Item for sale, all offers accepted.

In the tradition of Bevis' "Items for sale" I have the 80's classic Galaga (say it fast though).
One of a pair of Galagas.
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Time to Sway.

OK, this will be the final song. In case you were wondering what this has all been about, tomorrow, it will be 2 years since I first set eyes on my darling heart. After a short e-mail interlude, we decided to meet and the rest has just been magical. I Love you honey.

This song is one of my honey's favourites. We keep forgetting the title but now it's on paper so we can't forget it.

Take it away, Mr Dean Martin... With backing tune (open in new window)

When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me nowYou know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

Now it's time for a little language of love, Italian that is.


Rose rosse per te
ho comprato stasera
e il tuo cuore lo sa
cosa voglio da te

D'amore non si muore
e non mi so spiegare
perche' muoio per te
da quando ti ho lasciato
sarà perché ho sbagliato
ma io vivo di te
e ormai non c'e' piu' strada
che non mi porti indietro
amore sai perché
nel cuore del mio cuore
non ho altro che te

Forse in amore le rose
non si usano più
ma questi fiori sapranno
parlarti di me

Rose rosse per te
ho comprato stasera
e il tuo cuore lo sa
cosa voglio da te

D'amore non si muore
ma chi si sente solo
non sa vivere piu'
con l'ultima speranza
stasera ho comprato
rose rosse per te
la strada dei ricordi
e' sempre la piu' lunga
amore sai perche'
nel cuore del mio cuore
non ho altro che te

Forse in amore le rose
non si usano piu'
ma questi fiori sapranno
parlarti di me

Rose rosse per te
ho comprato stasera
e il tuo cuore lo sa
cosa voglio da te

---------------------------
Ti amo mio amore,
Questi fiori sono un simbolo del mio amore per te.

Song #4 with Video

Going back to the sixties for this one complete with video for all to watch*.


 Well do you love me (I can really move)
 Well do you love me (I'm in the groove)
 Ah do you love me (do you love me)
 Now that I can dance

 Watch me now, oh
 (work it all) I said-a work it all baby
 (work it all) ah, you're drivin' me crazy
 (work it all) a-with a little bit of soul now

 Mmm, now I can do the blues (do the blues)
 And I can do the twist (do the twist)
 I said now tell me baby (tell me baby)
 Mmm, now do you like it like this (like it like this)
 Whoa, tell me, tell me, tell me

 Ah, do you love me (I can really move)
 Well do you love me (I'm in the groove)
 Well do you love me (do you love me)
 Now that I can dance

 Watch me now, oh
 (work it all) I said-a work it all baby
 (work it all) mmm, you're drivin' me crazy
 (work it all) a-with a little bit of soul now

 Now I can do the blues (do the blues)
 Mmm, I can do the twist (do the twist)
 I said now tell me baby (tell me baby)
 Ah, do you like it like this (like it like this)
 Whoa, tell me, tell me, tell me

 Ah, well do you love me (I can really move)
 Well do you love me (I'm in the groove)
 Well do you love me (do you love me)
 Now that I can dance

 Ah, do you love me (I can really move)
 Well do you love me (I'm in the groove)
 Well do you love me (do you love me)
 I said that now that I can dance

 Ah now do you love me (I can really move)
 Well do you love me (I'm in the groove)
 Well do you love me (do you love me)
 Now that I can dance


* may not actually be Clokeeeey!

Song #3.

I guess this song is a little more blunt, but I love it and gets me moving and grooving in a bumping and grinding kinda style.

Take it away, Hot Chocolate. (I suggest you open this link in another window or tab).


I believe in miracles
Where you from
You sexy thing
I believe in miracles
Since you came along
You sexy thing
Miracles right before my eyes
You sexy thing got me hypnotised
Don't stop what ya' doing
What ya' doing to me
My angel from above lying next to me
How did ya' know that I'd be the one
Been a long time coming only just begun
Doing all the things that makes my heart sing
Keep doing what you're doing you sexy thing
How did ya' know I needed you so badly
How did ya' know I gave my heart gladly
Yesterday I was one of a lonely people
Now you're lying next to me
Making love to me
I believe in miracles
Where you from
You sexy thing
You sexy thing
I believe in miracles
Since you came along
You sexy thing
Only yesterday I was on my own
Just another day later my mind was blown
You sexy thing come into my life
Forever and a day it feels so right
How did ya' know that I'd be the one
Been a long time coming only just begun
Doing all the things that makes my heart sing
Keep doing what you're doing you sexy thing
How did ya' know I needed you so badly
How did ya' know I gave my heart gladly
Yesterday I was one of a lonely people
Now you're lying next to me
Making love to meI believe in miracles
Where you from
You sexy thing
You sexy thing
I believe in miracles
Since you came along
You sexy thing
Kiss me baby
You sexy thing
You sexy thing
Touch me baby
You sexy thing
You sexy thing
.....................................

2005 in review.

MEME – 2005 in review.

I was tagged twice, so I’m gonna try and list 2 for each. Thanks Bevis and Chickybabe.

1. What did you do in 2005 that you hadn't done before?

I started this Blog. Introduced by my girlfriend, I thought I wouldn’t keep it going, well this and the other blog too. I guess I also killed off a blog too.

2. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No one real close, but a couple of colleagues at work had babies. Also, a friend of my girlfriend gave birth recently. Oh and there was Bec too.

3. Did anyone close to you die?

My mum’s Aunty passed away aged 92.

4. Did you travel? Where did you go? Best holiday memory?

Well, we went to Canberra for a week. It was great. And a great little weekend away to Erskine Falls. Loved it, very special weekend. Best memory was the kids singing impromptu songs in Canberra and the karate competition.

5. Best thing you bought?

Um, Vera Wang for my honey. 19 inch flat panel monitor.

6. Where did most of your money go?

Rent and moving house next week.

7. What do you wish you had done more of?

Run my fingers down my girlfriends back. Played some golf.

8. What do you wish you had done less of?

Work x 2.

9. What kept you sane?

My kids, My honey and her daughter.

10. What drove you mad?

My own incompetence sometimes.
Watching the Pies most of the year, except for the West Coast game.

11. What made you celebrate?

Taking my girlfriend to a Ball and to her first, full on, big Italian wedding. Both were big nights.

12. What made you sad?

Graham Kennedy passing away.

13. How was your birthday this year?

Super. Ferrari themed and a cold night to boot. Hired a dual control Daytona arcade racing machine, fantastic.

14. What political issue stirred you the most this year?

I’m guessing most people will say IR and full sale of Telstra, but for me, these are non issues for me. I already work in a contract environment, so from a personal point of view, I’m not scared about them but I can appreciate that those that are not and have other forms of protection have aright to be upset. On the Telstra front, it’s very unlikely to happen. They need a share price of over $5.00 and while it’s still down under $4.00 there is no way they’d flood the market with more shares. It just means it would drive down the price and defeat the purpose. By which time there’ll be a election, the government will change (unless there is another shooting of the feet by the opposition) and then the sale will be canned. For someone that doesn’t like politics, I can sure say something.

15. Were you in love in 2005?

Absolutely.

16. What would you like to have in 2006 that you didn't have this year?

I’ll be living in a new suburb in 2006 with my girlfriend, so what I would like, I will be getting. (Does that make sense?)

17. What date from 2005 will be etched in your memory and why?

7th of March, the day after my birthday. I was involved in a car accident and had a pretty woeful rest of the month.
28th of October, when we got the keys to our house.

18. What song will remind you of 2005?

Foo Fighters – Best of you.
Gorillaz – Feel good inc & DARE.

19. Compared to this time last year are you happier?

Yes. Did I mention that I was moving in with my sweetie?

20. Biggest achievement this year?

We found a house to live in with each other. It’s a little bit Brady.
Going to see a counsellor and opening up.

21. Biggest disappointment this year?

The car crash. The length of time it took to repair it.

22. What is the one thing that would have made you more satisfied?

More interesting work. I’ve been a little disenchanted with the place but until the lottery ends up in my lap, I have to wait until I find something more interesting.

23. Best new person you met this year?

My girlfriend’s brother I met for the first time. He’s a good guy and a technical one at that. We have a bit in common.
I expect most will list bloggers here too, I’ll be no different. You can see their names over there ---->

(If I get to meet any of them, then I can list them again as non virtuals)

24. A valuable life lesson you learnt this year?

Don’t go into the share market unless you know what you are doing.
You are never too old to seek help. No matter what, you don’t know everything.

Song number 2 *

*Sorry, this isn't Blur, take it away Luther Vandross.


Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true, yeah
And I know tomorrow
Will still be the same
Cuz we got a life of love
That won't ever change and

Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Ooh baby, I'll always love you forever

Ever, ever, ever
There'll always be sunshine
When I look at you
It's something I can't explain
Just the things that you do
If you get lonely
Call me and take
A second to give to me
That magic you make and

Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Ooh baby, I'll always love you forever

A song a day.

Pardon me while I take time to sing some love songs this week.

LOVE ME TENDER
Love me tender, love me sweet, never let me go.
You have made my life complete and I love you so.
Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill.
For, my darlin', I love you and I always will.

Love me tender, love me long, take me to your heart.
For it's there that I belong and we'll never part.
Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill.
For, my darlin', I love you and I always will.

Love me tender, love me dear, tell me you are mine.
I'll be yours through all the years till the end of time.
Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill.
For, my darlin', I love you and I always will.


Clokeeeey has left the building. A-huh.

Tis the season to have birthdays.

December is a month to celebrate many a birthday. Especially in my surrounds.
Here's the list.
First it's my daughters 10th birthday, double digits, it's a big one in the school yard.

My girlfriends birthday is next. I love you honey, here's to a grand weekend.

It's my mums birthday on the same day (I won't nominate her age).
My mums cousins birthday also on the same day.
next is my mums cousins grand-daughter.
My girlfriends mums birthday.
My sister in law.
My good friends youngest son.
My sons best friend.
and finally my newphew has his birthday in between christmas and new year.

Christ, there's another one in December, oh yeah, his.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE !!!!

I hope this doesn't happen while I'm away.

So I'll be on "holidays" soon, well if you can call moving house a holiday then that's what I'll be on. While I'm away from the office, I'd hat to come back to find this sort of welcoming at my desk.















or this,















or this,
















Or this,





















or this,





















or this,















So guys, don't even think about it. I know where you work.

Croquets

Gialuca DiMilano asked me this: “Mr Clockeeeey, you are expert in the sports, no. And you are an austrian, no? May be can you explain me. What is croquet? I'm know is a very popular game in your country. is true that the austria was lose to the england and the england was win an ash tray and the england peoples was go craze like they was win the war again? is a true?”

Well here is the definition I like:
You have two sides, one out in the field and one in.
Each man that's in the side that's in goes out, and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out.
When they are all out, the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in, out.
Sometimes you get men still in and not out. When a man goes out to goin, the men who are out try to get him out, and when he is out he goes in and the next man in goes out and goes in.
There are two men called umpires who stay all out all the time and they decide when the men who are in are out.
When both sides have been in and all the men have been out, and both sides have been out twice after all the men have been in, including thosewho are not out, that is the end of the game!

Easy huh?


But, for a more technical description of the game of cricket, follow this link -> Croquet Definition

As for the Ash Tray, we actually grew a little tired of it and it needed a clean out anyway. You know, when the barman comes along and finally takes it away to throw the butts out, that’s England, they are the barman. They’ve taken it away to clean it and we’ll get it back on their next visit (Jan 2007) and they’ll even bring it with them. Aren’t they good? The English have been starved of success you see, The 1966 World Cup is the last real trophy of any significance they had to celebrate. The Rugby cup is really a tournament between 4 countries, the rest are window dressing. The Olympics and the Commonwealth games have provided no enjoyment for the English and neither has Wimbledon or tennis in general. How much longer can Tim Henman lose?
It is true thought, between the end of WW2 and the World Cup 1966, nothing much happened for the English. (Did Spain try to invade? maybe not)
So it was inevitable that when the won the Ash Tray, they didn’t remember how to celebrate. They stood at Nelsons Column and waved a flag. Woo Hoo.

I hope that helps answer your question. Any other Austrian questions, don’t hesitate to ask.


PS: Did anyone notice that Marcia Hines did not clap or cheer when Kate won Aussie Idol? Is she a bad sport?

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole.

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole....
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole....
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Tickets have been booked.
Australia is on it's way to Germany.
Guus think we can go all the way. I think he's spent a little too much time in Amsterdam, but you never know.

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole....
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole....
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...
Olaaayyy
Olaaayyy

Socceroos or Uruguay?

In this part of the world, all the sporting focus will be on Telstra Stadium on Wednesday night. Uruguay are defending a 1-nil lead and hoping to make the final 32 of the 2006 World Cup. After so many disappointments, the Socceroos have another chance to make heroes of themselves. All they have to do is score 2 goals more than Uruguay. The question for the coach is will you attack or will you play the same as in Uruguay and hope to fluke a goal. Then it will be up to Uruguay to attack, which could open up the game. Good luck boys.

The current set of test matches have captured the imagination, not! The Aussies and the Windies tests are going to be boring affairs, as evidenced by the first test and the two tour games the Windies have played. They have been well below par, possibly on the same level as Bangladesh. All we want is a contest.

Sad news on the sports entertainment front with the death of the wrestling superstar Eddie Guerrero. The circumstances around his death are not clear, he had a major battle with drugs and alcohol a few years ago and there is speculation that drugs may have played a part here, but that is pure speculation. After taking all those "beatings" and bleeding foreheads and entering the stage in his low riders, Eddie has gone before his time. Although, there is always this nagging thing at the back of my neck which says maybe he will be resurrected at Wrestlemania 25. Somehow, I don't think so.

Time to go and prepare the Aussie flag for driving up and down Lygon St when we win tomorrow night.

See ya, sports fans.

Songs I used to hate.

Years ago I used to like all sorts of music, ELO, Beatles, Rolling stones, Led Zepplin, Deep Purple, ACDC, bands like that. Who did I hate? Pretty much everyone my sister liked. Abba topped the list and then closely followed by Duran Duran, then there was all the electronic based music of the 80's, the new romantics movement, Moving Pictures, as I said, anything my sister liked. Now that I'm older, it's ironic, I know all the words to all the Duran Duran songs, Abba songs, ABC songs, Spandau Ballet songs the list goes on. There was one song though that I did enjoy when Duran Duran released it, Girls on Film. Probably not the song, more the film clip and especially when at the time, channel 10 used to play video clips late at night and could show them uncut. My sister had a massive crush on Alex Smith from Moving Pictures (we used to call him big nose), in fact she called the pub they were playing at one night, I think it was the Corner hotel in Richmond and to her amazement, he took her call. She was so shocked, all she could say to him was "Hi, I'm one of your biggest fans" (I'm sure he'd never heard that before). I just remembered the Adam Ant phase as well, again, I know all the words and melodies of his "hits" too. There is also all that 70's Disco music, Bee Gees, Motown and all the rest. It is all latent memory stuff, it's been lying dormant waiting for a release. Does this mean it will be used against me when I'm older? If only I could sing.

Twenty things about Clokeeeey.

1. I learnt to swim at age 32.
2. I was born at 11:59 on the 5th but mum and dad decided to put 12:01 on the birth documentation so that I could have the whole of the 6th as my birthday.
3. I enjoy watching the NFL, even though I don’t fully understand the game and the tactics.
4. My uncle took me to my first VFL game, Collingwood v Fitzroy semi final in 1979.
5. Don’t tell anyone but up until I was 6 years old, I supported Carlton. I was coaxed across to Collingwood by my Uncle. My dad barracked for North Melbourne and my Grandfather was a Fitzroy man.
6. My dad used to work 10-12 hour days, 7 days a week (at his own business) so that we could have what he didn’t as a child. He was strict but fair.
7. My uncle was a big influence on my life as a youngster; we used to see him more than dad as uncle used to take Sundays off (same business with dad). Unfortunately, he died aged 33 in 1980, he is still missed.
8. My brother in law was renting a house from me (I was executor for my grandfather’s estate) and we had a handshake agreement on the rent. He didn’t pay for a while, a long while actually and the issue was resolved only when I handed the matter over to an estate agent. Then he never missed a beat (bastard).
9. I have a very trusting nature, see 9 above.
10. When I was 10, my mum whacked me with a wooden spoon (as was the custom of the day) and it broke as it struck my pointy elbow. I laughed after that.
11. I was born and raised a catholic but after years in the catholic education system, I made up my own mind and rejected it all. I consider myself an Atheist.
12. My kids are baptized. It will be up to them to continue to believe or not as they grow older.
13. Monty Python ruled my life in my teens. I didn’t need grog, drugs or tobacco, just give me the Ministry of silly walks.
14. I used to have a wog boy mo until I was 18. Dad never taught me to shave (he was never home).
15. I’m shocking at telling jokes but I can be spontaneously funny.
16. I’ve only ever had 3 speeding fines ever, in 22 years of driving. Until today when I received 2 for the same day, same street, one hour apart. FUCK*
17. I love the smell of Vera Wang on women. Takes me to a special place, my honey knows where.
18. I visited the Bronx in New York and survived. We went to a night market where they had everything from voodoo to kites. One of the guys I was with was adamant that he wanted a photo of the voodoo lady and he nearly ate his camera when the bodyguard said NO! F*CK OFF!!!
19. My favourite flower/plant is the “Bird Of Paradise” (Strelitzia reginae)
20. Finally, I was overseas when Collingwood won the flag in 1990. Just my luck! I was in Venice and I called home six times to get scores and get a feel for the game. The hotel phone bill was about $150, worth it!

* 21. I don’t normally swear, only when I’m really pissed off at myself.

Angels on a stage.

Tonight my daughter, performing as part of the National Youth Choir sang her little lungs out. There was much animation in the performance and all the angels sang with much gusto. As a parent, there is nothing more exhilarating than watching your child on a stage, especially one as important as the Hamer Hall at the Arts Centre, but it could have been at the local shopping centre singing carols, or at the high school performing in the school play. I’m sure all parents feel the same way. The last concert with the Vienna Boys brought a lump to my throat. There she was, sharing the stage with one of the world’s most famous choirs. It was awesome and brought a slight moistness to the eye.

My son has his life all mapped out. At the tender age of 7, he’s asking all the questions, getting advice and generally setting up his life in order to become an AFL footballer. He wants to follow in his father’s foot steps and play for, who else but the Pies. My mother asked him if he would like to help her make some meatballs the other night, which he did, then she asked him if he’d like to learn to cook, to which he replied that yes he would, but only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as on the other nights he’ll be training or playing football. Mum said he was deadly serious. A year ago he wouldn’t even come to the footy, this year, something twigged and he wanted to come to every game, he cheered loudly and started to recognize players. It’s another little twang of pride when your kids voluntarily enjoy something that you do. Both are keen supporters and maybe, one day, my girl will be out on the ground singing the national anthem and my boy and I will be in the crowd roaring as the last words ring out.

* Bevis, your 20 things are coming, can’t promise when but it will be soon.

The Melbourne Cup post....

The first Tuesday of November has come and gone. What a lot of build up for the "Race that stops a nation", well most of the nation I guess, coz I missed it. In past years I would have planted myself in front of the tube and made sure I saw all the build up, the race and the post race gumph. This year was different, I found myself at a house with no TV. I was out in the garden, pottering around, putting up a fence and spraying weeds. By the time I looked at my watch, it was 3:20pm. Hmmm, I guess the race is over. I wonder who won? Care factor, very little. I used my mobile to get the results, "look at that, Makybe Diva won, good on her". That was it, no more thoughts about the cup. Really and truly, no horse was going to beat her, all the challengers were back in the UK or Dubai but they weren't here. Therefore, if she stood up, she would win and did so. Well Done to all concerned.
I just find horse racing in general to be a slightly less random form of Tattslotto, it only exists for the gamblers. Nothing else, that's the only reason they have it. If the gambling wasn't tied to the sport, would there still be horse racing. You'd like to think so, would it still have the huge prize money? Probably not.
The AFL has signed some sort of deal with Betfair and TAB Sportsbet to "control" gambling on AFL matches. Not sure how you can control betting other than to not allow betting. They say that players are not allowed to bet on matches as the players code prevents them from doing so. Yeah Right!
OK, so my fine slimy blog frog pal Bevis tagged me for "20 things about me". I'll start working on that, I don't think I know 20 things about me but I'll give it a go.

PS: Connan O'Brien did his own look-a-like session on his show tonight. As usual, people had to look like him. Here is a Stamp from Finland compared to Connan. Which is which?

International rules is like Ice Hockey.

I went to the Fights and a game of International Rules Football broke out.

I can't believe the level of violence in this game tonight, mainly the Australians are thumping the Irish but they have started to catch up (in the fights anyway).

Enjoy your weekend, especially if you are have a long one (Melbourne cup is a great time of year).

Walk-off Homer.

I learnt a new sporting term today. Walk-off Homer. Now this is not a major Simpsons character throwing a tantrum and storming off to his trailer. It's a term that is used in Baseball where a batter in the last innings of a game (bottom of the ninth or beyond) who hits a home run to win the game. These feats are fairly rare, it's hard enough to hit a home run in the normal course of the game, but to do it in the last inning to win the game is real hero stuff. This happened today in the second game of the World Series. After a Grand Slam homer in the 7th by Konerko (also a very rare feat), Scott Podsednik of the Chicago White Sox hit a home run to break the tie and win 7 to 6. The White Sox lead the series against the Astros 2-0 as they travel to Houston.
So if you haven't worked out what Walk-off homer means, it just means we can all go home now, the game is won. In AFL terms, this is the equivalent of the engine starter at country football games, where the cars are parked all round the oval and they all start leaving at a point in the game where it is obvious a team has the game won.
As an aside, I've noticed that the Astros all have beards, this is obviously a team superstition thing.

The Mystery has been solve-ed.

OK, we can all sleep easy now. I have finally figured out the name of the guy I was seeing in my premonition. The guys name is P. O'Brien, not Brian xxx. Now if only I can figure out why he's trying to contact me.....

Ok, get back on with your lives.

Separated at birth.

Sugar Ray Leonard



Tiger Woods.

There was probably some 20 years between their births but there is an uncanny likeness, no?

Any other good 'uns?

Am I having a premonition?

Am I having a premonition?

I have an image inside my head. It’s an image of a guy I either went to university with or I worked with somewhere over the last 18 years. Who is he? Why has his image appeared to me know? Is something going to happen to him?
I’m sort of worried that this is a sign that something will or has happened to this guy. I figure that he wouldn’t pop up if he wasn’t trying to tell me something. I’m not usually a medium but this is getting a little weird now.
What’s he look like? Well he’s tall, straight brown hair, glasses, a little chubby and it’s freaking me out.
The name Brian seems to be prominent by I still can’t place him.

Who are you?

Tagged, post 23, line 5

Tagged, post 23, line 5.

I’ve been away on a short break, the kids have been with my parents for a few days down the peninsula and I’ve enjoyed the company of my girlfriend and her daughter for about half a week. I’ve come back inspired & excited and my kids are back and they are rejuvenated and ready for the start of school on Monday (well that part may be debatable).

Sports talk:
I think there is another Grand Final on this week, the NRL or something? Not a great fan of the game, but I do like it when it’s close and hard. I liked watching the 2003 GF when Penrith won. The tackle by the number 13 on the wing with 10 minutes to go, memorable stuff. Anyway, hope the Tigers win. Only reason being that they used to be Magpies didn’t they, before the merge?

Ok, On to the real business of this post. I was tagged by ChickyBabe in this meme that’s doing the rounds. I guess if you have hundreds of posts it would be a nostalgic trip down bloggery lane to find your 23rd post. For me, it was a matter of turn back a page and going, oh yeah, I wrote that a couple of weeks ago. So here is that memorable 5th line of my 23rd post. Enjoy. It’s from I'm calling you out. I'm pretty sure this post also had the most comments ever (for my site).

‘I'm on about this "parent" I saw this morning who was working on silently and deliberately bringing about the early demise of her children.’

Pretty harsh words when taken out in isolation?

So now I should tag some others, you can chose to comply or not, I don’t care but at least have a look at your 23rd post. So, Tag goes to Melbourne Girl, Bowlsey, Weasel, Elaine and Rouguemaze.

The Rules:
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same.

Ummmm.... So I was wrong.

Now that I'm back, I've looked at my finals predictions and could I have possibly got it more wrong? Saints, Crows grand final? What was I thinking, this is exactly why I don't gamble.
We were driving back from Canberra on Friday and spotted quite a few Swans supporters making the trip the Hume. I thought they were on a hiding to nothing, I again thought they would provide West Coast with little more than opposition for a couple of quarters and then fall by the wayside. Again, wrong. I watched the game last night after getting home at 6pm and it was a great, absorbing battle of the defenses. Not the free flowing goal fest that sends crowds into raptures as the goal umps flags are waved. This grand final reminded me of the 2002 grand final, which I have an emotional link to as the Pies almost pinched the flag from a stronger opponent.
So should the Eagles feel ripped off? Barry Hall should not have been playing, how he could get off the striking charge is beyond me. Two players were suspended for very similar charges earlier this year (Gehrig and Didak) and he he was able to plead it down to a lesser charge which allowed him to play. He was the difference as he was able to kick a couple of goals out of eight, you can say he was the reason the Swans now have the flag.

The Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix is run tonight and if Fernando Alonso comes 1st, 2nd or 3rd he will become the new F1 World Champion. After many years of domination by Michael Shumacher, the baton will be passed over to a new young gun. He started driving for the Minardi outfit so there is a small piece of Australia in the new World Champion elect. A new champion os what the sport needed, but the rules changes have conspired to enforce this change. What it has shown is the Ferrari must have spent a ton of money on every race, preparing new cars and getting the best of equipment to every race. Now they have to make an engine last 2 races, the tyres can't be changed and qualifying is a complete shambles, does anyone actually understand it?

School holidays.

Well it's time my little ones look forward to every couple of months, The school holidays! This September we're of up north to follow the sun, and stop halfway up. The nations capital will be our home for the next week so there may be no time for posting as I'm not packing a laptop and don't plan to spend time in net cafes other than to sip strong lattes.
Enjoy the footy this weekend, I think the Saints and Crows will win and play off in a repeat of the 1997 Grand Final.
Have a good week.

When the English win the ashes...

I'm gonna sick pussy onto them.

It's official, the Ashes are lost.

Or to be more correct, the Poms have won them back. As soon as the two last batting bunnies go out, the poms will go in, say "by gum it's dark out 'ere" and walk off. Game over.

Final test starts.

The Oval is alive with the sound of leather on willow. In the first hour, it was all willow, soon after drinks it was all Warney. He's a magician and he's just about ready to rip the Poms a new one. I might be getting a little ahead of myself, but who give a toss.
3 for 115 at lunch after being none for 70. It was a great little fight back. The funny thing is listening to the commentary, especially from old Geoffrey Boycott. That Yorkshire accent is a beauty and he talks absolute crap from start to finish, but we sort of love 'im.
I've just noticed something on the cricket telecast, that new grandstand at one end of the ground has 2 empty levels, this can't be right can it? I thought this was sold out. C'mon you pommy's what's going on?

AFL this weekend sees the semi final round. My sons second team, the Cats, are playing in Steak 'n Kidney Friday night and I'm expecting a close game. Sydney was hard done by last week, most commentators called it robbery. I didn't see the end of the game as I expected Sydney to win.
The other game in crow town between two teams no one really gives a toss about, except for the ferals Adelatians that support those two teams. Whoever wins it will make the trip across to Perth the following week and get belted. Good luck boys.

The US open has started, well it's almost over. The c'mon kiddy is through to the quarter finals and hopefully will win tomorrow and get to play Roger again.

woo hoo - You beauty Warney, 4 for.

Anyway, the tennis doesn't excite me much unless the Aussie Open or Wimbeldon are on. The French open is soooo boring and the US open is on at the wrong time of the day for downunder viewing, therefore it not very exciting, but to each there own.

Have I mentioned that I like watching those World Poker tournaments on SBS, it's fascinating watching. I hate to gamble my self and would never spend more that $100 in my life time on any form of gambling (I think I'm up to about $70 now), but I just enjoy watching others bet and raise and fold and going all in. I wonder how many others are addicted to watching this stuff?
But, what I have noticed is the proliferation of poker kits being sold in games stores. Is this a worrying trend? I had heard that places like Toys 'r Us were selling these kits but through outrage they stopped selling them (I believe).

Ok, that's about it for now, next time I write, I'll hopefully report that the Ashes have been saved.

Good night Kiddies. Go Hewitt.

Benny makes the big time.

Well it was on the cards, the big man from Geelong, Ben Graham, who gave up a season or two to try his luck punting in the NFL has won a job with the New York Jets. Fantastic effort that. It was questionable whether he would have even played for the cats this year, I'm sure they missed him, but fact is that he probably would have been a bench player at best and why not try your luck. As a punter, he can probably go on for at least another 5 years, maybe even 10. Another Aussie, Darren Bennett has been there for 11 years, he was named All Pro in his first season and many times after that as well.
Benny will match Bennett for length in his kicking game and from the reports, he spins the ball in flight so as to make it difficult to catch, good thing in the NFL, not good if you want to pin point Gary Ablett Jnr on the wing. So overall, Geelong fans while initially upset should be happy that his time away from our game has not been wasted.
Hurrah, Benny.

Out of context.

I was walking through town today, on my lunch break, when I came across two women talking about something. As they approached, I heard one say to the other "He's got the best nuts!"
Now, I didn't see any other he's around. My mind started wondering, what the hell could they be talking about, mine where securely hidden. No freeballing here.
Hmmmm...

The Fourth test and Dallas Cowboys.

Well we’ve got past the halfway mark of the 2005 Ashes series and the series is still alive, very rare compared to the past 10 series. The two remaining matches are live and the Aussies could still lose the Ashes. Prediction? I think Shaun Tait will come in for Gillespe who is badly out of form. The pitch at Trent Bridge is supposedly going to be a paceman’s paradise and will not suit two spinners. The groundsman has been making all sorts of noises that it won’t suit the spinners so even they are trying their best to screw with the Aussies minds. The batting lineup won’t change, I think Hodge deserves a go but he’s not from New South Wales! Katich will stay in.

I think the Aussies will prevail here and retain the Ashes, but it will be close. It has been absorbing cricket so far, about time too.

The leaves in the northern hemisphere are ready to change colour, so it must be time for the NFL to kick off with some practice matches. Tonight I’m watching the Cowboys vs Seahawks on Monday Night Football. I love this sport, it’s Chess on Turf. I could never understand the game, but I remember seeing it on late night TV with Don Lane. He explained a few of the intricacies and pretty soon it all made sense. The man that really cleared it up is John Madden, he is the best commentator on TV and he’s got his own strange habits. I understand that he drives a Winabago from game to game. So if the game is in Seattle this week and next week in Green Bay, he drives there. Also, he puts his “player of the game” on the side of his camper van with some sort of sticker/magnet arrangement. I think he’s afraid of flying so he keeps his wheels on the ground. [Must be costing a packet with fuel prices these days]

In AFL news, I’m over the season coz the Pies are so shocking lately, but that never stops me from speculating and barracking for any of the other Victorian teams. The Cats won this week (I tipped this!) with a very aggressive game and shut down the West Coast midfield. All the teams that have beaten the Coasters have been able to strangle the likes of Judd, Fletcher, Kerr etc. Good on the Cats, Honey will be happy. The only interest for me now is whether the pies can drop to last and get the number 1 draft pick. Is it that important, well, I’d say yes. While the rules are the way they are, it’s best to use them. You never know, there might be another Reiwoldt and Kositcke in the draft. That’s who we need.

Anyway, gotta go read some stuff.

Game Over.

I hate it when...

I hate it when you type a whole bunch of stuff and then Blogger loses it for you. I learnt early to type up a word document than cut and paste it into blogger. Job Done, but I forgot, started typing and lost it all. FARK!!

What do you think you are doing?

This is the way I imagine a conversation would go between the Smoking Mum In Tarago and I.

C: Hello.

SMIT: Hello. *cough*

C: I just noticed that you smoke in your car while driving to school with the kids in here with you.

SMIT: Well it's a habit I just can't shake. *hack cough*

C: I'm just concerned for the health of your kids, don't you think about the effects of 2nd hand smoke on them? It's not as if they can hide from the smoke inside the car.

SMIT: Umm... no, not really, do you think it may be harmful? *cough hack spit*

C: Yes, it's been proven many times that you are actually harming them, they could develop all sorts of problems and addictions just from inhaling your 2nd hand smoke. Here's some useful information.

SMIT: Gee, I never thought of it that way, maybe I've been too selfish. Thanks for helping me see the light. I better get myself onto those patches, eh? *cough cough*

C: that would be a wise decision. Now on your way SMIT, enjoy the rest of yours and their lives.

*Clokeeeey awakes from slumber and has real conversation with SMIT*

C: Hello

SMIT: What the F@*K do you want? *cough*

C: I just noticed that you smoke in your car while driving to school with the kids in here with you.

SMIT: What's it to do wiff you F@&Kface?. *hack cough*

C: I'm just concerned for the health of your kids, don't you think about the effects of 2nd hand smoke on them? It's not as if they can hide from the smoke inside the car.

SMIT: MY kids are alright, I don't need you do good F*#kers telling me how to raise my kids, why don't you just piss off *cough hack spit*

C: I don't think it's wise of you to talk like that in front of your kids.

Kid1: Mum said piss off, so piss off! *cough cough*

C: Umm, ok, if that's the way you want it. Here's my colt 45, I may as well short circuit the process. Bam, Bam.

*Clokeeeey wakes up again from the second nightmare*

Open letter to SMIT,
Stop doing it. Think of the children, surely you can wait 5 minutes while you drive to and from home. Kill yourself, but leave the kids alone. They are probably addicted already. Hopefully your not the type that belts them when they pick up the habit at age 13 too.
See you in the car park.

Clokeeeey.


note: no SMIT was actually shot, this is just a wishlist, guess which version is the wish?

Friday Night Lights.

I've just watched this movie called Friday Night Lights. I loved it.

If follows the fortunes of an American High school football team, highlighting the pressures these 17 year olds are under not only from the team and the school, but the whole town. I didn't realize the amount of pressure they are placed under for a high school sport. With their dreams and aspirations hanging on every play, these kids lives are made or broken on Friday nights.

While this is a sports oriented movie, the sport is secondary. The kids are the story and their families and everyone around them. Highly recommended. You might even feel a moistness in your eyes at some point.

The next dvd I want to get is Hotel Rwanda. I know that will be hard to watch, but I just have to.

PS: No mention about my football team this week, the Pies lost to the Blues in another disappointing game. Luckily I wasn't at the game and no where near a TV to watch it. I can't see us winning another game this year, so last place is looking good for us. Where has the season gone?

I'm calling you out.

Child abuse comes in many forms. There is the physical abuse, there is also mental abuse and then there is a hard to categorize type of abuse. It's sort of passive and probably a long term effect on children, a silent killer type of abuse.

[What are you on about, Clokeeeey?]

I'm on about this "parent" I saw this morning who was working on silently and deliberately bringing about the early demise of her children. She had a middle primary school aged child in the front passenger seat, plus 2 others in baby seats in the second row of the Tarago.

[Sounds pretty normal to me. What gives?]

Well, what disturbed my was what she was holding in her hand while driving. No, it wasn't a mobile phone, no it wasn't the herald sun. Yes it was a cigarette, a lit cigarette and she was puffing away, using the in car ashtray and just blowing away to her hearts content. Windows only marginally opened, but that really doesn't matter. No matter how wide open they are, the smoke still hangs around the driver.

What possesses a parent to smoke in a car with children on board. Do they just not care? I saw this again this afternoon, this time the windows were closed. Did she think the smoke would only go into her lungs and the kids will be safe as the bubble of stupidity that surrounds the driver will keep the air clean around the kids.

For fucks sake!

Last weeks paper had an article where the state government is considering legislation to fine people that smoke in cars where children are present. The question is, do we need legislation like this? Surely a parent that loves their kid(s) will not smoke in the car. Or maybe smokers just don't care about anyone else, maybe a fine is too lenient?

Well I'm sick of this type of abuse, so I'm calling the Tarago driver out. I have your rego and I'm not afraid to use.

EOD-808.

You should be ashamed of yourself, I loathe you. Give your kids a chance, they can't defend themselves. If you had driven close to where I parked my car, you would have heard a few well chosen, polite words. No point being abusive, I don't want to compound your kids problems with more abuse.

If anyone thinks this is a once off thing, don't, this is the 3rd time I've witnessed it and she never stops the car long enough for me to do anything about it. At least this time I got her rego.

Anyway, more sport later when the cricket finishes.

Look after your kids, you don't get many chances.

That second test.

Well, I have to eat some humble pie. Australia lost the second test. Let's put it into perspective, Ponting wins the toss and bowls (dickhead). Our top order scored bugger all runs and then will still manage to get within 2 runs.

I was glued to that last hour of the match, I had pretty much given up as we still needed 100 runs with only 2 wickets left. Well I missed the Warne wicket as I channel surfed, but as the run chase got close and the electronic scoreboard at the ground kept showing an ever decreasing number to win, I could not move.

It reminded me of the famous test match in 82-83 at the MCG, I was sitting in a banana lounge on the balcony of our holiday house for that summer, portable TV at my feet and I remember it was about lunch time. Mum was yelling at me to come down and eat lunch (hot dogs as I recall) and I just ignored her calls, there was no way I was moving from that spot The run chase was almost over, we were going to win, if I moved it would be bad luck, something would happen. I didn't uncross my legs, my arm stayed behind my head and that seemed to help Thommo and Border. But then, the fatal blow, my younger brother came out on the balcony and disturbed the picture, I yelled at him and moved, then had to chase him out of the room. 2 minutes later, Thommo snicks the ball to some pommy plod at second slip who dropped the catch, but actually bumped it up to allow Botham the opportunity to jump across and catch the ball before it hit the ground. I wanted to clock my brother for causing this catastrophe. I was gutted.

This time round, there was no interference from a younger sibling, the kids stayed in bed, this time I can say, it wasn't my fault. One of the guys at work did say he moved just before that last wicket fell, I blame him!

Congratulations to the Poms, they did play better for 3 days.

Also, congratulations to Shane Warne, 1 wicket away from 600.


Apologies to chickybabe and m!key for returning to sports. It's what I do, but I might return to tech talk another time.

Top Ten Turn Ons and Offs.

Top 10 Turn Ons.

1. A set of baps that just won't quit. Preferably fake and hard.
2. High heeled CFM boots.
3. Eyes that say CFM.
4. Long hair. Preferably brunette, If it's too short I won't be able to use it as reins.
5. Some hair downstairs but not a wolf spider.
6. I a little bit of a howler in bed.
7. Talks about footy in bed, Magpie talk only.
8. Has a Subaru WRX STi.
9. Can pole dance.
10. Brings a slab to a party.

Top 10 Turn Offs.

1. Hairy armpits.
2. Hairy top lip.
3. Hairy knuckles.
4. Muffin top dress sense.
5. Carlton supporters.
6. Farts.
7. Wears a thong and really shouldn't.
8. Lies about her age.
9. Likes Tom Cruise.
10. Uses an electric toothbrush as a vibrator, eeewwww.

OK, I'm looking around to see who I'm gonna tag. I reckon one of my pommy mates should have a go, so tag you Weasel (the cricket will still be there). I'd tag Bowlesy but his enjoying a break so leave him out of it.
Looking, looking, looking - I might just tag this one- Darcy.

Have fun with it.

Stumble on.

Thanks to my buddy M!key, I've taken to Firefox with a passion (sort of). One of the cool extensions I've found is called Stumble on. As the name suggests, you configure it to suit your tastes, such as humour, christianity, political and countless other themes and Stumble on will stumble around the net and find you web site that meets your criteria. You can then rate the site, bookmark it etc. Very random way to look around, I love it.

Bow and Arrow is one example of the sort of random things I've stumbled upon. Shoot an arrow straight up in the air and see what happens when it lands on you.

Also loaded the Wikipedia search extension which is quite handy.

In other news, I'm watching Mythbusters now and fair dinkum, I can't believe what they are doing tonight. They have another remote control car situation and it has been running out of control. The first time Adam was in the car, the second time it was heading for the bay. The point of the stunt? Whatever it is, they haven't made it work, yet.

Ferrari fights back.

I noticed that in the Hungarian grand prix, the Ferrari has finally put itself on pole position and seems to be going well in the early running of the race.

The Aussie cricketers are playing some sort of shire in blighty. On the frst day they managed to bowl 1 over. Typical English weather settled in and wrecked the day. Hopefully they'll get to play the other 2 days which is all they would need to wrap up a county match.

The Australian new soccer league the A-League pre season cup started this week. This is the new revamped Australian competition which has reduced the number of teams, has removed the dependancy on ethnic groups to support the teams and hopefully will appeal to the Australian masses that have for some reason or another, not embraced the round ball code. When I was a kid, the game was referred to as "wog ball", I'm not sure that it is called that now but it would explain why so many football fans didn't flock to soccer. I actually think it's more to do with the lack of scoring in comparison to other options in Australia.

The swimming world campionships are about to close in Montreal Canada, with the Americans and Australians fighting for bragging rights. We will always claim that given the size of our country (population wise) we should be lucky to win any event at all, but we have won about 10 gold medals to the Americans 15 or so.

Ok, that's it for now.
Game Over.

GO Doggies.

Watching a great game of footy by the Western Bulldogs, the Lions are little flat but they are just getting over run by a good quick, young team. It's great to watch. The difference is about 40 points and it's not even half time.

Go Doggies.

Conversely, I've just flicked over to the Crows v Swans game and at half time the score was 20 to 28. What excitement!

one nil, one nil, one nil, one nil.

I wen to sleep for 1 hour and it was all over. I stayed up until god knows when to watch the cricket and finally it started, I saw the first wicket of the night fall, Jones tried to pull McGrath, and then I fell asleep. 1 Hour later it was all over. Story of our cricketing lives, things going bad, just wait an hour it will right itself.
Good Night Lads.

Next post soon.

Well it looks like Englands 12th man has taken to the field and is trying to save the match for them. How many other teams list Rain as the 12th man. It's your only hope guys.

I was hoping to write about how we one this match, but it looks like it might not happen until much later tonight. Therefore, I'll hold back and post later.

It's about to start...

This Thursday the Ashes finally start. It’s been a couple of years of promise, built up by a team that has actually shown that it can win away from home, but I fear there will be more of the same punishment meted out to the Poms*. The Aussies have had a slow start and really is just the one day game (just for you weasel), but we are better at the long form of the game so let’s see what happens. My prediction – 3-0 to the visitors. There will be 2 games washed out, where the Poms will be in a winning position on the second day, but due to thee rain, they run out of time, giving the nation false hope and a trouncing in the next match.

Been up most nights watching “Le Tour” and I have been drawn in to the magic of it and the tactics and the commentary. It’s been riveting. I think it’s the countryside views, the people on the side of the course, the narrow corridors the spectators create for the riders, how they don’t smack into a spectator or a flag or a bag, I don’t know. It would seem that Lance Armstrong is going to win this, barring any sort of mishap. It will be his last race and 7th win in a row, magnificent effort. I remember Miguel Indurain being hailed as the best ever, well Lance is just that little bit better. A friend has a plan to go to France and follow the tour from start to finish, in a Winabago. Sounds cool.

I found out today that the only team that can’t make the AFL finals this year is Carlton. Collingwood can mathematically make it as high as 3rd, so fire up boys. 6 wins will do it. Losing a bit of interest in the footy, I thought my pies would have a good season, but we a re looking to next year now. Finish 14th and try and get a good draft choice for next year.

That’s all for now, going to watch some pedal pushing.

Game over.



* Believe it or not, a Perth - WA man was charged with some sort of racial slur offence when he called an Englishman “a pommy git”. What the? Next they’ll whine about being called “soap dodgers”. Been looking for the article online but can’t find it.

The British Open.

Just had to come here and let everyone know - Greg Norman made the cut!
I can't believe it. I don't recall when he last made the cut in a tournament of any sigfinicance, yet here he is, made it through to the last day of the Open. Funnily enough he's tied with Nick Faldo for 30th place. Would have been good to see the play together but there are 10 players tied at 3 under. This group also includes Phil Mickelson, Mark Hensby and Nick O'Hern.

My favourite moment from the Open so far was the farewell photos of Jack Nichlaus, being taken on the Swilken Bridge on the 18th hole on Friday. He was there for about 4 or 5 minutes, posing with his son and the rest of his playing group and caddies. Although Peter Alliss the commentator was wishing they'd hurry along like good little chaps, no sense of theatre Pete.



Tiger Woods has a 2 stroke lead over José Maria Olazábal and will probably hold him at bay, with the Goose one stroke behind sure to pour on the pressure, or he'll choke like at the US Open a few weeks ago. By the looks of the early going, scoring is mixed but people like Ernie Els and a couple of others are 5 and 4 under for the day, so it should be interesting.

The open live board is at this site.

What car race?

I can't believe I missed this. There was a Grand Prix on the weekend. The British Grand Prix was run and won by Jaun Pablo Montoya. I can't remember the last time he won a race. HE seemed to always pick up pole position, but then inevitabley crash to get out raced. Congrats to him.
Mark Webber finished 11th, another disappointing race, when is that car going to deliver. Maybe next year.
I guess this was overshadowed by other events in England at the weekend so it's no wonder it slipped past my attention.
The next race is in Germany on the 24th, just about when the aussies will be playing golf as they've wrapped up the first test on the Saturday :-)

Tuesday sports talk.

Well, I’ve had a little break and things happen. Not going to talk about the bombing, there is enough out there to inform and misinform people about it. I’m not going to add to it here.

Let’s start with what is currently in play, the Cricket! The woefuls are currently batting and sitting on 5 for, oh actually, that’s just changed to 6 for 93. The poms have just called for the “super-sub”. What the hell is that? The ICC has introduced some new rules to one day cricket. I’m not sure if it is across the board or just for this series of matches. I don’t recall them being used in the last set of matches that included Bangladesh, maybe someone out there knows. They also have power plays, where I think the fielding team can choose which 10 and 2x5 blocks of overs they would like to have the “2 fielders out of the circle rule” apply. So it looks like you now have to have 2 fielders out for 20 overs, not the original 15 which were always the first 15. Now they can mix it up and have the power play overs at the end of an innings. I don’t think that is a wise strategy but it does allow for an extra 5 overs of slogging. The game was becoming stale and uninteresting, especially with 20/20 games on the rise. Here is the full explanation from the ICC.

Well the Aussie rules seems to have settled down a bit, some big scores in the footy tipping suggests that expectations are starting to be met and that top teams are playing bottom teams. Soon though, there will be a flurry of activity on the ladder, there are 9 teams within 10 points of 2nd place. The West Coast Eagles are miles above the rest with a 4 game buffer and certainty to be playing home finals. The others are all in precarious positions, 2 bad games and you could be out of the 8, it is very tight. There are a couple of classic matches this weekend, most of which will reshape the 8 as well as West Coast v Brisbane which will be a great game. The Pies gave me no joy as the Lions mauled them to an inglorious death, damn their eyes!

Watched a bit of the Tour de France the other night, one of the mountain stages and the guy at the front was the Polka dot shirt owner, Rasmussen which was to be expected. Couldn’t watch all of it though as it was going to be a long stage and there is not much excitement in watching 2 guys race up a hill. But, Stuart O’Grady did finish 4th across the line which is pretty good for a non climber. This sport is so complex. The teams, the jerseys, the sprints, the mountain climbs, it’s just one huge tactical race. I noticed that the guy who had the Yellow jersey, David Zabriske, after the first day pulled out. He is strictly a flat track racer and that’s it for him. Lance is looking good and despite giving up the yellow jersey for now, he expects to get it back later in the race. I like the confidence.

The British Open starts this week at St Andrews, the home of golf. Not much more one can say until the hit off on Thursday.

By the way, Kev Pietersen has gone made and smacked the ball everywhere while I was writing this, but alas he is out - 7 for 186.

Mondays experts..

Round 14 of the AFL has gone by and we have more evidence that the season is either completely over or this is the most even season since probably 1993. With the Eagles so far ahead of the pack, it would be an automatic assumption that they will win the premiership, but in true parochial style, we in the eastern states, including South Australia, believe that they will crumble under the finals pressure as they have in the past couple of seasons. The truth is, no one knows. My two cents are still on the Eagles to make the Grand Final, but the rest will be based on who get to the end of the year with the least injuries. I’m thinking the 4 teams in equal 2nd place are so evenly matched that they’d all be able to beat one another. Then you have Brisbane hovering and the rest are making up the numbers. I will declare it here and now – Port are gone! Let’s spend a minute here in silence and remember the once mighty power.

I should also mention here that the Pies are back! Only 2 games out of the eight and a walkover match against the hapless Brisbane Bears this week. Ooops, sorry, I time warped back to the early 90’s. Anyway, it was another great effort by the Black and Whites. Showing up the flaws in the 2004 premiership winning team, they were disjointed and actually openly fought amongst themselves, it was great to see. It reminds me of soccer teams after they let in a goal, everyone screams at the guy in front of him, waving their arms about. What the hell is all that about?

Roger Federer wins his 3rd Wimbledon title in a row. What a magnificent performance. I didn’t see any of the match but Roger tells anyone who’ll listen that he played the best game he could and Andy didn’t stand a chance. Very modest of you Roger.

Venus Williams won her 3rd title as well, beating Lindsay Davenport in a game described as the best women’s tennis match ever. Again, I didn’t see it as it was on way too late for this little black and white duck magpie.

No cricket news to report, just that the first Ashes test starts soon, should be entertaining. Not going to have any digs just yet.

Dwight Yorke has turned out for his new club in Sydney today. I was going to link you to an interesting story about his first hit out, but couldn’t find one. As he is playing for Sydney FC, I don’t really give a fat rat’s clacker. He’s a big name, but I wonder if he isn’t past it.

I was just ready ninemsn article on the French Grand Prix, and rather than the headline being “Alonso wins, stretches lead in the championship”, the headline is “Pain without gain for Webber”. Now I know this is an Australian news channel, but really. Tell me who won and how they did it, not who’s arse was on fire during the race.

What the hell is happening to Ferrari? Bernie’s new rules has killed them. This is really shitting me off, I just want to see total Ferrari domination, but all we are getting is total domination of Ferrari. This is not the natural order of things, fix them up Bernie! Fix them up!

OK, i've calmed down a little now. Time torest up for a big day tomorrow. I'll be going to work and just sitting there watching emails come in and out of my mailbox, oh the excitement.

See you's.

Game Over.

Short update.

As predicted, the young Hewitt kiddie couldn't make it past Roger the Ferderer. He is just way too good. We clinged to the hope that maybe, just maybe he'd falter or Hewitt would play harder and get past the swiss mis(ter), but alas, he played his "A" game, but Roger was at "A+" level. Good luck Roger. At least Hewitt got further than Henman, that's all I can say. I heard there is a Scotsman on his way up too. That'll give the Brits something to cheer about.

Went to see the Pies last night strangle and then beat up on the Power. It was "Lights out" for the wannabes as they just crumbled like the house of cards that they are. As soon as any pressure was applied, like someone saying boo, they just capitulated. It was a great night and but for a couple of 1 point losses this year, we'd be "in the mix". I don't like dwelling on coulda, woulda, shoulda situations, BUT I do think we have been a little unlucky this year. Ya never know, we might just sneak a few more wins and make it hard for those teams above us wanting to make an impact in the finals. Starting with Brisbane next week.

The final of the one day tournament at Lords is be played at the moment. The Aussies started well, 50 off about 6 overs, can't complain about that, but then they just collapsed and made a pathetic 196 all out. In true English style though, I've just checked the scores and I see they are 19 for 3 wickets... Hold on, the TV has gone quiet, let me check.... make that 19 for 4. PATHETIC. The next man in is Collingwood, at least you poms can experience the pleasure of supporting a well named individual. Although, I still hope he makes a duck.... dammit, he just scored a 4.

Thats it for now, need some sleep.

make that 32 for 5. How many tests are you going to win?

Good night.

Ok Go - A Million Ways.

This video clip is just fantastic. Who needs millions spent on directors, make up, choreographers etc when all you need is a handy cam, a backyard and a few beers.

You'll need Apple Quicktime and high speed broadband for this, it's about 16mb.

Enjoy.

The random doubts of Walter Mondale

The random doubts of Walter Mondale

I'm excited!

The Pies have a tought task this week, Port Adelaide are starting to make some moves towards the 8 and have finally started to get that winning feeleing. Well, it all stops here. They'll leave Telstra Dome with their lightning bolts between their legs. Going to see the game with my Bro and a neighbour of his, we'll be the ones in the black and white gear, I'll make sure I wave to the cameras. Good news is that Eddie (channel 9) had to call Eddie (Collingwood Prez) to ask Eddie (Prez) if they could show the game live. There were hats flying all over the place at Eddie's mansion today. Why Live? So they can show the Tennis live and not miss a c'mon!!!
Round 14 Teams

Little Lleyton is through to the semis and as predicted, will play Roger Fedora. This will be either a classic grass court slam fest over 5 gruelling sets, or just another Roger whitewash. He's had the wood on Hewitt and I'm sure they both know it. Good luck anyway, Aussie Lleyton.

The cricketers are just creeping along, getting better with every game. The are playing the Bangers tonight and last I saw they had them at 5 for 80. Not too interested in that tonight, going to watch the amazing race soon. There may be a break in transmission.
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Still watching the Amazing Race, they are in India, oh boy the Kaos.
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Oh well, the old couple have made it through to the final 4 and the boyfriends have been booted.

So anyway.....

The Aussie girls lost in the netball last night. What the hell happened there? Irene Van Dyk is what happened there. She equalled the world record for test appearances, I'm sure she was a South African at one stage. Anyway, the Silver Ferns won 50-43, the Aussie were inaccurate and basically, stuffed it up.

That Andrew Bogut made Australian basketball history by becoming the first ever number 1 draft pick in the NBA. Great for him, but when he starts playing, the word on the street is that the rest of the players are gonna give him one hell of an introduction to the big leagues. He apparently shot his mouth off and slagged off some great Australian players as well as some yanks. Not the best move in the world, be interested to see how he goes though. He does have game.


Now, this guy is apparently coming to Melbourne Storm. Michael Crocker is his name and he's supposed to be good.
I'll need some Sydney siders input here. League is not my game.








And finally, what the hell is happening at Football Australia? Why sack the coach 5 months before we play some south american team (unknown as yet) for a place in the World Cup finals? Whoever takes on the job is on a hiding to nothing. Get Frank back, sack him if we don't make the finals. Typical of why this game will never get to where the other football codes are at in this country.

Game Over.

Buckley. My Hero.

Well, the great man made his return and short of kicking the winning goal, he played a brilliant captain's game. The scary thing is, that he thinks he can improve. It was another nail biter, with only 30 seconds to go, Didak had the chance to soccer through an unlikely goal, but the bastard of a ball skided away from him and slid through for a point. Let's not dwell on the timekeeping issue, that's been done to death and the offenders have been sacked.

This week we take on the premiers of last year, Port Adelaide. I think we are going to win this and I'm gonna get along and barrack as loudly as I can. GO PIES!!!!

Cricket.

And over in England, the Aussies are finally showing the poms how to play cricket. The press over there will soon have to change their tune as Ponting's boys show them the reason why they are world champions at both forms of the game.

Basketball.

The NBA final was eventually won by the Spurs, in a very entertaining final game, they pretty much seemed to fall over the line by a handful of points. They were behind mid way through the game, but fought back to regain the title.

Soccer.

Brazil v Argentina in the final of the confederations cup.

Tennis.

The Hewitt kiddy looks like he's going to make the semi-final at Wimbledon, where he is expected to play against Federer. I think LH has a mental block when he plays Roger, he just can't seem to get past him. C'mon Lleyton!!!

Buckley is back. Yeah!!!!!

Finally, the captain is back. It's been a wretched year for the skipper and finally he gets his chance to lead the team out since round 1. I for one am glad to see him back and would have loved to have been in the habour city to watch it, but things being things, we couldn't go this year. Maybe next year.

Round 13 team selections


Jim Clement has been in outstanding form this year, he is my favourite player. Leands by example and never gives up. He even thinks we can make the finals. I guess it is still mathematically possible (as the coodabeens would say).

James Clement speaks

The Tennis went as expected last night. When I heard Philapousis say that he was in good form (after round 1) and that he knew what he had to do to win and his attitude was right and blah and bling and so on, I just knew he was going to lose, especially after I found out he was playing the World no 2, Marat Safin. Well he lost, but not real badly, 7/6, 7/6, 6/4 is a pretty good score line. Not as the papers made out, that he was thrashed. It would seem to me that he only lost one service game in the third, how is that a trashing? Anyway, the Hewitt kiddy is still there and the only realistic chance of making the quarter finals.

For the benefit of my little one, here is the current ladder.
West Coast Eagles
Melbourne
Adelaide
Geelong
Kangaroos
Sydney Swans
Richmond
Port Adelaide
St Kilda
Brisbane Lions
Western Bulldogs
Fremantle
Collingwood
Essendon
Hawthorn
Carlton

Well, that's about it for tonight. Keeping an eye on the cricket, see if the Aussies can win a game.

See ya's.

Clokeeeey appears. 1977 style scanlans footy card. 

When too much sport is never enough.

Sports lovers unite. Tis the time of year when multitudes of sports fans gather and marvel at the prowess of many a great sports men and women. And this year is a bit of a leap year when it comes to sports.

We start with the regular fare of Aussie rules and that rugby league thing they play up north.

The yearly trek to Wimbledon to see the worlds finest smack cat gut against a felt covered air conveyance on slippery painted grass.

The US open golf where we wait to see which Aussie hero can almost make a charge to the top of the leader board only to blow out on the final day with a 7 over 79.

There is usually a formula one grand prix being staged somewhere in the world, although that last race was just one massive farce. How can you call a race between 6 cars a “race”? Shame! Bernie, Shame!

There’s a MotoGP race somewhere in the world as well, god knows where, but it will be on Fox Sports 2 on Sunday night, just have to look out for it.

They’ll be garlic, berets, wine and 2 wheelers of the pushy kind as the tour de France gets underway next week. Somehow, watching cyclists racing up and down roads, mountains and cobblestones doesn’t get any better than when it’s in France.

There is also the spectacle of the NBA finals, Spurs v Pistons.

Then on top of all this feasting, there’s a soccer tournament which includes Australia in the final eight against some powerhouse teams (out in straight sets though).

AND, to top it all off, the mother of all conflicts, the battle for the Ashes!!!

What’s a poor boy supposed to do? There must be a good 300 hours worth of sport for the viewing over the next month or so, and only so many long play video tapes to collect it on. Then when do you watch them?

“You could always just read about it in the paper the following day!”

What? Who said that? Hush thy mouth.

The pleasure is in the viewing, catching those defining moments, the great mark, the unbelievable catch, the six over mid-wicket to beat the Poms, the tumble of the guy in the yellow jersey onto the cobblestones, the clutch 3 pointer in double overtime to win the series, the spraying of the champagne by the victor and the sports nut falling asleep on the couch and missing all the good bits. That’s what is important.

Shaw thing.

I thought of this as I was driving home. Why is it that you have all the great thoughts but nowhere to jot them down. oops, I digress.

The other day, mick malthouse made an ill informed comment, ie, he was lead down the garden path by a crap journo and mick swallowed the bait and laid the boots into Tony Shaw. An apology came the following day, but I say, bad luck Shaw(r)y. Since he left the pies (on the bottom of the ladder) he has done very little except try his hardest to be objective, but in doing so has swung the boots into us on many occasions. More so than into any other team, and he's very good at the "I told you so's".

He also make statements that get my blood boiling as he (like a typical shock jock) makes statements without any information or just perpetuates a lie he's heard on the grape vine. I wish 3AW would give him the chop, he adds nothing and I can usually hear the embarrassment in the voices of his colleagues. I think that tree he hit while out jogging did some major damage.

So that's what I thought about on the way home.....

Go Pies.

The Pies.

Well, after a few weeks of pretty good footy, we fell away in the 2nd half against the demons. Starting to hate the demons again, just like the glory days of the late 80's, i'm not old enough to remember the 50's & 60's.

We just looked a bit flat in the last quarter, especially after the injury to Rhyce Shaw. He's impressed most fans this year with his run and even his kicking has improved (although his first kick against the dees went into the crowd). Much improved andcould have won the copeland this year. I'm sure the coach is devastated to see him on the sidelines now.

A week off to rest our weary voices, at least we've had plenty to cheer about and been singing the song out loud.