Embarrassing; snow

All over the news here, and attracting lots of reader comment, is the story out of Sydney of the 35 year old Canadian tourist who was viciously attacked in his wheelchair in Sydney a few days ago, and left for dead.   He was a paraplegic following a snowmobile accident 10 years ago, and is now to undergo brain surgery as a result of the attack.   http://www.vancouversun.com/Canadian+beaten+wheelchair+Australia+recovering+after+violent+attack/2671438/story.html

It is highly embarrassing, people are asking if this sort of violence is normal in Australia, and one feels the need to apologise.

The poor man.

Sadly it seems to me that stories like this are becoming more and more common.  While that sort of violence isn't the norm (according to my perception) it's certainly not unusual.  What appear to be random attacks on Indian nationals in Sydney and Melbourne, other racist attacks in other places, and even random attacks on children like Trinity Bates in Bundaberg, seem to me to be increasing.

It doesn't make us look like a very nice country.

Snow

It snowed overnight, everything looks lovely.  It's a fairly light frosting, not the dumping we got in New York, but still very definitely snow.  It's fast melting as the day progresses though.

We'll head to Grouse Mountain this weekend for some snow and ice activities; and next week we will attend at least one paralympic event - probably sledge hockey.