As the debate continues and tradgically more p-plate youths lose their lives, what can be done to make the roads safer?
Restricting p-plate driver numbers could be an option but making a midnight curfew is not an option. In the instances where p-plate drivers and their passangers have been killed a common thread is involved. Full-cars, late nights and dare I say speed and alcohol are involved.
I am not claiming that the driver has been drinking - I am sure he/she has not as there is zero tollerance but it is still a difficult task driving a car full of drunk mates. Not only are they subconciously egging you on to drive faster, you to want to get home because you haven't been drinking and are some aggitated that you have to drive your mates home.
Certainly it is a hard task at any age but in young drivers it is harder. There are less cars on the road so you feel that you can get home quiker. Combine that with your loud mates and it is a recipe for distaster.
It makes it difficult to drive and concentrate and therefore these horrific crashes occur. Remember with a zero tollerance alcohol policy, amongst youth drinkers they know they therefore cannot drive home and therefore can drink as much as they want.
My solution is to bring in a curfew for p-plate drivers. One passanger can travel with the driver after 10PM in the evening until 6AM the following morning.
The arguments therefore for p-plater's who need to drive home in the early hours because of shifts can and will reduce the problems on designated drivers who have to take their drunk mates home. It is a fair compromise and I think something that could go towards improving the fatalities.
I am in no way suggesting that these circumstances surround the current p-plate crashes but suggest these could be reasons as to why they occur.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Debnam the deadbeat
Does Peter Debnam want to become Premier of New South Wales or does he want to be in opposition for another four years, by which time the Liberal Party would have a new leader anyway?All he has to do is SHUT UP.
His claims today that retiring Attorney-General Bob Debus is under police investigation with no proof, is like falling on your own sword.Labor is self-destructing in the state as it is.
Either Debnam needs proof to his claims or just SHUT UP. He need not say anything as Labor are doing their own damage and losing the election.
Obviously Debnam has poor advisors or the wrong people around, or maybe he lacks intelligence and he is not the right man for the job. Possibly a mixture of the lot.
It is too late for Liberal to change leaders now this close to an election. Debnam and his Party need to stand united offer an alternative for change and release a set of policies that will woo voters from Labor to Liberal.
A fair analysis would say most voters are fed up with the Government. A number of fatal flaws have plagued Morris Iemma, since he took on the role of Premier, following the resignation of Premier Five Star - Bob Carr. He could obviously smell shit about to hit the fan and therefore left, allowing Iemma to pick up the pieces, lose sleep and wonder why he ever took the job on.
The Cross-City Tunnel Fiasco, calling the tunnel boss a "f*** wit" mistakenly on national television. The Orkopolous ordeal, Carl Scully dramas. The riots in Cronulla. It just seems to be going from bad to worse to worse to worse.
Let’s be realistic New South Wales - will rail, housing, health, education slow down at? NO
Will there be fewer cars on the road in one year? NO.
We need action plans NOW. Realistic and achievable plans in five year increments that will develop basic infrastructure.
Would you return the Iemma Government after this ill-fated term in office?
Debman and Liberal need to get their act together. If no alternative Government is provided then we will go through the next four years with stalemate as independents will be voted in and no policy will be made.
SO Mr. Debman my message is simple - stop making deadbeat comments and SHUT UP or make sensible, realistic comments and name policy changes so we can have a change of Government.
His claims today that retiring Attorney-General Bob Debus is under police investigation with no proof, is like falling on your own sword.Labor is self-destructing in the state as it is.
Either Debnam needs proof to his claims or just SHUT UP. He need not say anything as Labor are doing their own damage and losing the election.
Obviously Debnam has poor advisors or the wrong people around, or maybe he lacks intelligence and he is not the right man for the job. Possibly a mixture of the lot.
It is too late for Liberal to change leaders now this close to an election. Debnam and his Party need to stand united offer an alternative for change and release a set of policies that will woo voters from Labor to Liberal.
A fair analysis would say most voters are fed up with the Government. A number of fatal flaws have plagued Morris Iemma, since he took on the role of Premier, following the resignation of Premier Five Star - Bob Carr. He could obviously smell shit about to hit the fan and therefore left, allowing Iemma to pick up the pieces, lose sleep and wonder why he ever took the job on.
The Cross-City Tunnel Fiasco, calling the tunnel boss a "f*** wit" mistakenly on national television. The Orkopolous ordeal, Carl Scully dramas. The riots in Cronulla. It just seems to be going from bad to worse to worse to worse.
Let’s be realistic New South Wales - will rail, housing, health, education slow down at? NO
Will there be fewer cars on the road in one year? NO.
We need action plans NOW. Realistic and achievable plans in five year increments that will develop basic infrastructure.
Would you return the Iemma Government after this ill-fated term in office?
Debman and Liberal need to get their act together. If no alternative Government is provided then we will go through the next four years with stalemate as independents will be voted in and no policy will be made.
SO Mr. Debman my message is simple - stop making deadbeat comments and SHUT UP or make sensible, realistic comments and name policy changes so we can have a change of Government.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Dad's Army will still kick the Poms ass
Despite Ian Botham's recent comments that, 'losing to dad's army would be piss poor' (refereing to Australia and England's battle for next week's Ashes) Australia will still defeat England and retain the Ashes this summer.
Age is not a worry. Experience is the difference and speaks for itself.
Despite the fact Australia lost last year's Ashes, we only just lost it. Be realistic, if McGrath had not rolled his ankle, if we had scored four more runs. We would have won the Ashes.
The last 18 months have seen Australia improve and England well, not do to much. Nevertheless the series will be competitive and form means nothing when the Ashes is on the line.
Australia's biggest challenge will be picking the best XI. With a number of options, who will bat at Number 6 and who will be the fourth specialist bowler?
Despite writing that Bracken and Watson had played their way into the 1st test, this week will all but confirm my claims with Pura Cup and tour matches across the country.
Shaun Tait has stood tall with a menacing spell against the Poms in the PM's XI. The fastest bowler in the country was devistating and put the Poms on the backfoot immediately. If he is on target, he could single handedly destroy the English top order.
Phil Jacques is batting himself into form, continually knocking on the selectors doors with two centuries against the poms in three days.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting has stated Langer's position is not under threat and the incumbent will be returned as opener for the first test.
With so many possibilities. I am glad that I don't wear a selectors hat and have to make the tough calls.
So which names will be read out and the end of the week? Possibly Jacques could be used in the six batsmen, not as a specialist opener?
Michael Clarke has still not performed with 50 against the Poms while Watson got a duck.
Why not choose Jacques?
In the bowling stocks Mitchell Johnson picked a valuable four wicket haul against the WACAs while Tait's chances were done no harm with his game for the PMXI.
As of Monday November 13, my Australian XI now reads:
1. Justin Langer
2. Matthew Hayden
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Phil Jacques
5. Damien Martyn
6. Michael Hussey
7. Adam Gilchrist
8. Shane Warne
9. Brett Lee
10. Shaun Tait
11. Glen McGrath
12th Nathan Bracken
Age is not a worry. Experience is the difference and speaks for itself.
Despite the fact Australia lost last year's Ashes, we only just lost it. Be realistic, if McGrath had not rolled his ankle, if we had scored four more runs. We would have won the Ashes.
The last 18 months have seen Australia improve and England well, not do to much. Nevertheless the series will be competitive and form means nothing when the Ashes is on the line.
Australia's biggest challenge will be picking the best XI. With a number of options, who will bat at Number 6 and who will be the fourth specialist bowler?
Despite writing that Bracken and Watson had played their way into the 1st test, this week will all but confirm my claims with Pura Cup and tour matches across the country.
Shaun Tait has stood tall with a menacing spell against the Poms in the PM's XI. The fastest bowler in the country was devistating and put the Poms on the backfoot immediately. If he is on target, he could single handedly destroy the English top order.
Phil Jacques is batting himself into form, continually knocking on the selectors doors with two centuries against the poms in three days.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting has stated Langer's position is not under threat and the incumbent will be returned as opener for the first test.
With so many possibilities. I am glad that I don't wear a selectors hat and have to make the tough calls.
So which names will be read out and the end of the week? Possibly Jacques could be used in the six batsmen, not as a specialist opener?
Michael Clarke has still not performed with 50 against the Poms while Watson got a duck.
Why not choose Jacques?
In the bowling stocks Mitchell Johnson picked a valuable four wicket haul against the WACAs while Tait's chances were done no harm with his game for the PMXI.
As of Monday November 13, my Australian XI now reads:
1. Justin Langer
2. Matthew Hayden
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Phil Jacques
5. Damien Martyn
6. Michael Hussey
7. Adam Gilchrist
8. Shane Warne
9. Brett Lee
10. Shaun Tait
11. Glen McGrath
12th Nathan Bracken
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Labor or Liberal? Who will next Govern NSW
Does our country still have any decent human beings in politics? It's a tough job but you have an obligation if you wish to be a representative of your people.
The Peter Reith phone fiasco chased a decent man out of Federal Parliament a few years ago until now, when Labor MP for NSW Milton Orkopoulos has been sacked over child sex allegations.
This is the most disgraceful allegation and makes you wonder how this person was ever a representative of his people?
I have no time or sympathy for these allegations and if proven true then he should not be given any special privileges nor should he have any entitlements as regular parliamentarians would get.
Turning to the Labor vs. Liberal showdown for state governance who will win?
Iemma and his mob are in tatters. Carl Scully gone - a party in disarray. Cross city tunnel damage. Roads. Tolls. Education. Hospitals.
Its time for change and its time for a new government but is the Liberal Party any better? Debman is raw and new to the job. He has not released any policies. He just plays the opposite card to the Government on every policy issue.
Bickering continues to haunt the Liberals who have inter-party issues with the Right Wing assuming control. While the Party is unstable how could the voters have any confidence to vote them into power?
The underlying question is why then are there no decent people in politics? It is just that politics.
Whether it is between two parties or within the party, egos and agendas always come first as voters are seen as numbers, not participants in the electoral process.
Can we have some sensible, intelligent people going into politics? What is needed to get better representatives running our states and country? Why don't people want to go into Politics?
We couldn't get a worse bunch than we have at the moment and let's hope the problems of the past few months have weeded out the thorns so we can develop and sustain the social and economic issues of this state
The Peter Reith phone fiasco chased a decent man out of Federal Parliament a few years ago until now, when Labor MP for NSW Milton Orkopoulos has been sacked over child sex allegations.
This is the most disgraceful allegation and makes you wonder how this person was ever a representative of his people?
I have no time or sympathy for these allegations and if proven true then he should not be given any special privileges nor should he have any entitlements as regular parliamentarians would get.
Turning to the Labor vs. Liberal showdown for state governance who will win?
Iemma and his mob are in tatters. Carl Scully gone - a party in disarray. Cross city tunnel damage. Roads. Tolls. Education. Hospitals.
Its time for change and its time for a new government but is the Liberal Party any better? Debman is raw and new to the job. He has not released any policies. He just plays the opposite card to the Government on every policy issue.
Bickering continues to haunt the Liberals who have inter-party issues with the Right Wing assuming control. While the Party is unstable how could the voters have any confidence to vote them into power?
The underlying question is why then are there no decent people in politics? It is just that politics.
Whether it is between two parties or within the party, egos and agendas always come first as voters are seen as numbers, not participants in the electoral process.
Can we have some sensible, intelligent people going into politics? What is needed to get better representatives running our states and country? Why don't people want to go into Politics?
We couldn't get a worse bunch than we have at the moment and let's hope the problems of the past few months have weeded out the thorns so we can develop and sustain the social and economic issues of this state
Monday, November 06, 2006
Bracken & Watson play their way into the Ashes
Nathan Bracken and Shane Watson completed match winning performances in last night's ICC Champions Trophy final. Bracken, a test discard and Watson who has promised so much but yet to deliver gave selectors their strongest indictaion yet that they are ready and the best men for the two available positions.
Bracken had a stella tournament, partnering Lee with the new ball and proving most useful bowling in the death. With 10 wickets at 19.4 for the tournament, he could not have done more to press his claims. The prize wickets of Chris Gayle, Shiv Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan last night, came at crucial times and turned the dimension of the game in Australia's way.
Not to be out done, Watson claimed 2/11 off his three overs and then added 57 runs not out as opening batsmen. Watson has proven himself this tournament and with this momentem should be instated to the test XI for the Ashes.
Shaun Tait put another spanner in the works, with an impressive bowling display for South Australia against New South Wales in the Pura Cup. Along with Jason Gillespie, the two were devestating, having NSW 4/1 in their second innings.
The biggest headache for the Poms would have to be the emphatic return of Glenn McGrath. Doubted by some, after a slow start to the Champions Trophy, the spear head of Australian fast bowling came back with a bang and grabbed 10 scalps at 15.80.
Damien Martyn has also found form with the bat, being the most impressive batsmen of the Australians in India and will look to take this form into the Ashes. With an average of 80.33 for the tournament, he will restore the Australian middle order.
With this in mind, my Australia XI for the 1st test against England in Brisbane would be:
1. Justin Langer
2. Matthew Hayden
3. Ricky Ponting (c)
4. Damien Martyn
5. Michael Hussey
6. Shane Watson
7. Adam Gilchrist
8. Shane Warne
9. Brett Lee
10. Nathan Bracken
11. Glenn McGrath
12th Man: Shaun Tait
Bracken had a stella tournament, partnering Lee with the new ball and proving most useful bowling in the death. With 10 wickets at 19.4 for the tournament, he could not have done more to press his claims. The prize wickets of Chris Gayle, Shiv Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan last night, came at crucial times and turned the dimension of the game in Australia's way.
Not to be out done, Watson claimed 2/11 off his three overs and then added 57 runs not out as opening batsmen. Watson has proven himself this tournament and with this momentem should be instated to the test XI for the Ashes.
Shaun Tait put another spanner in the works, with an impressive bowling display for South Australia against New South Wales in the Pura Cup. Along with Jason Gillespie, the two were devestating, having NSW 4/1 in their second innings.
The biggest headache for the Poms would have to be the emphatic return of Glenn McGrath. Doubted by some, after a slow start to the Champions Trophy, the spear head of Australian fast bowling came back with a bang and grabbed 10 scalps at 15.80.
Damien Martyn has also found form with the bat, being the most impressive batsmen of the Australians in India and will look to take this form into the Ashes. With an average of 80.33 for the tournament, he will restore the Australian middle order.
With this in mind, my Australia XI for the 1st test against England in Brisbane would be:
1. Justin Langer
2. Matthew Hayden
3. Ricky Ponting (c)
4. Damien Martyn
5. Michael Hussey
6. Shane Watson
7. Adam Gilchrist
8. Shane Warne
9. Brett Lee
10. Nathan Bracken
11. Glenn McGrath
12th Man: Shaun Tait
Sunday, November 05, 2006
What is the value of representing your country in a test match?
International rugby league is a farse anyway but picking a second string team against Great Britain is arrogant. Ricky Stuart well be answerable to the media, fans and administrators this week as we ask, 'why did you pick a number of reserves in the Kangaroos?'
The honor to represent your country and play a test match should be the ultimate prize but if the ARL are going to hand out test jerseys then Nathan Fien should be entitled to play for the Kiwis. In no way is it the individuals who were picked's fault but rather a young ambitious coach who provided yet another example as to why the Roosters sacked him as coach.
Ricky Stuart selceted a jet lagged, unproven Jamie Lyon. Ok, he may have had a great season playing B Grade League in Great Britian but that is no match to NRL or International League.
Ben Hornby a fantastic custodian for the Dragons but if he is the second best half back in Australia, then we have massive problems. The days where a plethora of talent could be selected from the likes of Brad Fittler, Laurie Daley, Kevin Walters, Allan Langer, Geoff Toovey, Andrew Johns, Greg Alexander, Ricky Stuart, Matthew Johns were fighting tooth and nails to break into the Kangaroos halves combinations.
It comes back to a lack of depth in League, similar to the problems with Union. The bigger problem though is the honor we place on playing test match rugby league.
The series should be cancelled if jumpers are going to be handed to players, and rest others in matches. It's not done by any team, any where by any one unless it is assured of a victory.
ARL were proven wrong, Great Britain are not going to be a pushover and they deserve a lot more respect than the code is giving them.
If we want to be serious about International Rugby League then prove it or can it!
The honor to represent your country and play a test match should be the ultimate prize but if the ARL are going to hand out test jerseys then Nathan Fien should be entitled to play for the Kiwis. In no way is it the individuals who were picked's fault but rather a young ambitious coach who provided yet another example as to why the Roosters sacked him as coach.
Ricky Stuart selceted a jet lagged, unproven Jamie Lyon. Ok, he may have had a great season playing B Grade League in Great Britian but that is no match to NRL or International League.
Ben Hornby a fantastic custodian for the Dragons but if he is the second best half back in Australia, then we have massive problems. The days where a plethora of talent could be selected from the likes of Brad Fittler, Laurie Daley, Kevin Walters, Allan Langer, Geoff Toovey, Andrew Johns, Greg Alexander, Ricky Stuart, Matthew Johns were fighting tooth and nails to break into the Kangaroos halves combinations.
It comes back to a lack of depth in League, similar to the problems with Union. The bigger problem though is the honor we place on playing test match rugby league.
The series should be cancelled if jumpers are going to be handed to players, and rest others in matches. It's not done by any team, any where by any one unless it is assured of a victory.
ARL were proven wrong, Great Britain are not going to be a pushover and they deserve a lot more respect than the code is giving them.
If we want to be serious about International Rugby League then prove it or can it!
Friday, November 03, 2006
12 months on - the Wallabies... same shit different smell
A new coach, a few players in new positions... same shit different smell
Losing on Wednesday evening to a club side has all but summarised the Wallabies year. They have looked woeful at the best of times.
Player depth in Australia is at an all time low. There are no exciting prospects in Rugby in 2006.
I remember the David Campese era, he was an exciting player, a player that would get bums on seats at games. Now who do we have?
Wonder child Matt Giteau will be earning six zereos next year, for what?
A small inside centre that doesn't get the service from his grandfather half back. Or maybe put the million dollar baby in the half position, but ask why would you pay a few million dollars for a halfback?
Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri were the excitment that was injected into the Wallabies but that has failed. Rogers is returning to League, Lote has expressed his desires and well do we need to say anymore about Dell...
So who is the generation of boom of excitment in the Wallabies?
Gregan, Latham, Larkham, Mortlock.... they are solid players but they are not exciting players or Dan Carter's, Joe Rockocko or anyone of the All Black backs.
Australian rugby is in trouble. Our best prospect looks to be boom Joey's fly half, Kurtly Beale. Give him a go..
There is no depth in Australian rugby. Wednesday's loss had players in unfamiliar positions. Gerrard is not a fly half. Turunui is not a winger.
Connolly has done nothing! Yes we have won a few more games, but we don't look any better.
It's time to clean out Australian rugby and re-build. I have not even began to discuss the forwards or the woeful front row combinations the Wallabies have tried this year.
Maybe its time to skip a generation and blood some youth. Australian rugby needs to move forwards and holding onto some of our elder statesman, as well as playing people in unfamiliar positions is not the answer.
Connolly might not be the right man for the job and maybe we need to look at who can lead the Wallabies to a world cup victory on 2007, cause at the moment its just the same shit with a different smell.
Losing on Wednesday evening to a club side has all but summarised the Wallabies year. They have looked woeful at the best of times.
Player depth in Australia is at an all time low. There are no exciting prospects in Rugby in 2006.
I remember the David Campese era, he was an exciting player, a player that would get bums on seats at games. Now who do we have?
Wonder child Matt Giteau will be earning six zereos next year, for what?
A small inside centre that doesn't get the service from his grandfather half back. Or maybe put the million dollar baby in the half position, but ask why would you pay a few million dollars for a halfback?
Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri were the excitment that was injected into the Wallabies but that has failed. Rogers is returning to League, Lote has expressed his desires and well do we need to say anymore about Dell...
So who is the generation of boom of excitment in the Wallabies?
Gregan, Latham, Larkham, Mortlock.... they are solid players but they are not exciting players or Dan Carter's, Joe Rockocko or anyone of the All Black backs.
Australian rugby is in trouble. Our best prospect looks to be boom Joey's fly half, Kurtly Beale. Give him a go..
There is no depth in Australian rugby. Wednesday's loss had players in unfamiliar positions. Gerrard is not a fly half. Turunui is not a winger.
Connolly has done nothing! Yes we have won a few more games, but we don't look any better.
It's time to clean out Australian rugby and re-build. I have not even began to discuss the forwards or the woeful front row combinations the Wallabies have tried this year.
Maybe its time to skip a generation and blood some youth. Australian rugby needs to move forwards and holding onto some of our elder statesman, as well as playing people in unfamiliar positions is not the answer.
Connolly might not be the right man for the job and maybe we need to look at who can lead the Wallabies to a world cup victory on 2007, cause at the moment its just the same shit with a different smell.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
[P]lease stop this
Its horrible, its sickening when kids die young, especially when it’s a car crash. Speed… night driving… poor visibility… P plates…
What else can be done to sink the message in?
The image seems to be replayed over and over again, yet we can do something about it. Government legislation is being sounded out to change the driving age laws again, restrict and curfew p plate drivers but this is not the answer.
Being a green [P] plate driver myself, if the laws were to change, [p] plates, particularly green one’s would simply be removed by drivers and then provisional licence holders will be driving illegally.
Raising the age will also not assist. Single handidly it comes down to us as the drivers to fix it. There have been enough shock campaigns telling us to slow down.
The horrific images of the grieving students in Byron Bay last night is enough to tell you to slow down.
Parents, teachers, Government’s must ensure we continue to slam the message in, educate. It is reality. We cannot replace a person’s life – it is to precious.
We need to stand up together and think about it ourselves before its to late.
What else can be done to sink the message in?
The image seems to be replayed over and over again, yet we can do something about it. Government legislation is being sounded out to change the driving age laws again, restrict and curfew p plate drivers but this is not the answer.
Being a green [P] plate driver myself, if the laws were to change, [p] plates, particularly green one’s would simply be removed by drivers and then provisional licence holders will be driving illegally.
Raising the age will also not assist. Single handidly it comes down to us as the drivers to fix it. There have been enough shock campaigns telling us to slow down.
The horrific images of the grieving students in Byron Bay last night is enough to tell you to slow down.
Parents, teachers, Government’s must ensure we continue to slam the message in, educate. It is reality. We cannot replace a person’s life – it is to precious.
We need to stand up together and think about it ourselves before its to late.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
"Ass?" Allowed or ‘beeped’ - is it a swear word?
Wednesday October 11, National Nine News Sydney.
Story 1 – the flag burner has been asked to carry the flag on Anzac day. One of the ‘vox pops’ said, “Someone will kick his ass all the way up the hill”.
Story 2 – drunk Bondi resident smashes car windscreens. One of the ‘vox pops’ said, “I’d like to kick his a**”.
The word ‘ass’ in the first story was allowed to be said and not ‘beeped’ where the word ‘ass’ was ‘beeped’ in the second story.
What do you think, is ass still a swear word or should it be ‘beeped’ out on the news?
Story 1 – the flag burner has been asked to carry the flag on Anzac day. One of the ‘vox pops’ said, “Someone will kick his ass all the way up the hill”.
Story 2 – drunk Bondi resident smashes car windscreens. One of the ‘vox pops’ said, “I’d like to kick his a**”.
The word ‘ass’ in the first story was allowed to be said and not ‘beeped’ where the word ‘ass’ was ‘beeped’ in the second story.
What do you think, is ass still a swear word or should it be ‘beeped’ out on the news?
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
The Price of Nationalism and the Australian Flag
Do you think the 17 year old male who stole the Brighton RSL Australian flag, urinating on it and torching on it has received the rightful punishment?
There have been calls for the male to be jailed, rather than a good behavior bond and for a public apology to all members of the RSL club, possibly even Australia.
Behind closed doors, the male apologized to RSL President and a small contingent of dignitaries which has caused public outcry.
Would it have been sensible to get the male to stand before a few hundred people and media and apologise?
I think not. The riots were a terrible reflection on Australian multi-culturalism and reflected poorly on racial differences between Lebanese Australians and Caucasians. If the apology had been public, this would have stirred further racial differences and given rise to further unrest.
A letter should be written by the male and handed to all members of the RSL club as a mark of respect and remorse for his actions.
It does make you question, what the price of the Australian flag is?
To all Australians and particularly RSL members the flag symbolises unparalleled pride and nationalism. If someone is to disrespect it so despicably, then should they be allowed to just apologise and continue living in this country under the Australian flag?
The punishment should be education and understanding. This male should have been ordered to do community service and be taught what the meaning of the flag is by helping the RSL veterans and therefore learning to respect the flag.
There have been calls for the male to be jailed, rather than a good behavior bond and for a public apology to all members of the RSL club, possibly even Australia.
Behind closed doors, the male apologized to RSL President and a small contingent of dignitaries which has caused public outcry.
Would it have been sensible to get the male to stand before a few hundred people and media and apologise?
I think not. The riots were a terrible reflection on Australian multi-culturalism and reflected poorly on racial differences between Lebanese Australians and Caucasians. If the apology had been public, this would have stirred further racial differences and given rise to further unrest.
A letter should be written by the male and handed to all members of the RSL club as a mark of respect and remorse for his actions.
It does make you question, what the price of the Australian flag is?
To all Australians and particularly RSL members the flag symbolises unparalleled pride and nationalism. If someone is to disrespect it so despicably, then should they be allowed to just apologise and continue living in this country under the Australian flag?
The punishment should be education and understanding. This male should have been ordered to do community service and be taught what the meaning of the flag is by helping the RSL veterans and therefore learning to respect the flag.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Are our stations safe?
The Daily Telegraph revealed an ‘exclusive’ today that up to 60 train stations are undermanned and some stations have been closed because there are no staff to the run them.
Cityrail has ensured commuters safety will not be jeopardised with no staff member on the platform. Is big brother watching or something?
Morris Iemma and our State Government have an obligation to every citizen of New South Wales to have a staff member at every station. Would you feel safe at a quiet unmanned station?
Rail Corp, Cityrail and the NSW Government need to get their act together and make stations safe. Stations are a perfect location for crime, attacks, dare I even say murder.
With a public transport system in a mess, the Iemma Government can ill-afford to have this fiasco hanging over its head. Install new workers now, raise their pay rates if you must but don’t compromise commuters safety at your own expense and cost-cutting measures.
I assume cost cutting and scaling back the employment of Cityrail and Rail Corp will have occurred in the ticket inspector department too. When the Government weighs up what will create more revenue, a staff member at a railway station or a train cop checking tickets and writing fines?
Surely rationalising commuters safety is not in the public interest Mr Iemma – fix it!
Cityrail has ensured commuters safety will not be jeopardised with no staff member on the platform. Is big brother watching or something?
Morris Iemma and our State Government have an obligation to every citizen of New South Wales to have a staff member at every station. Would you feel safe at a quiet unmanned station?
Rail Corp, Cityrail and the NSW Government need to get their act together and make stations safe. Stations are a perfect location for crime, attacks, dare I even say murder.
With a public transport system in a mess, the Iemma Government can ill-afford to have this fiasco hanging over its head. Install new workers now, raise their pay rates if you must but don’t compromise commuters safety at your own expense and cost-cutting measures.
I assume cost cutting and scaling back the employment of Cityrail and Rail Corp will have occurred in the ticket inspector department too. When the Government weighs up what will create more revenue, a staff member at a railway station or a train cop checking tickets and writing fines?
Surely rationalising commuters safety is not in the public interest Mr Iemma – fix it!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
2 years or 2 months?
Rugby League again did itself no favors with their stance on drugs, allowing Mitchell Sargent an opportunity to again play League from one season to another after testing positive to using cocaine.
Yes, it is not a performance enhancing drug, it is a ‘recreational drug’ but how can one code rugby tear the contract of and ban Wendell Sailor for two years for playing any sport when the NRL give Sargent another life at Newcastle?
Fair crack of the whip, its time that the Australian Sports Commission and the Federal Government intervened and got all sports together to decide upon a universal drugs punishment. Tennis, Golf, Lawn Bowls, Synchronised swimming… whatever – the penaly should be the same.
Australians are quick to accuse other nations of cheating and being drug users, but when it comes to our own, we are quick to defend them and make excuses, empathise. We cant have it both ways and we cant be hypocritical.
I like Rugby’s stance on Sailor. I think he is a great athlete, a fine player and brought fines, skill and charisma to rugby. If he is however idiotic, stupid and dumb enough to jeopardise everything for one night on the rack then he deserves his playing days to decease.
Sailor can do what ever he wants when he retires, but while he wears that Wallaby, Waratah and in Seargant’s case Cowboys jersey they take with them a responsibility to their game, their club, their family and them self. There are so many kids desperate to get a shot at making the big time in their game, I am sure they wouldn’t waste it away by sniffing a bit of cocaine one night.
All the kids, who’s heroes now become villains, who’s expectations of these celebrities have been dismayed. Sailor, you are a goose, Sargent you are a goose. NRL you to are a goose.
Clean up your game, clean up Australian sport and develop a universal drugs policy that must be adhered to by every Australian sportsman and woman.
Yes, it is not a performance enhancing drug, it is a ‘recreational drug’ but how can one code rugby tear the contract of and ban Wendell Sailor for two years for playing any sport when the NRL give Sargent another life at Newcastle?
Fair crack of the whip, its time that the Australian Sports Commission and the Federal Government intervened and got all sports together to decide upon a universal drugs punishment. Tennis, Golf, Lawn Bowls, Synchronised swimming… whatever – the penaly should be the same.
Australians are quick to accuse other nations of cheating and being drug users, but when it comes to our own, we are quick to defend them and make excuses, empathise. We cant have it both ways and we cant be hypocritical.
I like Rugby’s stance on Sailor. I think he is a great athlete, a fine player and brought fines, skill and charisma to rugby. If he is however idiotic, stupid and dumb enough to jeopardise everything for one night on the rack then he deserves his playing days to decease.
Sailor can do what ever he wants when he retires, but while he wears that Wallaby, Waratah and in Seargant’s case Cowboys jersey they take with them a responsibility to their game, their club, their family and them self. There are so many kids desperate to get a shot at making the big time in their game, I am sure they wouldn’t waste it away by sniffing a bit of cocaine one night.
All the kids, who’s heroes now become villains, who’s expectations of these celebrities have been dismayed. Sailor, you are a goose, Sargent you are a goose. NRL you to are a goose.
Clean up your game, clean up Australian sport and develop a universal drugs policy that must be adhered to by every Australian sportsman and woman.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
NOVA - sounds different?
Does it? I can’t see how NOVA is any different to the AUSTERO ‘TODAY’ network. When NOVA started they were more provocative, smart asses but now they are just another station that is turning closer and closer to teen hits rather than the demographic of youth and ‘sounding different’.
I want to say, I am not a DMG basher. I may seem to have taken a stance against VEGA and now NOVA but in actual fact I am a big NOVA fan and thought their station was tops. Now, it lacks definition with a tired on-air line up and schedule.
Merrick and Rosso have been the brekkie duo since NOVA began and are just about on their last legs… Their jokes are repetitious and their content is obviously whaling. Dave Rabbett, I like. He has a different accent, yes he is a kiwi but he is a little bit brash.
The afternoons with Lizzie, again an underutilised talent at NOVA. She is wasted in the daytime arvo shift and Bianca Dye does nothing for the drive home.
Thank god Fridgy and Matty have finally been replaced by Jabba. He is a talent, he is a name and he was been underutilised in Brisbane. Jabba will increase NOVA NITES but their concept is non to dissimilar to the HOT 30 countdown with Lowie.
SO you have to ask, does NOVA want to sound different? The marketing strategies and the direction at the station has obviously been neglected to deal with the migrane that Vega is.
In doing so and looking out for Vega, NOVA has had a drop in ratings and comparatively now Kyle and Jackie O have raised Sydney ratings on 2DAYFM. Added, Triple M is now defining itself as ‘music and shows’ and brought back the hilarious Tony Martin with newcomer Ed Kavelee.
These guys are good, they are funny and something new. ARN has launched a new brekkie show with Sammy, Subby and Alan with Lars Peterson as anchor. This may also find some new listeners but they would more than likely be stolen from the ARN owned WSFM graphic or Vega.
Now what does NOVA do? Find a brash, funny, drive team. Try something new and different. Put someone provocative or controversial. A Tony Martin, a Chaser Team or Bessie Bardot. NOVA will continue to slide unless the station is better defined, its music content is re-formatted and even consider blooding a late night show showcasing, unsigned and indy talent.
Something like the ‘UMS’ my term for this sort of music (un-main stream) with a Robbie Buck or a Triple J sell-out or something. JUST try something different, who knows – it may work…
I want to say, I am not a DMG basher. I may seem to have taken a stance against VEGA and now NOVA but in actual fact I am a big NOVA fan and thought their station was tops. Now, it lacks definition with a tired on-air line up and schedule.
Merrick and Rosso have been the brekkie duo since NOVA began and are just about on their last legs… Their jokes are repetitious and their content is obviously whaling. Dave Rabbett, I like. He has a different accent, yes he is a kiwi but he is a little bit brash.
The afternoons with Lizzie, again an underutilised talent at NOVA. She is wasted in the daytime arvo shift and Bianca Dye does nothing for the drive home.
Thank god Fridgy and Matty have finally been replaced by Jabba. He is a talent, he is a name and he was been underutilised in Brisbane. Jabba will increase NOVA NITES but their concept is non to dissimilar to the HOT 30 countdown with Lowie.
SO you have to ask, does NOVA want to sound different? The marketing strategies and the direction at the station has obviously been neglected to deal with the migrane that Vega is.
In doing so and looking out for Vega, NOVA has had a drop in ratings and comparatively now Kyle and Jackie O have raised Sydney ratings on 2DAYFM. Added, Triple M is now defining itself as ‘music and shows’ and brought back the hilarious Tony Martin with newcomer Ed Kavelee.
These guys are good, they are funny and something new. ARN has launched a new brekkie show with Sammy, Subby and Alan with Lars Peterson as anchor. This may also find some new listeners but they would more than likely be stolen from the ARN owned WSFM graphic or Vega.
Now what does NOVA do? Find a brash, funny, drive team. Try something new and different. Put someone provocative or controversial. A Tony Martin, a Chaser Team or Bessie Bardot. NOVA will continue to slide unless the station is better defined, its music content is re-formatted and even consider blooding a late night show showcasing, unsigned and indy talent.
Something like the ‘UMS’ my term for this sort of music (un-main stream) with a Robbie Buck or a Triple J sell-out or something. JUST try something different, who knows – it may work…
Monday, August 21, 2006
Channel Nine – It’s Ratings and the Eddie McGuire factor
Controversy, controversy, controversy… Will Jessica Rowe be ‘boned’? Will Jana Wendt be ‘boned’. Eddie McGuire, his breakfast cereal and the colour of his socks makes the news as almost a daily occurrence in
I have spoken about McGuire and about television a bit recently but last night Channel Nine demolished and destroyed television ratings. With a ratings share of 38.5per cent, streaks ahead of Seven who failed with only 20.8 per cent, even being beaten by Ten and Australian Idol, finishing with 21.2%.
McGuire would be high-fiving his executives this morning as I can hear the chants from
Television viewers preferred the
Viewers were turned off with only 728, 862 viewers, commanding a measly 12.4 per cent in comparison to Nine’s ’60 Minutes’ with 1,613,020 which is 39.2 per cent.
New reporter Liam Bartlett was impressive. As a new addition to the Nine family he came across with command and looks to be a breath of fresh air to the flagship current affairs program.
On Seven, executives will today announce they are pulling the plug on ‘You May Be Right’ after two less than impressive shows.
A few big weeks are poised for Nine, with the relaunching of ‘Sunday’, with Ray Martin being understood to be working on stories for the programme. Will Jana Wendt still be the host in seven days?
The Eddie McGuire factor – any publicity is good publicity…
Friday, August 18, 2006
From Over Re-Action to NO Action
Andrew Johns and Gordon Tallis have proven the NRL handles incidents poorly this week which has consequently discredited CEO David Gallop and the administration.
Joey should not swear at a referee or a touch judge. Plain and simple it is not on. The events that followed and the way the incident was handle was very poor.
A refusal to apologise to the official by Joey is his first idiotic mistake. To then, however find him initially guilty and give him a four week suspension is ridiculous.
Joey is the NRL. He is the best player of this generation and the punishment was arrogant and exaggerated. The reduced two week sentence is still a very harsh penalty but this should have been simply resolved between player and the officials.
If Joey had formally said sorry to the officials then this should have been left at that. I am not encouraging players to swear at referees, far from it. Joey is a role model for the game and kids look to him.
He made a mistake, the referee should have simply ‘sin-binned’ him for 10 minutes, not force the bloke to miss two vital weeks of rugby league which will do considerable damage to the game.
In contrast former NRL hard man and Queensland State of Origin captain Gordon Tallis is allowed to throw a glass at a barman in a Brisbane pub and remain as an NRL director, facing no criminal prosecution.
Tallis should be marched out of the game now and do the honorable thing by the position he holds for News Limited and resign. Tallis does not and should not have to comply with the NRL Code of Conduct because he is a board member.
With the position come certain expectations. Is this man, someone we wish to have as a director of a national sporting competition?
Tallis is an idiot. With ‘under-the-table’ deals assuring he is not prosecuted and the charges dropped. Ridiculous!
The NRL wants to change it’s image and the negative publicity they have received over numerous incidents this century, well look at yourselves as administrators because you do nothing to improve the situation, only create an environment for controversy and drama.
Two extremes this week in the NRL, over re-action to the games greatest player and no action to a former player and now deadbeat director.
Joey should not swear at a referee or a touch judge. Plain and simple it is not on. The events that followed and the way the incident was handle was very poor.
A refusal to apologise to the official by Joey is his first idiotic mistake. To then, however find him initially guilty and give him a four week suspension is ridiculous.
Joey is the NRL. He is the best player of this generation and the punishment was arrogant and exaggerated. The reduced two week sentence is still a very harsh penalty but this should have been simply resolved between player and the officials.
If Joey had formally said sorry to the officials then this should have been left at that. I am not encouraging players to swear at referees, far from it. Joey is a role model for the game and kids look to him.
He made a mistake, the referee should have simply ‘sin-binned’ him for 10 minutes, not force the bloke to miss two vital weeks of rugby league which will do considerable damage to the game.
In contrast former NRL hard man and Queensland State of Origin captain Gordon Tallis is allowed to throw a glass at a barman in a Brisbane pub and remain as an NRL director, facing no criminal prosecution.
Tallis should be marched out of the game now and do the honorable thing by the position he holds for News Limited and resign. Tallis does not and should not have to comply with the NRL Code of Conduct because he is a board member.
With the position come certain expectations. Is this man, someone we wish to have as a director of a national sporting competition?
Tallis is an idiot. With ‘under-the-table’ deals assuring he is not prosecuted and the charges dropped. Ridiculous!
The NRL wants to change it’s image and the negative publicity they have received over numerous incidents this century, well look at yourselves as administrators because you do nothing to improve the situation, only create an environment for controversy and drama.
Two extremes this week in the NRL, over re-action to the games greatest player and no action to a former player and now deadbeat director.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Two Twisted
Bryan Brown’s much hyped ‘NEW’ Australian drama ‘Two Twisted’ didn’t really go off with a bang last night. With cream of the crop Aussie actors Melissa George, Steve Bisley and Gary McDonald, the estranged and spooky ‘Two Twisted’ had a rather more amateur feel.
The plot and story lines reminded me of watching a Tropfest entry or a drama student’s clever, twisted video. There didn’t appear to be much substance to the stories, which is the characteristic of this style.
Viewers were thrown into a scenario that they had to guess the context, not knowing much about the characters before them. The plot would unravel and keep viewers on the edge, guessing what would happen next.
With the audience not receiving many answers to the thousands of rhetorical questions, Brown has created a drama that leaves more unknown, undeveloped than the audience should, leaving gaps and creating dramatic irony.
Nevertheless the drama is at least a return of Australian drama, its something different and hopefully the ratings will come its way. Last night, nationally Two Twisted had an audience share 1.10 million and ranked as the 12th most popular show of Monday night.
Stay tuned and see the mysteries unravel…
The plot and story lines reminded me of watching a Tropfest entry or a drama student’s clever, twisted video. There didn’t appear to be much substance to the stories, which is the characteristic of this style.
Viewers were thrown into a scenario that they had to guess the context, not knowing much about the characters before them. The plot would unravel and keep viewers on the edge, guessing what would happen next.
With the audience not receiving many answers to the thousands of rhetorical questions, Brown has created a drama that leaves more unknown, undeveloped than the audience should, leaving gaps and creating dramatic irony.
Nevertheless the drama is at least a return of Australian drama, its something different and hopefully the ratings will come its way. Last night, nationally Two Twisted had an audience share 1.10 million and ranked as the 12th most popular show of Monday night.
Stay tuned and see the mysteries unravel…
Monday, August 14, 2006
Creators and Producers
What do television creators and executive producers do all day long? A look at some of the current crop of television being produced, will make you think… not much!
Last night Channel 7 launched a ‘Spicks and Specks’ type show ‘You May Right’ – this was atrocious. Spicks and Specks is an ABC formula show with a clever host in
Have Channel 7 not learnt their lesson? When they pulled Tony Squires and his successful sports show ‘The Fat’ from the ABC to 7 it failed as ‘110% Tony Squires’ and so has he now being referred to as ‘Tone’ on the lowly rating Vega 95.3 breakfast team with Ange and Bec.
It seems 7 cannot find anything to displace 60 Minutes which still features weekly in the Top 10 of Australia’s most watched television shows. This dispels the myth that infotainment is on the war path if we would prefer to be watching ‘You May Be Right’.
Infotainment does command a large section of the ratings and popular television shows such as ‘Border Security’
‘Yasmin’s Getting Married’ lasted a week, one of the most disastrous debuts in television history. Clever didn’t look like such a TV show being axed after a few weeks.
In these cases, the television programmes much like ‘You May Be Right’ will not work. They are over advertised and turn viewers off. 7 hope that Mastermind their new Wednesday night 8.30PM program will get success, but this looks as poor as the other shows currently being produced.
There is hope for one, Two Twisted. Tonight Channel 9 at 9.35PM, hopefully this can restore some credibility to our television executives producing shows that connect with the audience and redefine our ailing drama genre.
Bryan Brown’s ‘Two Twisted’ is the best of a bad bunch and looks like it will be a success. Channel 9 need this to work after the failures of the ‘The Footy Show: Live From Munich’, the exclusive ‘Kylie Interview’ and the terrible ‘Dancing on Ice’.
Just makes you wonder if our creative television directors, developers and producers really are that creative and know what the market want
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Vega...not on your wavelength!
Vega variety, on your wavelength – the slogan used by Radio DMG’s troubled new brand Vega. Where is the variety?
DMG entered the Australian radio market with the successful launch of Nova in most capital cities on the Australian mainland. Nova used the slogan, ‘sounds different’ with a brash comic duo in Sydney combining Merrick and Rosso with the outspoken ‘Ugly’ Phil O’Neil on drive.
Nova Melbourne, also launched with Dave Hughes, Kate Langenbrook and Dave O’Neill quickly building an audience through a clever DMG formula.
Vega has been a different kettle of fish. Struggling to initially define itself and mixing up their on air line-up has thus far had little success. Wendy Harmer and the Vega Café didn’t work.
Angela Catterns has struggled to emulate her success on ABC breakfast as widely hoped and has now been joined by Bec and Tone (Rebecca Wilson and Tony Squires).
What was Vega thinking? Sign Angela Catterns and the ABC listeners will follow? ABC listeners are loyal to their station and are not interested in commercials and 40 years of music.
The music formula has also changed. Vega started as a WSFM type station but now wants to combine this with MIX FM, ABC and Triple M. The demographic can only be so small and those Vega want have decided to get their talk from AM and their music from the all ready defined MIX or WSFM.
Vega is caught in to many demographics. The success of Nova will not be emulated by Vega and could prove to be a very expensive loss to DMG. DMG should cut their loss now and re-invent totally overhaul the station.
Define itself, its listeners and its music… which is? There is no direction at Vega which commands only 1.8% of the ratings in this latest result and sister station Nova is starting to feel the Vega curse, down to 6.4%.
Austereo must be licking their lips with 2MMM and 2DAYFM lifting their profiles and continue to hold the keys to the Sydney FM radio market. Strong marketing strategies involving their listeners and defined talk and music formula seem to be the key to the company.
Vega, hitting the wrong demographic… DMG have success with the young brash market, maybe they should stick to this and consider Vega as a Rap, RNB, Dance station, sure to lift ratings and attract a demographic not yet accounted for in the radio ratings.
DMG entered the Australian radio market with the successful launch of Nova in most capital cities on the Australian mainland. Nova used the slogan, ‘sounds different’ with a brash comic duo in Sydney combining Merrick and Rosso with the outspoken ‘Ugly’ Phil O’Neil on drive.
Nova Melbourne, also launched with Dave Hughes, Kate Langenbrook and Dave O’Neill quickly building an audience through a clever DMG formula.
Vega has been a different kettle of fish. Struggling to initially define itself and mixing up their on air line-up has thus far had little success. Wendy Harmer and the Vega Café didn’t work.
Angela Catterns has struggled to emulate her success on ABC breakfast as widely hoped and has now been joined by Bec and Tone (Rebecca Wilson and Tony Squires).
What was Vega thinking? Sign Angela Catterns and the ABC listeners will follow? ABC listeners are loyal to their station and are not interested in commercials and 40 years of music.
The music formula has also changed. Vega started as a WSFM type station but now wants to combine this with MIX FM, ABC and Triple M. The demographic can only be so small and those Vega want have decided to get their talk from AM and their music from the all ready defined MIX or WSFM.
Vega is caught in to many demographics. The success of Nova will not be emulated by Vega and could prove to be a very expensive loss to DMG. DMG should cut their loss now and re-invent totally overhaul the station.
Define itself, its listeners and its music… which is? There is no direction at Vega which commands only 1.8% of the ratings in this latest result and sister station Nova is starting to feel the Vega curse, down to 6.4%.
Austereo must be licking their lips with 2MMM and 2DAYFM lifting their profiles and continue to hold the keys to the Sydney FM radio market. Strong marketing strategies involving their listeners and defined talk and music formula seem to be the key to the company.
Vega, hitting the wrong demographic… DMG have success with the young brash market, maybe they should stick to this and consider Vega as a Rap, RNB, Dance station, sure to lift ratings and attract a demographic not yet accounted for in the radio ratings.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
16 months out, The Labor Leadership debate
Who can take the Federal Labor party to success in the 2007 election? Will the party face further demise with Kim Beazley, or will we see a challenge for the leadership?
Currently Kim Beazley is 14 per cent behind John Howard in the latest preferred Prime Minister, AC Nielsen poll. Kim Beazley has a 35 per cent rating compared with John Howard’s 49 per cent. On the two party preferred basis, the coalition edges out Labor by 7 per cent.
Surely, our alternative Government is already thinking about a campaign and a strategy to unearth the Liberal Government’s stalwart John Howard. Is Kim Beazley the man to do this?
Another leadership crisis in the Labor Party would be all too damaging if a decision is not made now. With the next federal election due within 17 months, a decision needs to be made without delay if Labor intends to change its leadership.
Mark Latham replaced Simon Crean as Leader of the Opposition just 10 months before the last time we went to an election in October 2004. This proved to steamroll the Labor party into further demise, with the Coalition Government controlling a majority of seats in the Lower and Upper Houses.
Labor needs an injection of life and smart policies that will woo potential voters.
Mumblings about Beazley’s leadership appear in the news every month. Labor either needs to immediately show a united front and support Kim Beazley or quickly find a replacement.
Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard are two possible replacements. Alternatively, there may be a total overhaul of the Labor Party with outsiders Greg Combet, ACTU National Secretary or National Workers Union Secretary and overnight hero, Bill Shorten being sourced as potential leaders.
Greg Combet and Bill Shorten would first have to be elected to the Labor Party then to Parliament, so appear as unlikely candidates in the immediate future. Kevin Rudd seems the safest and most conservative leadership candidate.
Rudd holds the office of Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister and has been a member of the Shadow Ministry since 2001. He has been a voice for the Labor Party and is consulted for his view and opinion on many issues.
Julia Gillard is the other Labor option. Elected in 1998, she’s had a meteoric rise, holding various portfolios including Shadow Minister for Population, Immigration, Reconciliation and Indigenous Affairs. Today, Gillard’s the Shadow Minister for Health and Manager of Opposition Business within the House of Representatives.
Even if it’s considered too radical a move to install Gillard as the new leader of Labor, she is the woman for the job. It’s time for change; it’s time for a breath of fresh air. Labor need to stop the ‘safety first’ image that Beazley conveys and create a new image which will lead Labor forward.
Installing Mark Latham as leader in December 2003 was a gutsy move and one which could have worked if given time. Opposition Leaders need time to develop and Beazley’s time is over. He is not the answer. Install Julia Gillard now.
She may not get Labor across the line in 2007, but she’ll close the gap between Labor and the Coalition. In 2010, who knows, we may be crowning our first female Prime Minister.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Who wants to host Millionaire?
A struggling Channel 9, in the face of a ratings war with Seven still wait and see whether or not its time to bring back the popular Who wants to be a Millionaire?
The appointment of Liam Bartlett to the 60 Minutes team is a sign of Channel 9’s injection of new blood. New talent are required to lift Channel 9 and create new personalities. The signatures of Lara Bingle and Bartlett come as new ‘it’ people creating news headlines try to bring some publicity to 9.
Bartlett, lesser known to eastern state Australian’s was a popular mornings presenter on ABC local radio Perth until he moved to the Southern Cross owned 6PR a little over three months ago. His departure caused controversy at ABC much like Bingle’s add, ‘where the bloody hell are you?’
So who will Nine poach next to fill the vacant hosting hot seat? Are we going to see another controversial new talent, or will a safe, conservative channel 9 rising celebrity get the gong?
If Nine is going to re-invent the wheel then they should consider Red Symonds. The popular Red Faces on Hey Hey It’s Saturday judge would be ideal for the coveted position.
Sami Lukis proved you can be sacked by Nine and come back again, looking gorgeous as Jamie Durie’s side kick on Dancing On Ice, so there is hope for Symonds.
Gold logie winner John Wood has put his hand up to be considered. He’s loved by Aussies but does he have the flair to host Millionaire?
So who is the new blood, or who just got sacked for controversy and therefore Nine can create a new celebrity?
Maybe a turkey slapping Big Brother contestant, or possibly the return of Jim Waley? What about a politician, has Mark Latham currently got a job or maybe the loser of the Peter Costello, John Howard leadership debate could get the gong as Millionaire host, just as a conciliation prize.
Wait and see…
The appointment of Liam Bartlett to the 60 Minutes team is a sign of Channel 9’s injection of new blood. New talent are required to lift Channel 9 and create new personalities. The signatures of Lara Bingle and Bartlett come as new ‘it’ people creating news headlines try to bring some publicity to 9.
Bartlett, lesser known to eastern state Australian’s was a popular mornings presenter on ABC local radio Perth until he moved to the Southern Cross owned 6PR a little over three months ago. His departure caused controversy at ABC much like Bingle’s add, ‘where the bloody hell are you?’
So who will Nine poach next to fill the vacant hosting hot seat? Are we going to see another controversial new talent, or will a safe, conservative channel 9 rising celebrity get the gong?
If Nine is going to re-invent the wheel then they should consider Red Symonds. The popular Red Faces on Hey Hey It’s Saturday judge would be ideal for the coveted position.
Sami Lukis proved you can be sacked by Nine and come back again, looking gorgeous as Jamie Durie’s side kick on Dancing On Ice, so there is hope for Symonds.
Gold logie winner John Wood has put his hand up to be considered. He’s loved by Aussies but does he have the flair to host Millionaire?
So who is the new blood, or who just got sacked for controversy and therefore Nine can create a new celebrity?
Maybe a turkey slapping Big Brother contestant, or possibly the return of Jim Waley? What about a politician, has Mark Latham currently got a job or maybe the loser of the Peter Costello, John Howard leadership debate could get the gong as Millionaire host, just as a conciliation prize.
Wait and see…
Monday, July 03, 2006
School zones and holidays? Active or Inactive?
Driving through a school zone at 40km/hour is not our most favoured past time but something we have to do to ensure the safety of school children. Patrolling that is one thing, the police do regularly, but patrolling a school zone when the school is on holidays during the allotted times, is damn right revenue raising.
If you question the police, they will notify you, that it is when state schools go on holidays, that school zones do not exist. Wouldn’t it therefore be more sensible for the police to patrol school zones where children are still at school, rather than patrolling school zones which are childless?
It’s simple – revenue raising. Most motorists who drive through a school zone realising the school is on holiday would not think they would need to travel at 40 km/h. Think again, the cops will be waiting for you!
If you’ve been fined in a school zone, while the schools on holidays – challenge it, I believe there is a case to answer.
If you question the police, they will notify you, that it is when state schools go on holidays, that school zones do not exist. Wouldn’t it therefore be more sensible for the police to patrol school zones where children are still at school, rather than patrolling school zones which are childless?
It’s simple – revenue raising. Most motorists who drive through a school zone realising the school is on holiday would not think they would need to travel at 40 km/h. Think again, the cops will be waiting for you!
If you’ve been fined in a school zone, while the schools on holidays – challenge it, I believe there is a case to answer.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
It's ok to abuse the referee..
Well isn’t it? Harry Kewell seems to do it and get away with saying explicates and verbally abusing and intimidating the referee.
NO NO NO! This is wrong, totally unacceptable and we are sending the completely wrong message to our kids.
I particularly can’t stand Australian sport in this regard with an incident like this Harry Kewell abuse fiasco. OK, he was upset, feeling remorseful and regretting the words he may have had to the referee post match.
It didn’t just look like a quiet word but an intimidating yelling match and the referee was visibly retreating. And what does Harry get punished with – nothing!
He might have a clean record, it might be out of character, but if a Brazilian player did this or an opponent of Australia, we would all be kicking and screaming and demanding that player be suspended for at least a match.
You can hear the talkback radio jocks now fielding calls about how unfair this is to Australia and this player acted un-Australian… In Harry’s case we’d hear all the empathy calls and why would FIFA do this, it’s our only chance…
Well FIFA, you got it wrong. You were too lenient and YOU should have made an example out of Harry Kewell.
I don’t care if he is Australian. I don’t care if he has a clean record. Rules are rules, referees are to be respected and not to be ABUSED like this.
Consider yourself very lucky, and consider yourself a hero Harry because now we will see kids emulate this week in and week out and less people will want to referee and those who do will be abused, possibly attacked, because Harry Kewell did it, so why can’t I?
NO NO NO! This is wrong, totally unacceptable and we are sending the completely wrong message to our kids.
I particularly can’t stand Australian sport in this regard with an incident like this Harry Kewell abuse fiasco. OK, he was upset, feeling remorseful and regretting the words he may have had to the referee post match.
It didn’t just look like a quiet word but an intimidating yelling match and the referee was visibly retreating. And what does Harry get punished with – nothing!
He might have a clean record, it might be out of character, but if a Brazilian player did this or an opponent of Australia, we would all be kicking and screaming and demanding that player be suspended for at least a match.
You can hear the talkback radio jocks now fielding calls about how unfair this is to Australia and this player acted un-Australian… In Harry’s case we’d hear all the empathy calls and why would FIFA do this, it’s our only chance…
Well FIFA, you got it wrong. You were too lenient and YOU should have made an example out of Harry Kewell.
I don’t care if he is Australian. I don’t care if he has a clean record. Rules are rules, referees are to be respected and not to be ABUSED like this.
Consider yourself very lucky, and consider yourself a hero Harry because now we will see kids emulate this week in and week out and less people will want to referee and those who do will be abused, possibly attacked, because Harry Kewell did it, so why can’t I?
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
World Cup Fever - A Nation Unites
The Socceroos win over Japan yesterday was sensational - one of the greatest Australian sporting moments. The latest Australian code of football which is undertaking a meteoric rise and becoming a love by all Aussie sport fans.
We have never been a soccer nation but now Rugby administrators must be concerned with the threat that soccer both internationally and domestically is posing upon our winter sport choices. With over 1 million children all ready enrolled in soccer, the world cup will only enhance the playing numbers, ala the effect the Ashes had on cricket last summer.
To score three goals in eight minutes is an almighty feat especially against the Asian champions, Japan. Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy and John Alioisi provided the spark the Australian attack so desperately needed. Not to discredit Marcus Bresciano or Harry Kewell, but these names were unknown to the everyday Aussie, who are now tainting our soccer stars as heroes, emulating the success of League and Union legends such as Wally Lewis or David Campese.
A transition of Australian culture and the embracement of soccer, the international football is encouraging for our presence on the world sporting stage. Showcasing our diversity and talent, these soccer players must give credit to the management behind them.
Guus Hiddik, the mastermind. What a superb coach, and how lucky we are to have him at the helm at the time when Australian soccer was reaching a boom. Guus has turned a mediocre team into a team that needs to be take notice of. His success against Uruguay, The Netherlands and now Japan are Australian soccers greatest claims.
I for one had no interest in soccer until the A-league rolled around, we defeated Uruguay and world cup fever came to town. John O’Neill must be commended for his leadership of the Football Federation of Australia. His success as Australia Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer can now be paralleled for what he has done for soccer in Australia.
The foresight to develop a national A-League competition, employ a renowned world coach and bring the hype and media attention to the game in this country can all be thankful to John and Frank Lowy. Do not discredit the service SBS has also provided to this game.
Les Murray and Simon Hill lead a commendable commentary team and analysts. The coverage has been professional and given soccer much credit.
Australians love to celebrate. They love their sport. They love the victories in sport. They love their heroes. They love to share a beer or two or three with any Tom, Dick and Harry in celebration of feats like this.
The most positive outcome of this world cup and Australia’s success will not be the rise of soccer or the formation of heroes, but the potential power soccer has to combine Australians together as one, under one banner, one nation, arm in arm.
With the Cronulla race riots now dead and buried, soccer can be the vehicle used to combine our ethnic and racial differences, united under one sense of Australian pride and values, one sense of nationalism.
We have never been a soccer nation but now Rugby administrators must be concerned with the threat that soccer both internationally and domestically is posing upon our winter sport choices. With over 1 million children all ready enrolled in soccer, the world cup will only enhance the playing numbers, ala the effect the Ashes had on cricket last summer.
To score three goals in eight minutes is an almighty feat especially against the Asian champions, Japan. Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy and John Alioisi provided the spark the Australian attack so desperately needed. Not to discredit Marcus Bresciano or Harry Kewell, but these names were unknown to the everyday Aussie, who are now tainting our soccer stars as heroes, emulating the success of League and Union legends such as Wally Lewis or David Campese.
A transition of Australian culture and the embracement of soccer, the international football is encouraging for our presence on the world sporting stage. Showcasing our diversity and talent, these soccer players must give credit to the management behind them.
Guus Hiddik, the mastermind. What a superb coach, and how lucky we are to have him at the helm at the time when Australian soccer was reaching a boom. Guus has turned a mediocre team into a team that needs to be take notice of. His success against Uruguay, The Netherlands and now Japan are Australian soccers greatest claims.
I for one had no interest in soccer until the A-league rolled around, we defeated Uruguay and world cup fever came to town. John O’Neill must be commended for his leadership of the Football Federation of Australia. His success as Australia Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer can now be paralleled for what he has done for soccer in Australia.
The foresight to develop a national A-League competition, employ a renowned world coach and bring the hype and media attention to the game in this country can all be thankful to John and Frank Lowy. Do not discredit the service SBS has also provided to this game.
Les Murray and Simon Hill lead a commendable commentary team and analysts. The coverage has been professional and given soccer much credit.
Australians love to celebrate. They love their sport. They love the victories in sport. They love their heroes. They love to share a beer or two or three with any Tom, Dick and Harry in celebration of feats like this.
The most positive outcome of this world cup and Australia’s success will not be the rise of soccer or the formation of heroes, but the potential power soccer has to combine Australians together as one, under one banner, one nation, arm in arm.
With the Cronulla race riots now dead and buried, soccer can be the vehicle used to combine our ethnic and racial differences, united under one sense of Australian pride and values, one sense of nationalism.
Monday, June 12, 2006
The rebuilding begins...
Sunday night’s test against England at Telstra Stadium was the beginning of a new era for the Wallabies. Under new coach John Connolly the Wallabies struggled to but eventually found their feet and there are signs of hope for our 2007 World Cup campaign.
It was an atrocious first half by both teams, passes not going to hand, drop ball and knock-on made the game scrappy. As well a new, inexperienced front row, desperate to shake of criticism and restore the Australian engine rooms pride started unconvincingly.
The result - a win. Yes, not pretty but there a signs for the new look Wallabies and a new direction under ‘Knuckles’. The Wallabies looked to spread the ball and play an expansive game of rugby. With the amount of dropped ball, these plans were unearthed early on. The English defence held back, allowing Larkham and Rogers to combine to set up the plays they rarely finished off.
Matt Giteau was sorely missed at inside centre, while Rogers did an amicable job, he will find himself warming the bench when Giteau is fit. Lote Tuqiri showed glimpses of skill but was shown lacking in defence on a few occasions by his opposite number Tom Varndell who looked the most promising for the English.
In the forwards, new hooker Tai McIsaac looked well out of his depth and more of a state bench player rather than a starting Wallaby. His line-out throwing and scrummaging undermined the go-forward for the Wallabies. When replaced by seasoned campaigner Jeremy Paul, the Australian lineout was able to settle.
It makes you wonder what Adam Freir has to do to return to the Wallaby mix. He was the best Waratah forward in this year’s Super 14 campaign and with his strong performances seemed a certain Wallaby starter.
Connolly has some work still to do around his front row as Greg Holmes appeared unimpressive and not dangerous enough around ruck and maul.
At half time the game was possibly one of the worst I had seen. The second half, we stepped up. Brushing off the cobwebs and criticism, the Wallabies started to string a few passes together and the individual brilliance of Larkham and Rogers set up Latham for a welcomed try.
A bit of luck for Mark Gerrard but again proved his value for the Wallabies with a strong performance and a brilliant individual try. Not to be outshone, Clyde Rathbone made his presence felt with a 70 metre individual effort off a quality Larkham ball to wrap the ball game up.
One last nail in the coffin was delivered by gigantic number 3, Rodzilla. Rodney Blake on debut ran like an outside centre to burrow his way over for the measure. Not to be overlooked the forwards dominated ruck and maul with a bigger, stronger, rougher and tougher pack of forwards. Don’t discredit this win for the Wallabies but it must be remembered, they were playing an inexperienced English team. Full time Wallabies 34 – 3 winners.
The changes brought about by the new Connolly culture look, in the short term to be correct, although there is still room for improvement and change in personnel. Gregan defensively holds his own but his pass has slowed and makes our attack slow. The team needs to regroup and put on and build, putting on a sharper show next weekend if we are any chance to compete with the All Blacks and Springboks in this years tri nations.
My amended Wallabies Team:
15. Chris Latham
14. Mark Gerrard
13. Stirlring Mortlock
12. Mat Rogers/Matt Giteau
11. Lote Tuqiri
10. Stephen Larkham
9. Sam Cordingley
8. Stephen Hoiles
7. George Smith
6. Wycliff Palu
5. Al Kanar
4. Dan Vickerman
3. Rodney Blake
2. Adam Freir
1. Benn Robinson
Res:
16. George Gregan
17. Clyde Rathbone
18. Cameron Sheppard/Rogers
19. Phil Waugh
20. Jeremy Paul
21. Al Baxter
22. Mark Chisolm
It was an atrocious first half by both teams, passes not going to hand, drop ball and knock-on made the game scrappy. As well a new, inexperienced front row, desperate to shake of criticism and restore the Australian engine rooms pride started unconvincingly.
The result - a win. Yes, not pretty but there a signs for the new look Wallabies and a new direction under ‘Knuckles’. The Wallabies looked to spread the ball and play an expansive game of rugby. With the amount of dropped ball, these plans were unearthed early on. The English defence held back, allowing Larkham and Rogers to combine to set up the plays they rarely finished off.
Matt Giteau was sorely missed at inside centre, while Rogers did an amicable job, he will find himself warming the bench when Giteau is fit. Lote Tuqiri showed glimpses of skill but was shown lacking in defence on a few occasions by his opposite number Tom Varndell who looked the most promising for the English.
In the forwards, new hooker Tai McIsaac looked well out of his depth and more of a state bench player rather than a starting Wallaby. His line-out throwing and scrummaging undermined the go-forward for the Wallabies. When replaced by seasoned campaigner Jeremy Paul, the Australian lineout was able to settle.
It makes you wonder what Adam Freir has to do to return to the Wallaby mix. He was the best Waratah forward in this year’s Super 14 campaign and with his strong performances seemed a certain Wallaby starter.
Connolly has some work still to do around his front row as Greg Holmes appeared unimpressive and not dangerous enough around ruck and maul.
At half time the game was possibly one of the worst I had seen. The second half, we stepped up. Brushing off the cobwebs and criticism, the Wallabies started to string a few passes together and the individual brilliance of Larkham and Rogers set up Latham for a welcomed try.
A bit of luck for Mark Gerrard but again proved his value for the Wallabies with a strong performance and a brilliant individual try. Not to be outshone, Clyde Rathbone made his presence felt with a 70 metre individual effort off a quality Larkham ball to wrap the ball game up.
One last nail in the coffin was delivered by gigantic number 3, Rodzilla. Rodney Blake on debut ran like an outside centre to burrow his way over for the measure. Not to be overlooked the forwards dominated ruck and maul with a bigger, stronger, rougher and tougher pack of forwards. Don’t discredit this win for the Wallabies but it must be remembered, they were playing an inexperienced English team. Full time Wallabies 34 – 3 winners.
The changes brought about by the new Connolly culture look, in the short term to be correct, although there is still room for improvement and change in personnel. Gregan defensively holds his own but his pass has slowed and makes our attack slow. The team needs to regroup and put on and build, putting on a sharper show next weekend if we are any chance to compete with the All Blacks and Springboks in this years tri nations.
My amended Wallabies Team:
15. Chris Latham
14. Mark Gerrard
13. Stirlring Mortlock
12. Mat Rogers/Matt Giteau
11. Lote Tuqiri
10. Stephen Larkham
9. Sam Cordingley
8. Stephen Hoiles
7. George Smith
6. Wycliff Palu
5. Al Kanar
4. Dan Vickerman
3. Rodney Blake
2. Adam Freir
1. Benn Robinson
Res:
16. George Gregan
17. Clyde Rathbone
18. Cameron Sheppard/Rogers
19. Phil Waugh
20. Jeremy Paul
21. Al Baxter
22. Mark Chisolm
weird eBay
You use to go to garage sales or even council pickups to hound through other peoples junk… now you just head to ebay. Not even St Vincent’s de Paul or The Smith Family would appreciate some of the items people are trying to flog on ebay.
This week alone, a handbag used by Tana Umunga in a drunken nightclub incident fetched almost $20 000 in an online auction on ebay. Not even a Gucci handbag would fetch this much money. For the lone fact it had been touched by Umunga the price escalated and people are willing to pay so much money to brush with fame.
This is just one of the weird things sold on ebay that fetch for auction every single day. From animtated pen stands, to lucky socks, some people try to flog anything. Weirdebay.com is a website designed to highlight some of the odd and peculiar items sellers post for auction.
A man, “davy_parry” attempted to sell a chicken nugget which he claimed on one side you could see Mother Teresa, when you turn the nugget over, Pope John Paul II was staring at the seller. He tried to sell this off as having, “a great spiritual meaning for most faiths. I truly want it to go somewhere that it can be cherished for a long time to come.” Thank goodness no one bid on this weird item.
Debate always surrounds ebay’s use for selling tickets to concerts, sporting matches and the like. ‘Scalping’ cannot be stopped and although ticket distributors claim to be able to cancel tickets, it would actually be almost impossible. Scalping has been done for years and it isn’t about to stop now.
Ebay, the online market place was asking for buyers to spend thousands of dollars to secure tickets to the Ashes. If you’re willing to pay the price and you’re smart enough to buy the ticket’s then profit on your won accord.
In the case of the Ashes ticketing debacle, Cricket Australia have only themselves to blame. Making the option only via phone or internet and a maximum ticket purchase of 10 tickets per person per day… This is ludicrous. It should have been a maximum of 4 tickets per person per day and this would have given other people opportunities to buy tickets to the game they want.
Solution – there is none. People will spend as much money as they want to get what they want, if they can. Why? We are powerless to stop scalping and the selling of weird items on ebay because they can!
This week alone, a handbag used by Tana Umunga in a drunken nightclub incident fetched almost $20 000 in an online auction on ebay. Not even a Gucci handbag would fetch this much money. For the lone fact it had been touched by Umunga the price escalated and people are willing to pay so much money to brush with fame.
This is just one of the weird things sold on ebay that fetch for auction every single day. From animtated pen stands, to lucky socks, some people try to flog anything. Weirdebay.com is a website designed to highlight some of the odd and peculiar items sellers post for auction.
A man, “davy_parry” attempted to sell a chicken nugget which he claimed on one side you could see Mother Teresa, when you turn the nugget over, Pope John Paul II was staring at the seller. He tried to sell this off as having, “a great spiritual meaning for most faiths. I truly want it to go somewhere that it can be cherished for a long time to come.” Thank goodness no one bid on this weird item.
Debate always surrounds ebay’s use for selling tickets to concerts, sporting matches and the like. ‘Scalping’ cannot be stopped and although ticket distributors claim to be able to cancel tickets, it would actually be almost impossible. Scalping has been done for years and it isn’t about to stop now.
Ebay, the online market place was asking for buyers to spend thousands of dollars to secure tickets to the Ashes. If you’re willing to pay the price and you’re smart enough to buy the ticket’s then profit on your won accord.
In the case of the Ashes ticketing debacle, Cricket Australia have only themselves to blame. Making the option only via phone or internet and a maximum ticket purchase of 10 tickets per person per day… This is ludicrous. It should have been a maximum of 4 tickets per person per day and this would have given other people opportunities to buy tickets to the game they want.
Solution – there is none. People will spend as much money as they want to get what they want, if they can. Why? We are powerless to stop scalping and the selling of weird items on ebay because they can!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
A Current Affair.. Or A Current Lot of Crap
“You’re a cheat, a liar, a dole bludger, a conman and your ripping off the Australian taxpayers, what do you have to say for yourself?”
“No comment.”
Tonight, Wednesday June 7 2006 we had a very serious, very important agenda on A Current Affair.
Story 1 – IR Laws, sacking of three loyal workers in Gold Coast plastic surgeons office.
Story 2 – Centrelink cancels pregnant 16 year old’s $350 youth allowance because she came home.
Story 3 – Exclusive Parking Rangers have quotas – REVEALED
Story 4 – Life changing liposuction. Hideous women spend up to $20 000 to look better, and change their shape just to get some.
Story 5 – Setting the record straight. Hold the phone, A Current Affair admit mistake, they actually say sorry to wrong identity of woman.
Story 6 – Discrimination looks decide your entry into nightclubs because of your haircut, ethnic background or gender.
Hello, is this the script for a sketch show, because the stories sound trivial and humorous… I can’t stand these tabloid journalism programs.
They are pointless, the host Tracy Grimshaw looks uninspired and the credibility of you as the journalist might as well be in the bowl. What is our obsession with these current affair programs? They’re not even current or important affairs.
The world has many SERIOUS issues occurring day in and day out but the tabloid programs have a rotation of diet, new medical breakthroughs with con men, dolebludging, government bashing, employer misconduct, criminal landlords and dodgy tradesman. They are planned well in advance, with confrontations and serious issues being expressed by the reporters.
At present, we have instability in Timor, the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Indonesia, a war in Iraq, the defused assassination plot of the Prime Minister in Canada, yet it is still more important to hear about the results of liposuction or the refusal of entry to Middle Eastern males in Sydney nightclubs.
There has been one piece of news this week come from tabloid journalism programs. Channel 9, A Current Affair Reporter Ben Fordham set a new record for the biggest payout for trespassing on a persons property, $310 000. Well well, in the words of Fordham’s colleague Naomi Robson, “I hope you have a great evening, please take care and good night.”
A real sincere, heartwarming departure that from the tabloid journalism program, sincere crap.
“No comment.”
Tonight, Wednesday June 7 2006 we had a very serious, very important agenda on A Current Affair.
Story 1 – IR Laws, sacking of three loyal workers in Gold Coast plastic surgeons office.
Story 2 – Centrelink cancels pregnant 16 year old’s $350 youth allowance because she came home.
Story 3 – Exclusive Parking Rangers have quotas – REVEALED
Story 4 – Life changing liposuction. Hideous women spend up to $20 000 to look better, and change their shape just to get some.
Story 5 – Setting the record straight. Hold the phone, A Current Affair admit mistake, they actually say sorry to wrong identity of woman.
Story 6 – Discrimination looks decide your entry into nightclubs because of your haircut, ethnic background or gender.
Hello, is this the script for a sketch show, because the stories sound trivial and humorous… I can’t stand these tabloid journalism programs.
They are pointless, the host Tracy Grimshaw looks uninspired and the credibility of you as the journalist might as well be in the bowl. What is our obsession with these current affair programs? They’re not even current or important affairs.
The world has many SERIOUS issues occurring day in and day out but the tabloid programs have a rotation of diet, new medical breakthroughs with con men, dolebludging, government bashing, employer misconduct, criminal landlords and dodgy tradesman. They are planned well in advance, with confrontations and serious issues being expressed by the reporters.
At present, we have instability in Timor, the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Indonesia, a war in Iraq, the defused assassination plot of the Prime Minister in Canada, yet it is still more important to hear about the results of liposuction or the refusal of entry to Middle Eastern males in Sydney nightclubs.
There has been one piece of news this week come from tabloid journalism programs. Channel 9, A Current Affair Reporter Ben Fordham set a new record for the biggest payout for trespassing on a persons property, $310 000. Well well, in the words of Fordham’s colleague Naomi Robson, “I hope you have a great evening, please take care and good night.”
A real sincere, heartwarming departure that from the tabloid journalism program, sincere crap.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
As long as the people watching the news see..
On Sunday night, 60 Minutes reporter Peter Harvey interviewed Mark Ingles a mountaineer who successfully climbed Mt. Everest on stilts. In recent days, the media has been debating the scenario of leaving a fellow mountaineer to die on the mountain in pursuit for the summit. Mark Ingles has copped a lot of flack, when he thought he would become a hero for his feat, he has been overshadowed by societies disbelief that over 40 climbers could leave a fellow climber, helpless to die.
Harvey's line of questioning, accused Ingles of pursuiting the summit, leaving David Sharp, a British mountaineer to die. This horrific act of self obsession and human greed does not surprise me. Ingles is in the wrong, but so are the other 40 mountaineers for stepping over fellow human beings who are obviously struggling just in pursuit of personal satisfaction. I have to question, why would you even climb Everest in the first place?
But don't be complacent news crews. I am supporting the media attention this story is receiving. It is an interesting conundrum and would you forgo your own ambitions, a once in a lifetime dream and opportunity to save someone else’s life? The answer has to simply be, put the shoe on the other foot. If you were the person dying and saw 40 people walk over you, how would you feel?
It's a terrible reflection on what humanity has become but news networks are no different. For the pursuit of that exclusive, ratings-war. I am always dumbfounded when we see vision from a news camera of an incident involving crime, death, warfare or the simplicity of tears and anxiety in someone, while the camera roles no attention is given to the person in strife but hey at least the news got an exclusive.
Media is important to our lives, its important to know the news of the world but this heroic vision of humanity is having its effect on our most precious gift, life.
Harvey's line of questioning, accused Ingles of pursuiting the summit, leaving David Sharp, a British mountaineer to die. This horrific act of self obsession and human greed does not surprise me. Ingles is in the wrong, but so are the other 40 mountaineers for stepping over fellow human beings who are obviously struggling just in pursuit of personal satisfaction. I have to question, why would you even climb Everest in the first place?
But don't be complacent news crews. I am supporting the media attention this story is receiving. It is an interesting conundrum and would you forgo your own ambitions, a once in a lifetime dream and opportunity to save someone else’s life? The answer has to simply be, put the shoe on the other foot. If you were the person dying and saw 40 people walk over you, how would you feel?
It's a terrible reflection on what humanity has become but news networks are no different. For the pursuit of that exclusive, ratings-war. I am always dumbfounded when we see vision from a news camera of an incident involving crime, death, warfare or the simplicity of tears and anxiety in someone, while the camera roles no attention is given to the person in strife but hey at least the news got an exclusive.
Media is important to our lives, its important to know the news of the world but this heroic vision of humanity is having its effect on our most precious gift, life.
Monday, June 05, 2006
The OP_inion
What aggrivates me, what annoys me, what shit's me to tears, what I like, what I love will all be discussed on my blog. The issues how important they are, or how trivial they appear, its about what's on my mind is how I will publish in relation to the news and current affairs issues or impacts upon my life, my popular culture and the universe I live in. Enjoy...
Today, rant number one revolves around the crummy weather we had in Sydney. What I find hard is driving in the rain... We haven't had to do it for so long and when we do it's bloody hard. I can't stand ignorant and arrogant drivers who decide, despite the rain they are still going to go 10km over the speed limit when the rest of us have to go 10km under because we can't tell if we're driving in our line or the next lane. Grow up and use some common sense, the RTA don't advise us to slow down in wet weather to make us late to work, uni, appointments or whatever is so important that we must speed in the wet. It's damn right dangerous and stupid and anyone who is caught speeding in the wet should be booked for double demerits. That will teach driver's not too speed in the wet.
Especially when we haven't had wet weather in Sydney for some time. It takes time to adjust to driving in wet conditions. The roads are more difficult to handle. Tyres don't grip to the road as well and visibility can at times be almost impossible. So please, think before you drive, especially in the rain. There are always going to be more cars on the road when it's wet, so leave earlier. Go home later, but for god sake don't hoon around the highway and tale gate me, cause it's damn right dangerous.
Today, rant number one revolves around the crummy weather we had in Sydney. What I find hard is driving in the rain... We haven't had to do it for so long and when we do it's bloody hard. I can't stand ignorant and arrogant drivers who decide, despite the rain they are still going to go 10km over the speed limit when the rest of us have to go 10km under because we can't tell if we're driving in our line or the next lane. Grow up and use some common sense, the RTA don't advise us to slow down in wet weather to make us late to work, uni, appointments or whatever is so important that we must speed in the wet. It's damn right dangerous and stupid and anyone who is caught speeding in the wet should be booked for double demerits. That will teach driver's not too speed in the wet.
Especially when we haven't had wet weather in Sydney for some time. It takes time to adjust to driving in wet conditions. The roads are more difficult to handle. Tyres don't grip to the road as well and visibility can at times be almost impossible. So please, think before you drive, especially in the rain. There are always going to be more cars on the road when it's wet, so leave earlier. Go home later, but for god sake don't hoon around the highway and tale gate me, cause it's damn right dangerous.
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