Lucky Bears!
Miranda Kerr, Australian supermodel, posed nude on the cover of Rolling Stone. Others that have stripped for the magazine are: Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston and Lady GaGa. That’s some good naked company to be in.
The 26 year old is mostly known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret model and for banging Orlando Bloom (aka Legolas, that elf from that movie). She decided to take it all off to raise awareness of the environment, and to save the endangered koalas. (link)
Recession? What recession?
Got money to burn? Apparently 1 particular Australian buyer is willing and able to blow $4 million on a new car. Not just any car, an Aston Martin One – 77. The car was unveiled in Italy last weekend. The One-77 will be a limited edition of just 77 and the car company is looking for some stupid rich sucker millionaires.
An Australian buyer has already put down a $200,000 deposit. Delivery is expected next year along with the remaining balance of $3.8 million. Sure it’s hand built, more expensive than the Bugatti Veyron or Ferrari Enzo, and sure it can probably go really fast. But $4 million?! During this economic downturn? Please, spend responsibly. Only the essentials. Beer and strippers.
Highspeed Internet for Oz
The Australian government is planning on creating a national high speed broadband network at a cost of $43 billion dollars. One of the biggest Internet upgrades world wide. The 8 year project should create 37,000 jobs and give a lift to the slumping economy. This announcement surprised private firms bidding to build a less advanced system for about $10 billion dollars. Firms included Optus of Singapore and Axia NetMedia of Canada.
The hi tech network will deliver speeds of up to 100 megabits per second for 90% of Australia. The government plans to become the world leader by investing in it’s Internet infrastructure. Analysts are skeptical that such actions will produce the much needed economic stimulus required as other G5 nations are pursuing a less aggressive infrastructure upgrade. Only time will tell if Rudd is choosing the right path. NYT
Another interesting topic raised is television. With a faster Internet connection many may choose to download their favorite episodes rather than watching them live costing broadcasters vital advertising revenues. Perhaps this paradigm shift will cause the boost of one media while causing the fall of another. (news.com.au)
Mummy smuggler arrested
An Australian has been arrested for smuggling mummies. He was arrested in Cairo attempting to smuggle a 2,000 year old mummified cat in his suitcase. He was destined for Bangkok. The Australian foreign affairs department confirmed that a 61 year old man had been detained by the Egyptian authorities. Under Egyptian law he could be jailed for up to 15 years. (link)
Muslim school not welcome
Perhaps we’re not as accepting of other cultures as we thought. A protest erupted over a planned Muslim school in Carrara. The rally attracted approximately 400 local residents to the cause. Many feared that this would lead Muslims to further withdraw from Australian culture and cause even more segregation.
Despite the good intentions the message is having an opposite effect. The world may view this as Australia is not as culturally accepting as other G8 companies.
Mayor Ron Clarke has said that he supports the school so long as it meets the council’s educational requirements. The school council is expected to make a decision on the future of the school early next year.
