No news this for most readers, but I always find it interesting what news from Oz actually makes headlines with the beeb. Evidently:
much of the country (Australia) is in the grip of an unyielding drought, with an increasing number of farmers receiving emergency government aid.
When I last flew into Sydney, what impressed me most about the view from the air was not the colour of the roof tiles (someone said it was impressive - go figure) or the colour of the trees (that was the time before) but instead the number of swimming pools there are.
Frankly, it's ridiculous. No wonder the rest of the country thinks us Sydney-siders are arrogant pricks. (generalization). From the same article:
Supply levels at dams supplying Sydney have never been lower.
My solution? (I always have a solution). Make rain collection tanks compulsory, everywhere. Okay, so unless they're the super-editions the water's no good for drinking, but there're a lot of other things we use water for regularly.
Too expensive? Is that the cry I hear? Yeah, that's right, figures... go vote for Howard again why don't ya? Might as well.

I'll remember that the next time you have a swim at our place.
I thought you'd say something like that.