The Big Three

Issues Watch!!!

1 (new entry) - Global Financial Crisis
Still going strong at number one, the GFC is on most people's minds. Lower business confidence, less available credit, and a tightening job market have combined to bring a world of hurt to battlers everywhere. Australia is riding out the GFC quite well so far, but it's hurting some other countries pretty badly. Don't be surprised to see the GFC pull out a few more tricks to stay on top for a while longer.

2 (up) - Terrorism
After a while on the backburner, Terrorism came back strongly this past week. A horrific series of racially-motivated attacks in India reminded the world just why we've been worried about 'The Big T' for seven years or so. While Terrorism is on the decrease in the Middle East it has gained ground on the sub-continent. Expect to see some more movement on this front in the coming months.

3 (down) - Climate Change
The big loser to the rise of the Global Financial Crisis. To be fair, Climate Change's reign at the top of the Issues Watch table was always precarious. Once a real issue came along it was bound to be challenged, however Terrorism has been in decline and suffering from fatigue until this past week, so 'T-Dog' was unable to offer much of a threat. Climate Change faces a tough battle back to the summit. Without the publicity that comes with top spot it will have to seriously examine itself and make some hard decisions about where it's heading. The other problem is that the GFC is hitting Climate Change in a weak spot - the hip pocket. It's early days, but this could prove the beginning of the end for Climate Change's title push.

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104 (up) - Ricki-Lee Coulter
Why isn't she more popular? Her song 'U Wanna Little Of This' is ridiculously dancy and catchy. She's fun, pretty, not a stick insect, and got pipes like a church organ. Here's hoping she does well in the US. (The other version of that song 'Can't Touch It' is just as dancy and catchy. Recommended pop music!)

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256 (down) - Internet Download Limits
It's been a back week for IDL. It's copped some flak and for good reason. Thankfully an upgrade to IDL's planning means it's tripled it's capacity for no extra cost. But it will need to be on its best behaviour for a long time to come if it is to avoid any more trouble.

Heh heh heh. Seriously though, Ricki-Lee is awesome. I interviewed her once in person and she was absolutely lovely and friendly. It's sad about what happened to her marriage. I would like to see her succeed because she is clearly talented and I think she's a fun person. The mp3 I have of 'Can't Touch It' is way more awesome than the YouTube version for some reasons. The drums kick kick kick like well good. But anyway!