August, 2004:

I’ve been wondering when our electoral system will catch up with the times. I’m sure it won’t be too long before we combine elections with all the worst excesses of reality television.

I can just imagine future elections being televised with funky young hosts. They’d be saying things like, “Who do you want to vote out of the lower house? SMS John or Mark now. The lines will be open until midnight.”

On election night the hosts will draw out the agony, then go to an ad break, before they finally say, “Well ……. the nation has voted. John ……… I’m sorry ……… you won’t be coming with us to Canberra.”

I wonder what we’d call it. Australian Idol Polititians. Maybe not – it may give people the wrong idea if they misunderstand the spelling of idol and think it’s Australian Idle Polititians.

At least with all the money they rake in from call costs it’d help defray the cost of the election.

Posted by Rodney Olsen

I know it’s Tuesday already but I’m still recovering from the weekend. It was a very busy one for us.

One of the highlights was a Sunday afternoon visit to a park near Pauline’s parent place. We were at their house for lunch and once the eating was done – Emily and James wanted to wander up the road to play on the playground equipment. I sat on a bench watching them as they used all their imagination to turn the slide – ladders – and everything else into all kinds of magical things.

At one point I decided to creep up on them while they were looking the other way. That turned into an impromptu game of chasey. There were shrieks and laughter ringing out all over the park. We had a wonderful time.

I don’t think we enjoy simple, healthy pleasures like that anywhere near enough. Give it a go this weekend. Switch off the TV – shut down the computer – and take the time to go wild with your kids in the backyard or at the local park. You’ll be glad you did.

Posted by Rodney Olsen

The West Coast Eagles cemented their spot in the finals on Saturday. We were there to see the game against Melbourne live.

Pauline’s sister had won a fully catered private box for 6 in a newspaper competition so Pauline and I were invited to take Emily and James to enjoy their first AFL (Australian Football League) game in style.

We sat in some very comfortable seats with a great view of the ground. We had a fully stocked esky with plenty for us all to drink. At half time we were presented with three large servings of fish and chips – and three big plates of burgers and chips. The standard of food was excellent and there was more than enough for the 6 of us in the box.

It was very nice to feel pampered. It was also quite wonderful to see our team win by 40 points.

Posted by Rodney Olsen

We went to a Quiz Night at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morley on Saturday night.

We had a great time. They organised a few special things for the kids. Emily won the prize for blowing the biggest bubblegum bubble and also picked up a family block of chocolate in a coin throwing contest. James won the colouring competition.

For most of the night we had just 3 adults at our table so it was quite a surprise to come third overall. We got a lovely hamper overflowing with tasty goodies and helped raise funds for chaplaincy in the area at the same time.

Quiz nights always remind us of two things. Firstly how much we don’t know. Secondly – how much useless trivia actually does lurk in the dark recesses of our minds.

Posted by Rodney Olsen

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of speaking at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Melville. I spoke at both morning services and really enjoyed my time there. Despite the cold weather I got a very warm welcome and met the most interesting people.

Gene and Margaret are originally from India, a place for which I have a great fascination. They had some wonderful stories to share with me and I only wish I had another couple of hours to chat with them.

I also renewed acquaintances with Ken and his wife. Ken’s a guy who used to run a Chinese Restaurant in Innaloo that our family frequented 15 or 20 years ago. We hadn’t seen each other for many years.

I chatted to many others in the short time I had. I also managed to grab a coffee after each service – and I must say that the slice they served after the second service was absolutely delicious.

Posted by Rodney Olsen