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I undertook only one course this semester at Uni, as I knew things were going to be hectic with the new job, and a possible house move (which did eventuate). I’m glad I only took the one class; it was hard enough. I’m signed up for two courses next semester, starting in February.

I’m please that I’ve just gotten my result for the course I did this semester (government-business relations). I got a 6 aka Distinction. I’m pretty happy with that. I’ve scored 6’s for each course I’ve done so far, except accounting. I suck at accounting!

I’ve been casually following the fallout from the recent Australian legislation regarding copyright, particularly in regard to digital mediums. Cory Doctorow has a brief article on BoingBoing that highlights one aspect of the ridiculous nature of this legislation: Search Engines will need explicit permission to index and cache Australian websites.

For what it’s worth, the Search Engines can consider this my permission to index and cache my humble little website. It makes me think, however, that if this is going to be a real obstacle, is there a tool that can be developed that automatically tells Search Engines that a particular web page is “search-friendly”? Hopefully, this won’t actually be required.

[Update] The SMH reports on a more recent development here.

Hugh MacLeod has taken a leaf out of John Dodds book, and condensed his excellent HughTrain Manifesto into the HughTrain Minifesto. According to Hugh, it has only about 400 words compared to the 4,500 in the original.

I like this trend…it makes it easier to read this stuff, as we’re all short of time. Especially when it is something as worthwhile reading as the HughTrain is.

For those who may not know, the whole xTrain meme kinda originated with the ClueTrain Manifesto a few years back, a book/website I and many others regard as one of the best books written on how to conduct business in the ‘internet era’.

Seth Godin has a great list on things to look out for when trying to start a business, especially if you’re partnering with other people.

[Update] I’ve just caught up on a whole bunch of Seth’s posts over the last 4-5 weeks. I wanted to link to some of the ones that really stood out to me. This might seem overboard, but he posts prolifically, and I want to keep track of them.

When to Start (a business/enterprise/adventure)

How Marketers Really Think (with cool dialogue from ‘There’s Something About Mary)

Rebuttal of a really crappy, yet common, excuse

Scott Adam’s big theory (via a link from Seth Godin)

I follow a blog written by a thoughtful chap called John Dodds. His post, which he has called the J Train is a marketing minifesto. I’ve printed it out and hung it above my desk. It is brief, to-the-point and informative. Much of it is stuff we’ve heard before, but to see such valid information collated in an easy to read list is very useful. Well done, John!

I stumbled across this super-neat book of drawings, paintings and the like. It’s a Flash site, but it is worth it (this is the kind of thing Flash is good for!). I found it while browsing through d*s, and I think it has some nifty art work in there. I especially loved week 9, with the proverb: How you go about getting what you want decides it’s worth when you get it.

[Update] I’ve actually ordered a copy, so I’ll let y’all know what I think of it once I get my hands on it. I even got a brief thank-you email from Mac, one of the artists. Neat!

[2nd Update] I have received the book, and I think it is marvelous. Having the ability to examine some of the pages closely is great, as is being able to take the time looking at the little details. I’ve shown it to a few of my friends. To be honest the reaction has been mixed, but I expected as much. However I think it is a great concept, and one that has been well executed.

I am going to a wedding tomorrow. I am giving a speech, and looking after the punch. It feels good to be involved. I’m even happier that it is where one of my best friends, Jeremy Irwin, marries the girl of his dreams, Simone. Congratulations to them both.

I have also just gotten off the phone to my little sister Sarah, who has told me that her boyfriend, Michael, just proposed to her last night, and that she has accepted his proposal. Far out! I’m very happy for her. I even managed to resist the temptation to start giving her advice. There will be plenty of time for her to not listen to me later! So congratulations to Sarah and Michael also.

So exciting times all round.

[Update] It is now Monday morning, and Jeremy and Simone should be safely ensconced in their Honeymoon hideaway. Their wedding went super-awesome-great! The reception was at a bowls club (nothing like 1972 beer prices!) and was going really well (even my speech seemed to be well received). Then someone had the idea of actually playing lawn bowls. The staff (Corinda Bowls Club) were more than happy to lend bowls to anyone who wanted to play. Within ten minutes, just about eveyone at the reception, including the bride and the groom, were in bare feet playing lawn bowls. If that doesn’t give you an idea of the chilled-out, relaxed vibe, then nothing will. Needless to say, I was having a great time.

[Extra Update] I forgot to mention the great work of Jeremy’s sisters singing and playing acoustic guitars (especially when they played The Sundays song, Summertime), and also of Jeremy’s less-than-great rendition of Lior’s This Old Love, which he sang for Simone, albeit in a previously unrecognised register! It was funny!