Semitic Semantics

Free-lance Attorney General (the very model of )

Catching cabinet as well as the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott who was in the U.S. at the time, George Brandis a  proponent of the Israeli lobby in Australia, took it upon himself to reclassify the occupied territories as disputed territories.
Arab and Muslim states are in an uproar over the reclassification while the government already under pressure  from within its ranks over certain budget measures,  is hunkering down trying hard

to present a united front and hoping the furore will die down.
George is fast becoming a  booby prize for the Libs, a loose cannon whose opinions seem rather unusual, if not strange,  in this day and age.

The Fairer (?) sex

No sex please, we're politicians.......

Clinton wasn't afraid to level criticism at the treatment of Julia Gillard during her term as Prime Minister. Her comments were cleverly phrased .It is obvious she is a diplomat and without mentioning names or being drawn into Australian politics was able to single out those who were guilty of unnecessary sexism.

Today it should be inconceivable that gender should continue to play such a discriminating role in our public as well as private lives.

Hubby Bill had a bit of bother keeping sex out of politics but in the end he seems to have been forgiven. Whether Ms Clinton can make it to the top remains too be seen but despite the  prejudice exercised in some quarters, Australia has had a female leader .

Life has a nasty habit of throwing you a curved ball when . of course, you are least expecting it. So uncool.  So it is with this..shall only be able to add a few notes  here and there and hope you'll excusez-moi for the inconvenience. Expect the unexpected is a catch-all cry that takes care of many scenarios. Jeez..I'm waffling. Apologies. So rather than sit here glumly, let's have a bit of cheer and revert to the old days before the GFC and the ensuing pain ;  shall we dance, listen to music and enjoy each others'company! Yeah? Let's '...

Walk, text and firing blanks

Not Pocket science -yet

According to statistics for 2103 there are more than 7 billion mobile phones in use , world-wide. Australia ranks 38th in world-wide terms but 6th in terms of smart phones in use. 

These are big numbers.

Of course with the use of mobile phones comes controversy , some of it proven and some not.

While the scare of cancer has been downgraded and probably dismissed at this stage as a cause of cancer there are other issues that are at play and notably the issue of pedestrian safety. Using the mobile while driving is an infringement under the law however texting while walking is yet to be put to the fore. 

More skillful than walking and chewing gum at the same time  nevertheless the number of pedestrian deaths is starting to cause alarm in police circles. To be cut off in mid sentence by a SUV or a Mack truck leaves a lot of unfinished business and yet more trials and tribulations with funerals and family trauma to come. 

Trauma director at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Dr Tony Grabs, has told 7.30 report on ABC ,  distracted pedestrians near roads are as at risk as someone under the influence of alcohol.

Then many are those mobile owners who travel abroad with their phone only to return home relaxed and happy , a state of mind which soon turns to so much stress when they find themselves faced with bills the size of a small mortgage.

In the latest development ,  a recent study by the University of Essex has indicated there might be a link between mobiles and fertility/infertility amongst  men who dock their mobile in their trousers when finished.  (Dr. Fiona Mathews, director of biosciences and animal behavior at the University of Exeter).

This however has not been proven beyond doubt and one researcher has stated that this will not change his habits nor does it call for concrete underwear. Back pockets are also a favourite place to dock the phone ..wonder what that holds in store?

FA 2014 Japan

The Samurai

The Japanese team under their Italian coach have had a choppy ride through to the final FIFA rounds.  They shone in South Africa in 2010 though, progressing to the second stage at the expense of the likes of Denmark and Cameroon. They came close to stunning Paraguay with the South Americans only advancing through a penalty shootout victory after regular and extra time finished goal-less.

After a somewhat lacklustre start to their 2014 campaign they managed to find their form and  drew 1:1 with Australia in the final qualifying round. AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda has quickly established his place as the team's new leader, 

These guys could provide a surprise or two and their determination and doggedness to achieve something should not be discounted.