An Enterprising Aussie
it has been reported on the BBC, that outside the ladies singles final in Melbourne today, between those two grunters; Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, there was a man selling ear-plugs at $3 a pair.
Drunk In Charge of a Coolbox
You can hardly believe this man could be so stupid.
I suppose his only defence is that he is from Queensland.
Oops! It was Murder, but it Smelled Phenomenal!
That was a quote from this story from Australia, where a container of expensive wine was dropped.
It all goes to show that their fork-lift truck drivers are like their cricketers!
They drop everything!
Australia Proposes a Carbon Tax
Australia depends heavily on coal, which is the fuel that in my view should be banned beause of the large amounts of carbon dioxide it emits when it is burned. Because of the hydrogen in natural gas, when you burn that you get less carbon dioxide for the same energy. But in truth, it would be better if we didn’t burn fossil fuels.
So I was very surprised that the Australian Prime Minister has announced a carbon tax. It doesn’t appear to be popular.
Australia is one of the world’s worst emitters of greenhouse gases per head of population.
The country relies on coal for 80% of its electricity generation, and is a major coal exporter.
The energy industry and the political opposition have mounted a vociferous campaign against a carbon tax, with protests in all of Australia’s major cities in March.
Critics argue a levy would damage economic competitiveness.
Opinion polls show roughly 60% of voters against the policy.
The government hopes to win them over by spending some of the cash raised by the carbon tax to compensate households for higher energy bills.
It is promising tax cuts for low and middle-income households, as well as increased state pension and welfare payments.
At least it is a start and the United States, China, Europe and the other polluting country should follow suit.
Kangaroos in Walthamstow
I went to the Village Kitchen today in Walthamstow and had a kangaroo steak for lunch.
It was good! And gluten-free too!
I’ve been skipping down the road since, as a friend will confirm, as we met for a coffee afterwards at the Angel.
Australia On the Brink
There are just three overs left and three wickets to fall.
So it looks like Australia will have a few hours of rest before the almost inevitable happens. I bet they wish this Test had been played in Rockhampton.
Even in the unlikely event that this match is drawn, England will still win the series, so well done to the England cricket team.
England in the Pink
England finished the day on 488 for 7, which is a good score that could get even better with some quick runs and then a couple of quick wickets tomorrow.
The most amazing thing was that yesterday was Jane McGrath Day, in memory of the cricketer, Glenn McGrath’s wife, Jane, who died of breast cancer. Obviously, all the money raised will be wisely used. My late wife, C, had breast cancer a few years before she died and fully recovered, so I’m all for days like this and we should see more of them.
Provided of course, they raise either funds or awareness!
England Survive Triple Nelson
111, 222 and 333 are dodgy totals as far as England cricketers are concerned.
They’ve just survived the so-called Triple Nelson. Let’s move on now for a bit.
Crapman – An Australian Hero
This piece appeared in The Times today.
It is not just sport that they take seriously in Australia. In a country beset by drought and at the mercy of its climate, the environment is high on the agenda. On a Christmas Eve visit to the impressive Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary near Melbourne, we were quickly aware that the battle is on to get Australians to use recycled toilet paper. “Wipe for wildlife” signs greeted us at every turn and at regular intervals we are wished “G’day” by a superhero figure whose cape was decorated with an unfurling toilet roll.
It was only towards the end of our visit that I discovered that our green crusader rejoiced under the name of Crapman.
The Australian sense of humour has a distinct edge.
The Anonymous Widower 