News from the other end of the world...2

Time for the second round of the feature for all you news junkies in the world.

The top story...

Tony Blair is telling John Howard that Australia should come up with an exit strategy in Iraq, echoing what opposition leaders in Australia have been calling for. Howard is downplaying the remarks (wonder if this has something to do with the alliance with the US).

Here's the article.

The largest paper in the country, The Australian, is supporting Blair.

Also, Dick Cheny's coming down for a visit, and some people are not happy about it. Cheney's visit will create the largest protection force for a foreign dignitary since George Bush came in 2003. Cheney will be down here for 3 days.

More US-Australian relations. George Bush has told John Howard that he will help speed up David Hicks' trial. Hicks is an Australian being held at Guantanomo Bay, and fter five years was finally charged with what many Aussies think are bogus offenses. Howard is becoming less and less popular, so Bush will try to help him out with a speedy trial.

The country is trying to get control of all of its water. Currently the states have individual control of their water and how its used, but due to a drought, the federal government is pushing for national control. Victoria is opposed to this.

In sports...the Australian cricket team says it will become a force again. After losing to England (shocking) and then New Zealand (inspiring one guy on my floor to scream "What the hell is wrong with the Australian cricket team?!?) the Aussies head to the Carribean trying for their third straight World Cup championship. Their skipper says that after the tournament, then the criticts can have their say.

Archie Thompson scores five goals as the Melbourne Victory win the A-League Grand Final.

In other news...

Australia will be using enviromentally friendly light bulbs.


Sydney is having problems landing major sporting events.

Aussie rules football might get its own channel.

Happy reading!

Alan