Coffee anyone

PC and I walked to our favourite newsagent to invest in our retirement plans (lotto ticket) and then looked for somewhere for PC to have lunch - I had already eated my stuffed capsicum and had a cup of green tea, while watching the National Press Club presentation on the draft climate change review by Ross Garnaut.

We ended up at the round house, officially called Bible House in Garema Place, which once used to sell lots of Christian "stuff". I came here last week with DT for lunch, as I wanted to eat somewhere different from Cafe Essen.



As I have mentioned elsewhere the weather in Canberra is cold, and today it is unusually overcast and grey (no rain of course). We wanted to eat indoors - only the foolhardy and smokers sit outside at this time of year. Bible House is now a cafe called Bardeli's, with second hand books around the wall that you can purchase, to go with your coffee and food. The food is cheap and basic, but good. PC had a ham, cheese and tomato toastie with tea and I had a capuccino.

The waiters and waitresses appear to be learning their trade, so we wonder if it might be training place for either Christians or new immigrants.
Mondo.

From little things big things grow - reconciliation

Earth Hour

Signup for Earth Hour and see how everyone can make a difference! Showcase your commitment to finding climate change solutions by making a personal pledge to reduce your own carbon footprint WWF.

Sorry - reconcilliation takes a step forward

On the 12th of February 2008 the Parliamentary year was opened for the first time by Indigenous people. Matilda House, who is a local Indigneous elder, gave a moving welcome speech. Reference was made to the opening of the first parliament house in May 1927, a Wiradjuri man, King Billy, represented the Indigenous people of the time (before he was asked to move on because he was not appropriately dressed). The crowd declared that King Billy should stay. The following day he was presented to the Duke and Duchess of Kent on the steps of old Parliament House.

On the 13th of February 2008 a new begining has been set, with the apology of the PM Kevin Rudd to the Indigenous people of this nation. I listened to this on my way to work and then watched the rest of it on the big screen tv at work. Since then I have listened to talkback radio and read numerous newspapers, I feel a stong sense that change is in the air. I feel that it really does give all Australians an opportunity to move forward.

Kevin Rudd's apology part 1
Kevin Rudd's apology part 2
Kevin Rudd's apology part 3

Other important apologies
John Howard's apology, 2000
Paul Keating's apology (from the Australian Launch of the International Year for the World's Indigenous People, 1992).

Let us hope that this is the year that black and white Australians start to write and tell a new Indigenous story.

New Era

A change of the guard in Australian Politics.

If you are interested in what happened in your electorate or other election news check out the ABC election site. I have to say that the MonashMob were very happy about the outcome on Saturday.

The country is watching the fallout with interest. Howard should have stepped down 6-12 months ago, and had the pleasure of choosing the timing of his exit - a major reason why he did not step down, was his desire to host APEC in September, a chance to be on the world stage for one last hurrah!!! I wait with interest for the biographies that will undoubtedly spring up from everywhere. Here is a short overview of John Howard's career in politics.

Costello says he won't stand - I am not convinced that he ever really wanted to be Prime Minister, and more sure that Tanya was not all that interested. Certainly it seems he did not have the support of his party to move to this role. Having said that he has been a major force in politics (like him or not) for the past 13 years and now is the time to make choices about what he does next, he owes the party nor the country anything.

Mark Vaile, leader of the Nationals and Clare Martin, ALP NT Chief Minister were the casualties yesterday. I watched Mal Brough's speech accepting defeat and felt for him. Although I do not agree with his politics nor the NT intervention, it was clear he was trying to make a difference and he was distressed that he was unable to continue, for that I admire him. It will be interesting to see what happens today.

The Democrats are no more. It is a sad day when a whole political party fades away.

It is good to see that the last Labor PM has got a lot to say about the results of Saturday, Paul Keating .

Now let's see where Rudd will guide the country - watch this spot!

Oz Politics

You may want to check out this blog site - at least until Sunday!

Oz Politics

Great analysis, not biased and useful if you like or want to follow the political world.

Election 07

Hi
Just found this great resource on the Election 07 from Google - check it out. I found it while surfing this site John Howard is too old.

Enjoy!