Rain!

That's right, rain in the middle of the dry season. Almost unbelievable, but true. It certainly made my ride to work this morning a more pleasant experience. Most of the Gold Coast had rainfall totals of 50-100mm in the 24 hours to 9am this morning. Some places in the hinterland got even more -- Springbrook had 175mm (which has just decided where I'll go to brush up on the bushwalking skills this weekend), Tomewin and Tallebudgera Creek Dam each had 143. However, the unusual part of it is the time of year -- I can't ever recall seeing so much rain in June. The best part is, it's still raining!

I also note that Mark Latham has released a "tell all" book about what went on in the Labor party while he was leader. I have mixed feelings on this one. On the one hand, it all seems a bit cynical now, and looks like a cheap way to boost sales of the book. On the other hand, I really believe there are some things that do need to be said on this subject (particularly the comment about Kim Beazley being a "do nothing" leader). After all, the fact that they've been in opposition for nine years should say something! Personally, I thought they sacrificed whatever Latham could have brought to them by trying to water him down. At the time I thought it was clear that the Latham who became leader, was nothing more that a lame, politically-correct version of the Latham who had been a shadow minister. Now they've gone the whole hog by re-appointing Beazley. As long as they keep doing that, Australian federal politics will have neither a change of government, nor a strong opposition.