PERTH

I am back in the place that I love and grew up in - Perth, Western Australia for a few days of holidays.

Perth was the first and only port of call my family made when we arrived from Malaysia in late 1981. I have spent nearly 20 years here, I went to school, university and made my life long friends here. Although I have called Melbourne my home for the over 6 years, this place will always be dear to me.

People (especially those not from Pertrh) may ask why Perth is so special and it is hard to describe as non-Perthites find it boring and little too slow. To be truthful it can be, but this place has marvelouslly friendly people, wonderful scenery, and sensational year round weather (living in Melbourne you miss the sunny and warm evenings).

To be honest, I do not think I could come back to live here. Although I weould miss the family and some of my closest friends.

Melbourne has my new friends, my new interests and exciting opportunities. It offers me a new lease on life where I can do new and interesting things.

In Perth, you tend to sit around waiting for things to happen, whereas in Melbourne there are so many things happening you really do not know where and what to do.

It may be the most isolated capital city nthe world but in my heart it will always remain "home".

Tis good to be back.

Monday's pointers

Most of my mates have been telling me about how lucky we were to win the Merseyside derby (fot the uninitiated or non-Soccer fans out there, this is the Liverpool and Everton match).

I differ, simply because we deserved to win. Everyone is on about how the referee got the last second penalty wrong. Well the linesman was too hasty in calling Dirk Kuyt offside when he scored in the 12th minute. That goal may have changed the result and he match. Still no one is taking about that.

But we got the 3 vital points, a loss or draw and I see our season disappearing once again. This weekend we take on the league leaders Arsenal and a win will close things to within 3 points.

Lastly, I think it is time for Momo to go. His passing is pathetic. Yes he is a hard worker and wins a lot of the ball, but at this level and for this team, you have to be able to retain possession as well. I tell my boys in my team that their passing must improve, otherwise they are on the bench.

Other notes:

• 2 more sleeps and then I shall hit Perth. I have not been back for nearly 2 years and last time it was not for very long. I did not get the chance to catch up with people. If I think about it, it is nearly 5 years since I really went back and caught up with people from back in the day. So looking forward to it and checking our the south-west and Little Creatures bar.
• Ben Cousins - interesting to see what happens with him. WA Police erred here and the club sacked him. Be interesting to see what happens.
• Kobe Bryant - word out of LA is the superstarwants out. Where, how and when...I look forward to updates.

Time to hit the hay. We lost our a side match 6-4 after leading 4-2 at half time. I feel like crap coz 2 of the goals were preventable by me!! CRAP!!

Burma

Sometimes we forgot how lucky we are. How we can enjoy the ability to express our displeasure at our leaders, how we can blog about things that affect us or how we can just speak freely. All these things we do without fear of retribution.

These days, there are not too many countries in the world where democracy is a dream rather than a way of live. Sadly, Burma is one of these countries, and the people live under one of the most corrupt military dictatorships in the world. The world has generally turned a blind eye to their plight. Burma is not blessed with an abundance of resources, nor are they considered a major power with weapons such as nuclear bombs that may threaten the freedom and lifestyles of the Western world.

The last time the world really focussed onto Burma was in the lates 1980’s, when Aung San Suu Kyi was elected as the Prime Minister of Burma, however she was not placed in power as the corrupt military nullified the election (they delusionally must have thought they would win).

The recent demonstrations by monks and nuns on the streets of Burma have brought the troubles of the country to the world’s attention. There are also significant differences in the politics of world these days. Gone is Cold War and even Communism is opening up as can be witnessed by the Chinese are accepting moderate, yet conservative Western values and trying to enter a somewhat free market trade with the world.

Sadly, if Burma had an abundance of oil under their soil, I am sure that something would have been done a lot sooner.

But now all of US, as human beings, need to keep our eyes focussed on this country and strongly encourage our respective governments that it is time for the dictators of Burma are thrown off their seats.

Nearly 20 years ago, the world awoke to the plight an imprisoned man in a South African prison. I remember the world uniting to help free this man from his unjust fate. Eventually, he was set free and went on to become South Africa’s first freely elected President. His name was Nelson Mandela.

So if the world could do it to South Africa then, then the world can unite to free Burma from the its current ills.

Chris Mainwearing (1965-2007)

Chris Mainwearing was a very popular Aussie rules football player for the West Coast Eagles and sadly he passed away yesterday. The circumstances of his death were tragic and there is conjecture that drugs were involved.


He won 2 premierships with the Eaglesin 1992 and 1994, and was a regular top player for the club. He was popular amongst the club, team mates and adored by the public. He was one of those blond surfey boys who enjoyed the sun and would give his time to people.

It is sad that he has passed away, apparently him and his wife were separating and he went on a alcohol and drug fuelled bender over the weekend. This year has not been good for the Eagles and Mainy's death will be the low-light. I hope and pray the lads fromt he west coast pay attention to what happened here and get back to playing football and living a good life.

He was only 41 and this is a sad day for footy fans.

Official Iron Man Theatrical Trailer 2008

This is the first Irom Man movie trailer and it looks awesome. can't wait for it to come out. Apparently 1 May 2008.

Effects look awesome and let us pray it has a decent storyline. Robert Downey Jnr gets my tick as Tony Stark.

Sneaky Sound System

Sneaky Sound System's are an Australian dance band that has been around for a few years, but this year they have broken into the mainstream music scene with their latest album. The band consists of lead singer Connie Mitchell, Producers Angus McDonal and Daimon Downey (who along with Connie, predominantly appear on the video clips), and band members Peter Dolso, Jono Sloan and Felix Blosom (this trio do not appear so much).

They have not been an overnight success as they started life as an independent act. However their catchy tunes caught the attention of a number of the public and they have supported superstars such Jamiroquai and Robbie Williams when they have toured Australia.

The first single of their latest album was "Pictures" a very catchy dance and funky number which climbed to 19 on the ARIA charts (Aussie Record Industry Association). This was followed by the songs "I love it" and "UFO" (my personal favorite song) which has provided the group with their biggest chart topper to date (number 11). Their album also peaked at number 9 on the chart.

However, their biggest accomplishment has been then garnering 6 ARIA nominations (the most of any artist this year) in the categories of Best Album, Best Group, Best Dance Release, Breakthrough Album, Single of the Year for "UFO" and Best Video - "Pictures"

Connie Mitchell has received world wide acclaim for her vocal skills and features on Kanye West's "Can't tell me nothing" of his latest album "Graduation".

(L to R): Angus McDonal, Connie Mitchell and Damien Downey

Mo the Ho, has left the building

The self proclaimed “delusional one” (me being the “proclaimist” – is this even a word??) had decided that he has had enough and has quit Chelsea.

This is HUGE news in the footballing world. The man who has bought and brought 2 league titles, one FA Cup and 2 worthless cups is gone. It can be easily argued that he has been the greatest coach Chelsea has ever had.

He arrived at Chelsea with a lot of hoopla in 2004, proclaiming himself as the “special one” after winning the Champions League with Porto. The owner gave him the money and resources (that is money to buy players) he needed to bring glory to the club.

For most footballing nuts, it is evident why he has left. For those not in the know, the relationship between Jose and the billionaire owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich has deteriorated over the past 12 months through a series of public spats between the two.

Roman has a stated aim of winning the Champions League title but this has not been fulfilled (thanks to real teams like Liverpool). Further, the tem has not had a good run during the premiership season with a loss to Aston Villa and a draw against Blackburn.

Things culminated with a draw against that powerhouse of Norwegian football – Rosenburg yesterday. Further, the match was enjoyed by a half full Stamford Bridge (clearly all those Chelsea supporters have jumped of the bandwagon and are probably on their way to Emirates Stadium).

The style of play seems to have also turned off quite a few with Chelsea succumbing to the long ball style of game instead of the quick passing, exciting styles other teams play on.

Something had to give and it was Mo the Ho!

So what now for Chelsea – speculation about a new coach will become rampant and my money is on Guus Hiddink. He is currently coach of Russia, where a large proportion of his salary is paid by Roman. Guus has coached a national team and a club side in the past (Australia and PSV Eindhoven) so could do the same here, given that Russia may not qualify for Euro 2008)

There are others who may be keen – Jurgen Klinsman was purported as a replacement for Jose’ over the past summer. Names such as Phil Scolari and Didier Deschamps are also being mentioned.

As for Jose, I am sure he will get offers and will take some time to see what he will do. I am sure the position of coaching Portugal will be of interest to him. If the England FA is half as smart as they make out to be, they should consider him for the England job.

Chelsea – well those guys have a big match against Manchester United this weekend. They will also play MU without Frank Lampard, Drogba and Carvalho and now no coach. Who knows what could happen. MU could have the easiest match against Chelsea in some time or could face a fired up team wanting to make a statement.