Available Screen Space
Mick Burrell The first was a subscribed calendar apparently not updating. This turned out to be caused by the month view in iCal showing as much of the item as it can depending on the screen space you allow it. Most of the time a longer description will scroll so that it all shows but it is possible to adjust the window to a size or shape that will truncate some words. It was proved that iCal was indeed updating by looking at the week view which showed the item in its entirety.
The second was an iPod synchronising through Mobile Me. Again, if you use the month view there is only room below the monthly calendar to show one event for the selected date. You have to scroll to see the others. Using list view which shows all appointments proved that it was synchronising correctly and revealed the need to scroll.