kiwipete

With emphasis having been placed on higher education in recent decades,Finland finds itself short of skilled labour in the industrial and service industries, it was recently reported.

Too much emphasis has allegedly been placed on higher education - a whole generation wants to be doctors, masters of arts,sciences etc.

The Federation of Finnish Retailers states that vocational training should be more highly valued.There is a shortage of carpenters,plumbers,welders,bricklayers,mechanics, machinists,nurses and the like.

A balanced education system should be available for those with the abilities in various srctors of society.

This should be a lesson for other western societies who become obsessed with higher education at the expense of a more balanced education.Not everybody is suited to becoming a doctor!

After a rather rusty but winning start to the international season, with two wins against Ireland and a win against Argentina, the New Zealand All Blacks team overpowered the Australian Wallabies pack and won by 32-12, four tries to two.

Being the first time the All Blacks started their number one side, it was rather ominous because the backline did not perform to its optimum.But I believe that they will still experiment a little with the back three. Up to six or seven changes are expected in the starting fifteen against South Africa next Saturday; and the team is not expected to miss a beat!

The Wallabies beat a lethargic and pathetic performing South African Springboks team last Saturday by a record 49-0. While such a score is not expected from the All Blacks, the Boks could never play as badly as that two weeks in a row, the All Blacks are expected to beat them comprehensively.

The Tri-nations competition has been extended to three rounds this season.

The road to Paris and the Rugby World Cup in 2007 has started. We all know that the All Blacks have faltered in world cups since the inaugral win in 1987, but this will be the most prepared and developed squad ever sent to the tournament.

The All Blacks play France twice during the end of year trip north, including a test against Wales, and a doubtful game against England as well.

The results against France will be an indication of how far along the road they have come.

This year in America:

A former handyman sued and won a lawsuit for more than US$400,000 in damages over a penile implant that gave him a ten year erection - it was very hard on the man!

US man Charles " Chick " Lennon aged 68 yrs, received the implant designed to allow impotent men to position the implant upwards for sex, and lower it afterwards.

But Mr Lennon could not position his penis downwards; and could no longer hug people or ride a bicycle, and is very uncomfortable around his grandchildren.