Following on from recent posts about Web 2.0, I’ve just heard about this article about Enterprise 2.0 — using this “Web 2.0” stuff in business. Lots of diagrams. I haven’t had time to read it properly, but soon, My Pretty Ones!
John Winston Howard, a new view?
Politics has dominated my writing these last few weeks — understandable given the Mohammed Haneef saga and the simple fact that it’s an election year. Last month wasn’t quite so politics-heavy. And a year before that things were much more personal — though I didn’t have time to write much.
But I’m sure the political threads will continue a while, because I’ve just started reading John Winston Howard by Wayne Errington and Peter van Onselen.
Three immediate observations:
- JWH and I share a Methodist background and strict parents — how did we turn out so different?
- After just one chapter, I’ve already gained a richer view of the man. I still don’t know that I like him, but I can see now why the late Janine Haines slapped me for being overly-critical. Perhaps linking to Anthony Albanese’s vitriolic anti-Howard rant from 9 years ago was a bit tough. (Then again, maybe not.)
- Reading a book about JWH in Sydney’s inner west means that people give you funny looks. As I explained to one of them, though, “Hey, if I were reading a book about oncology, it wouldn’t mean I wanted to get lung cancer.”
I’ll write a proper review in due course — though I do like the irony of JWH’s childhood home now being a KFC outlet.
Govt’s new dance: The Haneef Bluff
Despite calls for various people to resign over the Mohammed Haneef debacle, the government’s going to bluff their way out of it.
Kevin Andrews, in my estimate (and yours) the head which should roll first, is staying schtumm.
Mr Andrews said he would be happy to release the information but was not about to act improperly. Asked if he ever expected to be able to release the information Mr Andrews said: “I don’t know. I take advice… I will continue to do that because I think it’s important that I act on advice when I make decisions.”
Good thinking, Kevin. Listen to your advice, yes.
So, with Haneef out of the country and everyone saying nothing, we’ll soon forget. My guess is that sooner or later — but certainly before the election — we’ll find some other nearly-terrorist to arrest. This time the charges will stick. And buried down in the bottom of the story will be the news that Haneef’s been given his visa back.
Mind you, I could still be wrong. The day is but young…
Quote of the Day, 31 July 2007
Overheard on King Street South, Newtown, on Sunday afternoon: “No, they’re not lesbians, they’re just two fat chicks.”
Green CIO? Consume less!
Nominations for the Green CIO Awards close tomorrow, 1 August. How come none of the categories seem to cover the most important thing we should all do: just consume less stuff?
Spanner in the Works

Rebellious stencil art found yesterday afternoon in Pemell Lane, Enmore. “Don’t be a cog in the machine, be a spanner in the works.”
