It has been a long while since my last post. During that time I have been to Croatia and South Africa. The second of these trips was certainly one of the best trips I have been on. My mate Rob wrote a pretty good email to everyone about it so instead of writing my own, I'll just copy that one in another post.
Also in that time I was offered my position at work on a permanent basis; which I accepted. Subsequently I am a rather busy man at work at the moment and so I have not had the free time to update my blog as I did in the past.
Also in that time, I met the girl of my dreams - more on her in the future.
Today however I am having a duvet day - well I was feeling a bit shit this morning and I really couldn't face up to sitting at my desk all day and so I called in for my first sick day. So today, after my biggest fan again enquired about the absence of any posting, I am making a come back (again.) I bought a laptop a couple of weeks ago, so I can now post at home, which is proberly where I will be when I do in future.
And so, to the point: A few weeks ago Richard Whitely the host of one of the longest running shows in Brtitain; countdown, died. Countdown was the show to watch on a weekday afternoon. Anyone who may spend a day at home through temporary unemployment, sick days, or duvet days will tell you that it is just not the same without countdown. They will not replace Richard and the show will likely never return, this also means that we will miss out on everyone's favourite hostess; Carol Vorderman. At this time when Countdown should be on, I feel empty, something is missing. I haven't had lunch though so that might be it, but I would more accurately suggest it is the lack of me not being able to work out words with more than 5 letters in while those on tele always seem to manage 8. Oh well, I should really be at work anyway. RIP Richard Whitely
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
America F**k Yeah
Team America: World Police is certainly one of my favourite movies. Similarly South Park; made by the same people, is one of my favourite TV shows.
The only real purpose of this post is to upload a couple of avatars that I might use for a while. I'll backdate it and hide it away in archives.
The only real purpose of this post is to upload a couple of avatars that I might use for a while. I'll backdate it and hide it away in archives.
Friday, June 24, 2005
TBH
It has been very hot in London this week. London is not the best city in the world to be in when it is hot. It is rather unpleasant having to catch the tube when dressed in a suit in this hot weather. I should not complain, but I do anyway.
The summer solstice was on Tuesday, just thought I’d mention that.
Next week I am going to the Coldplay concert on Monday, should be pretty good, I have been listening to their stuff a lot since X&Y was released. They are due to headline at Glastonbury tomorrow; I spoke to a friend at Glastonbury this morning who was soaking wet, as was all her belongings. It had rained torrentially over night and was still raining this morning. There were minor floods and two of the stages were struck by lightning. Glad I didn’t go now. Pretty funny though how we are all hot and bothered here in London and not too far away in Somerset, they’re cold and wet.
The Lions test tomorrow should be a good game. The wet conditions predicted should suit the Lions and it will hamper the All Blacks somewhat in their ability to play their expansive game. It is a good idea to play both Wilkinson and Jones at 12 and 10 respectively; both have excellent kicking games and this is how Woodward will try to win the game. They will attempt to kick behind the All Blacks’ back three and play for territory; thus Woodward has chosen experienced veterans in the forward pack, hoping for a solid game in tight and they will try to force errors from the All Blacks. Jones’s and Wilkinson’s kicking games will have to be spot on if they hope to succeed in this game plan, as it is unwise to kick the ball to the All Black backs and let them run it back towards you. My tip is for an All Blacks victory, if the conditions are poor then the margin will not be as great as it should be, but I am still giving the Lions a 12.5 points start. So tomorrow morning until around lunch time I will be a kiwi, I have even agreed to wear my flatmate’s NZ Maori jersey since he’ll have his All Blacks one on.
No blogging next week as on Tuesday I’ll be flying to Ljubljana, from there I will be taking a bus down to Split in Croatia and meeting up with my Cousin on Hvar. I will return to London the following Monday with a tan!
Go the All Blacks
The summer solstice was on Tuesday, just thought I’d mention that.
Next week I am going to the Coldplay concert on Monday, should be pretty good, I have been listening to their stuff a lot since X&Y was released. They are due to headline at Glastonbury tomorrow; I spoke to a friend at Glastonbury this morning who was soaking wet, as was all her belongings. It had rained torrentially over night and was still raining this morning. There were minor floods and two of the stages were struck by lightning. Glad I didn’t go now. Pretty funny though how we are all hot and bothered here in London and not too far away in Somerset, they’re cold and wet.
The Lions test tomorrow should be a good game. The wet conditions predicted should suit the Lions and it will hamper the All Blacks somewhat in their ability to play their expansive game. It is a good idea to play both Wilkinson and Jones at 12 and 10 respectively; both have excellent kicking games and this is how Woodward will try to win the game. They will attempt to kick behind the All Blacks’ back three and play for territory; thus Woodward has chosen experienced veterans in the forward pack, hoping for a solid game in tight and they will try to force errors from the All Blacks. Jones’s and Wilkinson’s kicking games will have to be spot on if they hope to succeed in this game plan, as it is unwise to kick the ball to the All Black backs and let them run it back towards you. My tip is for an All Blacks victory, if the conditions are poor then the margin will not be as great as it should be, but I am still giving the Lions a 12.5 points start. So tomorrow morning until around lunch time I will be a kiwi, I have even agreed to wear my flatmate’s NZ Maori jersey since he’ll have his All Blacks one on.
No blogging next week as on Tuesday I’ll be flying to Ljubljana, from there I will be taking a bus down to Split in Croatia and meeting up with my Cousin on Hvar. I will return to London the following Monday with a tan!
Go the All Blacks
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Inspite of......
Tired and cranky this afternoon. Not much sleep last night; most of the day filled with pointless meetings with morons. Bah, and now the fucking fire alarm is going off. Going home now and going to run hard around the common, will make me feel great.
Life still good though
Life still good though
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Mildly amusing fact #935
George Foreman had 5 daughters and 5 sons. He name all his sons George! George Jnr, George III, George IV, George V and George VI
And they said boxers were stupid!
And they said boxers were stupid!
That's not acceptable behaviour from a rock star!
Music, I have been listening to a few new albums recently. The new Oasis album: ‘Don’t believe the truth’ isn’t bad. It’s got their unique sound and a couple of the songs are really catchy – can’t wait to see them at V festival.
The new Foo Fighers album: ‘In your honour’ came out yesterday, I have only listened to it a couple of times, but it fucking rocks. Dave Grohl really belts it out; it’s another top quality offering from the Foo.
Then of course there is the much anticipated third offering from Coldplay: ‘X&Y’ They spent a long time making this one right, they pushed back the release date by three months to make sure it was just as they wanted. As a result of this it meant the release was moved to the next financial year, thus EMI’s profits forecasts went down, which sent the share price down and wiped about £300m off the market value of the company. It appears to have been worth the wait; the more I listen to it, the more I like it. It was always going to be tough to follow on from their previous two, but they have done well. The album has it’s own unique flavour, it represents a step forward for the band but it still remains undoubtedly pure Coldplay. There are some great guitar riffs in it and Chris Martin is really exploring his vocal range. It has also made me play their previous two albums again; I am definitely listening to a lot of Coldplay again, although happily for me, it is under much more jovial circumstances that the last time I played them ad nauseum.
Their concert in two weeks time should be fantastic, the only gripe I have about it really is that it’s on a Monday! I know they are playing Glastonbury the weekend preceding but surely they could have found another date to kick off their UK X&Y tour!! What kind of a pussy has their concert on a Monday? Well Chris Martin obviously. I mean, thanks for the music mate but you are such an annoying, bed-wetting, pussy; and stop writing things on your fucking hand; if you need to write something down, get a notepad, and if you want to mark your skin then get a god damn tattoo.
He doesn’t drink, smoke, take drugs or fuck groupies; what kind of a rock-star is that? Since when did famous people start behaving like good role models? Thank God for Noel and Liam Gallagher.
Hey Lyla!
The new Foo Fighers album: ‘In your honour’ came out yesterday, I have only listened to it a couple of times, but it fucking rocks. Dave Grohl really belts it out; it’s another top quality offering from the Foo.
Then of course there is the much anticipated third offering from Coldplay: ‘X&Y’ They spent a long time making this one right, they pushed back the release date by three months to make sure it was just as they wanted. As a result of this it meant the release was moved to the next financial year, thus EMI’s profits forecasts went down, which sent the share price down and wiped about £300m off the market value of the company. It appears to have been worth the wait; the more I listen to it, the more I like it. It was always going to be tough to follow on from their previous two, but they have done well. The album has it’s own unique flavour, it represents a step forward for the band but it still remains undoubtedly pure Coldplay. There are some great guitar riffs in it and Chris Martin is really exploring his vocal range. It has also made me play their previous two albums again; I am definitely listening to a lot of Coldplay again, although happily for me, it is under much more jovial circumstances that the last time I played them ad nauseum.
Their concert in two weeks time should be fantastic, the only gripe I have about it really is that it’s on a Monday! I know they are playing Glastonbury the weekend preceding but surely they could have found another date to kick off their UK X&Y tour!! What kind of a pussy has their concert on a Monday? Well Chris Martin obviously. I mean, thanks for the music mate but you are such an annoying, bed-wetting, pussy; and stop writing things on your fucking hand; if you need to write something down, get a notepad, and if you want to mark your skin then get a god damn tattoo.
He doesn’t drink, smoke, take drugs or fuck groupies; what kind of a rock-star is that? Since when did famous people start behaving like good role models? Thank God for Noel and Liam Gallagher.
Hey Lyla!
Monday, June 13, 2005
The Happy Mondays
Damn, it’s 5:15, I had every intention of doing a large posting today, but I got sidetracked. Anyway, it was a weekend of the highest quality. In spite of the fact that it is Monday, I have been in an exceptionally good mood today; the kind of mood that can only be the result of pulling an outstandingly gorgeous girl over the weekend. I dare say that due to the number of repeat visits that have been scheduled, this good mood may last for some time.
New flatmates moved in on Saturday, 2 girls sharing a room that I personally don’t think is big enough for two sharers unless they are a couple. I’m pretty sure they’re not Sapphic but I guess you never know with these things. In any case, they have already put my nose out of joint, ever the diplomat however I will forget about it.
So briefly, things I learnt over the weekend:
- Jenga is far more challenging and fun, when under the influence of alcohol.
- I have a very high tolerance for Sambucca
- What happened last Sunday afternoon
- Matt Dunning can play at tight head
- Wendell Sailor can play rugby
- I have well built triceps.
For the second time in a week I actually bought a CD today. Got the new Coldplay album last week and today I bought the new Foo Fighters one. I can’t remember the last time I bought a CD, I usually just copy music to my iRiver from mates’ CDs and Limewire.
I just realised I wrote Damn, it’s 5:15. I’m usually rather pleased at 5:15 because it means it’s just about time to head. Which I am doing now… more tomorrow.
New flatmates moved in on Saturday, 2 girls sharing a room that I personally don’t think is big enough for two sharers unless they are a couple. I’m pretty sure they’re not Sapphic but I guess you never know with these things. In any case, they have already put my nose out of joint, ever the diplomat however I will forget about it.
So briefly, things I learnt over the weekend:
- Jenga is far more challenging and fun, when under the influence of alcohol.
- I have a very high tolerance for Sambucca
- What happened last Sunday afternoon
- Matt Dunning can play at tight head
- Wendell Sailor can play rugby
- I have well built triceps.
For the second time in a week I actually bought a CD today. Got the new Coldplay album last week and today I bought the new Foo Fighters one. I can’t remember the last time I bought a CD, I usually just copy music to my iRiver from mates’ CDs and Limewire.
I just realised I wrote Damn, it’s 5:15. I’m usually rather pleased at 5:15 because it means it’s just about time to head. Which I am doing now… more tomorrow.
Friday, June 10, 2005
I'm Back
It has been a while since my last posting, I have been a little slack but mostly it’s been very busy at work. There is of course the consideration that I often start things and then lose interest after while. In fact that usually happens with everything, however this time it is not the case (yet.) One of the factors that lead to me starting this blog was that I had plenty of free time at work in which to update it; so I think I have an excuse for being absent recently.
I went to see the Socceroos play the All-Whites last night at Craven Cottage. The Australians finally managed to turn relentless pressure into a goal in the 86th minute to win the game 1-0. Overall it was a pretty poor quality match, comparable to a match between two teams in the bottom half of the Championship. I hope the Socceroos will perform better at this month’s Confederations Cup and they certainly have a long way to go if they want to think about competing with the 5th place South American side in November for a World Cup berth. It was a pretty good atmosphere with the stadium about two-thirds full and plenty of support from the Aussies. Craven Cottage though has got to be one of the worst football stadiums I have been to. Sure it is quaint and picturesque; nestled beside the river in the gardens of Fulham Palace, but it is antiquated and falling down. Even with recent improvements, it should still be condemned; I cant’ actually believe a Premiership side plays its games there. I’m sure Roy Keane has had plenty to say about the quality of the facilities there compared to those at Old Trafford.
Still with football; there are still 64 days until the Premiership starts again. I am suffering withdrawal symptoms already. Although my attentions are mostly with rugby at the moment and I am excited about the impending international season in the southern hemisphere; I do not see rugby as a football substitute. Indeed it is an entirely separate passion altogether. No there really isn’t a substitute for the Premiership in the off season, I will just have to enjoy the nice weather and long hours of sunshine until it returns….. wait, hang on, where do I live again?
So still busy today, but have managed to find time to squeeze in this update before the weekend. Most of the end of year stuff is out of the way now so I shouldn’t be as busy as of next week, expect more frequent updates to return.
A reasonably quiet evening for me tonight, I will be proving my commitment to the Wallabies by getting up at 6am to watch the game versus Samoa. It is of course immediately followed by the Maori vs the Lions, should be a cracker. Not a bad way to start the day at all.
I went to see the Socceroos play the All-Whites last night at Craven Cottage. The Australians finally managed to turn relentless pressure into a goal in the 86th minute to win the game 1-0. Overall it was a pretty poor quality match, comparable to a match between two teams in the bottom half of the Championship. I hope the Socceroos will perform better at this month’s Confederations Cup and they certainly have a long way to go if they want to think about competing with the 5th place South American side in November for a World Cup berth. It was a pretty good atmosphere with the stadium about two-thirds full and plenty of support from the Aussies. Craven Cottage though has got to be one of the worst football stadiums I have been to. Sure it is quaint and picturesque; nestled beside the river in the gardens of Fulham Palace, but it is antiquated and falling down. Even with recent improvements, it should still be condemned; I cant’ actually believe a Premiership side plays its games there. I’m sure Roy Keane has had plenty to say about the quality of the facilities there compared to those at Old Trafford.
Still with football; there are still 64 days until the Premiership starts again. I am suffering withdrawal symptoms already. Although my attentions are mostly with rugby at the moment and I am excited about the impending international season in the southern hemisphere; I do not see rugby as a football substitute. Indeed it is an entirely separate passion altogether. No there really isn’t a substitute for the Premiership in the off season, I will just have to enjoy the nice weather and long hours of sunshine until it returns….. wait, hang on, where do I live again?
So still busy today, but have managed to find time to squeeze in this update before the weekend. Most of the end of year stuff is out of the way now so I shouldn’t be as busy as of next week, expect more frequent updates to return.
A reasonably quiet evening for me tonight, I will be proving my commitment to the Wallabies by getting up at 6am to watch the game versus Samoa. It is of course immediately followed by the Maori vs the Lions, should be a cracker. Not a bad way to start the day at all.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
I win
So very busy at work at the moment; Mostly involved with correcting the mistakes of other people, who know that you’re going to correct their mistakes and so don’t bother doing it properly in the first place. So thus the reason for my lack of posting but I think I’ve said that before. Anyway, hopefully I will be a little freer next week.
In the mean time I would like to post that my letter won TNT’s letter of the week award this week. Hooray. For that I win a 3 day shamrocker trip around Ireland worth £79, not transferable. I doubt if I’ll actually use it, but it’s really the fame I’m after!
In the mean time I would like to post that my letter won TNT’s letter of the week award this week. Hooray. For that I win a 3 day shamrocker trip around Ireland worth £79, not transferable. I doubt if I’ll actually use it, but it’s really the fame I’m after!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
The Stormers?
Another letter in to the TNT:
I would like to apply for the position of TNT rugby correspondent. I assume that this position is now available and that the person who supplied TNT’s 2005 Super 12 predictions has been sacked. It was brave in the first place to tip that the Stormers would win the competition. Given their ignominious end to the campaign with a 75-14 loss to the Bulls, placing them in ninth spot on the ladder, the credentials of TNT’s tipster must be questioned. History suggests that you’ve got a 50% chance of getting it right by tipping the Crusaders to win at the start of the season.
Hope it gets published
I would like to apply for the position of TNT rugby correspondent. I assume that this position is now available and that the person who supplied TNT’s 2005 Super 12 predictions has been sacked. It was brave in the first place to tip that the Stormers would win the competition. Given their ignominious end to the campaign with a 75-14 loss to the Bulls, placing them in ninth spot on the ladder, the credentials of TNT’s tipster must be questioned. History suggests that you’ve got a 50% chance of getting it right by tipping the Crusaders to win at the start of the season.
Hope it gets published
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
88 days to go
The football season is practically over; the final round of the Premiership was completed on the weekend. Pretty exciting stuff on the last day to round things off, mostly at the foot of the table with all the 4 teams at the bottom a chance to stay up. Of course only 1 was going to so well done to West Brom, they were the only one of the 4 to win their match, thus becoming the first ever Premiership side to be bottom at Christmas and stay up.
Anyway, so apart from the FA Cup final this weekend and the Champions League final next Wednesday, the football season is over. There are 88 more days until the Premiership kicks off again, how will I cope with the absence of football? Well it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, international Rugby and Cricket will fill the void I’m sure. The Lions tour of New Zealand will be starting in a couple of weeks, followed by the Tri-Nations, as well as the much anticipated ashes series where England will no doubt fail to achieve the high levels of expectations that have been placed on them.
England of course are shooting themselves in the foot, months before the ashes even begins. Shane Warne is currently captaining county side Hampshire; he is taking a shitload of wickets and last week scored his maiden first class century with a 107 run knock in only 72 balls. The other star performer for Hampshire has been Aussie test batsman Simon Katich; also scoring runs freely and getting comfortable playing on English wickets. Brad Hodge and Mike Hussey are among other Australian squad members currently playing in the English county season.
Obviously county sides are free to recruit whomever they wish for their 2 allowed overseas players. However if I were involved with English cricket this year, and wanted to see the national side take advantage of their best opportunity of ashes success in years; then I would be making sure Australians stayed the hell away from cricket pitches here until they have to stride out to the centre on day one of the first test! Least of all Shane Warne, one of Australia’s main weapons, the most successful bowler ever in the history of cricket, who’s bowling the English have never been able to come to terms with. Shane is getting comfortable playing in England again, he’s getting used to the pitches, and he’s sending down plenty of deliveries to batsmen who are going to have to face him for their national side in July and August. He’ll be used to the way they play their strokes against him and will search for weaknesses he can exploit. By the time the ashes come around, he will be well and truly practised against England’s batting line up. Well done Warnie and all the other Aussies playing county cricket this year.
Work is pretty busy at the moment as we are reviewing a lot of end of year reports, thus the reason for the sparseness of my postings recently.
Anyway, so apart from the FA Cup final this weekend and the Champions League final next Wednesday, the football season is over. There are 88 more days until the Premiership kicks off again, how will I cope with the absence of football? Well it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, international Rugby and Cricket will fill the void I’m sure. The Lions tour of New Zealand will be starting in a couple of weeks, followed by the Tri-Nations, as well as the much anticipated ashes series where England will no doubt fail to achieve the high levels of expectations that have been placed on them.
England of course are shooting themselves in the foot, months before the ashes even begins. Shane Warne is currently captaining county side Hampshire; he is taking a shitload of wickets and last week scored his maiden first class century with a 107 run knock in only 72 balls. The other star performer for Hampshire has been Aussie test batsman Simon Katich; also scoring runs freely and getting comfortable playing on English wickets. Brad Hodge and Mike Hussey are among other Australian squad members currently playing in the English county season.
Obviously county sides are free to recruit whomever they wish for their 2 allowed overseas players. However if I were involved with English cricket this year, and wanted to see the national side take advantage of their best opportunity of ashes success in years; then I would be making sure Australians stayed the hell away from cricket pitches here until they have to stride out to the centre on day one of the first test! Least of all Shane Warne, one of Australia’s main weapons, the most successful bowler ever in the history of cricket, who’s bowling the English have never been able to come to terms with. Shane is getting comfortable playing in England again, he’s getting used to the pitches, and he’s sending down plenty of deliveries to batsmen who are going to have to face him for their national side in July and August. He’ll be used to the way they play their strokes against him and will search for weaknesses he can exploit. By the time the ashes come around, he will be well and truly practised against England’s batting line up. Well done Warnie and all the other Aussies playing county cricket this year.
Work is pretty busy at the moment as we are reviewing a lot of end of year reports, thus the reason for the sparseness of my postings recently.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Black Friday
Money was a never ending object for you from the start
Picture of your only loving sister
That you just fucked up
Typical
Chemical
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Electrical
Predictable
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday?
Yeah
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Could you be the only precious liar that I ever knew?
Yeah all the school girls disposing the lies
So watch the last one you use
Typical
Criminal
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Electrical
Subliminal
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Typical
Chemical
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Electrical
Subliminal
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Yeah
Picture of your only loving sister
That you just fucked up
Typical
Chemical
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Electrical
Predictable
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday?
Yeah
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Could you be the only precious liar that I ever knew?
Yeah all the school girls disposing the lies
So watch the last one you use
Typical
Criminal
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Electrical
Subliminal
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Typical
Chemical
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Electrical
Subliminal
What you got?
Bitten by Black Friday
Yeah
Yeah
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
The only thing I'm going to say about the election
There has obviously been a lot of talk abou the fact that Labour has been returned to power for a record third consecutive term, and much of it has been about how their majority has been reduced significantly. The government now has a 67 seat majority which is down 45 from the last term. So much have people been used to New Labour holding power by such large majorities, that people are now suggesting that Tony Blair has something to be concerned about, and that it is the start of New Labour's decline. It's worthwhile pointing out that there have only been three parliaments in the past with higher majorities that Labour's current 67 seats; two of those have been Labour's last two terms, and the other belonging to Thatcher's government from the 1983 election.
A large reason for Labour's loss of seats this time has been the public backlash to the invasion of Iraq, and a growing general dislike for the Prime Minister. By the time the next general election is upon us, it is unlikely Blair will still be PM, Iraq will not be an issue any more, and Labour will probably win again. Unless......
I would also like to say that in a nation where there are three major political parties; Britain must use the preferential voting system that is used in Australia to elect individual seats. This would provide an outcome that is much more indicative of the public's wishes.
A large reason for Labour's loss of seats this time has been the public backlash to the invasion of Iraq, and a growing general dislike for the Prime Minister. By the time the next general election is upon us, it is unlikely Blair will still be PM, Iraq will not be an issue any more, and Labour will probably win again. Unless......
I would also like to say that in a nation where there are three major political parties; Britain must use the preferential voting system that is used in Australia to elect individual seats. This would provide an outcome that is much more indicative of the public's wishes.
No thanks we don't need any more
I would like to reference this article in the Sydney Morning Herald. The international aid agency Medicins Sans Frontieres is handing back a large percentage of the money it received from the public for the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Reason being, they have raised far too much. Now, people generally gave me looks of scorn when I joked that with all the fund raising going on, they would end up having more money than we do. Only now that appears to be true!!! This all really goes back to what I was saying in my very first blog posting. The positive note on it is that it appears most people requested their donations be diverted to other programs.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Taking the bait
So I set the bait with my letter in last week’s TNT and it got a bite. There were a couple of letters in regards to the Corby case, one particularly refuting my claims on Indonesia being uncivilised.
I sympathise with Schapelle Corby and her family, but I would resist isolating Indonesia as an “uncivilised” and unjust country as James Cameron does (‘Corby’s last chance’, Inbox, TNT 1131). Neither Britain, America or Australia have justice systems anyone could be proud of as they make the most marginalised in society scapegoats. Britain has a history of turning on others like the Irish and now Muslims, subjecting them to bogus courts. Is Australia’s justice system transparent, free and fair? Can everyone be sure they will receive a fair hearing with decent legal representation? We need to get off the high horse and live by the values we believe in. Margaret Boulos, London
A pretty good response actually, I agree with her entirely. Still, it was pretty much the exact reaction I was looking for so, mission accomplished.
I sympathise with Schapelle Corby and her family, but I would resist isolating Indonesia as an “uncivilised” and unjust country as James Cameron does (‘Corby’s last chance’, Inbox, TNT 1131). Neither Britain, America or Australia have justice systems anyone could be proud of as they make the most marginalised in society scapegoats. Britain has a history of turning on others like the Irish and now Muslims, subjecting them to bogus courts. Is Australia’s justice system transparent, free and fair? Can everyone be sure they will receive a fair hearing with decent legal representation? We need to get off the high horse and live by the values we believe in. Margaret Boulos, London
A pretty good response actually, I agree with her entirely. Still, it was pretty much the exact reaction I was looking for so, mission accomplished.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Monday on a Tuesday
The pagan beginning of summer was heralded with a glorious bank holiday weekend. The sun came out to play, meaning everyone drank outside instead of in. Suffice to say my liver and I are not on friendly terms at the moment.
My letter about Schapelle Corby was published in the TNT, although it didn't win letter of the week. That always seems to go to some crap letter that's harping on about something everyone else has been writing about for weeks. Anyway, I am hoping I have courted a little controversy by taking a not so subtle dig at a country of 235 million people. With any luck someone will reply with a letter of their own next week and a thread may even be started. Or extremists will hunt me down and blow themselves up on a bus going past my house.
A commanding win by the Tahs on the weekend, I know everyone isn't saying much too soon but they are going to wipe the floor with the Reds on Friday.
My tip for tonight's Champions League semi second leg at Anfield: Black armbands worn by Liverpool players and a minute's silence because the groundsman's dog died, and Chelsea win 2-0.
My letter about Schapelle Corby was published in the TNT, although it didn't win letter of the week. That always seems to go to some crap letter that's harping on about something everyone else has been writing about for weeks. Anyway, I am hoping I have courted a little controversy by taking a not so subtle dig at a country of 235 million people. With any luck someone will reply with a letter of their own next week and a thread may even be started. Or extremists will hunt me down and blow themselves up on a bus going past my house.
A commanding win by the Tahs on the weekend, I know everyone isn't saying much too soon but they are going to wipe the floor with the Reds on Friday.
My tip for tonight's Champions League semi second leg at Anfield: Black armbands worn by Liverpool players and a minute's silence because the groundsman's dog died, and Chelsea win 2-0.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Another letter to the TNT
Schapelle Corby's trial in Bali has just finished and there should be a verdict in a couple of weeks. I've been following the case in the papers for a while, and despite the fact that I am the least sympathetic person I know, I actually feel sorry for her. Some of it born out of irritation for the Indonesians as I know they're not too fond of Aussies, and the last pictures I saw of a Denpasar court were during the trial of the defiant Bali Bombers. Some Indonesians have a lot of resentment towards Australians and it seems to me that they just want to put her down. They have given her no opportunity to gather any evidence to prove her innocence, and standard procedures that you would have expected to be followed by sensible authorities have simply been ignored. The girl is clearly innocent, anyone can see that. The prosecution don't seem to care though, but then again, their job is to prosecute, not to care. But I am so irritated by the case they have put against her, and their blind flipancy of any evidence and common sense to the contrary.
So again, another letter from me to the TNT. I've taken a dig at the Indos, I hope it gets printed:
Schapelle Corby has made her last plea of innocence to a Denpasar court. Her whole trial has exposed the complete farce the Indonesian judicial system is. The prosecution and the authorities have ignored every scrap of evidence that may have proven Schapelle’s innocence; even refusing to have the bag of marijuana she was allegedly carrying finger-printed. Had this incident occurred in a civilised country, she would not have even stood trial. Her fate is in the hands of the three trial judges, I think most of Australia hopes they will see some sense and find her not guilty.
So again, another letter from me to the TNT. I've taken a dig at the Indos, I hope it gets printed:
Schapelle Corby has made her last plea of innocence to a Denpasar court. Her whole trial has exposed the complete farce the Indonesian judicial system is. The prosecution and the authorities have ignored every scrap of evidence that may have proven Schapelle’s innocence; even refusing to have the bag of marijuana she was allegedly carrying finger-printed. Had this incident occurred in a civilised country, she would not have even stood trial. Her fate is in the hands of the three trial judges, I think most of Australia hopes they will see some sense and find her not guilty.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Victor Hugo Morales
I really haven't been in the mood for posting in the past week. Rest assured though I will pick up again shortly. In the mean time I am going to post this.
...la va a tocar para Diego, aqui la tiene Maradona, lo marcan dos, pisa la pelota Maradona, arranca por la derecha el genio del futbol mundial, y deja el tercero y va a tocar para Burruchaga... Siempre Maradona! Genio! Genio! Genio! ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta... y Goooooool... Gooooool...
Espectacular! Viva el fútbol! Golazo! Diego! Maradona! Estoy emocionado perdonenme ustedes... Maradona, en una corrida memorable, en la jugada de todos los tiempos... barrilete cósmico... de que planeta veniste? Para dejar el camino tan simple, para que el país con el puño apretado, gritando por Argentina.... Argentina 2 - Inglaterra 0... Diego!, Diego!, Diego Armando Maradona... Gracias Dios, por el fútbol, por Maradona, por estas lágrimas, por este Argentina 2 - Inglaterra 0...
...la va a tocar para Diego, aqui la tiene Maradona, lo marcan dos, pisa la pelota Maradona, arranca por la derecha el genio del futbol mundial, y deja el tercero y va a tocar para Burruchaga... Siempre Maradona! Genio! Genio! Genio! ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta... y Goooooool... Gooooool...
Espectacular! Viva el fútbol! Golazo! Diego! Maradona! Estoy emocionado perdonenme ustedes... Maradona, en una corrida memorable, en la jugada de todos los tiempos... barrilete cósmico... de que planeta veniste? Para dejar el camino tan simple, para que el país con el puño apretado, gritando por Argentina.... Argentina 2 - Inglaterra 0... Diego!, Diego!, Diego Armando Maradona... Gracias Dios, por el fútbol, por Maradona, por estas lágrimas, por este Argentina 2 - Inglaterra 0...
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Weekend at Bernie's II
Now that the hype surrounding the Pope’s death has died down a little, it is no longer too soon to speak ill of the dead. So before they get around to electing someone to take his place, it’s time to slag off Pope John Paul II.
Karol Jozef Wojtyla was an ultra conservative. As leader of 1.1 billion Catholics he failed utterly to move the church forward with the modern world. Instead clinging to antiquated ideas that are becoming increasingly out of place in today’s world.
Chief amongst these ideas is the issue of contraception; quite simply, it’s a no-no. What idiocy! Not only had the Pope’s church condemned the use of contraception, but actively took steps to prevent its use in third world countries. Countries where poverty is rife and is only increased as a result of more children being born. How many times have we seen aid groups advertising on television for donations, giving us a sob story about some poor guy who can’t afford to feed his 14 children? Let us also not forget how his church has condemned condom use in a world where there are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS and a further 15 million children who have been orphaned by it. How many people has Pope John Paul II condemned to death for not allowing the use of a piece of latex? What purpose does it serve to oppose condom use anyway?
So you can’t use a condom and now you’re up the duff. According to the Pope, tough. You sure as hell aren’t going to have an abortion, that would be akin to murder, extermination, on the whole it’s pretty much full scale genocide! This time, our old friend Karol reckons it’s the same thing as the Holocaust. Although it seems to me that it’s a little easier to dispose of a few foetuses than it is 6 million fully grown human beings. Even for a pregnancy as a consequence of rape, even if it were a child whom the pregnancy would more than likely kill, no abortion under any circumstance. Why so much protection for a miniscule collection of cells?
It is possible for the church to move with the times, however slowly they may chose to. They’re not burning people at the stake any more for not believing what they say (although you can never be sure.) Galileo was right when he said the solar system was heliocentric, the Catholic Church said he was wrong and threatened to kill him if he didn’t renounce his claims. I’m pretty sure they agree with him now (although you can never be sure.) So as the world moves forward, we all realise that the things we used to be sure were right, weren’t actually at all. The Catholic Church seems less willing to do this and still insist that the meanings of a book written thousands of years ago be taken on face value.
What is probably most appalling about the moral authority with which the Pope wielded with his ideology, was his continuing failure to act against Priests around the world who have sexually abused small boys. Not only was no action taken within the church to prevent the continuance of this behaviour, but steps were taken to actively cover the whole thing up. Instead of Priests being shame and ex-communicated from the church, they were promoted to higher positions, or simply left to continue destroying the lives of children and their families with whom then were entrusted. The Pope turned a blind eye to horrific crimes against God, all the while condemning homosexuality as evil.
The most ridiculous thing about all this is the concept of Papal infallibility. Needless to say John Paul II was a staunch advocate and heavy promoter of this. Wouldn’t you too if you were the head of an organisation that insisted that whatever you said was correct and un-opposable by anyone, ever! What an utterly ridiculous and preposterous notion. Hmmm, now where else in the world would we find this kind of leadership structure, oh I know, North Korea. It sounds to me like the Vatican City is a dictatorship! Come on George W, let’s see you bring your democracy bandwagon into this town!
As I write this the conclave are in the process of electing a new Pope. The big question is whether the ultra conservatives will get their way and elect someone to keep the church in the dark ages; or will the cardinals see sense and elect a reformer to bring the church into the 21st century.
Karol Jozef Wojtyla was an ultra conservative. As leader of 1.1 billion Catholics he failed utterly to move the church forward with the modern world. Instead clinging to antiquated ideas that are becoming increasingly out of place in today’s world.
Chief amongst these ideas is the issue of contraception; quite simply, it’s a no-no. What idiocy! Not only had the Pope’s church condemned the use of contraception, but actively took steps to prevent its use in third world countries. Countries where poverty is rife and is only increased as a result of more children being born. How many times have we seen aid groups advertising on television for donations, giving us a sob story about some poor guy who can’t afford to feed his 14 children? Let us also not forget how his church has condemned condom use in a world where there are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS and a further 15 million children who have been orphaned by it. How many people has Pope John Paul II condemned to death for not allowing the use of a piece of latex? What purpose does it serve to oppose condom use anyway?
So you can’t use a condom and now you’re up the duff. According to the Pope, tough. You sure as hell aren’t going to have an abortion, that would be akin to murder, extermination, on the whole it’s pretty much full scale genocide! This time, our old friend Karol reckons it’s the same thing as the Holocaust. Although it seems to me that it’s a little easier to dispose of a few foetuses than it is 6 million fully grown human beings. Even for a pregnancy as a consequence of rape, even if it were a child whom the pregnancy would more than likely kill, no abortion under any circumstance. Why so much protection for a miniscule collection of cells?
It is possible for the church to move with the times, however slowly they may chose to. They’re not burning people at the stake any more for not believing what they say (although you can never be sure.) Galileo was right when he said the solar system was heliocentric, the Catholic Church said he was wrong and threatened to kill him if he didn’t renounce his claims. I’m pretty sure they agree with him now (although you can never be sure.) So as the world moves forward, we all realise that the things we used to be sure were right, weren’t actually at all. The Catholic Church seems less willing to do this and still insist that the meanings of a book written thousands of years ago be taken on face value.
What is probably most appalling about the moral authority with which the Pope wielded with his ideology, was his continuing failure to act against Priests around the world who have sexually abused small boys. Not only was no action taken within the church to prevent the continuance of this behaviour, but steps were taken to actively cover the whole thing up. Instead of Priests being shame and ex-communicated from the church, they were promoted to higher positions, or simply left to continue destroying the lives of children and their families with whom then were entrusted. The Pope turned a blind eye to horrific crimes against God, all the while condemning homosexuality as evil.
The most ridiculous thing about all this is the concept of Papal infallibility. Needless to say John Paul II was a staunch advocate and heavy promoter of this. Wouldn’t you too if you were the head of an organisation that insisted that whatever you said was correct and un-opposable by anyone, ever! What an utterly ridiculous and preposterous notion. Hmmm, now where else in the world would we find this kind of leadership structure, oh I know, North Korea. It sounds to me like the Vatican City is a dictatorship! Come on George W, let’s see you bring your democracy bandwagon into this town!
As I write this the conclave are in the process of electing a new Pope. The big question is whether the ultra conservatives will get their way and elect someone to keep the church in the dark ages; or will the cardinals see sense and elect a reformer to bring the church into the 21st century.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Stupido Commentatori
Football commentators piss me off. Actually nearly everything about football pisses me off, including the fact that I can't stop paying attention to it.
Anyway, when the Milan derby game was abandoned last night, the ITV commentators were really giving it some. This is how the minute by minute match reporter on Guardian Unlimited commented on it:
ITV2 commentators Peter Drury and Jim Beglin are on the verge of exploding with pompous, sanctimonious wailing and righteous indignation at the outrage that is unfolding before them: "But what about the children?"
Where's Bono when you need him?
I bloody agree, and it's not as though we haven't seen this kind of thing before, and it's not as though we haven't seen far worse from this from the English. Not that I condone what goes on, in fact I think it's rather silly, but let's have far less sanctimony from English football commentators especially.
The Guardian goes on to say:
Anyway, it's only several thousand plastic bottles and a big cloud of smoke - hardly an unprecedented event at a Milan derby. Far be it from me to condone this kind of guff, but Inter's fans do have every right to be upset, as their side has been robbed by referee Markus Merk tonight. He failed to send off Andriy Shevchenko for a blatant headbutt before the Ukrainian scored, he denied Inter a penalty and then disallowed a perfectly legitimate goal by Esteban Cambiasso. Is it any wonder they've got the hump?
Hmmm yes, well I've said my piece about referees before
If only to prevent us being subjected to more of this idiocy, let's hope there is no trouble tonight at the Stadio Delle Alpi
Anyway, when the Milan derby game was abandoned last night, the ITV commentators were really giving it some. This is how the minute by minute match reporter on Guardian Unlimited commented on it:
ITV2 commentators Peter Drury and Jim Beglin are on the verge of exploding with pompous, sanctimonious wailing and righteous indignation at the outrage that is unfolding before them: "But what about the children?"
Where's Bono when you need him?
I bloody agree, and it's not as though we haven't seen this kind of thing before, and it's not as though we haven't seen far worse from this from the English. Not that I condone what goes on, in fact I think it's rather silly, but let's have far less sanctimony from English football commentators especially.
The Guardian goes on to say:
Anyway, it's only several thousand plastic bottles and a big cloud of smoke - hardly an unprecedented event at a Milan derby. Far be it from me to condone this kind of guff, but Inter's fans do have every right to be upset, as their side has been robbed by referee Markus Merk tonight. He failed to send off Andriy Shevchenko for a blatant headbutt before the Ukrainian scored, he denied Inter a penalty and then disallowed a perfectly legitimate goal by Esteban Cambiasso. Is it any wonder they've got the hump?
Hmmm yes, well I've said my piece about referees before
If only to prevent us being subjected to more of this idiocy, let's hope there is no trouble tonight at the Stadio Delle Alpi
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