Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Points of Note

Two points of note from the workplace today…

Interesting Point: a coworker circulated an email this morning recommending that we tune in to CBC Radio One for a series of lectures on the talk show “Ideas,” March 28th to April 1st (9-10pm).

In A Short History of Progress Ronald Wright argues that our modern predicament is as old as civilization, a 10,000-year experiment we have participated in but seldom controlled. Only by understanding the patterns of triumph and disaster that humanity has repeated around the world since the Stone Age, can we recognize the experiment’s inherent dangers, and, with luck and wisdom, shape its outcome.

Scary Point: we had a break-in last night and the theory is that the perpetrator was hiding out until I left (I was the last to pack it in)…I was an idiot and did not set the alarm (I never do and just assume the cleaner will on his way out). I am spooked and pissed at myself. A shitty combo especially before one’s morning coffee…

Side Note: I want to ask my friends from Down Under: are you doing your patriotic duty? The Australian government is paying $2 319/child to mothers of children born after July 1st 2004.

In announcing the payments in May, 2004, Treasurer Peter Costello told the country: “You go home and do your patriotic duty tonight.”

The father of three suggested that two children per couple was not enough to combat the effects of an aging population: “You should have ... one for your husband, one for your wife, and one for your country.”

It is always heart warming when your government bribes you to be a mindless breeder…immigration policy reform anyone?

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hmmm...interesting to hear how Australia is dealing with its population issue. You know, in most places, getting paid to have sex is illegal. I guess it's all in the timing, eh?

5:32 PM  
Blogger jhodson said...

More than just timing Chris, it's all about whether the government wants it or not.

Seems a little counterintuitive to me, in light of world population issues...

8:46 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home