You can't be serious, Bernard Tomic

Just read that Bernard Tomic vows to become the best player Australia has ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Er,  the name Rod Laver obviously means nothing to him, or John Newcombe, Pat Cash, Lew Hoad, Margaret Smith-Court, Evonne Goolagong to name just a few.  If he really thinks he will be half as good as these players, then I have a prediction of my own.  Before I die, there will be world peace, everyone will have enough to eat, there will be no-one living in refugee camps and all religions will be respectful and tolerant of each other. Oh, and one more thing, pigs will fly. So, c'mon Bernard, tell us the truth, you were only joking weren't you?  I mean, really, YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!

What has happened to the "Yorker"?

Don't fast bowlers learn (or want to learn) how to bowl a good old fashioned Yorker these days?  I can't see the benefit of bowling over after over of deliveries that a batsman does not even have to play at.  What a waste of time and energy!  Surely a few good toe crunchers would not only make the batsman jump a bit, but it may even result in a wicket.  I do acknowledge that this is a hard ball to bowl, but with practise, any fast bowler should be able to perfect this delivery, otherwise they should not be playing first class cricket.

Why I don't watch the ABC anymore

What is happening with the ABC?  After many years of faithful viewing, I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer watch any of Aunties blatantly biased, tacky and controversial current affair shows.  Apparently they now see themselves as our moral, ethical and spiritual leaders!!  I always assumed that this tax payer funded organisation was for our entertainment, and I know that I'm not the only person who has had enough of overbearing, pompous, arrogant know-all presenters and "experts".  There used to be a time when so-called presenters were just that.  Now, they like nothing better than to ridicule guests and to sneer and generally put down anyone who does not agree with them.  Of course there are still some shows that are worth watching (mostly British made), but I stopped watching their news and current affairs shows long ago.  So, where can I go to get a refund on all my wasted taxes, or better yet, we should be able to vote in a referendum as to whether we would like our taxes to fund the ABC or another much worthwhile cause.

Will I get Alzheimers? probably....

My father, and both of my paternal grandparents, had Alzheimers, so the odds that I and/or my siblings will also suffer from this disease is high.  In fact, I already have some symptoms, so was intrigued to learn today that the latest research has shown that poor diet and lack of exercise may play a major part in getting Alzheimers.  I find this too much of a generalisation, because my grandfather was an orchardist in the Adelaide Hills, so got lots of exercise and grew all their own fruit and vegetables.  My father, after leaving the hills, was a dairy farmer.  He also grew all our own fruit and vegetables and played sport nearly all his life. OK my life may be more sedentary and my eating habits could be better, but I would think genetics, not lifestyle will be my main determinator.

Great idea Kevin

One of my favourite sections in our daily newspaper (Adelaide Advertiser) is the letters to the editor. On any given day, you will find more common sense, intelligence, wit and foresight around the average breakfast table than the whole of the houses of parliament. Today, a letter from Kevin M. made me laugh out loud when he suggested that we “outsource” the Australian Government. He claimed it would be relatively easy to get people working in call centres in either India or the Philippines, to hurl abuse at each other for hours at a time! Well, it would certainly be cheaper, because they would not be flying around the world with their families every other week, and they would definitely know more about living in the real world than our politicians do. Good one Kev, its people like you that keep us all sane.

It is NOT the womens fault

Just read an article about paying teenage girls to not have sex so that the teenage pregnancy rate would fall.  Er, doesn't it take two to make a baby?  That's right, a MALE is involved.  So why didn't the article suggest that we get the teenage boys to abstain from sex for a fee, or a the very least not have unprotected sex?  Is it because they are irresponsible?  No, it's the old, old story - it must be the girl's fault!  The same blame is laid when a woman walks alone at night.  It doesn't matter if she has spent the night in the pub, been to night school, or just finished work, every woman has the right to walk down our city streets.  If a woman is dressed a certain way and is assaulted, or worse, then she is subject to more blame.  So in these "enlightened" times, shouldn't we be putting the blame back where it belongs - to the minority of men who think they have a right to treat women like dirt.

Who votes in these opinion polls?

Read today that Gillard's popularity rose to 50% because, according to one news poll, people were impressed with her "misogyny" speech.  However, on the ninemsn news website, more than 70% of the voters said they were NOT impressed with the same speech.  So my question is - who votes in these polls and how accurate are they, because the figures just don't add up.

What has Tendulkar done to deserve an OA?

There are probably thousands of unheralded Aussies who do good works day in and day out but receive no plaudits or recognition from our government.  So why has the government given an Order of Australia to Sachin Tendulkar?  I can only think of one reason - to further feed the ego of our Prime Minister.  C'mon, wake up and look at the larger picture. I would guess that  99% of Indians do not know your name or who you are, and the rest probably don't care. 

Why didn't these Catholics go to the police instead of the church?

I guess it's because I am not a Catholic that I could never understand why the parents of abuse victims went to the church to complain about what was happening to their children.  Why?? Why didn't they go to the police?  This is a criminal matter, a police matter.  The church was never going to do anything about these paedophiles, even if they weren't involved personally, most of the church hierarchy are so arrogant that they think they are above the law.  Even after all these years and many thousands of cases they are still making excuses.  These people call themselves men of god, so is it any wonder that I do not believe there is a god.

Abbott out, Turnbill in, if Libs really want to win

The Libs will probably win the next federal election, but if they are really smart they will switch leaders at the last minute by replacing Abbott with Turnbull.  This will throw Labour into confusion because they have gotten so used to slagging Abbott, they will have to a complete face about and the "faceless men" will be frantically finding some mud to sling.

Donkey voting gets us donkeys!!

Read a great letter in the Sunday Herald Sun from a reader who suggested that Australia must have "donkey voted" at the last election, because Parliament is full of donkeys.  Whenever our young sports people do or say the wrong thing they are vilified from pillar to post because they are supposed to be role models.  I would have thought that our politicians should be leading the way in behaviour and morality, but obviously not.  They are a bunch of rabble, an embarrassment to our country.  No wonder the word BOGAN (uncouth/west of Sydney) was added to our dictionaries, soon the meaning will be amended to -
                                     A politician of any kind working in Canberra. 
OK, may be a bit harsh, there could be one or two good ones, if only they would stand up!  I would like to see all ballot papers in the future add another box for us to tick.  It would simply be "None of the above"

A picture paints a thousand words

Nothing much that I see or read in the news shocks or surprises me much anymore.  However, I was reduced to tears today as I saw a photo of a 6 year old boy with his arm around his 4 year old sister, comforting her, because seven members of his family had been killed in front of them.  They say a picture paints a thousand words, and it also paints a thousand feelings.  Among the dead were their parents, baby brother, older brother and grandmother.  No child should have to endure this sort of brutality and loss and the perpetrators would have to be inhuman and sadistic.  It reminded me of the last time something similar brought me to tears and that was the Zahra Baker case.  What that poor child had to endure at the hands of her stepmother, before her eventual murder, was pure spite and cruelty.  These children are innocents and do not deserve to have this pain and suffering inflicted on them, just to satisfy an adults misguided righteousness.

Our Politicians are Embarrassing and a Disgrace

The fight against bullying and hateful behaviour will never be won when the main instigators are our Prime Minister and her fellow parliamentarians.  Parents and educators who are trying to teach good behaviour and attitudes are constantly being undermined by these egotistical and immature so-called leaders of this country.  Now, in SA, we also have to explain to our children and grandchildren, that just because you are a member of parliament, you are not above the law, even though some people clearly think they are.  How do these people get elected?

So crime does pay.....

If Carl Williams family are successful in their bid to sue over his death, then everyone who has been affected by his criminal activities should then sue the father, and ex-wife, for raising, and aiding and abetting a criminal and living off the proceeds of drug dealing and other crimes.  For generations, parents have been telling their children to stay out of trouble, that crime doesn't pay. Yeah, right!!!

What has happened to free speech and democracy?

I think I know why there is so much childish behaviour in parliament!  It's because they are all treated like children.  They are only allowed to voice an opinion if it "tows the party line"  Heaven forbid if someone wants to voice his/her own opinions.  What is the point of having debates in parliament if the outcome has already been pre-determined.  So, forget free speech, forget thinking outside of the square, because there is no real democracy, only party policies.  We don't have to agree with anything our politicians say, but they should have the right to say what they think, just like the general public does.

Don't feed the trolls

As a generalisation, I agree with Andrew Bolt - don't feed the trolls!!  The would dislike being ignored.  There are occasions, however, when people must be made accountable for their actions and I refer to the "Dawson troll".  This person has been cleared by her employer of any wrong doing and has resumed work.  Her job is as a university mentor.  Now, my dictionary describes a mentor as a wise counsellor.  Please explain to me how some-one who tells a vulnerable person to "go hang themselves", can be either wise or a counsellor giving advice to young people???????

Jacqueline Freney & Matthew Cowdry - Superstars

None of the superlatives I can think of are enough to describe Australian swimmers Jacqueline Freney and Matthew Cowdrey.  Matt is the all-time greatest paralympian ever and Jacqueline won eight gold medals from eight events.  I can believe it because I saw it with my own eyes.  If these two were representing GB they would be knighted by now.  Sir Matthew Cowdry sounds rather good.......
Disappointingly, the Australian media, with the exception of the ABC, barely acknowledge, not only these two, but the rest of this amazing team.  Our abled bodied athletes could learn a lot from their humility and sheer joy they get from doing what they love (and I guess sometimes hate), and the fact that getting a PB was better than winning a medal.  What really left me in complete awe were the armless swimmers! How hard must that be?  At what age, I wonder, does some-one without limbs decide that they want to swim butterfly.  I can't even do it with two arms!!!! 
Thanks to the ABC for their great coverage and thanks to some of Australia's finest ambassadors.

Stop killing 99% of all germs!

My siblings and I grew up on a dairy farm.  We played in the mud and cow shit, but we never got sick.   I spent many years of my adult life in Central Australia with the flies and red dust, but I never got sick.  That's why I get so angry with these adverts that flog products that kill 99% of all germs.  Now even the most basic science course will teach us that we need germs.  If we don't build up an immunity to germs then we will get sick.  So, who will be the voice of common sense and tell all those gullible and guilt ridden people that their homes are not filthy and their children will not die a ghastly death if they do not buy cleaning products that will kill all germs, good bad and indifferent.
Doctors won't because they make money by prescribing antibiotics to all those people who have no immunity.  Scientist won't because most of them are employed by large pharmaceutical companies and politicians won't because they rely on donations from large manufacturers.  So, who is left stop this killing of "99% of all germs"?

Bernard Tomic, you are pathetic

I have been saying this for a while, and now, even John McEnroe agrees with me. Bernard Tomic is a dud. He is over-rated, untalented and immature. He attitude is bewildering and a disgrace to this country and to tennis in general. Sports people and spectators alike have had enough, calling him pathetic and undisciplined. He counter claims thats “who I am”!! Well, unless he has a mental impediment no-one knows about it, this is no excuse. Please go and find something else to do before you become a total embarrassment.

Those swimming "BOYS" are the biggest losers

The biggest losers in the Australian swimming teams “we were just being boys” scenario, (apart from the tax payers who fund them) are the boys themselves. Olympic games only happen every four years, so how many of these boys will qualify for Rio? Will their time have passed them by, will they have been overtaken by a younger group of swimmers? If so, they will probably look back with regret and wish they had done things differently. There are no second chances!

Conversely, the attitude of the paralympians has been an inspiration. They do not receive the funding that our able bodied sports people do, but they embrace the whole concept for what it is, and they acknowledge it is a privilege to be there, not their god given right, and as a bonus they are raking in the medals!!!

Put the Trolls back under the bridge

I always thought that trolls lived under bridges in fairy tales. It wasn’t until Charlotte Dawson’s

bad experience that I discovered that the name also applies to sad weirdos who get their kicks by spreading hate and vitriol to complete strangers. Personally this does not affect me, but, if remarks like “go hang yourself” harms just one person, then that is one too many. What really amazes me is that the woman responsible for these remarks works as a university MENTOR. My dictionary defines a mentor as a wise counsellor, so does that mean if a student comes to her asking for counsel she advises them to “go hang yourself”? How did this woman get her job?
The fact that she has been stood down on full pay is not good enough. She should be made to get some “wise counseling” and publically apologise to everyone she has harmed or upset with her behaviour.
To anyone who receives these hate messages, make public the senders name, if you know it, and complain to the site administrators and maybe some trolls will think twice about what they write.

I don't understand Americans......

If you want to stir up emotions in America mention the "A" word - abortions.  Never mind that nearly everybody owns a gun, which results in children on street corners being killed on a daily basis.  Forget that kids are being gunned down en-masse in schools while going innocently about their business.  Then, turn a blind eye to the fact that America produces large amounts of child pornography.  For some unknown reason, these incidents hardly cause a stir, but mention abortion and apparently the world will end and everyone will suffer in the most diabolical way. 
I'm not at all bothered by these threats, so would like to put forward a radical idea.  How about taking better care of the kids you've already got, and let the women who want abortions get on with their lives.  See, not so hard.

High mobile phone bills? - tough shit!

Oh no, complaints from mobile phone users (addicts) about the costs of using their phones while on holidays.  I have absolutely no sympathy for these people because, with the exception of an emergency, there is no reason to have your phone glued to your ear for the duration of your holidays.  People of a certain age will find this incomprehensible, but, I have been overseas without a mobile phone and had a great time.  If you spend your hard earned on an overseas holiday, why not enjoy it!

Why lawyers love illegal immigrants!

What a bonanza for lawyers Australia wide.  Apparently there are enough illegal immigrants suing the government for mistreatment, to keep them in clover for years.  Of course it's the taxpayer who foots the bill because they can all claim legal aid.  I would like to know if they will also be suing their country of origin for the claims that they were persecuted and forced to flee?   Or maybe the Aussie taxpayers can sue these countries for the costs accrued by our government. 

Why is there so much hate out there?

I was listening to a gospel song on you-tube and began to read the comments.  One woman wrote that she was not a christian but loved the song.  An innocent, off the cuff comment to most people, but one person replied that she was not only the most despicable person that ever walked this earth, but that God would make sure she died a terrible death and she would be forever condemned to rot in hell!!!!  So this is how Christianity works?  Yes, I know that this person is an extreme bigot, but why do people have so much hate in them?  It gets worse - some foul mouthed person actually wished Delta Goodrem dead.  In very poor English and even worse spelling, this person let loose with pure hatred and vitriol.  I can only assume it is jealousy or a very low sense of self worth.  If you don't like a TV celeb, then don't watch - pure and simple. 

I DON'T NEED (or want) VIAGRA!!!!!!!!

Why am I getting 5 - 10 junk emails every day advertising viagra? Most of them are from Canadian Pharmacy, but there are many others with many different spellings (I don't know whether this is deliberate or a lack of grammatical skills).  Now, if you had something interesting to offer a 63yr old female, I might at least take a look, but viagra, please..........

Why do people keep falling for these scams???

Just read that elderly Australians are being conned out of millions by computer and phone scams.  WHY?  There has been so much publicity about scams and cons, and remember that old adage - "if its sounds too good to be true, then it probably is"!  So, why isn't the message getting through?  I get an average of 5 scam emails per day and I have yet to receive one that I might think twice about.  Usually, the biggest give-away is the poor English and grammar.  Another red flag is why would someone want me to have millions of dollars for nothing????  The phone calls can be annoying and I have lost my temper a couple of times, telling the caller what they can do with their offer, but the best course of action is to HANG UP.  A lot of these elderly people have lived through tough times like the depression and wars, so why are they letting these low-life con artists scam them?  If you want something done around the home, there are lots of organisations out their to help.  Start with your local council, senior citizens, the local paper or the grey army.  If you need a service of any kind, you usually don't have to look further than your neighbourhood or town.  NEVER, ever give money to someone who solicits their services over the internet or by phone.

My apologies to Jeremy Clarkson

I have only known about Jeremy Clarkson through Top Gear and though he could be quite funny, I always thought him to be quite pompous, arrogant and a bully, especially to the lovely Richard Hammond!  However, I have just read "For Crying Out Loud"  (yeah, I know its been around for years), and was surprised to discover that I agreed with almost everything he said!!!  Here is a man with that long lost gene "COMMON SENSE".  Why is this book not compulsory reading for anyone who wants to go into politics, law, teaching, the church or anyone contemplating having children?  I especially agree with what he says about the church.  These organisations, no matter who your God is, are responsible for more wars than any despot, harbour most of the worlds paedophiles and own most of the world's wealth, to the detriment of the poor and underprivileged.  I could never understand how the Pope/Archbishop/Cardinal/Mullah and other so-called "men of God" could sleep in their luxurious homes at night while millions around the world have no bed, let alone a roof over their heads.  Many of us can relate to wanting to buy a mobile phone that just makes calls, or a watch that just tells the time, from someone who is over 19 and speaks English.  So, now I need to get back down to the library (yep, still go there, even though I have kindle) and get some more Jeremy Clarkson wisdom.  ps, I hope you have had a chance to see more rugby games, Jeremy.  I noticed on page 262 that you claim the most important thing about rugby is watching Australia loose, again, so I'm assuming you have not seen many games! 

John Steffensen, all mouth and no substance

Why do the media give this man the time of day?  I have never heard him say anything nice about anyone!  Remind me why he didn't get picked for the individual 400m - oh that's right, he is NOT good enough.  Now he thinks he was in the relay to make up for his team mates short comings.  It appears that there is no limit to this mans arrogance.  Fortunately, we have some real young talent coming on.  Well done, Steve Solomon.

Bring back the Chicken Dance!!!

There was an article in today's Adelaide Advertiser stating Geoff Huegill's disappointment with the swimming teams attitude.  He has called them selfish and self centred and lacking in team spirit.  It seems that some even went pubbing before the meet was over.  Jess Schipper is claimed to have tweeted "I'm already at the pub" as the relay medley girls were about to go out for the finals.  I am surprised and shocked at this, because I always thought Jess was one of the "old school" and having been to other Olympics, she should have been more supportive of the younger ones.  In fact the whole swim team should have been there to cheer on those medley girls.  The photo accompanying this article showed seven Aussie swimmers poolside and they were ALL texting or reading their messages!!!!!  Can you imagine that happening when Don Talbot or Laurie Lawrence were in charge? (I reckon I know where the phones would have ended up)  Where are the leaders and motivators, like Lisa Curry, to initiate a "chicken dance"  OK, a bit childish and dorky, but hey, the whole team got off their arses, and even sitting home on the couch, it was inspiring and fun.
When I first saw the photo, I was angry.  My initial thought was, can't they even get through a session without their phones.  Then, I had a brilliant idea!  Why don't the coaches use it to their advantage.  Just leave the phones ringing at the finish lines!!  Imagine the records that would get broken then!!!
I'm with you Geoff, good old fashioned team spirit is dying, so someone please bring back the CHICKEN DANCE.

Bernard Tomic, grow up or get out!

I am not surprised that Tomic is out of the games already.  He showed complete disrespect at being part of the Australian Olympic team.  When asked, at the press conference, who he had to play, he replied that he didn't know (he did know), just that it was a Japanese bloke.  He then laughed as if this was funny!!! Not only was he disrespectful, it showed his complete lack of maturity and common sense.  It even made Lleyton & Sam, who were sitting next to him, cringe with embarrassment.  So, just because an over indulgent parent thinks you are wonderful and the media keep writing you up, does not mean that you are a good tennis player, or even a mediocre tennis player.  If you want to achieve anything in life, have a chat to some real champions.  Either grow up and start playing like you want to win, or get out and go play somewhere else. 

It's so UNFAIR

The older I get, the angrier I get at life's injustices.  Two stories caught my eye today on an online news service.  The first one was "Banned driver caught doing burnouts" and the second one was "Hero lost: girl, 9, drowns after saving brother".  Now it appears that a 19 yo moronic repeat offender, who had previously been banned from driving for 32 years, was taunting police by doing burnouts in front of them.  Not only is this first grade wanker, stupid, he obviously has no respect for anyone or anything.  It's about time that the courts realised that banning drivers (who rarely have licenses anyway) from driving is a complete waste of time.  The penalties need a radical overhaul.  At the very least they should be made to do community service at the morgue and a rehabilitation centre.  So, when I came to read the second article about the little girl that drowned, my first thought was, why.  Why is this innocent girl dead when there are so many arseholes in this world?  I hope nobody suggests that it's god's will, because is there really is a god, then he/she has stuffed-up again.

"Decentralization" is not a dirty word

With all the debate about urban sprawl around Adelaide and the land grab of good arable farmland, nobody has ever mentioned "de-centralization" as a possible solution.  I can remember when many country towns were thriving entities with schools, hospitals, police stations and lots of sporting activities.  Then, for reasons not clear to me, "centralization" became the new buzz word.  The trains stopped, doctors and teachers no longer wanted to go to the country, businesses closed, shops were vacant and the young ones had to move to the city to find work.  Now surely, with local and state government incentives and support, some of these towns could one again flourish.  There are many benefits to living in a country town.  Housing is cheaper, rental for commercial properties is cheaper and in some instances the basic infrastructure e.g. schools, banks are still there.  Classroom sizes in country schools are generally smaller, so more one-on-one with the teacher.  There is usually great community spirit and lots of sports activities.  After living in a country town there is no way I could go back to city living.  It is just a shame that more people don't get that chance.

Legitimate "cons" or just plain underhand?

There is obviously no limit to some peoples imagination when thinking of new ways to "con" you.  I have been receiving emails offering "free samples" of well known brands, e.g Nestle, Arnotts, Coke and some others.  However, when you open the email, there is NO "free sample", but an invitation to a competition to win "free samples".  Now if I am offered a free sample, then that is what I expect.  If I am invited to enter a competition, and I choose to enter, then I am competing for a PRIZE, not a "free sample".
Another type of competition that I believe is underhand is the one that asks you to list friends email addresses before you complete the entry.  I will never do this, with or without my friends agreement.

Biting the hand that feeds you.

Was watching the news about the protesters at Olympic Dam and began wondering about the people involved.  Now putting to one side, for now, the ethical rights or wrongs about uranium mining, I was struck by the irony of it all.  These people are protesting against the very people who support them! The mining industry contribute a large amount to the government coffers, their employees are all paying taxes and these taxes are used in part to fund people on welfare, the dole or getting education grants etc.  Now, if the mining companies were gone and thousands of workers were unemployed and claiming benefits, then the people that are protesting would have to get jobs and do their bit to support others.  Now that would be ironic.

Australia, not lucky for everyone

To all those people who claim that Australia is the lucky country and we do not do enough for illegal immigrants, I have this request. Could you please open your warm and comfortable homes to one of the families who will be sleeping in their car tonight, because they cannot afford private rent and the wait for public housing is years, not months. If you don’t want any homeless people in your house, what about supplying them with blankets or quilts for these cold nights. Or perhaps you could pay the power bill for some of our elderly pensioners who cannot afford to turn on their heating. Or, maybe give breakfast to some of the many children who go off to school hungry. You won’t have to look far to find them! Australia may be a lucky country, but not for everyone.

Don't they teach English grammar anymore?

I wholeheartedly agree with Dani Wales from The Block, when she said that the phrase "me and Dani" is annoying.  It is not only Dan who says it.  There is even an ad for lotto where the father says "another thing that me and your mum wanted......"  Nobody over three years of age would say "me wanted" so why would you say "me and etc" 
Even more annoying is when someone says "me and me mate went...."  Would that same person say "me went"? 
Good old fashioned English and English grammar is obviously not taught in schools anymore.

Mitchell Johnson, your time is up

Firstly, I am not a fast bowler, in fact quite the opposite.  I'm old, fat and would have to stop and rest half way through my run up.  However, I have been watching cricket for many, many years and one thing stands out above all else - fast bowlers are not very smart!
Hypothical scenerio:  ODI against England, Mitchell Johnson bowls a front foot no-ball so batsman gets a free hit, which he hits for four.  Now what should the bowler do?  Adjust his run-up?  Most people would say yes, but not a fast bowler, he just bowls another front foot no-ball.  So NOW does he adjust his run up?  Apparantly not, lets bowl another no-ball.
For years now I have defended you Mitchell Johnson, but enough is enough.  Sorry mate, please stop this embarassment.  However, if you can take 5 for very little in the next game, maybe all is forgiven.

email scams

Just read an article in the Advertiser about email scams and all the "usual suspects" were mentioned.  I have had my share of FedEx, FBI, the dying lady with no next-of-kin, even a speeding ticket from New York City!!! Now all of these are obviously scams and hopefully, would only con the very stupid or very greedy.  What does worry me though, are the ones that at first glance, look genuine.  In the past couple of months I have had one claiming that I owed EBay $19.38.  This is clever, because it is a small amount and people who do a lot a eBay transactions might get caught out.  I didn't fall for this one because the scam email arrived the day after a legit email from eBay telling me that the amount owing on my account was $0.00.  I rang eBay, they asked me to forward the scam email and I was later informed that their fraud dept. had traced the offenders and closed them down.  Then last month, I received one claiming to be from Paypal, telling me that my account has been "limited" because of fraudulent activity with my credit card.  Once again, at first glance it looked OK, but when read a second time, things started to look suspect.  Firstly, the spelling and English grammar was atrocious and secondly, I do not own a credit card, so it could not have been used fraudulently.  Once again, I sent off a copy to paypal "spoof" dept. (twice) but nothing - no acknowledgement, reply or reassurance that things are being looked into and that my account is safe.  I'm assuming it is, but would be nice to have that confirmed, e.businesses owe that to their customers.

What is a Refugee?

What is the definition of a refugee?  I always assumed a refugee was (through no fault of their own) a displaced, persecuted or homeless person.  At any given time, there are many tens of thousands  of these people sitting in refugee camps in various parts of the world.
Some of these people have applied to Australia and other countries for refuge.  They have done everything by the book, filled out the correct forms, their identity papers are in order so there is no doubt about their age, nationality etc. and now, with their families they wait, and wait, and wait.....
Meanwhile, single men have paid large sums of money to queue jump into Australia, then when they arrive, have mysteriously lost their papers, won't reveal their country of origin and try to convince us they are under 18.  Some people that we have taken in, have been known to return to the very country they were fleeing for a holiday!!!!! If it is now safe to return, why are people still coming?
It will never happen, but how about this for a radical idea?  For every person who arrives here illegally and without papers, be traded for a family from a refugee camp.  Surely they can't complain if all they wanted in the first place, was to escape from their own country.

Power Company Greed

Our politicians may be against it, but it seems that our power and water supply companies are supporters of euthanasia, at least for the poor, the elderly and the frail and vulnerable amongst us!  We even get to choose - do we turn off our heating in the winter and die from hypothermia, or do we wait for summer where hyperthermia and dehydration is an option.
Having said that, I do not have sympathy for these households that have multiple appliances going 24/7 and then complain that their bill is approx. $1000 per quarter.  I am referring to those working poor who do not qualify for any government rebates, self funded retirees and those on pensions etc., - the very people who make up a large portion of our population. 

TV ads I hate

There have been bad tv ads since broadcasting started and I guess new ideas are hard to come by, but some ads should never be seen.  My absolute no. 1 skin crawling ad at the moment is for Oak Iced Coffee.  If ever an advert would put me off a product this is it - if you drink it, you obviously turn into a raving loony!!!!!!  Now, who thought it was cute to put a kid in an ad to sell a digital scanner. I know she is someones daughter and they probably think the ad is fantastic, but I don't.  Then there are the local/regional attempts.  I realise money is tight and that ads have to be made as cheaply as possible, but PLEASE, cut the pathetic bad acting and bad comedy, just give us the basic facts.  There is probably a site out there for people to gripe about all the ads they hate - and if not then there should be!!!!

Ricky Ponting, your time is up!

Here we go again!  Ricky Ponting still refuses to stand down, so I have a question for him.  If you were still captain and on the selection panel, would you have in your team someone who has only made 43 runs in his last 8 overseas inning?  I reckon the answer would be no, so why are you still taking up a spot on our team?  It certainly is a good little earner, but I'm sure the answer lies more in your massive ego.  C'mon selectors, he won't resign with grace and humility so he has to be dropped.

I NEVER thought that I would agree with anything Eddie said but he is right about Mick Malthouse.  Please move on (preferably far far away).  If you are going to be in the media could you please stick to commentary, not the "world according to Mick".  You are such a hypocrite, calling Stephen Milne a rapist in front of both teams and the viewing public, while your own players were accused of the same thing.  Now you want to stick the boot into Buckley because you got the boot, but you cried foul when Tony Shaw did it to you.  Enough already!!!

Ross Lyon, I'm so confused.....

Ross Lyon, when you coached the Saints, your mantra was "avoid going forward at all costs - whenever possible kick backwards, handpass backwards and most importantly, make sure all 18 players are in the back half of the field"!!!!!!!!  Now are are at Freo, surprise, surprise, they played real Aussie Rules.  They went forward and kicked goals.  Have you changed you style of coaching, or did they simply ignore your instructions?

I'm confused......

I'm so confused.  A family from the Philippines, who went through the proper channels to come to Australia, are now facing deportation because one of their sons is autistic.  The father is a doctor who has worked for the same clinic since he arrived, so has been contributing his time, taxes and expertise to this country.  However, the Immigration Dept. says that they cannot stay because of "public health risks". Yeah, like autism is highly contagious!!!! They also add that there will be "no public spending on health care, where those services are in short supply"  This man is a doctor, for Pete's sake, so is aiding, not using this "short supply".
Now, where this family went wrong, was that they did not enter this country illegally.  If they had they would be entitled to free medical care, free law services, free housing, free schooling plus welfare payments.  Am I the only person who is confused and getting more and more disillusioned with our whole system?

Pleeeeease, get a life!

Anyone who knows me knows that I hate the Crows.  Now they have given me even more reasons to dislike them and their fans.  Seems that Bernie Vince was banned from playing in his hometown's cricket grand final.  OK, fair enough, there are NAB cup matches being played and he should be with his team.  However, he is now in trouble because he chose to celebrate with the cricket team after they won their final.  Seems he was drinking (oh no) wearing only his shorts (shock, horror) and was seen by two card carrying Crows club members, who have since threatened to hand back their memberships because they have been so shocked and traumatised!  Oh, please, GET A LIFE!!!! It is not the end of the world.  Just another couple of petty minded Crows supporters doing what Crows supporters do best - moan and complain.  I was also disappointed in West Coast for their reaction to Nic-Nat and his slam dunk.  C'mon, since when has  basketball been an extreme sport?  He is more likely to get injured at footy training than shooting hoops.  Get off his back and let the guy enjoy his life.

It must be me....I'm completely out of sync.

I am obviously out of sync with the majority of tv viewers.  For example, I find Biggest Loser a huge turn off, but I love Excess Baggage!!  The banter between Lisa and Darryn is hilarious.  BUT because it was not rating well EB has been downgraded to GO.  Oh well, at least I still get to watch it.  Then there is My Kitchen Rules.  Hugely popular, but there is something fishy about it (no pun intended).  I do know that reality shows are edited to get the most controversial results, but is this show for real??  It looks so staged and "set-up".  Have the contestants been asked to portray certain characters??  Then there is Please Marry My Boy.  Well, I shouldn't really be critiquing this show, because I have not seen it, but judging by the ads, I never will be watching it.  C'mon, why would any girl want to marry a man who has to have his mother make all his decisions.  Secondly, who would want a mother-in-law like this.  If she has this much influence over him now, she still will after he is married!!!  So, thank goodness the cricket is still on and the footy season (the real one) is not far away.

Drop Ponting PLEASE.....

I don't know if it is arrogance or an overdose of ego, but it is obvious that Ricky Ponting is not going to go graciously, so it is up to the selectors to drop him. Now is the time when we should be trying new talent - and there is plenty out there!! What a waste of opportunity. In a country where we are lucky enough to have a surplice of young first class cricketers, our selectors are stuck in a time warp. Ponting, Michael Hussey (sorry mate) and Brett Lee should not be playing in this ODI tri-series. Tasssie are going so well, Ponting would not even get a game in his home state. This is a golden opportunity to pick a young side that will be ready for the next world cup. So PLEASE, have a bit a foresight and make some sensible choices......

Ponting as an opener!!! - what a joke

There were some huge clangers made in the ODI against India. Firstly Ponting was selected, secondly Ponting opened. WTF???? I know that teams have to experiment with line-ups etc, but when is this man going to make way for younger talent? (Good example = Forrest). Third point, the Aussies did not make nearly enough runs. If the line-up had been different who knows what score they might have got. Lastly, and I hate to criticise Michael Clarke in any way, but Starc did not bowl out his overs. He is part of the future of Australian cricket and this is his apprenticeship, so let him learn his craft at the top level. He may well have been belted around and India may still have won, but he would have had an invaluable learning experience.

Tony Greig predicts...........

We all know that Tony Greig barracks for any team that is playing against Australia, but even he must get embarrassed by some of his predictions.  For example, the Australian X1, made up of aging, out of form batsmen and inexperienced, second rate bowlers, would be no match for the incredibly amazing & talented Indian team. mmmmm 4-0 to the Aussies there Tony!!
Oh well, there is always his all time favourite team to look forward to in the one-dayers.  After the first game between India & Australia, he told us to wait till we get to see the Sri Lankans, then there will be fireworks, 'cause they are simply the best.  I hope they do provide some competition, but they have just come off a series loss in South Africa, and Australian beat them on their own turf last year.
Anyway keep up the predictions Tony, you are always good for a laugh.

Rafael Nadal - the real champion

Has there ever been a more gracious and unassuming runner-up in the mens Australian Open tennis than Rafa?  He may not have won the title, but he certainly won the championship.  Well done Rafa.

What a great idea - but it will never happen

Another clever idea, obviously started by someone like me - getting OLD and GRUMPY!!!

Dear Ms Gillard,

Here is an idea! Lets put pensioners in jail and prisoners in nursing homes.

This way the pensioners would have access to showers, hobbies and walks.

They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs etc. and they would receive money instead of pay it out

They would have constant video monitoring so they could be helped instantly if they fell, or needed assistance.

Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing washed, ironed and returned to them.

A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and bring them meals and snacks.

They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.

They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, cable tv, a pool and education.

Simple clothes, shoes, slippers, pj’s and legal aid would be free, on request.

Private, secure rooms for all, with an outside exercise yard, with gardens.

Each senior would have their own PC, TV, radio and daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors to hear complaints and the guards would have a code of conduct that would be strictly adhered to.

　

　

The criminals would get cold food, be left alone and unsupervised.

Lights off at 8pm and showers once a week.

They would pay $600 per week to live in a tiny room.

There would be no hope of getting out.

　

　

Think about this....if you don’t want to forward this for fear of offending someone then...YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!!!!!

It is time for us grumpy old Australians to speak up.

This person should be our PM

I received the following in an email, so cannot claim any credit for its content, but thought it was so clever and funny. This is the type of person we need running our country!!!!

Dear Ms Gillard,
Please find below some suggestions for fixing the Australian economy.
Instead of giving billions of dollars to banks that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan......
You can call it the PATRIOTIC RETIREMENT PLAN
There are about 10 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million each severance for early retirement, with the following stipulations:
1 They MUST retire
Ten million job openings - unemployment fixed
2 They MUST buy a new Australian made car
Ten million cars ordered - car industry problem fixed
3 They MUST either buy a house, or pay off their mortgages
Housing crisis fixed
4 They MUST send their kids/grandkids to school/university
Crime rate fixed
5 They MUST buy $100 worth of alcohol/tobacco each week
There is your money back in duty, taxes etc
Instead of stuffing around with the carbon emissions trading scheme that makes us pay for the major polluters, tell the greedy bastards to reduce their carbon emissions by 75% within 5 years or shut them down!
It can’t get any easier than that. If more money is needed just have all members of parliament pay back their falsely claimed expenses and second home allowances.
GRUMPIES OF THE WORLD UNITE

More innocent victims of criminal arseholes

Two more innocent victims just because some arsehole thinks he is above the law and tries to outrun the police. What a shame that he died also, so that he is not here to face the consequences of his actions. When will they bring in laws along the lines of - if you have stolen a car, if you have been drinking, if you are under the influence of drugs, if you are speeding, and cause death or injury to another person, then you should be charged with murder, or attempted murder. I know this will never happen because there are always bleeding hearts who are on the side of criminals no matter what the crime, in fact soon police will not be able to apprehend anyone who is speeding, drunk driving, or driving a stolen car, and all law abiding citizens will be at risk when they are out driving. Maybe, if parents were to tell their children from a very young age that it is NOT acceptable to do certain things, then maybe, just maybe, there might be fewer stolen cars, drunk and drugged drivers and speedsters on the road.