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Enoch enthuses about the (upmarket) shopping mall experience in Hong Kong, but I feel this is the typical phenomenon of Asia adopting Western consumer tastes just as they are about to decline.

The Economist has documented how these shopping behemoths are dying, and it is not too difficult to see why. The process is being accelerated by America’s economic woes, but there are also clear social and political reasons for the waning.

They became not merely temples of consumption but also hangouts for youth with an excess of time and attitude. In effect, an acute social problem was swept from the streets to private property. What business is willing to take on that kind of risk?

So what happens to these buildings once they’ve been slowly hollowed out? Here’s an image essay. It is essentially urban renewal, and an instance of that which makes sense. These buildings are usually located in the conceptual centres (geographic or otherwise) of population areas, and serve as an obvious conduit for communities. Transforming them into something that facilitates social interaction rather than segregation is only a positive thing.

If ever there was doubt that Steve Fielding was a Coalition stooge, this should avail you of any delusions.

Victorian Labor’s decision to preference him continues to backfire…

In a random conversation I half-seriously threw in the comment that I expected shoulder pads to be the next big thing. And two days later this was published. Enoch has criticised my choice of palette this year and yet look at the upcoming fall collection. I’m really enjoying this ahead-of-the-curve prescience thing.

So what’s next on the up-and-up? Monocles.

Obama’s made a decision on a running mate, but is refusing to reveal who it is. He wants somebody who is “prepared to be president”, “a partner with me in strengthening this economy for the middle class and working families”, and “not just a partner but a sparring partner… somebody who can push against my preconceived notions and challenge me so we have got a robust debate in the White House”.

That sounds an awful lot like Hillary!

I may have to recant on my earlier suggestion that this was a bad idea. On the other hand maybe I’m overanalysing his choice of words, but the language doesn’t suggest he’s gone with some bland whitebread male type person.

I signed up for the free 60 day trial in July. MobileMe’s launch problems granted most users a free 30 day extension. Now they’ve given us all another 60 day extension. At this rate, I may never have to pay for it.