tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63228553042016979342024-03-05T10:39:03.831-08:00Ross's Rantwhere that incomprehensible writer, Ross C. Hamilton, expounds on whatever is occupying his mind at the time, in lieu of anyone being foolish enough to let him write an opinion column.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-53163143515683391042012-11-11T19:19:00.002-08:002012-11-11T19:19:07.054-08:00We've moved!Yep - we have moved over to wordpress at <a href="http://rossranting.wordpress.com/">http://rossranting.wordpress.com</a>/ but soon to be going to our own domain name. Come on over and have a look!Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-69774461590758543352012-10-18T21:15:00.000-07:002012-10-18T21:34:35.341-07:00Anthony Bloody Mundine<a href="http://www.news.com.au/national/mundine-echoes-the-ku-klux-klan-mansell/story-fndo4eg9-1226499298333" target="_blank">Anthony Mundine has definitely done it again</a> - made a complete dickhead of himself.<br />
<br />
Mundine's latest stunt is making himself the arbiter of what it means to be Aboriginal in Australia. His definition clearly means you must have sufficient darkness of your skin - like him - and most definitely do not dare to have a 'white' wife and kids. And God help you if you don't measure up to his standards. Or perhaps it should be Allah help you - after all, Mundine did not just convert to Islam (I don't give a damn about what his chosen religion is) but declared himself to be 'The Chosen One' ie chosen by Allah (which I definitely do give a damn about - what phenomenal arrogance).<br />
<br />
In the wake of terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, Mundine defended the act, claiming "it’s not about terrorism. It’s about fighting for God’s law." I wonder if it ever occurred to him that faithful fellow Muslims also died in that attack?<br />
<br />
This is the same clown that when getting his professional boxing career off the ground, tried to make a Big Man out of himself by challenging fighters from the past. I watched the televised bout between he and Lester Ellis. Ellis had been retired for some years, was considerably older than Mundine, shorter, fought in a much lighter weight category and was by then clearly well out of shape. Judging by some footage of Ellis in the change room before the fight, I was also left with the feeling that he had finished his career without all his marbles still in place. But Mundine did not just challenge Ellis, he publicly taunted Ellis into agreeing to the bout.<br />
<br />
The fight was stopped early in the first round with Ellis's corner throwing in the towel. Mundine celebrated this 'win' by leaping around like a madman, punching the air and doing standing somersaults. For what? Beating a much older, long retired, out-of-shape retired fighter that Mundine towered over?<br />
<br />
After that, Mundine started a long-running campaign, challenging retired world champion, Jeff Fenech, to get into the ring with him. Yet more media carrying on, building himself up. Fenech responded by saying rather than Mundine challenging a retired fighter from several weight classes below him, that he instead do the same thing by stepping up weight classes to challenge Mike Tyson. And as Fenech is friends with Tyson, he said he was pretty sure he could organise it. No meaningful response from Mundine. Which is a pity. I have no doubt that even the retired 'Iron Mike' could have wiped the floor with Mundine.<br />
<br />
This was part of Mundine's way of making himself out to be such a Big Man. I half-expected him to throw down the challenge to the retired Johnny Famechon who was in his fifties and crippled by a car accident.<br />
<br />
Mundine has previously put himself forward as a representative and spokesperson for Australian indigenous people. Except now he is not just a self-appointed spokesperson, he is a self-appointed tyrannical dictator. If you do not measure up to his expectations then expect to be on the receiving end of his rants that would be more at home in a training manual for the Ku Klux Klan or a neo-Nazi gang. The current target of that vitriol is Daniel Geale.<br />
<br />
Geale identifies himself as a Tasmanian aboriginal, wears an icon of the Indigenous Australian flag on his shorts and is to face off against Mundine in a title fight. But according to Mundine, Geale is not black enough, that his having a white wife and children is somehow proof that Geale should not be able to call himself aboriginal. Mundine even resorted to the long-disproved theory that all the Tasmanian aboriginals were killed off long ago. For crying out loud - what is this? 1963?<br />
<br />
I am not an indigenous Australia. If I were, I would be highly embarrassed to have the likes of Mundine claiming to represent me and my interests.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, this is typical Dickhead Mundine behaviour which goes well with his dressing like a pimp and talking 'street' (which suddenly appeared later in his life) - just a pretense at being a Gangsta Badass. The only purpose it serves is to give him more media attention which I expect shows him off as a media whore rather than any other legitimate purpose.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-10988226689120318352012-10-07T18:42:00.001-07:002012-10-07T18:43:09.647-07:00Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!And so it still continues with Alan Jones.<br />
<br />
Let us take a step back for a moment.<br />
<br />
Lebanese Muslims are rapists - according to Alan Jones.<br />
<br />
Julie Gillard is only fit to be sewn up in a chaff bag and tossed into the sea - according to Alan Jones.<br />
<br />
Julia Gillard killed her father - according to Alan Jones. <br />
<br />
Those are only three of the many outrageous statements he has made over the years. He has repeatedly been in trouble with the Australian Communications and Broadcasting Authority for, to quote <a href="http://thehoopla.com.au/alan-jones-victim-puh-lease/" target="_blank">Monica Attard</a>, failing to meet pretty basic broadcast standards.<br />
<br />
Now Jones and his employers at radio 2GB are calling foul because there are campaigns running online against him.<br />
<br />
As recent episodes with<a href="http://rantbyross.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/gutless-bastard-cyber-bullies.html" target="_blank"> Charlotte Dawson have demonstrated</a>, there are arseholes and idiots out there who get their rocks off by making nasty threats etc behind the assumed anonymity of social media such as Twitter. But given Jones's repeated offensive behaviour over the years, I would have thought he would be quite used to angry responses to him.That said, I do not support threats of violence or anything like that. And if there are people out there who are using the current controversy over Jones as an excuse to respond in kind to Jones, then they do not have my support. But that does not mean that everyone who supports the campaign to have Jones held accountable for his continuing abuse of his position with incitement of hatred and other similar socially unacceptable stunts, is automatically a bully as both Jones and his station have claimed today. <br />
<br />
To hold the opinion that Alan Jones is a piece of filth is not bullying. To express the opinion that he is a piece of filth who should be held properly accountable is not bullying. To call on the sponsors who have been throwing megabucks at Jones for years to cease supporting his behaviour is an expression of social outrage. To expect 2GB to pull him into line is not bullying.<br />
<br />
In contrast, to use a radio broadcasting position and other events such as speaking opportunities that are a direct result of that broadcasting position, to then disseminate hatred and vile abuse, is most definitely being a bully.<br />
<br />
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i> Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-28379160661412400122012-10-07T01:15:00.001-07:002012-10-07T02:15:10.767-07:00The Jones saga worsensAlan Jones is finally really coming under the hammer for his behaviour.<br />
<br />
Radio 2GB has announced that it <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/business/jones-to-run-adfree-20121007-2770m.html" target="_blank">is pulling all sponsorship from the Jones timeslot</a>. That may seem to be something of a victory for those who have been demanded that Jones be held accountable. But have a closer read. Macquarie Radio Network executive chairman Russell Tate stated "There is almost universal agreement that Jones' remarks were
unacceptable, wrong and inexcusable. Alan himself acknowledged that from
the moment he first advised me of them. He immediately arranged a media
conference to state that publicly and apologise to the Prime Minister." Tate is essentially arguing that the baddies in this matter are not Jones or the station that has employed him for so long and supported all of his outrageous behaviour, but those who are now calling for him to be held accountable. They have had years in which do something about it but have failed to do so. Why? Quite obviously because they have been making money out of it. <br />
<br />
Clearly Tate is taking the stance that Jones issued an apology via a press conference. There is a problem with that view. Go and listen to that press conference. There are copies of it online. Jones does not actually say "I am sorry" to Prime Minister Gillard.<br />
<br />
There is a bigger issue here that is being overlooked. This is not just a matter of a single, accidental outburst by Jones.<br />
<br />
Alan Jones has a history of using his position to push disgusting and deliberately hateful and hurtful positions. He has been directly profiting from these. Allow me to recap some again:<br />
<ul>
<li>cash for comment scandal where he was pocketing large sums of money for making positive comments on air about products and organisations but hiding the fact they were actually paid advertisements - by deliberately hiding the truth, in my opinion he was nothing but a liar;</li>
<li>being found guilty of inciting hatred against Muslims immediately prior to the 2005 race riot in Sydney - in my opinion he was damned lucky to escape being found guilty of worse things considering he was reading out text messages which to all intents and purposes advertised the planned, violent attacks on Muslims, being organised and pushed by white supremicists (the leader of which publicly called for police protection after the riot) - please note I am <i><b>not</b></i> claiming Jones to be a white supremacist, but merely whoring himself to make a buck;</li>
<li>Jones's appeal against the above finding being dismissed for being largely irrelevant ie he could not come up with a decent excuse for or defense of his actions;</li>
<li>a continuing, deliberate and hurtful campaign against Julie Gillard which went way beyond any reasoned political stance, including his using his airtime to call for Gillard to be sewn up in a chaff bag and thrown into the sea - this was not just a bit of satire or goofing around but was delivered in his hostile and inflammatory manner.</li>
</ul>
The fact that Alan Jones has retained his lucratively paid position means that he has been consistently rewarded for his behaviour.<br />
<br />
The extent of his sponsorship deals is demonstrated by the fact that he has been driving around in a new Mercedes worth $250,000, that was given to him by Mercedes Benz. <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/alan-jones-to-lose-his-sponsored-mercedes-20121007-276ru.html" target="_blank">Mercedes Benz have cancelled their sponsorship</a>, having had enough of the Jones behaviour and are demanded their car back. Good. <br />
<br />
<br />
In Australia we have been damned fortunate to not have the extent of social troubles experienced elsewhere. But we still have some. And the sort of stunts pulled by Alan Jones merely add to those. He has a long history of deceitful, deceptive and socially
unacceptable behaviour. And enough is enough. Like everyone else, he has
to be held accountable for his actions.<br />
<br />
<i>A small update - I have just discovered that I am in agreement with Peter FitzSimons. I feel unclean. <b>http://tinyurl.com/93rolop</b></i> Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-90612997004268303522012-10-03T23:39:00.001-07:002012-10-03T23:40:53.604-07:00Keep flushing the dunny and get rid of the turd!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/2gb-and-advertisers-immediately-cease-association-with-alan-jones-over-died-of-shame-comment-boycott2gb" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MnahuHnnCrE3zyOWYaMeUElsR4E_DJXuJQ6Vkv3y7qjIBOHkGNXPlsKdpLdCNAUEmMRmsGnHv_Ps5MlODxJS5cCdJxTTUX5xmzckTzcMd5jU4PHOiwiqLy-BbbzoZpaNB6_j8VU2jQ22/s200/yUYxjPvOSMYIKne-556x304-noPad.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/2gb-and-advertisers-immediately-cease-association-with-alan-jones-over-died-of-shame-comment-boycott2gb" target="_blank">the change.org petition calling for sacking of Jones</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are some things in life that are really unpleasant and annoying. Like the stray turd that refuses to be flushed away, stubbornly floating on top of the water in the dunny bowl until eventually being forced off down into the sewer where it belongs.<br />
<br />
That analogy could also be applied to people such as, oh I don’t know – perhaps radio broadcaster, Alan Jones. Make that definitely Alan Jones. <br />
<br />
Controversy surrounds Jones like a foul smell which refuses to go away. Probably because Jones is the source of the stench.<br />
<br />
Alan Jones’s latest stunt was to use his speaking appearance at a recent event to launch a viscous attack on Australian Prime Minister, Julie Gillard. But this was no attack against her polices or her government. Oh no. This was an obviously planned and intended diatribe that Ms Gillard was the cause of her father’s death, that he literally died of shame, that he had lived in shame for years every time she stood in an election. <br />
<br />
True to form, Jones did not let the facts get in the way of a good rant. The fact that Mr Gillard was in his eighties and already hospitalised did not have anything to do with his passing. According to Jones, Gillard Senior literally died of shame. <br />
<br />
What a load of crap. <br />
<br />
The event in question was a fund-raising event by a branch of the Young Liberals (for my North American friends, for ‘liberal’ read ‘republican’) with Jones as the featured speaker. Unfortunately for Jones, a reporter was present, having purchased their own ticket and presumably hoping for something newsworthy dripping from Jonesy’s lips. And pretty much all hell has broken loose on Jones after the story was released.<br />
<br />
Controversy in highly questionable circumstances is hardly new to Jones. For example, he was caught up in the nasty ‘cash for comment’ scandal where he was pocketing lucrative payments to make positive statements about particular products and organisations. You may be asking ‘so what?’ – isn’t that what advertising is? No, it isn’t the same. Jones was pocketing the money, whoring himself out but pretending it was independent commentary, quite deliberately hiding the fact that it was in fact paid comment. But he still claims to be an independent broadcaster. Yeah. Right. Better keep an eye out for those flying pigs as well.<br />
<br />
Back in 2005, there was nothing short of a race riot in Sydney. Being openly pushed by a white supremacist group among others, this started as a brawl on the beach before spilling out into the streets and public transport. Just having the appearance of someone from the Middle East was enough to cop a beating as CCT footage amply demonstrated.<br />
<br />
Just prior to that riot, Alan Jones was talking it up on his radio program. He was reading out alleged text messages which advertised it. He openly referred to Lebanese Muslims as "vermin" who "rape and pillage a nation that's taken them in".<br />
<br />
Not surprisingly, a complaint was made to the New South Wales Administrative Decisions Tribunal. In 2009, the Tribunal found that he” incited hatred and vilified Lebanese Muslims.” He was fined, forced to publicly apologise and his employer condemned for their practices in allowing this behaviour to go ahead. Jones appealed. Just as the furore over his ‘death by shame’ comments burst, the Tribunal finally ruled on his appeal, dismissing it. <br />
<br />
This is someone caught out using his broadcasting time to disseminate racial hatred. In my opinion he was quite lucky to escape even more serious punishment for a perception of a role in inciting racial riot. <br />
<br />
Yet again, Alan Jones was way over the line. Yet again, Alan Jones managed to apologise but without actually saying ‘I’m sorry,’ instead turning into an opportunity for yet another rant. Yet again, Alan Jones is essentially getting away with simply unacceptable behaviour. His radio station has loved him because he has been bringing in big bucks, thereby justifying his own big bucks salary. <br />
<br />
It has been reported that sponsors have been pulling out. If that is a complete withdrawal from funding sponsorship at the radio station, then beaut – hit them in their pockets. But if it were just moving the sponsorship to another timeslot, then it is a pretty empty action, not actually causing the station any loss.<br />
<br />
I was happier to learn that regional radio stations have dropped their subscriptions to take Jones’s broadcast. Now that is definitely a monetary loss to the station – and good news it is. Causing them actual real financial loss is clearly the only way to get the message across.<br />
<br />
A petition is now circulating around courtesy of the Internet, calling for boycotts of Jones, his program and his station, further calling for his sacking. Naturally enough, Jonesy didn’t like that either, having a blast against it on-air. Clearly in his world’s view, he is the only one who should be allowed an opinion, nobody else. As for people daring to disagree with him, watch out you scum suckers! Well, I signed it happily enough and have included a link to it at the head of this post. As I type this, the petition has 108,038 'signatories'. <br />
<br />
In all of this, Prime Minister Gillard has shown a distinct quiet dignity. She has declined to give comment against Jones other than to state she refuses to ever appear on his program again, as well as thanking the many Australians who have made contact to express their sympathy. She has also declined to accept calls from Jones.<br />
<br />
Let's be honest about things. Jones has only backed off because he was caught out. His attempted defense that he thought it was a private event is nonsense - it was an event that anyone could have bought a ticket to. Would he be making such a public stance if he hadn't been so publicly caught out? No bloody way.<br />
<br />
In contrast, pretty much the only comment from her opposite number, Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott, has been to refuse to boycott appearances on Jones’s program. Fair enough – he has the right to appear there or not. But am I the only one who thinks Abbott should be making comment on someone using a Liberal Party-affiliated event for such an appalling, over the top attack? Especially if it was a paid appearance and I sincerely doubt Jonesy would be turning up as a featured speaker as a freebie. Or is it really just a case of Tony Abbott’s usual stance that in his opinion, pretty much anything goes. One cannot help but wonder just what class taught that world view back at the seminary he studied at? <br />
<br />
In the meantime, Alan Jones is now in the midst of a real stink. Perhaps, with a bit of luck, we shall see the ultimate flush that sees Jones off swimming down in the sewer with the rest of the turds where he belongs.<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always. Or even follow the blog by email. </i>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-48860420225909954362012-09-28T19:48:00.001-07:002012-09-28T19:49:46.501-07:00When to shut up - please!The death of ABC employee, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-29/baillieu-announces-cctv-review-in-wake-of-meagher-abduction/4287336" target="_blank">Jill Meagher</a>, has had a very sorry ending with the discovery of her raped and murdered body. The good news, if there is such a thing in these circumstances, has been the charging of Adrian Ernest Bayley, 41, for those offenses, provided that he is the actual rapist and murderer.<br />
<br />
Where matters have a distinct possibility of coming unstuck is the amount of anti-Bayley social media commentary that has been so prevalent that it has lead to Victorian police calling for people to basically shut up. And I agree with them.<br />
<br />
All of us have a fundamental right to a fair trial. A foundation stone of a fair trial is that a jury hears your case, free from prior mental contamination. Once something has become seen widely enough in a negative sense against the party facing trial, the process can become contaminated to the point that the courts decide a fair trial cannot occur and matters are dropped.<br />
<br />
Possibly the most infamous case of this was when Derryn Hinch used his then-television program to publicly name and shame a pedophile who was facing a trial for abuse of minors. Hinch was clearly warned by the Court not to do so. But he shot his mouth off andwas subsequently found guilty of contempt of court, serving weekend detention. Hinch has made plenty of mileage out of that episode over the years, insisting it demonstrated his personal conviction etc. But what was the <b><i>real</i> </b>outcome? An apparently known pedophile, facing a pretty strong case against him, had his charges dropped because of the contamination of potential process. I fail to see how Hinch's actions were anything more than a PR stunt that saw all sense of justice denied to all concerned.<br />
<br />
The truly guilty should never be able to walk free simply because people refuse to shut their mouths. Are we entitled to our opinion? Yes. But if we really want the guilty to face the consequences of their actions, then we need to be careful how and where and when we express such opinion if it could provide a means of cases being dropped. If Adrian Ernest Bayley is guilty of the rape and murder of Jill Meagher, then while he deserves a fair trial, Meagher deserves to be remembered by her assailant paying for his crimes. Her family and friends deserve the degree of closure that a guilty verdict may provide. But should her rapist and murderer, Bayley or otherwise, walk free because people cannot shut their mouths, then it would be incredibly deceitful to her memory and an insult to her family and other loved ones.<br />
<br />
So please, people, please - just shut the hell up about what you might want to do to Bayley and let judicial process take its course.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-16116419021759582592012-09-24T21:28:00.001-07:002012-09-24T21:28:37.991-07:00SOS! Save Our Shoes!I am a day early this week. Does that make up for being late last week?<br />
<br />
Now I am all for history and preservation of items of historical significance and/or interest. But there really does come a point of lunacy.<br />
<br />
Remember Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos? Phillipines dictator and his wife who lived in luxurious splendour while ever so many of their nation struggled to even eat? Imelda's collection of at least 1,225 pairs of shoes, left behind when she and Ferdy had to do a sprint ahead of a revolt?<br />
<br />
Shock. Horror. It has just been announced that Imelda's shoe collection, part of a stock of "precious mementoes from the Marcoses" was not properly stored by the museum that was given the task of looking after them. And now it has been discovered that they are rotting, infested with termites.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/23/imelda-marcos-shoe-collection-mould" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2PDoZJpB774xgADIlj-LUuovyR1uYcJQo0zTx78BzpbBjwFhinqb5EFoeVCNDLlLQRy9R4aU9dlpVwFdhR7T2Vo7jgAEUiBfx2n34U-blj7x-w-edPuYMjwP0Mt6wWMD7g0fRLD0ivO3/s320/Imelda-Marcoss-shoes-in-1-010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/23/imelda-marcos-shoe-collection-mould" target="_blank"><i><span class="inline wide"><span class="caption" style="width: 460px;">Imelda Marcos's shoe collection pictured in 1987, the year after she and her husband fled the Philippines. Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features </span></span></i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to the museum curator Orlando Abinion, "Imelda may have worn some of these clothes in major official events and as such they have an important place in our history."<br />
<br />
Oh give me a break. The bloody shoes she wore to an event are somehow an important part of history? Was justice ever truly served on the Marcoses? Nope. The literally billions believed to have been squirrelled away by them ever properly recovered? Nope.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have some friends in the Philippines. And life is still pretty damned hard there for the average Filipino. Work is damned hard to find. Welfare services that so many of the rest of us take for granted are virtually non-existent. Yet this museum has the funding and resources to undertake conservation work to rescue and repair Imelda's bloody shoe collection.<br />
<br />
Could it be that as Imelda has wormed her way back into Phillipines society and even into Parliament (the same ruling body that she helped Ferdinand quash), suddenly it is deemed wise to look after this nonsensical part of their past? Sure these symbols of extravagance and waste would be better remembered as a lesson, not as historic symbols to be valued in this way, seemingly more important than ensuring the average Filipino can actually eat.<br />
<br />
How completely and utterly ridiculous!<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always. Or even follow the blog by email. </i>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-45450064079224659042012-09-19T22:34:00.002-07:002012-09-19T22:34:55.712-07:00And now for something completely different...<br />
<br />
This is my first blog about cricket for a long time now. Ages ago I switched cricket posts to another blog which has been allowed to go dormant. However last night I saw some an example of decision making by the Australian hierarchy that is simply nothing short of nonsensical so this week's primary Rant returns to the cricket field.<br />
<br />If you know anything about Australian cricket, you will be well aware that one of our most dangerous players in the short versions of the game is David Hussey. He can come in during the second half of an innings and drop a very heavy foot onto the accelerator. In the 20-20 version of the game, this ability is even more valuable and he can brutalise a bowling attack. Yet Hussey, D is more or less out of the current line-up, being pushed into a position of rotation for an available slot. And why? Because of the appointment of the captain.<br /><br />The current captain is George Bailey. I am aware of Bailey's existence but not much else. Yet, rather inexplicably, he has scored the captaincy ahead of much more experienced players. His appointment as captain gives him an assured place in the batting order. And if that place is in the middle of said batting line-up, then someone else has to go. Hence Hussey, D onto a rotation list of players hoping to get at least an occasional slot. <br /><br />The only acceptable justification for this situation is if Bailey is justifying his place there ahead of Hussey, D. So let us look at some statistics.<br /><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.65pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 453px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 146.0pt;" width="195">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">BAILEY</span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 146.0pt;" width="195">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">HUSSEY</span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Matches </span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">8</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Matches</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">38</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Highest Score</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">42</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Highest Score</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">88</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Total runs</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">125</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Total runs</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">756</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Centuries</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">0</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Centuries</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">0</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Fifties</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">0</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Fifties</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">3</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ducks</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">0</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ducks</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">3</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Balls faced</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">110</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Balls faced</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">621</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Total innings</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">8</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Total innings</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">35</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Average</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">25</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Average</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">23.63</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.45pt;" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Strike rate</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 43.55pt;" valign="bottom" width="58">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">113.6</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 96.4pt;" width="129">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Strike rate</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">121.74</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />Here is a reality check. A far less experienced player has been made captain out of the blue and despite his lack of results behind him, his presence has seen one of the real destroyers shoved onto the outer, despite the latter's average being much the same as Bailey’s but with a noticeably higher strike rate and stronger proven record.<br /><br />I know virtually nothing about George Bailey. For I know, he is a male equivalent of reincarnated Mother Theresa in which case I would sincerely apologise to him. But regardless of how good a bloke he may or may not be, his position in this team is simply not justified ahead of David Hussey yet the ability of the Australian team to lift its current ranking from a very dismal tenth position in the world rankings depends on the team's overall strength. And more than any other version of the game, the 20-20 game is more a batters game than any other. Yet one of our strongest middle-order batsmen has had his effective career put pretty much on hold for a captaincy appointment that defies any of Austen's Sense and Sensibility. <br /><br />Did we win our first game by defeating Ireland? Yes. But, with all respect to my distant Irish kindred, so what? And please don't go getting excited and point out that Ireland defeated Pakistan in a World Cup match. When the Pakistani's have an off game (and despite their continuing stream of talented players, they have a lot more off days than ones when they're on) the local pub's eleven could beat them. After the beer has been flowing for a while. And don't forget that, rightly or wrongly, the spectre of match fixing and throwing games etc still hangs heavily over the collective heads of the Pakistani team. So we can pretty much take that Irish win out of consideration for beating Australia. Don’t get me wrong Ireland possibly has more fight in them, shot for shot, ball for ball, than anyone else in international cricket. The extent of their improvement in only a few short years is nothing short of remarkable. But they still should not have a realistic chance against Australia at this tiem. The captaincy of the Australian team played no meaningful role. I could have come out of my decade's retirement from low-level club cricket and captained that Australian team to a win in those circumstances. So George Bailey is yet to be actually tested. And meanwhile David Hussey must wondering just whose toes he trod on to be treated as he has been.<br />Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-16000584868546429422012-09-12T21:43:00.001-07:002012-09-12T21:43:24.065-07:00R U OK?Today is <i>R U OK?</i> Day This is an Australia national day of action on the second Thursday of September (13 September 2012), dedicated to inspiring all people of all backgrounds to regularly ask each other ‘Are you ok?'<br />
<br />So why has this venture been put in place? As it <a href="http://www.ruokday.com/" target="_blank">explains on their website</a>, by raising awareness about the importance of connection and providing resources throughout the year the R U OK? Foundation aims to prevent isolation by empowering people to support each other through life's ups and downs.<br />
<br />
The end result of the sort of isolation being considered here, all too often can end in suicide. I know. Been there, done that twice. First time I simply didn't know what I was doing and it didn't work. Second time is still hazy but someone found out what I had done and called an ambulance. All I knew was that I came to in the local hospital Emergency ward, being copiously sick.<br />
<br />
I was fortunate in that my attempts, for whatever reason, did not work. The great love of my life was not so fortunate as she took her own life back in 2004. I won't go into all the details but frankly I was not in any shape to be able to do anything meaningful, being pretty much a mental jellyfish at the time. My bastard employer sent me that way and I still consider them responsible for it all, including her death.<br />
<br />
R U OK? is about simply being nice to people. Even if they say they are fine when they aren't, the right approach can mean more than you realise. That little positive can mean the difference between being depressed and in need of help, and that of doing yourself in. <br />
<br />
Depression is a form of mental illness. And that is what it is - an illness. Just like a cold or the flu but unfortunately with greater ramifications for treatment.<br />
<br />
In a previous post I reflected about bullying and someone I had once bullied, turning that around toward the end of my high school years to make sure I just gave him a friendly greeting when I saw him. That teenager had been depressed and previously counseled for a suicidal mindstate. Just to have someone give him a friendly 'g'day', calling him by name as they walked past gave him a visible boost. Admittedly I started doing so because of guilt over my treatment of him several years earlier. But in my advancing years I realise that it really can be that simple - be friendly, show some friendly concern.<br />
<br />
You might just be saving someone's life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN4EhTd2PKACgMwgrNDdZS8-FAxhgo6Q9Mh1yFvL9RxzXHCmrtbz2ku5tatUIDCQ88ZFiseRPV9fOX0rI0okWU9gCHoeAQwouP4yqvroEmjq2tfHcfkY-BTM0Fl6HbQrh3XhJYIfSnB4p/s1600/Ross+sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN4EhTd2PKACgMwgrNDdZS8-FAxhgo6Q9Mh1yFvL9RxzXHCmrtbz2ku5tatUIDCQ88ZFiseRPV9fOX0rI0okWU9gCHoeAQwouP4yqvroEmjq2tfHcfkY-BTM0Fl6HbQrh3XhJYIfSnB4p/s1600/Ross+sig.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always. Or even follow the blog by email. </i>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-63788186262505121642012-09-12T19:22:00.000-07:002012-09-12T19:22:43.009-07:00Condemned to the attic - why?<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parks_and_Recreation" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a>I made myself a promise to blog here every Wednesday. Unfortunately I am a day late in posting this time but as I was fixing up some edits on a soon-to-be-released small book, I forgive myself.<br /><br />It is hardly unusual for me to be l letting rip against Australian television. But this time I actually have some positive things to say in plugging a couple of programs.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_Rock" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DBcxq3K5_VxKYijR9_cXuPYEe9FuHWbMixCCdqlgS4hfx2Kf-Mx0hvK-lt5NLNutdz7E4APACJDnpyer52gA7n1yKVcd_ddVdPOfUrr3eNSwaLhAX8MPxS4UxIeKjJwD4vrm4UKqHu-9/s200/220px-Tina_Fey_by_David_Shankbone.jpg" width="192" /></a>30 Rock is a great little comedy. Created by Tina Fey and loosely reflecting her time writing for and then performing on the US comedic icon, Saturday Night Live, this is genuinely funny viewing. The characters in the show have been wonderfully cast in creating a diverse range of comedic conflicts and contrasts as it makes fun of television and big business. I had no idea how good a comic actor Alec Baldwin is in a role such as the one he has here and his casting was quite a gem. And how could you not like and appreciate Fey’s Liz Lemon?<br /><br />This program should have excellent ratings but that is unlikely. Why? Because it is broadcast at a ridiculously hour on Australian television. <br /><br />Parks and Recreation features another graduate of SNL, Amy Poehler. Her depiction of a local-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parks_and_Recreation" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAg0SyewoeVJBZiOsyU6UKHib3K3i7sOSo3mbvittjUsPOfT1XvGoR75HatLDt-wQPe_S6cgdqr_N5vsEIAqkpZSQGTWUGZAdqMn8u4AZHvAZqIaFv_6l3ChKMJrBnBaXdm-SUCyOrCpH/s200/250px-P-rex2.jpg" width="135" /></a>government-obsessed public servant in a mockumentary style of program is another little gem. And the diversity of the cast behind her is just as well put together as that of 30 Rock. And they have their Big Name in there as well with Rob Lowe playing a beaut, quirky role. <br /><br />Just like 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation should be going gangbusters but sadly it is broadcast even later than 30 Rock in Australia. <br /><br />Interestingly, Fey and Poehler are friends as well as co-performers together on SNL. This may be why there are some similarities between the two programs but more than enough differences to avoid any ‘me too’ comparisons, although Parks and Gardens has come under a little fire in the past for being too similar in technique to The Office. <br /><br />These are genuinely funny television programs. So why on earth are they condemned to such late night slots? Not everyone has the flexibility of hours that I have these days and so can often afford to sit up that late to watch things that have been hidden away in the attic of late night viewing.<br /><br />Hey television networks – do you have something against genuinely entertaining people? Why on earth are two of the most entertaining programs on Australian public television, condemned to the late shift without any real audience? And what are they losing out too in the programming stakes? So-called ‘reality’ garbage like The Shire, GC, the repacked-but-still-the-same-crap Big Brother? <br /><br />Here’s another thought. Both of those programs feature a strong cast, good writing and the experience of two well-credentialed leads, all from North America. But we have some damned good writers and performers Down Under. So why on earth doesn’t Australian television make the most of some of them by encouraging and supporting local development of more than just ‘me too’ ‘reality’ garbage? As I have said before, that means jobs, economic production, creative opportunities, revenue streams and potential export dollars. <br /><br />Wake up, Australia! Please!Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-83761450134226651202012-08-29T22:21:00.000-07:002012-08-30T00:18:25.157-07:00Gutless bastard cyber-bulliesThere are times when humanity simply disgusts me. And right now, this is one of them.<br />
<br />
The host of the Australian version of the Next Top Model franchise, Charlotte Dawson, has been the target of an incredible amount of simply vile tweeting attacks. Ms Dawson has had a practice of exposing these by retweeting them so others can see what is going on. Then when one of her followers on Twitter reacted angrily to a hate tweet that had advised Ms Dawson to go hang herself, pointing out that the follower's husband had hung himself and she did not appreciate that sort of tweet, the hater responded with "you go hang yourself too."<br />
<br />
This matter went viral with <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/australias-next-top-model-judge-charlotte-dawson-takes-aim-at-twitter-trolls/story-e6freuy9-1226459899947" target="_blank">Ms Dawson blogging</a> about it. But since then it seems her twitter feed has been exploding with simply disgusting filth - here are some examples <a href="https://twitter.com/mariekehardy/status/240970820174888960/photo/1" target="_blank">courtesy of Marieke Hardy's Twitter feed</a>.<br />
<br />
As noted in Ms Dawson's blog post, one of the perpetrators was identified and it was followed up with them at their workplace only for more abuse to follow. So it was brought to the attention of the employer and probably fair enough too, seeing it was on work time and with work equipment that the specific hate mail was being disseminated. As noted in that post, said employer, Monash University, did not seem to be doing much about it, including a distinct lack of apologies from anyone. However it transpires that this disgusting troll has now been exposed to the world and suspended from work - <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/australias-next-top-model-judge-charlotte-dawson-takes-aim-at-twitter-trolls/story-e6freuy9-1226459899947" target="_blank">Ms Tanya Heti</a>. Although I cannot help but wonder if the suspension would have occurred unless the matter had gone viral as it had.<br />
<br />
What really gets me steaming at the ears is just how bloody gutless these bastards are. Would they act like that to a person's face? Of course not. Because they are gutless bastard bullies hiding behind the anonymity they think that they have online. If they went around doing that in person, they know damned well that sooner or later someone would be given them a friendly punch or three in the face. <br />
<br />
I know what is like to have harassment and persecution drive you literally into the nut house. Been there, done that, got the invalidity to show for it. But at least I knew who the perpetrators were, even though they did a pretty good job of keeping the lid on things, to my detriment. I wasn't being subjected to quasi-anonymous crap from names such as Testi McTest or Seig Heil (see the image above courtesy of Ms Hardy).<br />
<br />
If you don't like someone, then fine. Naturally you have a freedom of speech to say so. But that does NOT mean you have any form of right to get your pathetic juvenile rocks off by cyber-screaming hate-filled abuse. <br />
<br />
I sincerely and genuinely hope that this all backfires on these pieces of shit, driving them to the point of needing help. I also hope that they get said help. Then perhaps they might have some sort of idea of what their gutless behaviour has done to someone else.<br />
<br />
Charlotte Dawson - hang in there. Don't let those bastards win. And whatever happens, do not lose sight of the fact that there others out here who support you.<br />
<br />
And a small update: here's <a href="http://thehoopla.com.au/dear-charlotte-lovecorinne/" target="_blank">a good piece by Corrine Grant about this episode</a>. How about we all send Charlotte a bit of cyber-love-best-wishes to her Twitter feed - @MsCharlotteD - let her know that there's more than cyber-bully cowards out there.<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i> Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-61719753901266864412012-08-24T19:58:00.001-07:002012-08-24T20:00:21.972-07:00No fun hobbits in this Shire!Alrighty then - time for another spot of analysis of the decision making capabilities within Australian television.<br />
<br />
We are all supposed to be entertained by watching that reality program, <i>The Shire</i>. This is supposedly a form of reality that we all are just dying to know about. Surely it is true that we all want to watch phenomenally shallow minded young women, more concerned with botox and booby-implants than anything else. And young guys who are just interested in having a fun time but are pretty harmless - really. And thus as the television has told us, so it must be true.<br />
<br />
So just who came up with the idea of casting these individuals? The cast's behaviour in front of the camera gives us a pretty good idea what they are like - pathetic. But how about some evidence of off-camera stunts? <a href="http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/shire-star-charged-over-gay-attack-20120824-24sl3.htmlhttp://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/shire-star-charged-over-gay-attack-20120824-24sl3.html" target="_blank">This one takes some beating.</a> It reads like something that Lindsay Lohan and her mates would have done.<br />
<br />
Yeah - this lot are such a good example and role model to be showing off on tv, aren't they. And we all are just so desperate to see more of them - NOT!<br />
<br />
Wake Up Australia!<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i> Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-36528162408350328302012-08-20T00:55:00.001-07:002012-08-20T00:58:54.186-07:00Wake up, Australia!I am afraid that it is time for another rant against Australian television.<br />
<br />
For some reason, in the US there was a 'reality' program that had several seasons of success, Jersey Shore, with 'success' being defined as the program having multiple seasons. The program's basic hook was it exploring the lives of a series of frankly quite unlikeable, young, stupid empty-heads in the Jersey area. It worked over there so it was only a matter of time before there was a 'me too' version produced in Australia. And so we have The Shire, yet more empty-headed, shallow, vacuous individuals. If they actually had any brains at all, they wouldn't be caught dead doing that rubbish. But I have a feeling that these idiots think this is some sort of short-cut to fame and a career. As Gough famously said "wake up, Australia."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.australiannetworkentertainment.com/sonia_kruger.htm" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekdbnaMJtx8HKXU5fGr-QNxzEEK9_GoKfOzc3GvGrfXXoRV8cmcGKPDzdvZJIgHYdh3WKAFBEobZofZy15FSdrT8DBb6iBxkBTG5p56-TiyYc3BvlwYyw5hySS4J3co_x5TEXiNzZilCA/s200/sonia_kruger.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
Big Brother disappeared from Australian television several years ago, to the relief of many. The behaviour of some of their 'contestants' was becoming increasingly worse. And a contact inside the industry did assure me that it had caused Channel Ten increasing problems. But just like a bad smell, it's back again, now on Channel Nine. And it was going to be all new, all different. I forced myself to sit through a bit of it the other night. Nothing new. Nothing different. The only possible saving grace was that of Sonja Kruger as host, who, at age 47, still looks decidedly yummy. But the lovely Ms Kruger's attractions aside, there ain't much there to be any sort of real attraction to viewers.<br />
<br />
Wake up, Australia!<br />
<br />
Following on from The Shire, we now have yet another 'me too', this time about a group of New Zealanders living on the Gold Coast. Except apparently we're not supposed to call it the Gold Coast any longer. It's the G.C. "All the girls love me on G.C." announced one of the male contestants, while posing his sculptured body. Looks like the same formula of badly-behaved empty-heads whose contribution to society is to laze around pools and beaches.<br />
<br />
Wake up, Australia!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Ritchie" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lD1Xj19f_7isjA9PDYI3MsuEKj2k-CJhnerheMaLO67Vmx99r4aMlsQySOGEMuUArUQGOxDUFRZkVQg_atnnj_yYmP0ReRt5jnCDRxFPfITYJ6b33_pKSNhtUpfZTXSFhvhH-Z9mmyi6/s200/220px-Kate_Ritchie.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
A slightly different slant comes with Don't Tell the Bride, hosted by the ever-cute Kate Ritchie. Each episode features a couple about to get married and given $25,000 to throw the wedding but on the proviso that the groom does everything and is banned from contact about it with the bride. And from the promos it seems yet another carefully selected couple are appearing, with what is now the apparent requirement for 'reality' television - empty-heads. Assuming (and a big assumption it is too) that it isn't all scripted, we see one of the thickest blokes I've ever seen, supposedly running the planning of the wedding. And his bright idea of invites - a session on the mobile phone, telling people about it. And that's probably the highlight. His bride seems to be a prime specimen for the female 'reality' role using the 'me too' program role models.<br />
<br />
Wake up, Australia!<br />
<br />
Channel Nine have added something else to the mix - another mini-series in the Underbelly franchise. I have refrained from previously commenting much on that franchise as one of their script writers is someone I know and admire greatly. But c'mon - isn't the same format over and over getting just a bit tired? <br />
<br />
Wake up, Australia!<br />
<br />
Pretty much as long as I can remember, I have heard people complaining that Australian television is rubbish. Well right now 'rubbish' as a derogatory term is looking pretty positive compared to the insults running through my mind. Talk about damned pathetic.<br />
<br />
Here's a thought (or two or three) for all the television networks. Do you remember the concept of 'entertainment'? Is this stream of junk really that 'entertaining'? Do we always have to suffer through the 'me too' b.s.? <br />
<br />
We have all sorts of wonderful and talented people in the creative side of the entertainment fields in Australia. So why restrict them by pretty much dumping anything actually creative? How about introducing something like more comedy and it doesn't have to be things like the tiresome Hey Dad back in the day (and presumably alleged pedophile actors are merely an optional extra). In the US there was a quite interesting thing called Last Comic Standing which saw stand-up comedians competing for the viewing audience vote. Why not try an Australian format for that? Just give us something worth turning the idiot box on to watch. Please.<br />
<br />
Wake up, Australia!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i> Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-29767614343626684222012-08-14T02:49:00.001-07:002012-08-14T03:29:28.630-07:00The Facebook saga continuesIn response to my grizzle to the Human Rights Commission yesterday
about my apparent inability to instigation action against either
Facebook or the Facebook pages of Abo-Memes, I received a detailed
response today.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Dear Ross<br /><br />I appreciate your comments. <br /><br />It may be
helpful if I clarify the various ways the Commission seeks to protect
and promote human rights. One option provided in federal
discrimination law is for aggrieved people or groups to make
complaints about racial discrimination and racial hatred. I clarified
the requirements in the law regarding this in my previous email.
<br /><br />Additionally, the Commission and its specific Commissioners
have a policy and advocacy role which includes drawing attention to
human rights issues, raising community awareness and encouraging
positive action by governments, service providers and others.
<br /><br />As you may be aware, Ms Helen Szoke, Race Discrimination
Commissioner is aware of the issues raised by the Facebook page and
has commented publicly on this. She has advocated strongly for the
removal of the page and continues to monitor the situation closely. I
have provided a link to information on our website regarding this.
<br /><br />http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/news/2012/78_12.html</i><br />
<br />
<br />
The above link makes interesting reading although I am prepared to
dispute the accuracy of some of the statements. For example the
content allegedly removed on Wednesday August 7th, was in fact still
present the following day as I was making liberal use of it in my
blogging etc.<br />
<br />
The statements by Commissioner Szoke include advice to Facebook
that:<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
now was a good opportunity for the
site to revisit its guidelines and test if they are in tune with
community opinion;</div>
</li>
<li>[there was a need to ensure] that social media such as
Facebook have standards which... <i><b>comply with legal
requirements</b></i> [emphasis added]<br />
</li>
</ul>
I believe the outcry over this matter should amply demonstrate
that Facebook's attitudes are most definitely not in tune with
'community opinion'. The disrespectful attitudes of a limited number
of red-necked fools should not be permitted to remain when they are
so clearly out of line with the rest of the community in a manner
that is intentionally hurtful and incredibly inappropriate. Freedom
of speech is a widely held civic 'right' that is in fact a privileged
earned by our democratic forebears and a concept that should not be
subject to protection of abuse such as racial vilification and hate
speech. Legitimate dissent or protest is one thing. Straight out
abuse of that protection afforded by Facebook is another matter
entirely. Again I refer to statements made on the Abo-Memes pages
that they were 'untouchable.'<br />
<br />
<br />
Even more important is the concern that Facebook may be acting in
a manner that does <i><b>not</b></i> comply with legal requirements.
This should not have been a surprise to Facebook. They have
operations within Australia and therefore are required to act in a
manner that is lawful within this jurisdiction. I have no doubt that
I was not the only complainant to draw Facebook's attention to Race
Discrimination legal concerns but that did not stop them quite
blithely dismissing complaints. Facebook are still yet to respond to my repeated
complaints and requests for further information.<br />
<br />
Now if Facebook cannot afford to pay for legal support to explain
these matters to them, the Human Rights Commission have a fact sheet
on their website which explains matters quite clearly:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/racial_discrimination/publications/cyberracism_factsheet.html<br />
<br />
I suggest Facebook staff start acquainting themselves with that
information.
<br />
<br />
The statement by Commissioner Szoke also notes that the
"Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has
confirmed that it is currently investigating the page on the site."
I am unable to locate any specific information on the ACMA's website
concerning this. However a simple perusal of the ACMA's website make
it pretty darned clear that the behaviour in question is definitely
questionable at best under the Authority's remit.<br />
<br />
Facebook's blindingly obvious double-standards in application of
its Community Standards make me seriously question just how much
attention it shall actually pay to what amounts to nothing more than
'concerns' expressed by the Commissioner. Nothing seems to be in
place to force Facebook to actually do anything to bring its
behaviour into accord not just with the 'community opinion' but
actually accord with the law within Australian jurisdictions. So long
as matters may only be addressed one case at a time, with Facebook's
seemingly automatic rejection of genuine and serious complaints, then
this behaviour would seem to be able to continue. Note how quickly
Abo-Memes appeared in the wake of a similar collection of Facebook
pages being removed.
<br />
<br />
My advice to anyone else similarly concerned as I am, especially
if of indigenous descent, is to lodge complaints with both the <a href="http://www.hreoc.gov.au/complaints_information/lodging.html" target="_blank">Human
Rights Commission</a> and the <a href="https://web.acma.gov.au/AimsWeb/index.html?scriptMode=true" target="_blank">Australian
Communications and Media Authority.</a><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once again, Mark Zuckerberg, is this
what you expected or wanted Facebook to be? Hey Mr Billionaire –
how about taking a break from kicking around with the glitterati and
your mates and do something about this mess!</div>
Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-34799123007553086932012-08-13T03:35:00.003-07:002012-08-13T03:36:36.503-07:00Does Facebook defend racial hatred?Some interesting developments have emerged from the continuing disgrace that was <a href="http://rantbyross.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/just-when-is-acceptable-actually.html" target="_blank">Facebook allowing and implicitly defending racial vilification</a>. <br />
<br />
I referred matters to the Australian Human Rights Commission. Today I received the following advice from the Commission:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #550055;">Racial hatred is<br />
· an act that is done in public;<br />
· which is done because of the race, colour, or national or ethnic origin of a person or group; and which is<br />
· reasonably likely in all the circumstances to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate that person or group.</span></i><br />
<br />
1. The Abo-Memes account on Facebook and its predecessor were by definition 'public'<br />
2. It was expressly targeting indigenous Australians by virtue of their "<span style="color: #550055;">race, colour, or national or ethnic origin"</span><br />
<span style="color: #550055;">3. I have obtained opinion from Indigenous Australians that I know and it was 100% offense (and most definitely not, as one of Abo-Meme's public supporters claimed in those pages, that 98% of Aboriginals would not have a problem with the content!).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #550055;">So it appears to be pretty much a textbook case that this material fits the legal definition of 'racial hatred' in Australian legal jurisdictions. So the question that Facebook are still yet to answer is <i><b>why they elected to defend those acts of racial hatred</b></i>? Remember that Facebook dismissed my complaint against the Abo-Memes Facebook pages on the basis that it did not breach Facebook's Community Standards. And those Community Standards include acts of:</span><br />
<span style="color: #550055;">- Bullying and Harassment; and</span><br />
<span style="color: #550055;">- Hate Speech.</span><br />
<span style="color: #550055;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #550055;">Quite clearly the actions of Abo-Memes were both racial harassment and hate speech. Under the Australian Human Rights legislation, the actions of Abo-Memes were in breach of the legislation and thus sure to be found to be illegal. But Facebook apparently deem themselves to be above a nation's own laws. By claiming there was <i><b>no evidence </b></i>of any breach of Community Standards, impso facto, <i><b>Facebook would appear to be defending those actions despite quite clear legislative restraints</b></i>.. And they are still yet to respond to me on these matters.</span><br />
<span style="color: #550055;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #550055;">Now the downside of things. I am not of Indigenous Australian descent. I wouldn't have thought that to be terribly relevant. However under the same Human Rights legislation, I am not able to lodge a complaint relating to indigenous matters as blatant as those of Abo-Memes because I am not of indigenous descent, not matter how offended and upset I may have been. By that same logic, John F Kennedy would not have been able to enact his Civil Rights reforms in the USA because he was (as far as I am aware) not of African American descent and those reforms did not represent any specific party but overall social and civic reform. </span><br />
<span style="color: #550055;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #550055;">So no matter how many of us are offended by those acts of racial vilification that are a textbook example of breaching Australian Human Rights legislation, it is only a small minority of persons who are actually allowed to take action against it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #550055;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #550055;">Am I the only one who thinks this is complete garbage? </span>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-19183535937103651422012-08-10T06:09:00.000-07:002012-08-10T07:04:13.680-07:00Just when is acceptable actually acceptable?<i><b>Before reading further, be warned - some of the following IS offensive. </b></i> <i><b>VERY OFFENSIVE.</b></i><br />
<br />
Facebook is a quite remarkable thing. It seems to have become an almost indispensable part of modern life. And being such a huge part of modern life, like any responsible organisation Facebook has its very own Community Standards that users are required to abide by. Breach these and die the death of a thousand isp failures! All such serious stuff.<br />
<br />
So just how do Facebook apply this? Well let us look at some samples.<br />
<br />
Breastfeeding. Oh gosh. Just writing that word has given me the shivers of dread. According to Facebook, an image of breastfeeding is something that MUST be taken seriously. Any such image must be subjected to careful scrutiny. Afterall, Facebook takes everything so very seriously. Supposedly. Their justification is that as the minimum age for Facebook users is 13 years of age, they have an obligation to ensure minors are not subjected to what Facebook deems to be inappropriate material. And in <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/facebook-clarifies-breastfeeding-photo-policy/8791" target="_blank">this response</a> to a query, Facebook clarified things even further. For a breastfeeding picture to be permissable, the baby must be in the act of actually feeding. Anything other than that is quite obviously going to poison the minds of impressionable young minds all over the world. And as Facebook have thus decreed, thus it must apparently be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/facebook-clarifies-breastfeeding-photo-policy/8791" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p0AE-aV7c2LMXB8V0EFRPGZjk-Du2wkQdBkiSNP1NfFE13pQCnU78Rx4J6PUWxrg4x5UFXS79VecBLp6356pPY-Ln2lB1a7sCJ9noIzvB-SzU3h9T_csFieBqr7nTNW9go9ZWRNo4quy/s1600/breastfeeding_baby.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is a breastfeeding picture. The baby is well and truly busy feeding. This is beautiful. This is natural. This is suited for an audience that may include as young as age 13.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fil:Breastfeeding_child.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclFfNKIR_BoztDu_Khsod7UMWt0bzbeQwoH1N7YkzZ91S9bqch6oQXphnFsOQeOf3wZLxf6b_z-21gFQajCHJcrTDzjPNOqAC_Rwi1LIRDlF51LZJX3D-GfsbJPlCO799ZJ-ibzjT4cwI/s1600/nipple.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is a breastfeeding picture. This is EVIL. This shalt corrupt the minds of young all over the world. Facebook must deny any such access or face world domination by adolescents sent crazy by the sight of a nipple that is not being suckled on by that baby. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So just when do Facebook actually remove those items they determine to be 'inappropriate'. Simple. This requires another user to lodge a complaint against a particular Facebook page. The Facebook staff then examine the page in question, comparing it to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards" target="_blank">Facebook Community Standards</a> and if any breach of these is found to have occurred, then the content or even the account shall be removed. <br />
<br />
Aren't we all just so glad that Facebook is there to determine just <i>when </i>breastfeeding is an offensive evil that must be stamped out from any visualisation. Even better, Facebook are there to tell us what is considered <i>acceptable</i> to the wider community of users. Well silly me - I had not realised that the sight of a nipple was so terrible <i>unacceptable</i>. May the Good Lord bless Facebook for protecting me in this manner. But where were they when I was a youngster and my mother was breastfeeding my younger brothers? Oh no - all that is bad, wrong and evil that has happened to me ever since - why that must have occurred because I may have seen Mother's nipple at some point during that breastfeeding in the privacy of the family home. Bless you Facebook for enlightening me thusly!<br />
<br />
Let us examine another example. A recent addition to the world of Facebook was an account called Abo-Memes. And this user was on a mission. They were going to allow us all to see what was really happening within the world of Indigenous Australians.<br />
<br />
Here are some examples of this great benefit to the world, supplied to us by Abo-Memes via Facebook.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.google.com.au/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbnid=NYmtarYoYV5OlM:&imgrefurl=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abo-Memes/460998877251042&docid=Wuk_PIik09w_rM&itg=1&imgurl=http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c0.0.400.400/p403x403/384711_505303386153924_875416201_n.jpg&w=400&h=398&ei=xfckUKXrCoeYiAerr4GwDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=86&vpy=115&dur=1000&hovh=224&hovw=225&tx=67&ty=110&sig=100794203243127091760&page=1&tbnh=115&tbnw=116&start=0&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:74&biw=1024&bih=437" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzzNjHXK4GS10zB1CQOmgkZiF-MuJjPZcT8gsNHxX407iaypTNIqc1146rMeuo9jbQWJtxXd9vWWf4gQ3uS3WZqI3tjuNtLOI4Ti9Zi7brgxjnTr4C441yeFui3YP3V1xxgMnd0WM8ms4/s200/384711_505303386153924_875416201_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.google.com.au/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbnid=SoWEnCcZHcr1yM:&imgrefurl=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abo-Memes/460998877251042&docid=Wuk_PIik09w_rM&imgurl=http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c53.0.403.403/p403x403/165830_461003740583889_39632085_n.jpg&w=403&h=375&ei=xfckUKXrCoeYiAerr4GwDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=208&vpy=107&dur=599&hovh=217&hovw=233&tx=135&ty=107&sig=100794203243127091760&page=1&tbnh=115&tbnw=113&start=0&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:78&biw=1024&bih=437" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcFJAvVycCsvd3kffVX3N1Qauvl7_5S7vg2jzFG1j1kO9Tk3anLazXEIE6zM8v3ijxHflbDgA3R2jJMW6850KSTTjgSMbEJj1qXLfPSXz3hExXSqSh2uQ9tIH3pWQ1wD_Mv1tyMjiq3av/s200/165830_461003740583889_39632085_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="il_r" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Note - do a Google search for images with the tag Abo-Memes and the above may be located along with the statement 'Abo Memes shared Abo Memes's photo. facebook.com'</i></div>
<br />
So the question becomes - is this 'acceptable'?<br />
<br />
I didn't think so. I lodged a complaint with Facebook against this activity. And soon enough, Facebook completed their review of this content and its comparison with the Holy Creed that is the Facebook Community Standards. And here, word for word, is Facebook's response to me.<br />
<br />
<i>"After reviewing your report, we were not able to confirm that the<br />
specific page you reported violates Facebook's Statement of Rights and<br />
Responsibilities.<br /><br />
Learn more about what we do and don't allow by reviewing the Facebook</i>
<i><br />
Community Standards: https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks,
</i><i><br />
Viki"</i><br />
<br />
So I had a closer look at the Holy Creed. And lo, it has two particular verses of interest - thou shalt not engage in activity that is:<br />
- Harassing or Bullying<br />
- Hate Speech<br />
<br />
Oh Blessed Be, Holy Facebook. In my poor ignorance, I was foolish enough to think that the activity engaged in by Abo-Memes was both Harassing Indigenous Australians and engendering Hate Speech. Oh thank you, dear Facebook, for educating me that this is in fact entirely adequate and appropriate for the Facebook universe including those 13 year-old minds that were in such danger of being permanently corrupted by that sight of an engorged nipple!<br />
<br />
OK, I am getting sick of writing that nonsense. This activity was very clearly in breach of those aspects of the Facebook Community Standards. And for 'Viki' to defend this activity on behalf of Facebook was nothing short of outrageous.<br />
<br />
Then as I was looking into things more closely, something struck me. By a simple reading of the times of various media reports and press statements, by the time Viki on behalf of Facebook had decided to deny anything inappropriate about that Abo-Memes filth, it seems that Facebook:<br />
<ul>
<li>had already been informed by the Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner that the material in question was potentially in breach of Australian Race Discrimination laws;</li>
<li>had publicly stated it was 'in dialogue' with the Commissioner over the matter; and</li>
<li>had been advised that the material was under legal investigation.</li>
</ul>
Despite these serious developments and Facebook's admission it was in discussions to clarify matters, Facebook staff were still claiming nothing was wrong and blithely dismissing complaints by claiming there was no breach of their Community Standards.<br />
<br />
At the time of writing this post, Facebook have so far declined to respond to my further complaint which expressly cited the specific points within their Community Standards that I believe were breached by that user.<br />
<br />
Earlier this evening, that Abo-Memes Facebook account suddenly disappeared. Earlier in the day the user and some of their supporters were using the the account to openly boast of their activity and claiming they were 'untouchable'. With that attitude, I find it hard to believe that said user had willing removed it themselves. I have just paused in writing to check some news websites seeing if there was any 'breaking news' about this matter. Nope.<br />
<br />
Perhaps Facebook have indeed seen sense and removed the item. But some far bigger questions still remain.<br />
<ol>
<li>Why do Facebook deem an image of an engorged nipple to be such a threat to minors but this Abo-Memes garbage was just fine and dandy with complaints against it seemingly subjected to automatic rejection?</li>
<li>Why did Facebook continue to dismiss legitimate complaints about this filth apparently <b>AFTER</b> they had been warned of the potential legal ramifications, apparently <b>AFTER</b> they had allegedly commenced 'dialogue' with the the Race Discrimination Commissioner on the subject and apparently <b>AFTER</b> legal investigations had commenced?</li>
<li>As the Abo-Memes account appeared very swiftly after another similar, possibly worse, account was removed in the wake of public outcry, why did Facebook continue to allow such filth to be perpetuated apparently <b>AFTER</b> receiving formal warnings?</li>
<li>What is to stop yet more copy-cat accounts springing up and Facebook continuing its implicit defense of those activities?</li>
</ol>
Hey Mark Zuckerburg - is this <i>really</i> what you meant Facebook to be?<br />
<br />
I doubt this matter is over just yet.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-4033135494739778922012-07-30T03:46:00.001-07:002012-07-30T03:46:10.771-07:00Nothing like rent-a-crowd!Two angry posts in one day - yet another sign of me becoming more of a grumpy old man, breathing ever closer to the 50 year mark.<br />
<br />
It seems to be impossible for any Olympics to go by without there being a major administrative screw up. So it was just a matter of time before something burst on the 2012 scene in London.<br />
<br />
Many parents of Australian athletes were unable to get tickets for the events their children were in. Not surprisingly they have become rather enraged at the sight of vacant seats at these same venues that they were unable to obtain tickets to.<br />
<br />
The organising committee of the London Olympics has come up with a simple - for them - solution. Rather than allow more families the opportunities to see their children, their brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles etc, these vacant seats are now going to be made to disappear by giving entry to members of the British military - for free!<br />
<br />
It was the families that supported and stood by athletes in their years
of preparation. Why should they be then denied the opportunity to be there
for the big event despite their being available seating?<br />
<br />
Hey - what's wrong <a href="http://www.london2012.com/about-us/the-people-delivering-the-games/locog/board/" target="_blank">LOCOG</a> - worried that you don't have big enough hometown crowds and doing a spot of rent-a-crowd? <br />
<br />
Bloody pathetic.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-11306266146323024352012-07-30T00:55:00.000-07:002012-07-30T00:55:20.649-07:00Long live th' Confederacy - NOT"Why, thar's a couple of blacks wanting to marry th'selves in our church! I's telling you Pastor, them's blacks ain't coming near our church!!"<br />
<br />
Now you could probably understand such sentiments being expressed in Mississippi of 1860. Maybe even 1960. But in 2012??<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/world/us-church-refuses-to-marry-black-couple-at-last-minute-20120730-237p7.html" target="_blank">It is being reported in the media</a> that Charles and Te'Andrea Wilson, a black couple, had set the date for their wedding at the predominantly white First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs and posted the invitations. Yet the day before their happy day, the church's pastor, Pastor Stan Weatherford, had to turn them away, claiming "a small number of church members had virulently opposed holding the event at the church, and he faced being sacked if he went ahead with it." Pastor Weatherford compromised by marrying the couple at a nearby church which had a largely black congregation. <br />
<br />
What makes matters even worse (if that were possible) is that Te'Andrea was already a member of the flock at the Crystal Springs First Baptist Church. <br />
<br />
Apparently, no black couple has ever married in the white First Baptist
Church of Crystal Springs since its founding in 1883 and clearly these
narrow-minded bigots calling the shots were going to make damned sure
that record wasn't going to be broken on their watch. Of course if they
had the slightest scrap of brains between their ears, they would have
seen that this was in fact an opportunity to end that relic of
Confederate jingoism, acting in the true meaning of the Christian faith
by loving thy neighbour. <br />
<br />
So far it seems that this small number who appear to be opposing the fact the Confederates lost the Civil War, let alone the successes of the Civil Rights movement, are now keeping their heads down. So all we can do is imagine what they must be like. Now if they had the power to ensure sacking of Pastor Weatherford, then they had to be in a position of authority with that particular church, perhaps the congregation's Elders. It is not difficult to imagine them being older, still missing the good old days when those 'black varmits knew they's place' and possibly with a pillow case or two laying around their homes, complete with eyeholes cut out. And once they discovered their precious record was about to be broken, shocked telephone calls and secretive meetings going on so they could stop that heresy! And I don't care much for Pastor Weatherford's future there either as he would fall into the KKK's definition of a 'nigga luva'. And even if those leaders of the congregation aren't members of the KKK, they sure as shit are acting like they were.<br />
<br />
In fairness, a member of that Crystal Springs congregation has been reported as stating she and the bulk of the congregation were unaware of this stunt, stating they were ashamed of the decision. If so, then now is the time for the apparently silent majority of that congregation to stand up to this incredibly bigoted minority, sending them on their way. <br />
<br />
Now there are those who might be uncomfortable with an Australian, with our less-than-stellar record of treating indigenous Australians, now criticising treatment of African Americans. But should a church here turn a couple away merely because of the colour of their skin, there would be hell to pay in our modern society. And yes, I am well aware of the (unjust and unfair) irony that they <i>can</i> turn people away because of their sexuality. But if this sort of act, so terribly reminiscent of an era best left way behind, is allowed to stand, then we are sure as shit never going to progress!<br />
<br />
I have said it before and I shall say it again. Sometimes one really has to wonder if the human species is indeed worth saving. Well it seems that while the rest of us are grabbing our snorkels and heading to the hills to escape the oceans rising from global warming, there is a group of Christian elders at the First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs who should be left behind, firmly tied down on the beach.<br />
<br />
Here endeth the rant... for now.<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-81472548022849780892012-07-28T00:30:00.001-07:002012-07-28T00:31:31.739-07:00Food production - a longer term viewSome folk in the struggling nation of Bangladesh, have come up with a rather remarkable and far-sighted idea for addressing future food and economic need. <br />
<br />
This is a poor nation. Its location has it assessed as being greatly at risk from impacts of environmental change. And, just like everywhere else, its population is growing. So how will the future Bangladesh manage to continue feeding its citizens?<br />
<br />
Bangladesh already has extensive rice farming with a great many rivers and other water sources to support the water-needs of rice. A new proposal has been brought forth that this rice farming be combined with fish farming, by stocking the water-rich rice fields with fish. Thus the production of one staple – rice – is used to produce more of another staple – fish. It even provides the opportunity to produce crops of prawns in conjunction with the rice growing, thereby producing a product for export and increasing the flow of economic wealth into that impoverished country.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/cpaqoa6%20" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/cpaqoa6 </a><br />
<br />
This is quite wonderful stuff. There would be issues needing to be addressed to make harvesting of the fish a viable process. Similarly as rice fields hold shallow water which is more subject to warming which in turn reduces oxygen retention and increasing water temperature to a level not conducive to fish of an eatable size, provision of cooler water refuges would presumably be necessary. And the overall scale of fish-rice production would need to be at a level to make the fish harvesting economically viable. However these issues would surely not be beyond resolution?<br />
<br />
If fish are increasingly introduced into the rice-growing process, then might that not also see through the natural food cycle, fish helping reduce the presence of other aquatic life that might not be so beneficial to the rice crop, making this a much more environmentally sustainable option?<br />
<br />
Consumption of rice in Australia has been increasing. The Ricegrower's Association of Australia point out that Australian rice harvests are sufficient to feed “20 million people, 365 days a year.” That's a lot of rice. Continuation of water supply to satisfy the rice crop needs would be an issue to Australian growers. Yet it occurs to me that the more temperate northern zones with monsoonal water falls, might be quite well suited to this combined rice-fish farming. <br />
<br />
If we as the human species are to survive, then I suggest this sort of sensible, multi-cropping, seemingly environmentally-friendly approach is one to be emulated and encouraged. What else might benefit from similar, wide-ranging thinking?<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-72646841221893609242012-07-15T03:05:00.000-07:002012-07-15T03:16:55.929-07:00There once was a dog called Lennox<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SikgVX4SdNOL6RwYv21c2O8o9pZf3dvWdAzxtCx-DSOPSWnBH9G-2wiJEBucS_sIRpq5RVI5H1aNTeOome9liJb0jB8RrIBebckONBo5FLUoHVfnchO9EcY32X8L0zmR9rwIXu6Iywb3/s1600/AmericanPitBullTerrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBT0VpTA28FpQNdM4UcmFLKW-NKyIeglzvlG1XXy5HHsqjzMQWWGbTSkCTQAfWn5U-1Mt_0dPiyy4fY1NkV4CFQvjfhMoCZqW9-KeAx3k4BP1lBPnmHGg0o-HjzcPtom0DMNlyVK0F6ohH/s1600/ap_lennox_dog_jp_120712_wblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Lennox was a dog in Belfast. And he has been put down by Belfast Council officials.<br />
<br />
The ultimate justification for the destruction of Lennox was under Northern Ireland’s <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1991/2292/article/3/made" target="_blank">Dangerous Dogs Order</a>, “any dog of the type known as the pit bull terrier,” is considered dangerous. Dogs that fall under the definition of dangerous according to that law can be seized and killed.<br />
<br />
I am uncomfortable with the concept that any breed may be automatically deemed dangerous and subject to seemingly immediate destruction - unless others take legal action seeking to halt it.<br />
<br />
There is little doubt in my mind that the pit bull terrier can indeed be a dangerous animal in the right circumstances. However there is also the concept of the animal’s treatment and behavioural training at the hands of their owner. Any dog that is poorly trained and handled can be a problem. I still have vestigial scars on my left shoulder from a poorly controlled German Shepherd deciding to jump me years ago. Another breed that springs to mind is the Australian Blue Heeler. This breed of cattle dog doesn’t have an especially good reputation. They are very much a ‘one-person’ animal, loyal to their owner (not that I am especially comfortable with that description). Yet I have also known a Blue Heeler that was very well trained and managed, being a lovely animal if it had an opportunity to have a quick sniff and decide that you aren’t necessarily a risk. Yet another example comes from acquaintances of mine who bred Doberman Pincers, showing them. These were also properly behaviourally conditioned to be around people, not vicious guard animals. I recall one time their prime stud male curling up on the floor next to me, his head resting on my thigh. <br />
<br />
In Australia at least, ‘working’ greyhounds when being walked as exercise for their racing, are required to wear muzzles in public. This is because they are conditioned to chase. Yet there have been significant successes in reconditioning greyhounds after their racing days are over. I regularly see one at a nearby shopping centre. Its reconditioned temperament is simply lovely. I know that it definitely likes a scratch behind the ears.<br />
<br />
Is there a need for potential legal action when an animal is genuinely dangerous? Undoubtedly so. In the infamous Michael Vick fighting dogs incident, many of the retrieved animals were hopelessly conditioned to attack and fight. But we also have to consider the owner’s role in any dangerous activity that a dog engages in. In Vick’s case he went to gaol, although not for long enough in my opinion.<br />
<br />
Returning to the Lennox matter, this dog was not finally condemned for attacking people or similar, but condemned for being identified as a pit bull terrier and therefore dangerous. There has been a great deal of information all over the Internet on the subject and after going through a heap of it, I am yet to find any suggestion let alone evidence of exactly what activity lead to Lennox even being investigated. However the<a href="http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/news/news.asp?id=3109" target="_blank"> formal statement by Belfast City Council </a>after Lennox was put down, expressly states that he was an “illegal pit-bull terrier type” with that the justification for his destruction.<br />
<br />
Lennox’s owners have been adamant that he was not a pit bull but a Labrador-bulldog mix. Obviously I cannot state with certainty which story is correct. But we can look at a couple of pictures.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBT0VpTA28FpQNdM4UcmFLKW-NKyIeglzvlG1XXy5HHsqjzMQWWGbTSkCTQAfWn5U-1Mt_0dPiyy4fY1NkV4CFQvjfhMoCZqW9-KeAx3k4BP1lBPnmHGg0o-HjzcPtom0DMNlyVK0F6ohH/s1600/ap_lennox_dog_jp_120712_wblog.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBT0VpTA28FpQNdM4UcmFLKW-NKyIeglzvlG1XXy5HHsqjzMQWWGbTSkCTQAfWn5U-1Mt_0dPiyy4fY1NkV4CFQvjfhMoCZqW9-KeAx3k4BP1lBPnmHGg0o-HjzcPtom0DMNlyVK0F6ohH/s200/ap_lennox_dog_jp_120712_wblog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lennox</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here is a picture of Lennox <br />
<br />
And here is a picture of an American Pit Bull, the breed at the centre of Belfast’s Dangerous Dogs Order. Are there similarities to Lennox? Yes. However, there are definitely differences as well. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SikgVX4SdNOL6RwYv21c2O8o9pZf3dvWdAzxtCx-DSOPSWnBH9G-2wiJEBucS_sIRpq5RVI5H1aNTeOome9liJb0jB8RrIBebckONBo5FLUoHVfnchO9EcY32X8L0zmR9rwIXu6Iywb3/s1600/AmericanPitBullTerrier.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SikgVX4SdNOL6RwYv21c2O8o9pZf3dvWdAzxtCx-DSOPSWnBH9G-2wiJEBucS_sIRpq5RVI5H1aNTeOome9liJb0jB8RrIBebckONBo5FLUoHVfnchO9EcY32X8L0zmR9rwIXu6Iywb3/s200/AmericanPitBullTerrier.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Pit Bull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Now here’s a picture of a black Labrador Retriever.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myfreewallpapers.net/nature/pages/labrador-retriever.shtml" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYJMaQ6oQyoWOKtgYxJxR-WpSn3Q1LPLHfo-okrXyCWOLhEtDPZQ4gvmcgb148doS94DAvjRPxQ9AUQ3wwV7ERajjNRs4paPnTScKRE9Y4N0jRcz8nSrHyaSmiv6aPSAcgBzjaEYmezb7/s200/labrador.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Labrador Retriever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Uh oh –which one does Lennox look more like? To me, there Labrador appearance is pretty strong. <br />
<br />
I’m hearing alarm bells ringing. Is it indeed possible that this animal was destroyed for being a Pit Bull when it’s owners were indeed correct in their claim it was not a Pit Bull but a Labrador-Bulldog cross, neither of which would seem to be subject to that automatic destruction order?<br />
<br />
The nub of the situation, supported by the Belfast City Council statement, appears to be that it is lawful for them to declare an entire breed illegal and automatically destroy any animal for just looking like that rather than investigate on specific circumstances. I really do have problems with that. And if it was a lawfully enacted statute, no matter how much we may dislike it, then court action trying to get around action being taken under that statute was always going to be hard to win, not matter the personal opinions of anyone, including the judges hearing the case. <br />
<br />
According to final statements by Lennox’s owners, they were refused permission to see him one last time before the destruction. Now that was definitely unnecessarily draconian by the authorities. All the indications are that this was the family pet.<br />
<br />
Things aren’t all good on the side of some of the Lennox supporters either, if other statements by the Council are true, with acts and threats of violence against Council members and employees. That most certainly was not justified and can only have damaged the cause.<br />
<br />
I am unable to ascertain the exact origins of the original action against Lennox but there is enough in this story to suggest that this Dangerous Dogs Order is unnecessarily draconian and based on the Council’s formal statement that Lennox was an “illegal pit-bull terrier type,” based on the photographic evidence above, this identification may well have been incorrect in which case a miscarriage of justice would have been done. <br />
<br />
It is too late to do anything for Lennox but I can only hope that a more reasoned, realistic and accurate approach is taken in future.<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-5152298338786768002012-07-14T04:51:00.005-07:002012-07-14T04:51:59.287-07:00Will the real Clive Palmer please stand up?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU4w5Pu-6QUDrP3N7SpyMfVkrDbyoSoJFBowXy6h8sJ1X7iSNndyGSphHbWTma5bZyyHM1whbegm0N5TRnqv61cPeQ65AVBf22ijXKtFL1JoqsNJkpGIC8kbIckumCL2Q3lcY_1ED6NeM/s1600/805194-clive-palmer.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU4w5Pu-6QUDrP3N7SpyMfVkrDbyoSoJFBowXy6h8sJ1X7iSNndyGSphHbWTma5bZyyHM1whbegm0N5TRnqv61cPeQ65AVBf22ijXKtFL1JoqsNJkpGIC8kbIckumCL2Q3lcY_1ED6NeM/s200/805194-clive-palmer.jpg" title="Clive Palmer - photo credit Glenn Barnes " width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="caption-text">Picture: Glenn Barnes </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Something has just struck me a blinding mental blow.<br />
<br />
It
has become almost something of a national past-time to ridicule and
make fun of Australian billionaire mining magnate, Clive Palmer. But
we've been entirely wrong to do so.<br />
<br />
Now Clive has been anything but reticent in making all sorts of press statements in recent times. To mention just a few:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.news.com.au/business/mining-magnate-clive-palmer-says-cia-is-behind-campaign-to-kill-coal-industry/story-e6frfm1i-1226305462536"><b style="font-weight: normal;">the CIA is backing green groups in a bid to kill the Australian coal mining industry</b></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/clive-palmer-plans-to-build-titanic-ii-20120430-1xtrc.html">his
company Blue Star Line Pty Ltd had just commissioned the state-owned
Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to build a near replica of the
Titanic</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/clive-palmer-plans-to-build-titanic-ii-20120430-1xtrc.html">he was contesting the parliamentary seat currently held by Federal Treasurer and Labor Party power broker, Wayne Swan</a> (announced the same day as the Titanic plans)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/clive-palmer-says-he-is-considering-starting-a-news-site-called-rage/story-e6frg6nf-1226426046939">he wants to launch an online newspaper to be staff by the journalists being laid off by Fairfax</a> (possibly inspired by the failure of his mate, Gina Reinhardt, to get editorial control on the Board of Fairfax?) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/katter-calls-for-changes-to-gun-laws-at-australian-party-policy-launch/story-e6freoof-1226262597820" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYmI1b7aKQ0oEz8WI92R67oR3l9Rpa9DKG6DSDmDZwyfbeUoW4KSy7QAvp6R9LjYt3ERxmbXIZ58gBDo8-uttu9Ivav1Gd7G3oxEgCDMKlB0wej0BYtg6H4dTEic2U7ry2ufIR-k57chC/s200/603670-bob-katter.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="caption-text">Picture: Lisa Clarke </span>
<span class="image-source"><em>Source:</em> The Courier-Mail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/clive-palmer-says-he-is-considering-starting-a-news-site-called-rage/story-e6frg6nf-1226426046939"> he
was giving up on Wayne Swan's seat and instead going after independent,
former National Party, hat-wearing, gun-toting, redneck Bob Katter's
seat</a> (despite Katter's stranglehold that ain't gonna be broken in a
hurry - watch out Clive - Bob might just start loading
mining-magnate-gauge shot)<br />
<br />
But now the penny has just dropped. Clive Palmer clearly has a quite big picture plan in mind.<br />
<br />
Obviously the grim spectre of the CIA really <i>is</i>
controlling our not-so-little corner of the Antipodean world, with
President Obama about to declare us the next State within the Union -
and Prime Minister Jul-i-ah can do a reprise of her tearful speech to
both houses in the US about how the US can do '<i>anything</i>.' And
we'd almost certainly lose all that which is great and good about
Australia - cricket and football. And we can't have that, can we!
Although perhaps one of the US's super-smart-missiles might be just what
we need to regain the Ashes.<br />
<br />
Then adding to the
disaster, we've been dodging the pieces of the sky that are now falling
in all over the place following implementation of the Carbon Tax so
clearly we are definitely in need of saving.<br />
<br />
The key to
fixing these terrible disasters is obviously a free press. And now our
dear, philanthropic Clive, will come to the rescue with his own online
newspaper!<br />
<br />
"Oh no," I can hear you all cry. "Won't the terrible CIA just take that over as well?"<br />
<br />
Fear
not, dear friends, because philanthropic and
saviour-of-all-that-is-great-provided-it-benefits-him Clive has the
answer there too. You see, that is where the new Titanic comes in -
Clive will dump all his former Fairfax journos on the ship and sail them
gleefully around the world and keeping them out of the clutches of the
US spooks.<br />
<br />
See - all we need to do is keep a clear and open mind about things and they all make sense, don't they?<br />
<br />
<i>Now if you have an opinion on what I'm blathering about or even just
feel like saying hi, then don't be afraid to leave a comment or post
something to me via Twitter or Facebook. I don't bite - at least not
always.</i><br />
<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-68335628555852381542012-06-10T01:59:00.001-07:002012-06-10T01:59:05.881-07:00Last Man Standing? Fail. Big Fail.I am watching the 'premiere' of Tim Allen's new show, Last Man Standing.<br />
<br />
From the promos I had a feeling that this was just a repackaged Tooltime Tim from Home Improvement. I was right. The sons are replaced with daughters but that's about the only real difference. Instead of tools, it is sports materials. Instead of a television show, it is a website. Instead of an attractive Patricia Richardson as the wife, it is an attractive Nancy Travis. So far all that is missing is the equivalent of the mysterious, all-knowing neighbour. But I suspect that won't be far away.<br />
<br />
About all that has really changed is that Allen is greyer, and fatter with a small double-chin and more wrinkles. Is this really the only role that Tim Allen can get back on the idiot box? I suppose he couldn't keep doing Santa Claus movies for ever.<br />
<br />
This really is not worth the time or effort of picking the remote up to turn it on.<br />
<br />
Fail. Big Fail.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-6742956483809243712012-05-17T02:03:00.001-07:002012-05-17T02:03:38.186-07:00Selfish bastards and training filmsOK then, you selfish bastards. Here's a hint. When somebody gets on a bus, leaning heavily on a walking stick, there is a pretty good chance that they are in some sort of difficulty. So just why do all you fit young 'uns sitting in the handicapped access seating simply ignore someone who is pretty damned obviously in trouble? It was a peak hour bus so it is not like there was an ample supply of other vacant seats. And when said person is trying to juggle holding their backpack, hold on to an overhead strap and keep their footing with the walking stick, isn't that perhaps a further clue that they are possibly slightly more deserving of seating in the 'special' seating for we crocks?<br />
<br />
Sadly, that ain't all. When it is a peak hour bus and there are people lined up in the aisle, is it really necessary for someone to take up a seat by dumping their backpack in the seat next to them? In fairness, he did finally move the backpack when he spied an attractive young lady looking for a seat.<br />
<br />
What a pack of rude, selfish bastards.<br />
<br />
On a happier note, I have discovered the route to fame and riches, preferably more of the latter. I am about to follow in the footsteps of John Cleese. A while back, Cleese was making pretty nice bucks by developing professional development training films. So it is all quite simple. All I need to do is recreate my stand-up comedy routine that I performed last night at the Open Mic Comedy Club, Pot Belly Bar & Bistro. And film it. Then sell it as a comprehensive guide on how <b><i>NOT</i></b> to do it. I bombed so badly that I had my own Manhattan Project going and those darned atom bombs could really hurt if you weren't careful with them.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-35600435920919109952012-01-25T22:21:00.000-08:002012-01-25T22:21:53.739-08:00A sad event that only harms the causeI don't like to say it, but I am glad that I missed the ceremonies at the Tent Embassy today. That way I managed to avoid <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1621621/Gillard-and-Abbott-run-protest-gauntlet">the dramas at the nearby restaurant, The Lobby</a>. Now am I defending the comments by Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, that were used as the incitement for a couple of hundred protesters heading to The Lobby to encircle the building and act in such a manner that security forces were needed to remove Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Jugears Abbot? Most definitely not. <em>But when will protesting groups get it into their heads that acting like thugs only does harm to your cause?</em><br />
<br />
We saw the same thing back in the 1990s following the election of John Howard. There was promptly a protest on the lawns of Parliament House, driven by the union movement. I know - I was there. And like the majority of attendees, I was down the slope, watching the stage which included the rather odd sight of the then-Secretary of the ACT branch of the Community and Public Sector Union, dancing and singing. Like the majority of those attendees, I knew nothing about the drunken antics of a much smaller group of protesters who decided to literally bash down the doors into Parliament House, an even smaller group of them decided to break into a shop and loot it. At one point I did get a bit bored and had a wander around including going by the courtyard where the drama occurred. I couldn't see exactly what was happening but something clearly was and the sheer volume of eskies and discarded beer cans made it rather obvious that whatever was happening was most likely alcohol-fuelled. However I never so much as even suspected an attempted invasion of Parliament House was occurring. But because I was there at that protest, for a long time I was referred to by non-supporters of the union movement at work as 'one of those Parliament House invaders'. This behaviour by a small proportion of the attendees damaged the entire point of the demonstration against then-pending changes to industrial relations. It made the entire union movement look bad. Nor did it help for a small, radical faction to start pushing hard to have the union movement pay all legal fees for those charged for that invasion of Parliament House. The entire point of that demonstration was badly compromised.<br />
<br />
I suggest that the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and the worthwhile things it stands for, will now be overshadowed by the actions of a minority, compromising the potential good that could have come out of the event.Wordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322855304201697934.post-83941676217402069302012-01-25T21:26:00.000-08:002012-01-25T21:28:55.442-08:00the REAL Excess BaggageAlleged 'reality television' programs seem to go through phases. Obviously weight loss is the current preferred flavour. The newest addition to the stable is the WIN/Channel Nine program, Excess Baggage. This 'reality' sees a group of overweight 'ordinary' people all paired up with an overweight 'celebrity'. Naturally the winner shall be the pair who lose the most weight.<br />
<br />
What gets me is this idea of featuring celebrities. In whose mind at least, are some of these people celebrities? Let us have a quick squiz at some of the line-up.<br />
<br />
There's a former Australian Rules footballer who retired some twenty years ago. While Dipper is a big personality, was a damn good footballer and well known to Aussie Rules fans of his era, how exactly does that make him a 'celebrity'? What proportion of the country will have a clue who Dipper actually is? I suggest not a lot.<br />
<br />
We have a paparazzi photographer who thinks he is a Mohawk Indian with a fetish for psychedelic colours. <br />
<br />
Best of all, my favourite, is the international celebrity in the ranks. That's right folks, we have the ex-husband of a pop star. How much bigger can you get than the bloke that Britney Spears gave the boot to via a text message? Answer: much, much bigger. Let us put this into perspective. Kevin Federline was a broke, occasional backup dancer when he met Britney and they hooked up. When the marriage ended, Federline did pretty well out of the deal, now on huge alimony payments that mean he doesn't even have to do the occasional work these days. So he sits around, blowing that alimony on food and drink as is obvious from the size of his gut. Of course there was also his impressive career as a rapper. What a flop that was. He probably should have then tried out for the US diving team as he sure had the nosediving gig right. Yet he is still going by that stage name of K-Fed. Briefly aligning himself with the professional wrestling world to help promote his debut album probably didn't do his credibility much good either. This is a 'celebrity'? This is a 'celebrity' that is worth importing into the country? This is something that the public supposedly want? Oh pluh-eeeze.<br />
<br />
For my money, the only saving grace would be that of the program host, the still delectable Kate Ceberano. But even Kate's attractions are going to struggle to get me there. There is probably some grass growing somewhere around my place worth watching.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey WIN - I've got some news for you. The REAL excess baggage is the numbnuts who approved this crap. <br />
<br />
Here endeth the rantWordsmiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429795648577521020noreply@blogger.com0