Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Confessions of a bald headed man

I have to make this confession, I find it hard but it is time the truth to came out. It is time to come out....

Some people may find it amusing, some may just roll their eyes and some may just be on the floor laughing. But here goes.......



I am a fan of Grey's Anatomy.

There, I said it.

Can't believe I said it. But there it is. Thyis will haunt me, IO know it will.

Look I am NOT a hard core fan and I wont list it as up there with other stuff i watch. But I like to watch it.

I got into the show because Mrs D was watching it a lot so I started to watch as well. Like a bad habit it drew me in, and now it is hard to stop.

In my defence, the show is really well written and most of the characters are good. A show that has good moments of humour mixed in with drama and passion.

This show is basically the OC or 90210 for adults involving doctors.

Unlike shows like ER, the medicine is not the forefront of the show. It is about who is sleeping with who more that anything. It is sad to follow the show because it is a bit like a soapie, albeit with more brain.

The only down side to this show is the lead character - Meredith Grey. She is just boring, annoying, too anoxeric and lame. Not as good as the others. She just p's me off when I watch her. She got lots of issues, is never happy and not that good to look at. I do not understand why she is the star of the show...coz the others the star.

The others are much better and so i like them. Maybe it is the writer, they do a good job and maybe the whole idea of the show is to make the others stronger.

So there....I said it. The fellas out there may start questioning which team I play for or just laugh at me.

But I got it off my chest.

I am a Grey's Anatomy watcher.

Facebook

I have recently joined Facebook. I had a few invites to join and it was similar to all those other network websites out there. After a while, I decided to join in and it has been positive.

Facebook could be described as myspace for the more discerning webhead or person. Yeah most of the people I have as friends can vote and drink legally.

I got people from work who are on the facebook with me and some family and friends.

However the part I enjoy about this has been reconnecting with people I lost contact with. Amongst it are some old high school chums (gosh that sounds nerdy) who I have not heard from since the very, very early 90's. It has been that long.

It can be quite addictive and allows one to see how people are doing.

I even asked the friends on facebook to visit this site - yes I am in dier need of traffic to this place.

Guess the articles should be more interesting.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

If I were a Simpson character

My wonderful Metria made a Simpson character out of me.



So what do you think?? Resemblance or not??

Monday, July 23, 2007

Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (Spoiler Alert)

I finally finished reading the final installement of the Harry Potter series at 3am Monday morning. I had to finish, for I would be at work in a few hours (only had 4 hours sleep) and would need to discuss the matter with a few of the lads.

It answered questions, it was confusing in parts and while it was sad that the series has ended, there is a high sense of satisfaction about how the journey with JK Rowling has ended.

The structure of the seventh installement differed from the other books as we did not have the chronology of a year at Hogwarts and there was no mention of him playing quidditch. The dark nature of the book that was set from the beginning with the death of characters in the first few chapters.

My only complaint of the book was the second quarter of the book was going on slowly, particularly at the stage where the three amigo's were travelling from place to place trying to determine how to destroy the horcruxes.

But it is when we enter the second half of the book that things really heat up and the books gets moving. With the knowledge about how to destroy Voldermort, they set off and finally make their way to Hogwarts where the final showdown will occur.

At this part of the novel, the students of Hogwarts rally together along with the order of the Phoenix to take on the might of Voldermort and his forces. This was the more exciting part of the book, as it should have been.

The ending was what we had hoped for. We find out that Snape was working for Dumbledore all along and that he killed Dumbledore under the headmasters instructions (he was going to die anyway). We also find out that Snape was in love with Harry's mum from an early age which explains one of the reasons of his hatred for Harry's dad (jealosy anyone).

Although it took a loong long time, Ronand Hermoine finally get it on. There was a time in the mdidle of the book where I expected it to occur but thankfully it did not as we probably had to put up with some lovey dovey business between them for a while. Although frustrating it happened at the end of the book, it was a good time.

Finally at the end, Harry and Voldermort throw it down and after pages of explanation Harry kills Voldermort. But not before Harry himself is killed by Voldermort, does to some sort of after life where he meets Dumbledore who tells him why he had to die. This is where the authors threat that she was killing two of the MAJOR characters came to fruition.

There were some deaths to note. We lost Hedwig and Mad-Eye Moody at the start then Dobby who comes to Harry's rescue and during ther final battle we lose Fred, Tonks and Lupin.

We learn about Dumbledore's history and how events of the past can effect ones future in his case. We learn that not all the Dursely's hated Harry, his cousin dudley had some love/respect for him.

Rowling also gives us an epilogue set 19 years later where we find that they do have a happy ever after. Harry and Ginny have gotten married and have 3 children James, Albus Severus and Lily. Ron and Hermoine have two children Rose and Hugo and they meet at platform 9 and three-quarters to send their kids to Hogwarts. Neville remains a close friend and is now a professor at the school. We also find out that Draco and Harry have some form of a cordial relationship as they nod at the platform and that Harry is still famous.

The last words of the book read "The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well."

JK Rowling has ended the story on a positive note showing that good and love triumps over sacrifice and death. It is pretty exvident that there won't be any future Harry Potter books, but who knows.

Who would have thought 10 years ago that boy wizard would rule the world???

Friday, July 20, 2007

Harry Potter: The day before

Tomorow at 9.01am, Melbourne time, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, go on sale to the world. I can niot wait for it. Some may say it is funny/weird/cute/strange how a 33 year old bugger like me is getting into this book.

But I have become a huge fan. And I am curious as hell to see how this all ends up. Will Harry die? Who else will die? What secrets will it reveal.

Over the last few days the internet and news services have been buzzing about leaks, early sales and spoilers. Apparently a few bookstores in New York started selling books earlier and a few people picked it up.

The New York Times has reviewed the book (they got their hands on one of the accidently released early copies) but apparently do not give away who lives and dies. They do provide a glimpse of the happenings inthe book.

I won't read it, I will wait to read it in less than a day.

What thing that does piss me off are these clowns who want to spolit it for us. I know heaps of people are curious, but so be it.

Part of the magic of this event (and it is an event which is unlikely to occur in our lifetime again) is the vibes and feelins people will have as the line up to buy the book and the excitement theywill feel as they open the book to read this final chapter f Harry's life.

I hope people do not get it spoiled by the anti-Harry Potter people out there. Let the children and adults who have grown into the books enjoy their weekends.

I personally hope to have the book read by Sunday but it is unlikely. But I shall savour the experience.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

My hump day

I feel sorry for Thailand, they deserved to go through to the quarter finals, unfortunately they were dumped out by Australia.

The 4-0 scoreline flattered them as they scored 3 goals in the last 15 minutes. But Thailand kept us on our toes in that second half and we were lucky not to concede.

But that is football.

Lets hope Malaysia do not get pumped 5 whatever against the Iranians tonight. Hope they lift, but of they could have a crowd to come and support them it would be good. I have my ideas about what they could do but it will take at least 5 to 10 years to bear fruit and you would have to kick a few of the old buggers out.

* * * * * *

Read a very interesting article that a new X-files movie may be coming out. Apparently the scripts are with David Duchovny and Gillian Andreson now and should they agree to things production could begin later this year with a release later next year.

This could either be great or terrible. But I am sure Chris Carter (who developed the show) will be writing the script and he does a good job.

Not sure about script details but it could either be set directly after the last episode or a few years later, closer to the invasion day.

Can't wait!


* * * * * *

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows come out this weekend, only 3 more sleeps to go.

Nt sure if I will be able to read it over the weekend with things to do - my football, housework and gardening but hopefully I gwet a chance.

So can not wait. Being a huge fan, I am sure it will be sad when it ends.

Guess I will have to get on with life.....

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Socceroos find Iraq's weapons of mass destruction

Friday night was a depressing night for me. I went to the pub with a few mates to catch the Australia vs Iran game expecting the lads to bounce back from a disappointing opener against Oman.

Instead I came hope p'ed off at what I saw at a poor performance which I blame on the coach Graham Arnold.

The Aussie team have used excuses like the heat, humidity and the opposition's defensive approach as being restrictive to their game. I believe that is a cop out.

Some of the players have come out saying they are at fault, but really it is Arnie's. He has proven he has no game plan and no idea.

First let us talk WC 2006. Back then we were the underdogs so we came out defensive with a lone striker playing up front supported by a 5 man midfield. However, in the Asian Cup, we are a favourite and as a fav, we have to be more attacking.

What I am trying to say is that Arnie has not changed the game plan to when Hiddink was the coach and that is poor. Even before the tournament, I knew we had to play 2 strikers because of the weather and conditions. One man up front will see 2/3 players marking him when the ball goes near him. The conditions are so hot and humid that he wont have support up there quick enough to pass the ball too.

It is pathetic!

The other aspect to complain about is the tournament preparation. They should have been in the area at least 5-7 days earlier and more importantly took part in at least 2 more practice matches to build their match fitness up.

Again the coach did not do his job in this aspect.

Who knows, they may beat the Thais tomorrow, make it through and to lift the cup. But tactically and preparation wise, we have been poor so far.

All credit to Iraq and Oman, but they were given a hand by the Australian team's coaching staff.


* * * * * *

So Liverpool broke their records to sign Fernando Torres for a reported 20m pounds. A good buy and I hope he does a lot better than the last Fernando that came along. But he is young, quick and a future star in the making.

He has not scored loads of goals in the past but he did not have a supply line as he does now. I am sure the defense at Atletico Madrid is not as strong as Liverpool's. So I am hoping he can grab a few goals and at least get us to challenge for the title this coming season.

Nonetheless, I am sure the ladies will be happy.

WE have also signed Yossi Benayoun and Babel from Ajax. I like Benyaoun and I think he is a great pick up. Everytime we played West Ham he stood out as such a creative force. I look forward to him doing soem damage down our flanks.

I do not know much of Babel but he is a young player with a bright future. I also hope he provides us with some good work down the flanks.

But as most Liverpool supporters know, new players take a while to adapt to the premiership so I do not think these guys will impact positively for us instantly. It shall take time, but the key for the club is to come out firing and not to open such a large gap to the Manure-ians and Chelscum's!!

I can dream can't I.

* * * * * *


Two final notes, I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Great movie and cover the important parts of the book. An intriguing line near the end where Luna Lovegood mentions to Harry that things we think we have lost will come back to us, but not in the way we expect.

Something says to me that this may impact the cses os Sirius Black and Dumbledore? Only a few more sleeps until the last book is upon us!

And lastly, good win by my boys yesterday. A 6-0 win but it was not as easy as that. We played against a good team and had a bit of luck run our way. Well done!! Big game next week and we need the win to consolidate top spot and apply pressure on the top team.

For results visit mcsaweb.com.au

Thursday, July 12, 2007

July is Harry Potter Month

I am so bad at blogging right now that I even forgot my password to this!!

But with the Asian Cup on and Liverpool getting as active as a 16 year old boy in a Gentlemen's bar I thought it be a good time to blog on.

But first thing, if you happen to be a 25 plus male who remembers the Transformers cartoon then do yourself a hug favour and watch the movie. Simply awesome. The effects are so lifelike, the movie is surprisingly funny and the storyline is good. The Autobots and Decepticons have been updated and are way too cool!!

More than meets the eye here!!

Also it seems that Harry Potter is the flavour of the month now. The movie just came out and I hope to see it this weekend. looks exciting and I love to see the book come to life. Obviously it wont be an accurante copy of the book, otherwise the movie would be 6 hours long!

But the big event will be next Saturday when book seven comes out (HP and the Deathly Hollows). The big question is about who lives at the end and will Harry die.

I can understand JK Rowling thinking about killing HP, like Agatha Christie killing off Poirot, because then no one else can write stories when she dies.

But will JK face the wrath of millions of children for killing what is essentially their hero. people like my cousin Sherryn are bound to go mental.

So many questions to answer:

Is Dumbledore relaly dead?
Is Snape a bad guy?
Will Ron and Hermione get it on!!!
Will Harry shag Ginny before he carks it....whoops....wrong blog to discuss that!!

In all seriousness, we won't really know until next week.

Personally, I think Snape has not killed Dumbledore. See Proff D once mentioned that he could dissapear without people knowing. So maybe he is alive and well, setting the trap for Voldermort??? And Snape goes into the devil's lair to flush out the bad guys.

Proff D also mentions he trusts Snape implicitly, that is a pretty bold statement to make about someone who is considered dodgy by about 99.99999999% of the world. So is this his ace up his relaitvely wizard like sleeves???

Overall, I believe that Harry will have his mates om his adventure and they will assist him to get to his destiny - the final battle with Voldermort! What a chapter that will be.

The child within me wishes for Harry to beat Voldermort, grab the girl and live happily ever after next to the red haired nerdy kids of Ron and Hermoine.

Yet the artistic side in me thinks that it will a fight to the death and Harry will kill Voldermort and have to sacrifice himself to save his friends!

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what happens in the final book.