That’s if you haven’t been snapped up by Channels 9 or 7 as an election commentator before then!

Which is at odds with reports that the RAAF specifically told Horatio the aircraft weren’t needed or wanted and claims the CDF and CAF first knew of the order just before Horatio’s press conference announcing the purchase. Wonder if the CDF will issue a statement on the matter as he did over the ‘childrens overboard’ male bovine excreta?

This should make for some interesting times in Parliament for Horatio the Super Hornet (otherwise known as Horatio the half-Nelson). The look on his face when Fitzgibbon reminds Australia that it was Nelson’s signature that purchased those sight unseen should be priceless.

Happy New Years, All!

Steve @ 549 – I hope Fitzgibbon also takes another look at upgrading the F-111s with a view to keeping them until 2050 and/or pressuring the Americans to revisit selling us at least one squadron of F-22s, even if it means taking them without the radar absorbing coating. An alliance based on only one side putting in isn’t worth having, IMHO.

If he wants a better understanding of the F-111 issue he should be talking to the blokes at Amberley and the CAF, not DoD. If he cares to look he’ll also find a couple of interesting reports on the matter in the deepest, darkest recesses of DoD. They’ll probably be the ones covered by the thickest layer of dust.

As for the $300 penalty to break the SH contract, Nelson should be asked to contribute seeing as it was all his idea!

A calamity has occurred!

Unfortunately, the missus decided that the brood were “stir crazy” and it was time for a family outing to dissipate their pent up energy. But I had “brownie points’ I protested and had planned this cricket thing for months. She looked at me in that tone of voice, and I knew the cricket was off limits today.

Making the best of a bad deal, I managed to listen to the ABC coverage and was quite taken by a conversation between Harshe Bogle and Peter Roebuck. Bogle has taken the unusual tack of praising the Aussies for their humility and dedication to their craft. Roebuck talked about Symonds being a greatly improved cricketer and how he defied the rule of first impressions. They then spoke about profiling people prior to any knowledge of their character. Good stuff. They further discussed why Australia was so good at tests and Roebuck argued that every part of Cricket Australia was dedicated to being the number one team in the world. Bogle said such considerations were quite minor in India when compared to the lure of money.

I eventually got to big screen and together with a comfortable banana lounge and drinks with umbrellas I managed to watch the afternoon sessions.

The cricket played out much as expected. The Aussies bowling line and length and the fielding of outstanding quality. Eventually, the Indians had to wilt under the pressure and the seering heat.

The highlights for me were Hussey’s stop and gather in the gully, accurate throw to Hogg running out Harabjhan for a “platinum duck”. Great skill executed perfectly.

Mitchell Johnson discovered reverse swing. When he went round the wicket near the end showed all the attributes of Wasim Akram. Bowls at 140+ kph consistently. Is accurate and can swing the ball both ways. Kid will be the next superstar.

I thought Gangully toughed it out and showed great character. Have not had much time for him in the past, but his skill and fortitude were certainly to the fore in this test. Certainly a fighter.

Overall, the result demonstrated the awesome ability of the Aussies. The Indians are no mugs and tried very hard. The Australians just execute their processes regardless of the situation and have that in built confidence (arrogance) that they will do enough things right to win the game.

As for the Indians. They learnt a harsh lesson that you cannot come in to a series against the best without some preparation. They were clearly underdone. However, this was not planned by Cricket Australia who apparently offerred them as pre games but were knocked back. Losing the toss did not help. Also, the slow and low nature of the wicket meant the ball did not come on as they may have liked. The Indian style of batting is very wristy and elegant compared to the bludgeoning Aussies. Their running between wickets is mediocre and fielding needs to improve.

Sydney may prove a better opprtunity for the Indians to display their talent. However, beating the Australians is a big ask.

Hopefully, someone else can take up the PB cricket report for Sydney.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/national/axe-set-to-fall-on-fighter-jets/2007/12/30/1198949703043.html

http://www.slate.com/id/2181002/

Not sure if this works, but found Hitchens, C. on one of the links. Obituary.

Not my most recently favoured person, but there we have it.

Heard much the same on, I think, Philip, re Bhutto, within recent memory.

Remain in admiration and awe of her courage.