Let it not be said that some good cannot come of George Bush winning the 2004 US election. As of a few minutes ago, half a bottle of my choice of liquour is riding on his winning. It may seem pessimistic, even - god forbid - cynical of me, but I would like to find a ray of sunshine in the event of a second disastrous election.

For the record I would like to say that I believe Kerry will win, but I also trusted my fellow Australians enough that I would have put the same bet on Howard losing, so I wouldn't expect my word to swing the odds at the TAB at all.

So to Scroop - may the best man win. I truly hope you will be toasting Kerry's good health at your place come this weekend, for I think yours will taste sweeter than mine, no matter what our choice of poison.