it actually protect the UK against, and would UK citizens ever want to use it? On the question of threats, the most pertinent is non-state actors (against whom the tool is blunt). Future threats are always difficult to pin-point and this cloudiness seems to be a prime justification. On the question of whether the deterrent is credible (would it be used), those I've talked to were horrified at the thought of the use of UK nuclear weapons against another country - even had the UK itself been struck. The deployment of nuclear weapons would seem to collide with Britain's post-cold war self image (human rights, development, rule of law, multilateralism, just war etc).
This leaves a final explanation (and one which is a bitter pill to swallow). To not renew the deterrent would leave France the only nuclear power in europe, and leave the UK under the US nuclear umbrella. So long as 'Great Power' status remains linked to nuclear status, it's hard to let go. But so long as nobody lets go, the association remains and aspirants to great power status will chase nuclear capability by hook or by crook. The renewal of trident would seem a lost opportunity for the UK to take the lead in global disarmament, not necessarily through unilateral disarmament, but by using that as a bargaining chip. Maybe France can oblige.....
Mr Blair's parliamentary speech on the issue is here
This leaves a final explanation (and one which is a bitter pill to swallow). To not renew the deterrent would leave France the only nuclear power in europe, and leave the UK under the US nuclear umbrella. So long as 'Great Power' status remains linked to nuclear status, it's hard to let go. But so long as nobody lets go, the association remains and aspirants to great power status will chase nuclear capability by hook or by crook. The renewal of trident would seem a lost opportunity for the UK to take the lead in global disarmament, not necessarily through unilateral disarmament, but by using that as a bargaining chip. Maybe France can oblige.....
Mr Blair's parliamentary speech on the issue is here
Nuclear chess in India
Interesting article in the NYTimes today. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/world/asia/10india.html?ex=1323406800&en=51b114f5c9927d2b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
All power to India for negotiating its groundbreaking nuclear agreement with the US. The trade fits the national interests of both parties (narrowly defined). India gets access to power generating nuclear technology to fuel its booming economy - and concedes none of its nuclear weapons program. In return they open their burgeoning market to US investment - a significant bargaining chip (chess was of course invented in India).
But the conseqences for multilateral efforts to constrain the spread of nuclear weapons are grave - and relatively silent. In embracing an overt violator of the non-proliferation treaty, the US undermines its capacity to enforce the non-proliferation norm elsewhere (at a time when this is a priority). One exception begets more. A new non-proliferation regime dependant on the singular judgement of the preponderant world power would seem shaky. Ultimately the NPT of the 70's has been revealed as an empty promise - the diffusion of nuclear power technology has been overly constrained, and nuclear powers themselves have not disarmed. A great pity. Now that the horse has bolted, perhaps pragmatism is the only way forward. I can't see where the next non-proliferation leader is going to come from (perhaps a missed opportunity for the UK to make a moral stand and scrap its nuclear deterrent... but that's another issue).
All power to India for negotiating its groundbreaking nuclear agreement with the US. The trade fits the national interests of both parties (narrowly defined). India gets access to power generating nuclear technology to fuel its booming economy - and concedes none of its nuclear weapons program. In return they open their burgeoning market to US investment - a significant bargaining chip (chess was of course invented in India).
But the conseqences for multilateral efforts to constrain the spread of nuclear weapons are grave - and relatively silent. In embracing an overt violator of the non-proliferation treaty, the US undermines its capacity to enforce the non-proliferation norm elsewhere (at a time when this is a priority). One exception begets more. A new non-proliferation regime dependant on the singular judgement of the preponderant world power would seem shaky. Ultimately the NPT of the 70's has been revealed as an empty promise - the diffusion of nuclear power technology has been overly constrained, and nuclear powers themselves have not disarmed. A great pity. Now that the horse has bolted, perhaps pragmatism is the only way forward. I can't see where the next non-proliferation leader is going to come from (perhaps a missed opportunity for the UK to make a moral stand and scrap its nuclear deterrent... but that's another issue).
9 December 2006
Jetsetting vegies
You know you live in a globalised world where your dinner ingredients derive from:
Peru Avocado
Ireland Mushrooms
Chile Asparagus
Belgium Noodles
Morocco Green Beans
Spain Organic pumpkin & celery
Britain Parsnips
What's the carbon footprint of this bundle? Good bet by Britain to corner the booming parsnip market...
Peru Avocado
Ireland Mushrooms
Chile Asparagus
Belgium Noodles
Morocco Green Beans
Spain Organic pumpkin & celery
Britain Parsnips
What's the carbon footprint of this bundle? Good bet by Britain to corner the booming parsnip market...
6 December 2006
France 24 will save the world, apparently
I like croissants. I like to say "oui" every now and again to show my continental sensibilities. I enjoy baguettes and cheese. I even doff my beret at french champagne. But these aside, I shall never be a francophile.
My gripes are threefold. 1) Muruaroa Atoll is not close enough to Paris for my liking. 2) A grape grown in a particular valley in france is no more 'champagne' than an identical grape grown in the Barossa. 3) French culture is nice, but no nicer than anyone elses.
The final of these, cultural-political hubris, particularly grates. We've been fortunate to be insulated by our heathen non french speaking ways. But no more - President Chirac is launching a 24 cable channel in English called France 24. It promises to give a French perspective on the world. Whether this extends to France's status as the last remaining colonial power, France's corporate meddling in Iraq, or France's protectionist inclinations remains to be seen. But this quote by one of the presenters was gold - no comment required.
"Take the conflict in Lebanon this summer. If Jacques Chirac's call for a ceasefire - which didn't even make BBC or CNN - had been reported earlier, it could have brought about an earlier resolution of the conflict. If Chirac's call had been reported more widely it maybe could have saved thousands of lives. That was a story calling out for a French angle, given the historic links to Lebanon."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/story/0,,1965061,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=1
My gripes are threefold. 1) Muruaroa Atoll is not close enough to Paris for my liking. 2) A grape grown in a particular valley in france is no more 'champagne' than an identical grape grown in the Barossa. 3) French culture is nice, but no nicer than anyone elses.
The final of these, cultural-political hubris, particularly grates. We've been fortunate to be insulated by our heathen non french speaking ways. But no more - President Chirac is launching a 24 cable channel in English called France 24. It promises to give a French perspective on the world. Whether this extends to France's status as the last remaining colonial power, France's corporate meddling in Iraq, or France's protectionist inclinations remains to be seen. But this quote by one of the presenters was gold - no comment required.
"Take the conflict in Lebanon this summer. If Jacques Chirac's call for a ceasefire - which didn't even make BBC or CNN - had been reported earlier, it could have brought about an earlier resolution of the conflict. If Chirac's call had been reported more widely it maybe could have saved thousands of lives. That was a story calling out for a French angle, given the historic links to Lebanon."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/story/0,,1965061,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=1
Wombats 2 - Wombles 0
Much as the temptation is enormous, I know of no taunt capable of trumping England's own self-loathing. As word spread yesterday, and the afternoon papers clammered for a bruising headline, England re-aqainted itself with the pleasure of self-flaggellation. The London equivalent of Lateline spent 20 minutes interviewing sports psychologists to discover "what is it about sportsmen, and in particular English sportsmen, that makes them lose basic motor skills under pressure." Video reels of English sporting failure (drawn from a vast archive) rolled in the background. A mate emailed to say he was sad and angry. I sent back a joyful, though non-commisseratory, email. He shut me down with "ok ok we're shit - now i've got work to do."
So to work and other joys does the land of the early setting sun turn, quietly muttering about Australian egos and looking through scrapbooks of 1966 and 2005. One thing is for sure though, Shane Warne elicits as much respect on these shores as he does in Australia - watching a timid Hoggard and a taciturn Collingwood being interviewed the morning after, they'd clearly done their internal polling and figured Shane Warne was the most acceptable excuse for a fist waving English audience. "Shane Warne" was a stand-alone two word sentence of explanation.
Self loathing is England's best defence mechanism - even the most one-eyed Aussie here would think twice before verballing a sniffeling mess of a man. Just a pity it kicked in so soon - no fun in that dammit.
So to work and other joys does the land of the early setting sun turn, quietly muttering about Australian egos and looking through scrapbooks of 1966 and 2005. One thing is for sure though, Shane Warne elicits as much respect on these shores as he does in Australia - watching a timid Hoggard and a taciturn Collingwood being interviewed the morning after, they'd clearly done their internal polling and figured Shane Warne was the most acceptable excuse for a fist waving English audience. "Shane Warne" was a stand-alone two word sentence of explanation.
Self loathing is England's best defence mechanism - even the most one-eyed Aussie here would think twice before verballing a sniffeling mess of a man. Just a pity it kicked in so soon - no fun in that dammit.
5 December 2006
Compassion is not a dirty word
Sad as I was to see the end of the Beazley-era, the future beckons. It was nice to hear a defence of core values like compassion in Mr Rudd's parliamentary speech. Nice too to hear a committment to ideas as a driver of policy. The coming weeks promise to be interesting.
Last weekend, the FT splashed Australia's 'culture wars' on the magazine cover( http://www.ft.com/cms/s/760e6c24-81aa-11db-864e-0000779e2340.html). The article ends on a worthy note. In identifying indigenous australia as central to the culture wars, and citing Noel Pearson's interventions in the welfare debate, the FT suggests that "once more, Australia might be a pioneer in democratic innovation - in pointing a way for other societies to find a route to common citizenship." This is an interesting and hopeful conclusion to draw from a relatively damning analysis. I'd like to hope Australia can serve that purpose. Our recent difficulties have changed the way the world sees us - we fly a different flag (beacon on immigration control rather than multiculturalism). But as management consultatants might suggest, we should see in the crisis a golden opportunity. The early 90's pushed the bounds of identity change. A counter-swing was inevitable. In challenging the counter-swing a new consensus will emerge. The time is ripe for new ideas.
And just an aside - in recent months the ALP was dubbed RUDDerless by the media pack. Was the putsch engineered (not in a JFK way, but in a what-will-we-write-about-today-fellow-correspondants way)? Did people lose faith in Beazley because they were reminded incessantly of his shortcomings? Was he only boring to those that filter the news? In a world of new shiny things, was he in the game too long - like a walkman trying to pass himself off as an iPod Nano? I dunno, but its worth thinking about the power of the media to shape politics - after all how many aussies watch question time live and undiluted on the web?
Last weekend, the FT splashed Australia's 'culture wars' on the magazine cover( http://www.ft.com/cms/s/760e6c24-81aa-11db-864e-0000779e2340.html). The article ends on a worthy note. In identifying indigenous australia as central to the culture wars, and citing Noel Pearson's interventions in the welfare debate, the FT suggests that "once more, Australia might be a pioneer in democratic innovation - in pointing a way for other societies to find a route to common citizenship." This is an interesting and hopeful conclusion to draw from a relatively damning analysis. I'd like to hope Australia can serve that purpose. Our recent difficulties have changed the way the world sees us - we fly a different flag (beacon on immigration control rather than multiculturalism). But as management consultatants might suggest, we should see in the crisis a golden opportunity. The early 90's pushed the bounds of identity change. A counter-swing was inevitable. In challenging the counter-swing a new consensus will emerge. The time is ripe for new ideas.
And just an aside - in recent months the ALP was dubbed RUDDerless by the media pack. Was the putsch engineered (not in a JFK way, but in a what-will-we-write-about-today-fellow-correspondants way)? Did people lose faith in Beazley because they were reminded incessantly of his shortcomings? Was he only boring to those that filter the news? In a world of new shiny things, was he in the game too long - like a walkman trying to pass himself off as an iPod Nano? I dunno, but its worth thinking about the power of the media to shape politics - after all how many aussies watch question time live and undiluted on the web?
4 December 2006
A good man exits
Kim Beazley is a very good man. He has an enormous, generous heart - far too good for the attrition of endless opposition. He is the greatest Prime Minister Australia never had and I'm saddened that he'll not be able to demonstrate that. Such men do not deserve to end their careers in disappointment - but that's politics. I had hoped he would be the man to stand at a dais and announce (in soaring prose) the success of a republican referendum. Perhaps he'll do so as incoming President. Three cheers for Kim Beazley - you'll be missed.
1 December 2006
When is a neo-con not a neo-con?
Have I become a neo-con? This disturbing though entered my mind tonight as I listened to the Heritage Foundation's president speak on UN Reform. I had expected a horned beast to grace the stage and spit Rumsfeldian riddles at the audience (in between ripping the heads off live chickens). Instead I heard a recitation of reform ideas which fit relatively snugly with my own. Have no fear, his bigger vision was way out of whack - I for one think the UN has a future beyond "allowing Vanuatu and Liechtenstein to talk to eachother". But his individual reform ideas were sensible and these rhetorical flourishes were just that.
Be tougher on human rights; Deal with issues in proportion (resolutions on Israel lack balance in number and substance); Be tougher on internal fraud, corruption, incompetence and malpractice (oil-for-food, abuse by peacekeepers etc); Avoid duplication and overlap between agencies; make sure money is carefully spent; allow some say in the budget process for large donors (top 10 countries contribute 80% of budget); improve the quality and leadership of the secretariat; allow the Secretary-General more freedom to manage staff and money; make attached agencies more accountable for spending; focus on what the UN does well.
So if this is the agenda of a neo-con - then sign me up (for the newsletter).
Be tougher on human rights; Deal with issues in proportion (resolutions on Israel lack balance in number and substance); Be tougher on internal fraud, corruption, incompetence and malpractice (oil-for-food, abuse by peacekeepers etc); Avoid duplication and overlap between agencies; make sure money is carefully spent; allow some say in the budget process for large donors (top 10 countries contribute 80% of budget); improve the quality and leadership of the secretariat; allow the Secretary-General more freedom to manage staff and money; make attached agencies more accountable for spending; focus on what the UN does well.
So if this is the agenda of a neo-con - then sign me up (for the newsletter).
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