A Christmas Potpourri

Wine of the Week:
Well, I have to admit with the combination of a quick trip overseas and the festive season well and truly under way I have forgotten to single out a particular bottle of rouge. However, I would like to take the chance to thank the Oak Barrel in Sydney. They put on a great Christmas party last week that Trish and I attended. They provided a great range to taste and they have never failed to be helpful if you need any advice and guidance on what to buy. They are also online but in case you are ever in Sydney, they are on Elizabeth Street near the Downing Centre and worth the visit.
http://www.oakbarrel.com.au/ 

So, it has been a hectic time of late dear friends. The first week of December found me in Barcelona, Spain to attend a conference for work. Barcelona is a beautiful city - a great combination of old and new which is something that I haven't seen in any other city. That and was able to stay in a great hotel, the W in Barcelona. Once back, I started to get into the whole cycle of getting ready for Christmas and finishing up work for the year which seems to be a whirlwind in itself. That said, there were a few issues and events that took my attention. 

While in Europe, two blonde Australians seemed to grab the attention of the press. Firstly, Julian Assange was arrested on alleged sexual assault charges. It wasn't long before the conspiracy theories came out. Funny thing is, I find them completely believable. 

It wasn't long for the facts to come out that the extradition treaty between Sweden and the US would allow Assange to be sent there on spy charges quite easily. There seems to be a fine line between freedom of speech and spying...or that's what I am starting to see. 
This one isn't over yet and it's one that everyone should keep an eye on.

Then there was the other Australian blonde - S.K. Warne. While I was in Spain, the story was around how there was a push by some Brisbane businessmen to get some cash to offer Shane to make a comeback to save our Ashes campaign. By the time the Perth test started, Shane had other things or people on his mind. By the end of the Test, all comeback talk had ceased...funny what a convincing win by the home side can do. 

Last week, Sydney was under siege...by celebrities. U2, Bon Jovi and Oprah Winfrey all visited our fair city and all three made quite an impact. Traffic stopped, crowds grew and women swooned - and that was just for Oprah! 

In fact, the only damage that seemed to occur was to the celebrities themselves as Hugh Jackman sailed into Oprah's stage and came away with a cut eye. However, if I was guaranteed to be comforted with a glass of Penfolds Grange after sailing into a lighting rig...get me up there!

Of course, we are on the downward run towards Christmas. Parties and lunches are happening in abundance, stores are getting busier by the day but the mood approaching Christmas Day does get brighter and brighter. It is a tragedy that the Island by the same name seems to generate feelings of sadness and despair. Nice to see Tony Abbott come out though and try and make hay as the waves crash...who said the concept of goodwill to all men is just a line in a Christmas carol??

So, to spite the Grinch from Warringah I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope that it's a time well spent with friends and family and that all your Christmas wishes come true...and we get a win in Melbourne!