Thank you America

Thank you America! Thank you for not only electing the right person as President for your country, but also the right President that the world has asked for.

Let’s face it, the past 8 years have not been the best for a lot of people. When Bill Clinton left office in 2000 the world was a good place to be. America had won the ideological and philosophical cold war to come out as the lone superpower. The world was generally prosperous and did not witness any major conflicts.

When George W. Bush came into the presidency in 2001 he had most likely hoped that during his term, he would be able to ride this wave of affluence and be seen as a good president. However, things never played out that way as the September 11 attack changed everything – not only for America for the world.

Bush had the chance to be seen as a great president but he failed miserably with his responses - first the war on Afghanistan and then the war in Iraq whose reasons were questionable. These events conspired to smear America’s standing in the world as a just and honourable power (as they like to show in the movies). Adding the recent events such as the economic crisis which stemmed from America’s financial dealings and the environmental issues that have pervaded the world, there has been a sense of pessimism that enveloped the world.

This election gave America a chance to right those wrongs, to not only bring about change for its people, but also change for the world. In a word, this election could bring back HOPE!

With Barack Obama becoming president, I awoke with a sense of optimism, with hope, that the world’s ills could be righted.

Although I am an Australia, I knew this election would define the course of the world for a generation. I was passionate about this election, because from America, the world takes it leads.

In Obama, I saw a true leader, one who could inspire, one who is thinks about his responses. A person who seeks advice on topics he requires knowledge on. I believe we have found someone who is a thinker, who is eloquent and able to converse with whomever, no matter what their ideologies are.

Afterall, has any election garnered this much attention from the world? Has any Presidential result produced this much positiveness?

This was the result the world wanted! Nearly 75% of Australians wanted Barack Obama as president, and apparently his appeal to most of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa were just as high.

Now the world has got they wanted. Now the pressure is on.

Can he deliver what he promised?

More importantly, can he be the leader that we have hoped for?

JW

Most other days my thoughts centre on who will win the US presedential election, when Dubai will buy Liverpool and who Liverpool is playing are in my thoughts. I also sometimes wander about my lot in life, have I done my housework and if I am too much trouble for my wife.

Then you get a day like today. A day that shows you how fragile this existence we are in really is.

See today as I received a note from one of my soccer boys. (Actually I should not call him a "boy" as he is only a few years younger than me but really, anyone that plays for me is considered a friend or "boy" or one of my "lads".) He informed the team that one of our team mates has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and has been in hospital for a while.

This player, (who shall be called JW here) had a operation last week and although they got most of it out there is still something in there. Worse still it is still malignant so this means that he will have to go through some chemotherapy.

When I read the note, I could not believe it. I had to read it a few times to let it sink in. For one of my boys was seriously sick!

This is not a broken bone or a knee injury. This was life-death stuff.

Even now after a day of regurgitating this news I am still emotional about the whole situation. The fact that someone I know and see most weekends is in this situation really gets to me.

You may not know JW but he has an abundance of determination and heart. So if anyone will give his all in this situation it will be him.

He will need help to remain focussed and staying positive, and I know his girlfriend and family will be there at his side.

As his team mates all we can really do is keep his spirits up and letting him know we care and he will be in our thoughts and prayers.

But this just iillustrates how fragile life can be and how we really should not get so caught up in things like work, money, economic crisis because we could one day have something serious happen to us or a family member or a friend. A situation that shows us how fleeting life can be.

i pray that JW gets through this and will be back doing his step overs soon.

Good Reds 2 - Sith Reds 1

I have not written anything about Liverpool for a while because frankly, I was disturbed and bemused about what has happened to this great club. Last season we started off with hope but then after reaching the peak of the summit, we proved we had problems maintaining the push and slowly succumbed to challenging for one of the four champions league spots.

Added to this is the debacle that is our ownership. I have said before that the Americans have not delivered on their promises and should leave. I am just hoping that the finance side of things fall though so that they are forced to sell up to a buyer who not only will respect the Liverpool way, but also have the finances to deliver a new stadium and players to return us back to the summit.

But with a new season starting, I was hesitant to write anything until I could see how we performed. After the first three matches of the season, I was not happy with the team. We played pretty average, with no real width and opposition teams just played down our centre. However we nutted out two wins through moments of brilliance through our two best players. Torres and Gerrard both scoring sensational efforts at the death of matches for us to snatch victory.

However, after the tie at Aston Villa, I felt we need to see an upturn in our playing style – more urgency and more desperation, for us to even consider making the Premiership race interesting.

After the come from behind win against Manchester United I felt more relief that anything. I am definitely not one to proclaim we are going to win the title because we have only played 4 matches. But the fact we managed to beat what was essentially our bogey team with our two best players not taking a major part in the game, indicates that we have the potential to challenge.

At the very least this has provided some belief to the players that we can beat the Chelsea’s, Arsenal’s and yes the Manchester United’s even if we are a goal behind. I shudder to think that if we had lost it would have affected our mental state in such a way we would not have recovered for the remainder of the season. Articles would have been written about how Rafa did not select the right players, his tactics were wrong and that Liverpool does not have the players to challenge.

However, Liverpool fans should not get ahead of ourselves too much. We were lucky with the first goal but sometimes you need that to win!

There are still 34 matches to go and we have to continually improve and WIN every match at Anfield. More importantly we need to start winning away at the Portsmouth, Newcastles, Bolton’s etc.

But we can do that with a little more belief than two weeks ago.

The win was satisfying but it is early days. Walk On!

Australian Citizenship Test

Ok, i was very nervous to put this latest post up, but I believe that sharing is caring! As such, I attach a copy of the Australian Citizenship Test that will be given to all wannabe Aussie's! So if you are game, try out the following test:


The Australian citizenship test has been designed to assist people who want to become
Australian citizens gain an understanding of Australia’s values, traditions, history and national
symbols.

The test is an important part of ensuring that migrants have the capacity to fully participate in the Australian community as citizens and maximise the opportunities available to them in
Australia. It will promote social cohesion and successful integration into the community.

Test Rules

There are some basic rules which you must follow during the test:

- Test is timed - You will be allowed 45 minutes to complete the test (or 90 minutes in
the case of an assisted test). No additional time will be made available.

- This is a closed book test - You must not bring any test resource material into the testing
centre (this includes note paper, the Becoming an Australian Citizen resource book,
study notes, etc).

- Personal belongings may be taken into the test site however these must be stored under
the desk for the duration of the test. Mobile phones and all other electronic
communication/gaming equipment should be switched off while you are within the test
centre.

If you do not follow these rules, you may be asked to leave the test centre and may have to sit
the test again.

Test Questions

You may begin writing only once you are advised to do so by the test supervisor.
(1) Do you understand the meaning, but are unable to explain the origin, of the term
“died in the arse”? Explain the meaning:

(2) What is a “bloody little beauty”?

(3) Are these terms related: chuck a sickie; chuck a spaz; chuck a U-ey?
Yes / No

(4) Explain the following passage:
In the arvo last Chrissy the relos rocked up for a Barbie, some bevvies and a few
snags. After a bit of a Bex and a lie down we opened the pressies, scoffed all the
chockies, bickies and lollies. Then we drained a few tinnies and Mum did her block
after Dad and Steve had a Barney and a bit of biffo.

(5) Macca, Chooka and Wanger are driving to Surfers in their Torana. If they are
travelling at 100 km/h while listening to Barnsey, Farnsey and Acca Dacca, how
many slabs will each person on average consume between flashing a brown eye
and taking a slash?

(6) Complete the following sentences:
(a) If the van's rockin' don't bother ________________________________

(b) You're going home in the back of a _____________________________

(c) Fair crack of the ________________________________________

(7) I've had a gutful and I can't be farked. Discuss


(8) Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of a wedgie?
Yes / No

(9) Do you have a friend or relative who has a car in their front yard "up on blocks"?
Is his name Bruce and does he have a wife called Cheryl?
Yes / No

(10) Do you or your family regularly eat a dish involving mincemeat, cabbage, curry
powder and a packet of chicken noodle soup called either chow mein, chop suey
or Kai see Ming?
Yes / No

(11) What are the ingredients in a rissole?

(12) Describe the correct procedure for eating a Tim Tam.

(13) Do you have an Aunty Irene who smokes 30 cigarettes a day and sounds like a
bloke?
Yes / No

(14) In any two-hour period have you ever eaten three-bean salad, a chop and two
serves of pav washed down with someone else's beer that has been flogged from a
bath full of ice?
Yes / No

(15) When you go to a bring-your-own-meat Barbie can you eat other people's meat or
are you only allowed to eat your own?

(16) What purple root vegetable beginning with the letter "b" is required by law to be
included in a hamburger with the lot?

(17) Do you own or have you ever owned a lawn mower, a pair of thongs, an Esky or
Ugg boots?
Yes / No

(18) Is it possible to prang a car while doing circle work?
Yes / No

(19) Who would you like to crack on to?

(20) Who is the most Australian (pick one answer):
(a) Kevin "Bloody" Wilson
(b) John "True Blue" Williamson
(c) Kylie Minogue
(d) Warnie


(21) Is there someone you are only mates with because they own a trailer or have a
pool?
Yes / No

(22) What do the phrases “sinkin piss at a mates joint” and “gettin paraletic” mean?
Please submit this paper back to the test supervisor when you have had a fair crack.

Australia versus Team USA - Olympic basketball preview

It is pretty obvious that my disappointment with how Australia played in their opening two group matches at the Beijing Olympics basketball tournament got read by the coaching staff over there, because they picked things up and won the next three matches.

Not only did they win, but they won with intensity and averaging 100 points each match. While beating Iran can be laughed at, beating (and therefore eliminating) the reigning European Champions in Russia and the demolishing Lithuania by 30 points are great results.

For all this hard work, the Aussie Boomers now get to face….TEAM USA! Sure basketball fans have hard of them! You may know a few players – LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh etc etc.

GREEEEEEEEAT!!!!!

Looks like it will be the playoff for 5^th to 8^th for Australia!

Forget about the pre tournament game where we just lost to the US by 10 points. It was the final game before the Olympics started! I am sure the US was looking ahead a bit to much and were trying out a few last minute things.

If Australia loses by less than 10 points I would consider that a moral victory. Actually given how they destroyed Spain and Greece, I think a loss of under 20 points is a victory.

If we win….well we can call it the “Miracle on Pine”, who know but I have to echo Australian coach Brian Goorjigan that this should be made into a Disney Movie.

But how can Australia win? Well we definitely won’t beat them athletically so a running game is not the idea. We can beat the Americans by pure hustle, good ball movement, good off the ball movement and shooting the lights out in the gym. We have to shoot like how we did against Lithuania with our big guys making their 3-pointers so it forces their big guys to come out, therefore opening up the lanes for our other players.

Australia also has more big guys that Team USA and we have to hope David Anderson, Andrew Bogut, Chris Anstey and Matt Nielsen get up and active on the boards to limit the fast break of the opponents and get a few offensive possessions for us.

Overall, for Australia to come close and even contemplate beating the USA there are a number of things that need to go our way. But the players in Team USA will not let this happen because they are too focussed on winning and will come into the game with all guns blazing.

I am just looking forward to watching the game.

Australian Mens Basketball at the 2008 Beijing olympics - so far, not good!

For many athletes, the Olympics present the pinnacle of their sport. Winning a medal in swimming, athletics, archery, equestrian, hockey etc signifies that you have reached the pinnacle of the sport. Personally I enjoy the hockey and basketball the most (I have also been intrigued by handball but that is something to discuss later).

Australia is a dominant force in world hockey and both the men’s and women’s team are expected to do well. In basketball, I expect the women to face the USA for gold in what will be a tough and tight match (and I am not talking about the Oplas bodysuits).

Even with the sporadic coverage for team sports on Channel 7, I have been lucky enough to catch a few matches involving the Australia teams and the Amerian men’s team.

However the play of the Boomers has left me disappointed. Looking at the team sheet and seeing names such as Andrew Bogut, David Anderson, Matthew Nielsen, Brad Newley – players who are in the NBA, been drafted by NBA teams or playing for top teams in Europe, I felt the team would do well.

Sadly, in their first two matches against Croatia and Argentina, the team has found itself in double digit deficits too quickly. This makes winning a game tough for anyone. You have to expand a lot of energy trying to get back in the game, energy that would be needed at the end of a close game.

What seems to be ailing the Boomers are the lack of scoring, and their inability to stop opponents scoring. In both matches, Croatia and Argentina got early outside shots to fall which put added pressure on the Aussie shooters to make their shots. When this did not happened, the oppositions lead grew and the Australian players confidence dwindled.

However, I get this feeling that there is no intensity by the Aussies. They do not seem to be pressuring the ball carrier intensively, and making the other four players work hard to get into open space. The Australian defence looks stagnant and a step slower which has lead to easy shots for their opponents.

Also when an opponent gets into the key, they seem to get to the basket area for a shot or assist, too easily. Remember, most coaches say – Defence wins!!

What is most disappointing is that Brian Goorjigan has always been a defensive minded coach and this team is disappointing. I am not blaming him directly because I think he is an excellent coach. I am just starting to question the “fire” within the Australian players. I know they all love to play for the Green and Gold, but they do not seem to be playing for each other and as a team.

On offence, it seems we are looking a bit confused and unsure. Maybe it was due to the various injuries before the games that robbed the likes of Andrew Bogut time to gel with his team mates.

But yesterday we seem to get on track my thumping Iran by 50 odd points. This is a good result as it indicates our offence has stepped up. But the tests are coming. To make the final 8, we need to beat Russia (who were the European champions) and/or an undefeated Lithuania. Talk about tough asks.

Before the games started, I thought we probably had our best team since the 1996/2000 Olympics. We had a great coach, an NBA centre, European All-Star players and a few up and coming guards.

Given the standard of play, the dominance and style of the USA team, and the number of NBA players playing for other countries, the Olympic Basketball tournament is an event to watch. I just hope Australia remains a part of it!

Coldplay - Viva La Vida and all His Friends

Coldplay first came to my attention with their massive hit "Clocks" back in 2002. After figuring out they were not a one hit single music artist, I determined that this was band I had to hear more often.

Personally, they album X&Y did not do a lot for me. It was their experimentation album and the songs were a tad too long.

However like Michael Jordan in 1996, Coldplay latest offering Viva La Vida and All His Friends, is going to be a hit and a special album at that. Definetly an album worth listening to in this day when the kids are just buying the singles.

When their first single "Violet Hill" came out, I at first thought they had not overcome their experimental urges shown on X&Y. But their latest single "Viva La Vida" screams HIT and is an instant classic.

Amongst other highlights are "Lost" which infuses hip hop beats with an church organ with some amazing lyrics. "42" starts quite melancholic with a tender piano but the lyrics just make it an engaging experience to listen to.

Overall, I would have to rate this album as a fine effort. It engages the listener and reinforces Coldplay as not only one of the biggest and best bands of the 21st century, but also interesting.

Jordan - The Music Video

Is art is in the eye of the beholder?

An interesting debate opened up in Australia over the past week.

Photos of the girl pictured above were published in an Australian art magazine. The furore that erupted was they were pictures of her naked when she was 6 years old by her mother.

Some people argue that the printing of these pictures is appropriate because they are considered "art". Others argue that this has collapsed over the line of morality because it has exposed an innocent child to the world and the pedophiles and perverts out there.

Even the PM has delved into the debate arguing that this was not the right thing to do and that he may strip funding for the magazine.

Personally, I think that this was bad call by the parents. Taking naked pictures of your kids when they are babies is seen as a sweet and cute thing, if they are being done for the right reason (which are pretty obvious to most sane people).

But to take pictures of a naked six year old and then publish them in an art magazine is questionable. As terrible as this will sound, my first thoughts was how could parents do this consider we live int he age where we constantly hear about pedophilia and child abuse?

How could you expose an innocent child to the perverts out there by claiming this is art?

Some may say that I am being a bit too prudish but am I?

I believe that art is in the eye of the beholder. I really get riled up by the people who claim they know everything about art because they are qualified on it. I think art is in the eye of the beholder because everyone is different and we all have different tastes. Some people like bright colours, some like weird shapes and patterns. Each person is different so not everyone will like the same type of art - no matter what a critic says.

I am sure you could say I am contradicting myself with the above, but this is outside the realm of "art" and raises a moral and ethical question. Should naked images of a small child be published in a magazine? I think not.

This blog neds some CPR

I never talked about Liverpool in the vain hope that this would lead to them winning a trophy. Since we lost the CL semi final to Chelsea....well......I shall reflect on the season that was.

Blog soon.

Yo Mama, Vote for Barack Obama

I really hope Barack Obama wins the American Democrats nomination and goes on to be elected president of the USA. He is the right person for the job.

America needs him and the world wants him as President.

Let me start by saying I am not anti-America. I like what America has brought us (except the overflow of reality TV C grade stars). I just have a sense of right and wrong and what I have seen over the past few years has not appeased me.

America’ reputation as the “good guy” of the world was, in my eyes, damaged by the actions of the current incompetent, I mean incumbent President. He redefined what “intelligence” was when he invaded Iraq based on them having Weapons of Mass Destruction only to find no such thing existed. I think we all saw that as a grab at oil which America and the world realise heavily upon.

But let us not look at the past but into the future.

Of the 3 candidates out there – the others being Hillary Clinton and John McCain, why do I believe that Obama is the right person?

Simply because he represents the future, not just of a country, but a world. These days, we are not just countries, we are a world wide social community. The world has become one giant FaceBook.

Hillary Clinton has history – she was the first lady not so long ago and that time is remembered with fondness. She was around at the death of major communist powers and when the iron Curtain was dismantled. She was around when the threat of a world war was begun. When freedom and expression was reigning through the world. When the world was at peace.

But I don’t trust her. She has changed her mind on a few issues so you wonder what type of leader she will be. I believe that she is one that bends to gain approval rather than one that will generally do the right thing.

(Take note that I am honest enough to know that no one will always do the right thing. There is no one like that in the world. But I hope for someone that who will have some form of moral compass).

Senator McCain is a good man but he is just too old. He will be too conservative at a time when conservatism will not be beneficial. He does not appease those young voters who want to see some sense of vibrancy with someone who will not look 4 years into the future but 10 or 20 years.

Obama is young so he can reach out the upcoming generation.

More importantly, the fact that he is not seen as a fat, rich white old man means he has immense appeal to the rest of the world, particularly Africa and Asia – up and coming areas that need guidance to ensure they function rightly.

Lastly, he may also appeal to the Muslim world. He does not seem as threatening as the other candidates and he is certainly an improvement on “Dubya”.

He is Christian yet as the middle name “Hussein”, he grew up outside of American and spent a few years living in Indonesia, a predominantly Islamic State. He has been witness to other cultures and this has shaped him. His mind is not closed and pro one country.

I believe Barack Obama is the right person to lead America and help shape the world at a time when qualities of strong leadership and an understanding of how the world works are truly needed.

So America, when you vote, vote 1 Obama.

The world begs you.

Welcome to South Australia...the new Tasmania

Australians have this joke about Tasmania. Because it is isolated and remote from the rest of the country, its population is small. So what happens a lot is the kids grow up and then move to the mainland. Some would g for work and some would go in search of a mate.

Back in the day this travel may have not been so avaliable given the level of technology ie) no planes and irregular boat rides.

So when a young person was searching for a mate, they had limited options. There are apparently countless stories of brothers marrying sisters or cousins etc etc. Basically incestuous things which are pretty disgusting when you thing about it. Yet this is not something you hear abouta lot these days.

However a story came about yesterday which made my stomach churned. Twas a story about a father and a daughter, getting jiggy with it (oh I can feel my stomach churning now) and wait for it....

HAVING A BABY

Bad!! Read all about it at this link

But this did not happen in Tasmania, it happened in South Australia.

I can just imagine the new tourism advertisement campaign.

South Australia...the new Tasmania

South Australia.....the place where families really come together

This is the state that has the highest rate of serial killers per capita, where people are so bored that they decide to join Al-Qaeda so they can can have a nice 5 year holiday in Guantanamo Bay.

But back to the couple at hand.

It appears they may not have known each other for a few years but only met each other after the mum passed away. That she said that she thought he was "he's not too bad" if she had met him at a bar and that he initially thought it was wrong but then decided to have go at his own daughter is well.....

CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean I know they were lonely and they were feeling alittle randy but my gosh.....this is to much to the extreme.

Added to this is she was married when they first got together but left her husband (whom she had 2 kids with).

Last but not least....they had a child some years ago but she/he passed away due to a heart condition.

So imagine the daughters' daughter, her dad is also her grandfather.

Only in Tasma...whoops I mean South Australia.

Michael Jackson - THRILLER 25th Anniversary Edition

25 years ago I tuned into the sounds of the remarkable Michael Jackson when his album Thriller came out. Now they have released a 25^th anniversary specialof the album which includes a few remakes with Akon, Will I Am, Fergie and Kanye West.

After listening to the old songs, I just concluded that this has to be my favourite album of all time. Number 1 on my album chart! This album spawned so many hits –we know the big ones “Thirller”, “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” but what about P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) where his sister Janet sang backing vocals, Human Nature, Wanna’ be Starting Something, The Girl is Mine. I would say that every song on the album was a hit with me.

As for the remixes, the Akon version of “Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’” is awesome. “Beat I” which features Fergie is average as all she does is sing a few of the lines. Kanye’s work on “Billie Jean” is poor as all he does is a few “ehhs, yo’s, ahah’s”. Nothing special about that.

Overall, it was a great listen. But let us look at the phenomenon that this album had on the world.

This album was the highest selling album EVER. It took over the world. Everyone loved MJ, wanted to meet him and wanted to dance like him.

He changed the way the world listened to music as people would not see and hear rather than just hear. In a way he kind of killed the radio star.

This choreography that was on display in the film clips to “Beat It” and “Thriller” took things to another plain of entertainment and musical enjoyment. I remember being young but people would just go on and on about what a star and entertainer MJ was.

So regardless of what people thing of him and what has happened the last decade or so, to me Michael Jackson is an amazing performer. That we celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the best selling album of all time is testament to his skill.

I believe the genesis of my love for music and dancing came after seeing MJ perform Billie Jean at the 25^th Anniversary Motown Awards where he unleashed the moonwalk on an unsuspecting world. It was one of those magical events that just resonates with you throughout life.

Battle of the Generations

I had some friends over from interstate and during the various meals, drinks and socialising our discussions turned to the generational differences we are experiencing.

And by contributing to this discussion, I finally believe I have gotten older, because I agreed with a lot of what was said.

Most of this group are older than me (hence my enjoyment at hanging out with them because I am one of the youngest) and they are now in positions of management and responsibility. Be it as a senior in their profession or in middle management. So they are responsible for teaching new graduates and junior staff.

The biggest gripe I heard was about Generation Y, those that are born between 1980 and 1995. Sadly I do not fall into that Gen Y category as I am an X, those born between 1960 and 1979, we are the post baby boomer society.

These days there is talk of Generation Z i.e.) the kids that are currently up and coming.

But back to my friends and our discourse over lunches. The main complaint that people have about the Gen Y’s is that they want the big salaries, they want the status and the position BUT they simply won’t do the work.

Basically they want to be superstars but get there easily.

They are too preoccupied with getting what they think they deserved but have failed to realise they need to work for it. They will only do the work they want and won’t do anything meaningless because it was not in their job description.
We all hate doing meaningless things that are not part of our job, but in the workforce it is a requirement. This is how you learn how to become multi skilled. Added to this is that a number of my friends complained about the poor written skills.

Another major gripe is that they lack written and satisfactory communication skills. While they are confident, they do not know how to talk to the baby boomer generation or how to conduct themselves properly. Sadly, a lot of them appear to now want to learn how to write better. Heck, I was a terrible writer especially with report and my grammar was poor, but I learnt and hope it has improved a little (I know this blog has evidence which contradicts that statement).

The Gen Y’ers have a lot of self belief and confidence and that most likely stemmed from society. Over the last decades we have seen a shift towards a classless society, where children are told there are no barriers and anyone can get anywhere.

That is a great message and good that it happened. But the bit about the hardwork seems to have been lost in the message.

Also the X’ers had a recession to go through, so mum and dad did not have a lot of money so we learnt to save and make do with what we have. No Ipods, Internet, X-Box or Cable TV. We learnt to play sport and make our own fun.

Further, we have seen the rise of the instant celebrity and this is mainly due to the media. People like Paris Hilton have become insanely well know because they are rich or made some questionable videos.

So the kids seem the glam and want to get it, they see these people get the star treatment by not doing much, so they aspire for it.

All the Y’ers. Just do a little hard work and you will be right.

Let us hope that the Z’s learn and work a little harder and smarter. While saving the world at the same time.

Dexter - The TV Series review

The MOssiah introduced me to the amazing TV series.

I guess you could say this is what would happen if the SITH took over TV, then again you could call it CSI with a heck of a twist.

Dexter is the main man, protagonist and anti-hero of this remarkable piece of television. He works as a blood splatter specialist with the Miami Police. That is where the CSI link comes into it.


However, what turns this series on its head (and got me hooked) is that he is a SERIAL KILLER himself. But he is a serial killer who targets the guilty - child molestors, murderes who have not been caught - the bad and the ugly of society who have fallen through the legal cracks and are stil at large and able to do bad.

So far, the series has gone for two seasons and it is excellenty written and exceptionally acted out. It explores the dark side of humanity and questions the thesis about what truly is a hero.

We would generally consider someone who kills others in such a graphic nature (and let me tell you some of the scenes are squemish) as a villian, as a bad man. But we are placed in a quandary when we see the type of people that Dexter goes after.

After the initial shock of the premise of the show, this character grows on you. Eventually he comes a likelable serial killer.

This series is enjoyable as it mixes a morbid sense of fun when the dark issues of humanity are discussed. Added to this are the varying characters and people that infiltrate Dexter's lives. His step-sister who he has known all his life, but does know not his secret double life, his fellow officers who are his friends and in the case of one, very suspectful of what he does and his girlfriend who is also oblivious to his extracurricular activities.

Then there are the flashbacks where we gain an insight into why Dexter does what he does, and how he can go on doing such disagreeable things, yet not get caught.

So if you are looking for something different, witha strong composition and will not delve to heavily into the morality of such a show. Give Dexter a go.

13 February 2008 - A day Australia did the right thing and said SORRY

Imagine being taken away from your mum or dad, from people who had cared for you and loved you. From people who never did anything harmful to you.

Imagine when someone came to your home to take you away, your parents had to be held back, screaming your name, begging and pleading for these strangers to let you stay with them.

Imagine that your last memory of your mum was of her anguished face covered in tears.

Then you may understand what happened and why today was important.

Over a decade ago, a report came forth that determined that 1 out of 3 Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their communities and families between 1910 and 1970.

These children were known as the Stolen Generation.

However, there are some who feel that the intentions of this action were not bad, but good and just - take the children away from the poor families to give them a good education and therefore a good life.

But how could this be justified if these children never, ever saw their families again?

How could it be seen as positive if there is also evidence that some administrators had intentions that could be construed as genocide?

All that people wanted was a five letter word to be said by the government of Australia.

A word that would stop the nation to mark this historic moment.

It was a word that made me proud to be an Australian.

Proud that the Government that I had voted for has finally just done the right thing, but the morally correct thing.

I hope that they take some solace in this gesture. Just a word but symbolic and may not mean a whole lot to some, but to those that it did matter too I hope it meant a lot.

Until today, no one ever said "sorry" for this dark chapter in our history.

Australia prides itself on being a developed nation, a first class country where everyone is accepted. We may have our idealistic Jedi ways but there are aspects that could be considered Sith-like.

Yet, there are numbers of the indigenous community who still live in third world like conditions.
Now that the words have been said it is time to progress forwards and take the next steps to reconcile with the indigenous people.

It is time that we take steps to ensure that the indigenous community can consider themselves to be Australian first and foremost, because I get the feeling they do not see it this way.

We should never forget what was done but now we have to make sure that everyone gets a fair go. EVERYONE! Afterall, it is the Australia way isn’t it?

The Diesel stops in Phoenix, The Matrix could revolutionise Miami and LA gets a serve of Paella

Two major trades happened in the NBA last week – Pau Gasol was traded by the Memphis Grizzlies and Shaq went to Phoenix in a trade for Shawn Marion.

Gasol to LA Lakers:

The Lakers received an All-Star calibre player for hardly anything and this now makes them a formidable opponent for most teams. Will this mean they are a favourite for the title? I personally do not think it will happen this year but next season could be very interesting.

This is a massive boost for the Lakers as they will now comprise 1 perennial All-Star (in Kobe Bryant), 1 All-Star who played for a team that sucked (Gasol), 1 guy who used to be an All-Star and could return to that level (Lamar Odom) and a youngster who could be an All Star (Andrew Bynum). Plus you cannot discount the successful man limping on the sidelines and the triangle offence.

Regarding Andrew Bynum, this trade helps him a lot. With the ability of Gasol to play close to the basket, teams will not be able to double up on him - making it easier to score. He also has the length and atheleticm of Gasol to assist him on defence.

Overall, a good move by the Lakers and one that will benefit them in the coming years.

Phoenix land the Big Aristotle

This deal caused greater shockwaves throughout the basketball community as it saw one of the most dominant players to play in the NBA being traded to a team that just was not right.

The Phoenix Suns are a team that loves to run and score. Shaq is a player on the wrong side of his game, he is nearing 36 and has been slowed by injuries the last two seasons. Shaq won a title in 2006 but his game is based on banging and posting, rather than run and gun these days. so people think that this will destroy the chemistry and style of the team.

But I like this move, it will change things around for the better.

First, Steve Nash is the soul of this club, he literally makes them run. Yet he is nearing his mid 30's and has a few more seasons of playing at this level. They have tried winning with Marion, Amare Stoudamire, Boris Diaw et al. but they have come up short.

Secondly, people forget that at Miami, opponents could double team Shaq because apart from Dwayne Wade, there was no one else they had to guard. At Phoenix, there is another behemoth in the block so team can not double team Shaq all the time. Plus people forget how good Shaq is at passing to the open man, so the Suns 3-pont shooters will find extra time and more looks becuse of the big fella.

On defence, Amare will handle the teams best big man, allowing Shaq to patrol the outside of the laneway.

Lastly, with all the negative talk about Shaq being past his best and the trade being lopsided favopuring the Miami Heat, I am sure the big guy will be fired to prove the doubters wrong. He will run and he will get up and down. He will rebound and ignite the Suns running game.

Shaq could deliver the title to Phoenix this season or over the next year or two, and make Steve Kerr look like a genuius, make Mike D'Antonio a champion coach and elevate Steve Nash to the pantheon of great players.

Lets not forgetMiami - with Shawn Marion playing for them, they have suddenly gotten quicker on the wings. Add a draft pick (as they seem likely to get this year), and a few moves and the Heat could be contenders for years to come.

Happy Year of the Rat

For all my Chinese friends

Gong Xi Fai Cai.

Happy Year of the Rat!

Now where is the char siew?

Superbowl XXLII - Free Falling to 1988

These days I am not as enamoured with the US of A as I once was, mainly due to the current heirachy that is in place. After the past 8 years, I am looking for a change. But I shall save that for a later entry.

But when it comes to sporting events, I do enjoy the NBA, Baseball's World Series and the Superbowl.

This years Superbowl was special because the favourties were the New England Patriots who had traversed through the season undefeated to get to the big game. Playing the villainous role of Darth Vader to their Luke Skywalker were the New York Giants - a team that was given no chance of winning at all. I am telling you, NO ONE gave the Giants a chance - Osama Bin Laden being America's Next Top Model Winner would have gotten better odds than the Giants winning the game.

So it came as a surprise when the Giants pulled out probably one of the greatest upsets in the history of the game. I am glad they did becasue at the start of the final quarter I thought the event was more SuperBORE than Bowl!

So how did this happen? Well NOT being a seasoned watcher of American Football (by the way, why is it called football when most of the time they use their hands???) here are my thoughts:

1. The Patriots offence: During the season, the Patriots were celebrated for their attacking flair, but surprisingly during the game they seemed lacklustre, like they had lost their mojo and took some time to find it. It seems that the pressure of going undefeated during a season was taking its toll and their grasp at history left them empty handed.

2. The Giants defence: NY played a heck of a game and made their opponents very uncomfortable. Whenever Brady got the ball he seemed to have guys running at him all the time putting him under pressure and making him think too much about screwing up the pass if he got tackled. But credit to them, their defence won them the title.

3. The PLAY: The most memorable sporting contests always comes down to an event that everyone remembers. They call it THE PLAY. For example, Michael Jordan's winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals, Leo Barry's mark to win the Sydney Swans the 2005 AFL Premiership, Dudek's saves in the final minutes of the 2005 Champions league Final. All events that have stayed in my mind when those games are discussed.

Usually they are memorable because they happened at the end. But in this match, it was the play when Eli Manning had the ball and was being set upon by the Patriots defence and one of the defenders actually got a hand on his jersey and held him. He actually ducked out free, got his jersey free and then threw a pass, that was not the amazing part. That the person who caught it, did so with someone on his back, but after juggling it, he held it to his helmet and kept it there, wile landing on the body of his opponents.

Ever landed awkwardly on some protruding element on your side or back? Then you may know how much that hurts. Imagine landing on someone's knee or elbow while trying to catch and hold a ball.

Amazing play. I am sure someone, somewherein America is thinking of a name to link that moment to.

4. The half time entertainment: 99.99999999999999999999% of superbowls have an awesome half time show. This years did not.

First of all this is 2008 not 1988. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers!! Sure Britney is in Rehab, Michael Jackson is..is....., Madonna is past it and U2 did it a few year ago and it is probably too early. But what about The Killers, Muse, Kanye West, Missy Higgins even!

There are so many world class acts out there who would have given a good half time show. Plus being relevant. Heck even the Police would have been better.

But Tom Petty!!!!

I know there was the Wardrobe Malfunction back in Superbowl Nipplegate, but the NFL did a poor choice.

Maybe given that no one in the Patriots was really listening to music when Tom Petty last had a hit single was the reason they played so poorly. How can you get amped for that when you got to listen to a band at half time whose last hit was nearly 20 years ago.

Oh well.....let me just hum...."Now I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, freee faaaalling"

Racism and Diversity

I abhor racism. It is terrible that humans make assumptions about a group or individual based on the colour of their skin or shape of their eyes.

My earliest recollection of racism was when I was about 10 years old and growing up in Perth, Western Australia. I was sitting in the back seat of the family car as we headed home from a friends place.

It was an uneventful drive until some people (who happened to be white, blonde and young) drove past us, but then decided to slow down so they could drive next to us.

They had slowed down to look at my dad because he was wearing his turban. Their windows were down and I can not recall what was said but they were making comments to each other and laughing - about my dad. Back in the 1980's in Perth, a man wearing a turban was about as common as a fat person at a salad bar.

Upon recollection of this event years later, I felt proud that my old man did not react. He knew what was going on, but he kept on driving. I am sure it hurt him but he thought me a valuable lesson that day

The ignorance of someone should not affect you in any great deal.

I strongly believe that most of the time, when people stare at you because you look different, it is because they do not know you or more importantly, your culture. I found that just because someone makes a silly comment that sounds derogatory does not mean they are racist. They just do not know and when you explain it to them, they shall learn and their eyes would have opened to something new. Therefore, they will become appreciative of this new information and may want to learn more.

But then there are some who will not want to learn. That is because they will never know what life is all about. They think their way is always right. But it is wrong.

No religion or culture should exclude another just because they do not fit into their norm. All religions and cultures actually encourage the spread of their ideals in a way that is not confrontational. If you embrace it then good for you, if not, such is life.

But people are a different manner as there is always a small minority that will never want to listen to others. They poison others with their ideals who then close their minds and souls to the wonderful diversity of the world.

In the long run, we should accept that everyone is different. Even those that worship the same deity can have differences of opinions. As a Sikh, I never understood why there was a difference between Christians and Roman Catholics. Yet after some discussions with some people, I understood the difference.

Everything is different, everyone has some peculiarities about them. But overall, everyone should aim to be good and respect one another and help another human being no matter what they look like or who their worship.

Afterall, we are all the same and we all want to live life well.

Liverpool needs DIC, not some small Yankee Doodles.

The whole situation that Liverpool Football Club is experiencing is depressing to me. When the club was sold, they told us they would respect the traditions of the club, they would not put the club into debt and would give us money to buy quality players.

So we looked forward to a new horizon, one with a brand spanking new stadium where nearly 60,000 people would be belting out “You will never walk alone”. Where we would buy a few more players like Fernando Torres and therefore we would finally have the quality of players to match the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal for Premiership honours. We looked forward to having players that would find ways to beat teams we struggle against.

All Liverpool supporters had dreams. Of a title drought extending 18 years ending!

Sadly, the semi trailer of reality struck us and it was as welcome as an arrow through the neck with the water bill attached to it.

It appears that the American owners will not invest into the team and are only looking to fill their coffers. They see it as a business rather than a huge aspect of peoples lives.

Sure they own other sporting teams, but none of those teams compare to the brand that is Liverpool. The world is larger than the 300 million people in the good ole’ US of A and I would surmise that a significant more know about LFC than the Texas Rangers or Dallas Cowboys.

They have failed t understand the passion the fans have and why this whole situation is very unsettling for all us Reds!

I truly believe that if we give Rafa real money, money like the Roman’s or Glazer’s give their gaffa, that Liverpool could actually contend.

That MUFC can spend nearly 35m pounds on a couple of unproven teenagers in Nani and Anderson and still bring in Owen Hargreaves for nearly 18m pounds shows that you need to buy quality. Look at who else they got in the squad – Rooney for 26m, Ferdinand for 27m, Carrick for 18m, Ronaldo for 14m.

You look at that quality and you can see why they are suiting atop the league.

If our yankee doodles were serious of making us a winner, then they need to put money into the team. Back Rafa to buy the players he wants to the club successful and reclaim its position amongst the elite. Othwerwise, sell it off to someone who will do so.

Another weekend and another disappointment

About the only thing that went well for me was my football team getting a 5-0 victory.

But this is MY football team, not my football team - LFC!

Egads, before Xmas there was hope we would come out of the festiove season closing in to the top 3 teams. sadly, I have come to the realisation that we are at the most, the bes tof the rest, outside of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

More distressing is the grumblings from Anfield that the owners are not happy with Rafa and want to let him go. Personally, if they fire Rafa it will be a dumb decision. He is one of the worlds best managers and anyone that can take a teram to 2 champions league finals in 3 years shows he is capable.

The problem with us is that we need greater investment in the team. The likes of Chelsea have spent nearly 200m pounds on players the past few seasons. Manchester have been buying big for a number of years with the likes of Ruud Van Nistelrooy (27m), Rio Ferdinand (20m), Michael Carrick (18m), Wayne Rooney (23m), Owen Hargraves (18m) costing a pretty penny but this has resulted in the team consistently finishing in the top 2 of the English Premier League.

Added to this are players like Nenad Cristic and yes, Cristiano Ronaldo. Both players could have been Liverpool players, but we just could not afford them. Many years ago we had a chance to snap up Ronaldo but we could not afford the fee. Same with Cristic. Imagine them in Liverpool now.

The only club inthe top 4 that has done things on the cheap has been the Gooners. Fair play to Arsene, he has achieved succes by being very astute.

While Rafa has uncovered some well priced gems - Alvaro Arebola and Daniel Agger come to mind. But to maintain consistent sucess, we need the Yanks to open up the cheque book and buy some quality.

If you need evidence look at Fernando Torres.

Anyway, another season. Another EPL title slips from Liverpool's grasp.

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Yesterday I witness India hug defeat from the volumptious bossom of aDRAW. How did this happen? Well, the Indian stuffed it up for one and they were aptly aided by the poor performance of the umpires.

As for the sportsmanship that was displayed during the match. Well as a stounch and true blueAussie, I have to admit I cringe at the Australians team attitude and demeanour during matches.

While I believe they should go for the win, the behaviour of the Australian players borders on the boorish. Too many times, the players say they play in the spirit of the game, but the reality is different. Too many times, we hear the Australian captain say they will play properly and as gentlemen, but when Australia get wound up,wehn they are threated by an opponent, they become bullies.

Look at last nights post game press conference. A certain Aussie captan got very sensitive when his integrity was questioned. He took offence and in the moment he came across as a bully to the journalist.

Sadly, Australians love the cricket because they dominate it. How can you love a game where there really only seven other opponents. World games such as soccer and basketball, never get this volume of coverage because, well Australia are mediocre at best.

I always tell people, that you have to measure your sporting achievements outside the sports of cricket or AFL. The way the cricket team carries on sometimes, just puts Australin sportsmen in a bad light.

It is embarrasing to see this display.

As for Harbhajan Singh. Well he said what he says and is a num-nut for saying so. He deserves his suspension. There is no need for racism in cricket.