As 2006 nears its conclusion...

I try to avoid thinking about just how quickly this year has sped by. I do, in all honesty, find the way in which time flies scary and depressing. I know most of us comment each November/December on how quickly the year has gone by. But 2006 obviously wanted to move things along. I find it astonishing that Christmas decorations are up once again.

In January, I posted a short list of hypothetical events that I hoped would be realised in 2006. Let me reflect upon it...

~ The retirement of John Howard

Well, that sadly didn't happen. Indeed, our beloved PM pledged to run at the next election.


~ The rise of Julia Gillard

You probably couldn't say there was any significant 'rise'. There was talk, of course - on and off - about Julia Gillard's future, but there were no dramatic changes made to her profile. I still hope to see her as leader or deputy one day.

~ The re-election of Hillary Clinton as New York Senator

It happened (albeit predictably)!

~ The overwhelming nationwide success of the U.S. Democrats in the elections

It happened! The mid-term elections in the U.S. were indeed fruitful for the Democrats. They will, as a result, control the House of Reps and the Senate.

~ The severe trampling of George W. Bush by a large number of elephants and goats

It was always only going to be wishful thinking.

~ The collapse of Channel Ten

Alas, no. I remain hopeful, even though it already plays no part in my TV viewing anyhow.

~ The disappearance of Alexander Downer

Unfortunately, the arrogant bastard remains.

~ The arrival of a long, cold winter

It wasn't long and it wasn't cold enough for me. But rest assured, we'll get a fucking long, fucking hot summer. Yay (not).

~ The vast and speedy expansion of the CBD

I suppose it expanded vertically. So much digging going on in there. Such a mess.

~ The return of Fast Forward and Full Frontal

It'd be nice, but no.

~ The deterioration of James Blunt's throat

I don't believe it happened, though he has certainly been off the radar for a while. But I must take that wish back. A little harsh. And besides, I happen to have warmed to his song, 'Wisemen'.

The Australian

I've been buying this newspaper for a couple of years. And we all know that it has always been considered generally conservative. The Murdoch-ness could always be found.

But now it's outwardly and unashamedly conservative, and I'm really tired of it. Almost every time I read it now, I end up telling myself to never buy another one... The thing is, I do keep getting it, because Queensland's alternative newspaper is even worse. And I happen to enjoy reading the newspaper. But the problem is, I can't read The Australian anymore without my blood pressure rising at least a couple of times...

In today's opinion/editorial section (pages 16 & 17), you will find

BRUVVERS PUSH PARENTS TO THE COALITION CAUSE: The teachers unions have hurt public education, but conservatives can save it (Janet Albrechtsen)

NEO-CONSERVATISM ISN'T DEAD, IT'S THE ONLY VIABLE OPTION: Don't blame the neo-cons for the Iraq mess; their ideas about exporting democracy remain valid (Joshua Muravchik)

POPULIST GREENERY WILL HURT GARDEN STATE: Steve Bracks's obsession with green policies threatens Victoria's future prosperity (Alan Wood, Economics Editor)

TANNER NEGLECTS ROLE PLAYED BY LEFT IDEOLOGUES IN ACADEMIA


Of course, there is an exclusive group (which, I might add, gets consistently closer to extinction) of non-conservatives at The Australian. And I suppose I should be thankful that the newspaper has them working for it at all. But, yeah... What can I say?

I was rather mortified yesterday to realise that I had completely forgotten to vote for any Air albums on the ABC's 'My Favourite Album' poll (which has now well and truly closed). True, it's not really anything to get into a panic over, but I do genuinely count the French duo's Moon Safari and Talkie Walkie among the best albums I've ever heard. The sounds that emerge from both works completely transform the atmosphere. Or, at least, they bring an atmosphere to wherever one is lacking. I would recommend their music to just about anyone.

Democrats Take Back Congress

The US Democrats finally have cause to celebrate.

They thumped Bush's Republicans in the House of Representatives and have now, it seems, won back the Senate - giving them control of Congress for the first time in twelve years.

www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200611/s1784684.htm
www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/08/election.main/index.html

These November elections - the outcome having been highly anticipated for many months - have produced some very good news.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi (pictured) will become America's first female Speaker of the House.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Pelosi

Hillary Clinton was easily re-elected as Senator for New York.

And the awful, awful, awful Donald Rumsfeld has resigned.

Let us hope that the Democrats can now make some real changes and steer that country well away from the direction in which it has been heading since that disgusting administration successfully rigged the voting process in 2000. Which makes me think - in Bush's America, exactly how did the Democrats win something? In all seriousness, did the Republicans decide not to tamper with this one?

Is the neo-con phase coming to an end?? What a delicious thought.

Green Streep

I stumbled across this very interesting article written by Meryl Streep for 'The Green Guide'.

Meryl Streep's Top Green Product Picks

"After the fun of playing Miranda Priestley, editor of Runway magazine in The Devil Wears Prada, I was delighted to edit The Green Guide, a real publication that provides practical eco choices for daily life. Green can be fun, too. And it goes with just about everything—your diet, your home and, of course, that perfect little green dress.

The first environmentally sound products I ever bought were organic fruits and vegetables because, as a mother of young children, I didn't want them exposed to toxic pesticide residues. Protecting children's health also involves trying to stop global warming, which is contributing to allergies and the spread of contagious disease, as I've learned from the Harvard Center for Health and the Global Environment (chge.med.harvard.edu). So the greenhouse gas emissions released in shipping foods long distances is another good reason to buy local. (To find a farmers' market near you, go to www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets.)

At the same time, as a working parent, I know it's difficult to consider the earth when you're just trying to get dinner on the table. The good news is that going green is easier and more affordable than ever: Mainstream retailers are committing to organic food and fibers and selling certified forest products. Also, fair trade labels, which protect workers' livelihoods, are on the rise.

Here are a few of my favorites..."

(Read on at http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=117&s=meryl)

Kate Bush: the inspiration for 'Speed of Sound'

Here are the members of Coldplay explaining how one of Kate Bush's most commercially successful songs - "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" - was the inspiration for "Speed of Sound" (which happens to be my preferred Coldplay hit). And to celebrate the discovery of this insighful trivia, the music video for "Running Up That Hill" is below.

Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)

Complete with KB's trademark interpretive dance...