Vale Don Chipp. Is it kinder to say the founder of the Democrats nearly outlived his party or his party nearly outlived him?

Campaign helper. The Herald-Sun reports Petro Georgiou, “the man credited with sealing the defeat of the Kirner government 14 years ago, has quietly assumed a key role in Liberal leader Ted Baillieu’s bid for office”. So when Ted founders, does that mean poor old Petro will be labelled “The Guilty Party”?

Shaggy dog story. Sydney writer director Anny Slater’s comedy animation Barney the White House Terrier has been selected to screen at the Oscar-qualifying Chicago International Children’s film festival. Films that win at the festival are automatically short listed for nomination at the 2008 Oscars.