state election ramblings

Translation for non-Australians: our Liberal party are the Conservatives. Don't ask me, I just live here.

Maybe it's because I don't watch much tv (that isn't downloaded or on Foxtel), but while I've heard a lot of state election related stuff on the news, I've see very little tv advertising, and if you went by campaigning and local advertising, you wouldn't know there was an election on. But I live in an incredibly safe seat - my lower house vote doesn't count at all, at the state or federal level. I don't even think there's a VOTE [MEMBER'S NAME] outside his house (he lives nearby).

I hate living in a safe seat, no one (from either party) tries to bribe us with infrastructure spending etc.

I may have to forgive the Greens for their call at a previous state election to vote as a protest against Howard government policies, specifically the Iraq war (if I recall correctly). This massively pissed me off, not because I agree with the Howard govt or am a big Liberals supporter, but because I object to making a STATE election about FEDERAL issues. There's more than enough important issues at this level. But I do so dislike both major parties, and I like quite a few of the Greens' policies. Though I don't want our local member to actually lose - he's one of the better less bad people in his party, IMO.

Of course, the most important thing about election day is what sausage sizzles/cake stalls my old primary school (where I vote) will hold on the day. Mmmmm.

Ack, gotta go to an economics lecture.

TPM rec; Camp Sparkle

Oh my god. flambeau is a genius. I'm still full of glee from this.

The Quiet Padawan - A spirited young student and a world-weary Jedi master are equally determined that they have no interest in each other.

If you're a Georgette Heyer fan (or a fan of Regency-era romances generally), you must read this. Hell, even if you're not, just read and marvel at how she blends the Jedi with Heyer's style and 18th century sensibilities. Heee.

It would not do to give the impression that he cared one whit for the presence, or absence, of the Jedi order's greatest champion, a man who, so rumor had it, only need smile faintly, or give a gracious nod, for more impressionable young students to scratch a tentative Q-G on the handle of their lightsaber; the bolder ones had even been known to tie love-knots in their hair, at the spot most commonly chosen for a padawan braid.

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I hope everyone heading off to Camp Sparkle this weekend has a fabulous time! I only wish I could be there too, but I look forward to hearing about the shenanigans :)