Last Tuesday, visited Spy & G, which was fun. Brought some German beers (most of which I knew nothing about, apart from Hansa) and two stubbies of a Japanese beer (Yebisu) I hadn't come across before. Dr Miz V turned up also, it was good.

Friday, very pleasant farewell dinner for business partner's employee, as mentioned. Then into the CBD for some State Library research and book browsing.

Monday, attended Prodos's regular gathering. Charles R'n was speaking on the political mood in the US, having spent a month there. What he had to say strongly reinforced my view that the Presidential election is likely to be an Obama victory. He was also somewhat reassuring on that score: when I raised the issue about Obama being a product of that interesting beast, the Chicago Democratic machine, and mentioned that, on foreign policy, Obama kept reminding me of Jimmy Carter (and not in a good way) Charles pointed out Obama was the product of a tough political environment and wasn't likely to display the woolly idealism of Carter.

Charles had started his talk with a Mackerras pendulum he had drawn up for the US Electoral College. Obama only needs a 1.1% "swing". Given the politics, that would seem eminently attainable: the current polls certainly suggest so. (As McCain is of the incumbent Party with a very unpopular President, if Obama wasn't ahead at this stage, Obama's prospects would look very poor.)

Tuesday night, had a drink at the Exford with Steve A and Daniel then a meal at a nearby Japanese restaurant followed by a cocktail at an eccentric cocktail bar. Lots of fun Steve vented about being screwed around by the folk buying his and Karl's house, then Daniel picked my brain about likely career paths. I should spend more time gay socialising.

And I have my car back, all shiny and new-looking.