The famous Abbott and Costello skit, "Who's on first?" is a wonderful example of comedy writing, performance, and timing.



An equal piece of theatrical writing, performance, and timing has been the arrival of the "leader of the (non-)free world", President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China (PRC), in Australia for the meeting of the leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2007 forum (including the "leader of the free world").

You see, Hu was 'on' first. He arrived in Western Australia, the state that exports vast amounts of iron ore, natural gas, and other 'commodities' to China, and had a wonderful time being feted by the political and industrial leaders there. Then, he flew across the country to Canberra, the national capital, where he had a low-key visit to various cultural icons -- and a visit to a sheep farm in the local region. (China imports large quantities of Australia's fine wool, too.)

What a contrast to the later arrival of President Bush of the United States of America, with such a 'press' of security, and "press", that the city hosting APEC, Sydney, has been put in "lock-down" and the Friday before the meeting over the weekend being made a public holiday to ensure that the dislocation of the city is somewhat reduced.

As I asked at the beginning, "Hu's on first?"
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Peter