This is book two of the Belgariad (following on from Pawn of Prophecy). This book was a good quick read, and I think they'd be a good mid level reading book for a child. I liked it. Tags for this

A Waikato University computer science student has been awarded one of two prestigious Google scholarships for women in technology.

HA! The first time I ever went to Star City, the Snook told me in all seriousness that the extremely ugly and distracting carpeting was a deliberate choice to "hide the vomit stains." (Link courtesy of Lynnette.)

If you enjoyed The King of Kong (as I did), you should check out this Harper's article (PDF) about Billy Mitchell and his Pac-Man records. The author talks to Billy and Walter Day quite a bit, and follows a Jamaican

THE former monopoly-holder over Australian wheat exports has warned there are no guarantees it will be allowed to remain in the market as it pushes for reform of the company.

THREE hundred jobs will be created at a new information technology centre in the Victorian regional city of Ballarat.

GPT Group has reported a first half loss and says it remains cautious about the global and domestic economic outlook.

WOODSIDE Petroleum's first half profit has topped $1 billion, driven by high oil prices and a stronger production performance.

WOMEN are still earning on average $196 a week less than men, and have only $3 for every $10 men have in superannuation.

A FALL in the volume of construction work done will weigh on overall economic growth in the June quarter.

MATTEL, maker of the ever-popular Barbie doll, was awarded $US100 million ($117.23 million) in damages yesterday, after a jury last month found MGA Entertainment in breach of contract for making the Barbie-rival "Bratz" doll.

REGIONAL broadcaster Macquarie Media Group has reported a large rise in annual profit boosted by acquisitions, asset sales and a splurge on political advertising in the lead up to last year's federal election.

A GROUP of "BMX bandits" is thought to be responsible for two robberies in Melbourne's inner north yesterday.

OVER 6000 Victorian construction workers are to vote on a new agreement today, which will see them receive a 15 per cent pay rise.

POLICE are investigating the death of a woman who fell off a balcony in Melbourne early this morning.

A PORTUGUESE man has been arrested after cocaine was allegedly found concealed in a false bottom of his suitcase at Melbourne Airport.

A PARAMEDIC accused of procuring a child for sex has appeared briefly in court.

A VICTORIAN police officer has been suspended on full pay with reports the officer had reduced speeding fines and recorded cars as going slower than they actually were.