Subject URL: Bill Bryson

I just finished reading Bill Bryson's "Neither Here Nor There", his travel log of Europe. Not as interesting as his UK book or his recent Australian log, but fun (and funny) anyway. I did get rather depressed toward the end while reading his account of Yugoslavia, Belgrade etc. He talks of high inflation. He has no idea it's all going to be blown to shit. He ends the book in Istanbul having just left the incredibly poor Bulgaria where everyone had to cue for hours just for bread. Fun stuff. I'm desperate to read his American travel logs now.

Subject URL: To Remember

The (US) history of the 40 hour week (via my referers)

Workers from grimy nineteenth century factories could probably not even fathom the working conditions and hours of today's laborers. The majority of world nations prohibit more than 40- or 48-hour weeks. Today in the U.S., the growth of technology and the advent of union contracts have made possible a 35-hour week; some businesses operate on even fewer. Recent history overflows with valiant efforts and sacrifices of countless union leaders, lawmakers, and workers all willing to put their jobs on the line; the employees of today benefit unbelievably from those leaders' struggle.

Meghan Schulz (Potomac Falls High School)

Subject URL: Ban Bongs

Steve Bracks wants to restrict the sale of Bongs. Brilliant. I move that we also ban the sale of metal spoons, cigarette lighters, razor blades, mirrors and straws.

Subject URL: And the top job is...

Acording to Channel Nine's Money show, the top job for 2001 is "Information Technology". Oh great. I was hoping there was something better. The others in reverse order were Sales, Accountant, Lawyer, Marketing. The top 4 jobs to avoid in my mind. They all sound horrible. By the look of it the criteria for jobs was mainly salary and career prospects. I'm wondering what the "most fullfuling" or "most lifestyle friendly" list would look like.

Went to see Fantomas @ The Palace on Sunday the 18th. Freezing outside, hot inside. Surrounded by TALL meatheads ("This is shit!", "I want my money back!") who understood what was going on even less than at a Disco Volante era Mr Bungle show, and some freaks trying to pogo to tracks with beats that last about five seconds. I found the show very interesting, hearing a smattering of "pages" from their first album, mixed with random horror movie covers from their new album "The Directors Cut" and a track or two on neither album. An excellent show, even if you just get off on watching Mike Patton watch over his band like a modern day James Brown just waiting for someone to stuff up so he can smurk at them and beat them up after the gig. I now list gigs I've been to in my "Art" section. No idea why I never did that before.

Subject URL: Parties Over 2

One.Net died and I had to move to Optus Mobile. Now it looks as if Excite@Home (ownerz of Optus@Home, my cable internet provider) might die. I'm sure I'll get the "don't worry" email soon. I could live with Telstra, especially if they covered installation.