Why is voting compulsory? Why force people to vote? Not voting is a form of expression: it’s a way of telling parties that no one is offering policies that appeal to you. If only 30 per cent of people voted then parties would realise they had disconnected with the public and the bastards would have to work for your vote.

Anyone like that DAMAGES show on TV? I’m pretty hooked to it but i see it’s been bumped back to a later timeslot. Not a promising sign.

i’m looking for melbourne’s best view from a restaurant. price is not an issue but it needs to have good tucker and a bonzer view. i know there are some fancy places around town that fit the bill but i don’t know their names. can nooksters help?

Answer: Cones in Station St, Fairfield. Good range and quality, and we often call in for a refreshing gelati after eating out. Try the lychee or lemon gelatis.

Preston market. Great place, great variety, great people. Fresh produce (some good seafood places — mmmm tassie oysters), weird stuff, cheap stuff. Just one thing: if driving, get there early to get a park.

Just had a weekend staying in the Novotel on Collins in Melbourne. That’s just such a great part of town. Wandering thru the Block and other arcades and checking out the redevelopment of the old Melbourne Post office - it’s all architectually beautiful. Great shops and interesting stuff everywhere. From now on it’s where i will take visitors from interstate and overseas - I think it’s a great slice of traditional Melbourne, perfectly preserved.

Has there ever been a more farcial end to a major sporting event than the Cricket World Cup final? What rules have to change to prevent this from happening again?

My wife says I should be making her a drink instead of doing this. So what’s my question?
To nook or not to nook: that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the Singapore Slings that cost an outrageous fortune,
or to take arms against a sea of gin and tonics,
and by consuming end them? To shake? To stir?
To drink? To nook?
To sleep? Perchance to dream and then to wake up with a hangover? Ay, there’s the rum.