Second Test, New Life

Without doubt the second test at Wanderers was one of the all time greats, right alongside Edgebaston in 2005 as a modern great. Day five began poorly, with Clarke and Ponting falling reasonably early and South Africa becoming the favourites again. It ended with Pat Cummins blasting his way into folklore, much as he did earlier in the match with the ball.

Rain loomed over day five early and the first session was completely written off, and like the rest of the 'series' the gameplay was all about momentum. After the loss of Clarke and Ponting, Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin were left to stop the bleeding. A 70 run stand was the result, with Hussey falling for 39 and South Africa again taking momentum. Haddin was met with Johnson, and the most important partnership of the match took place here. Both under clouds about their spots, and they played their own way. Flashy, risky but good enough. The partnership was worth 72, with Haddin falling with 23 to get. Siddle fell quickly, but it was Cummins, on debut, the man of the match, who hit the winning runs.

While it is time to look toward New Zealand in 9 days time, and speculate about the team for that match, perhaps we should just take a moment. Take a moment to think about the best test match in 6 years, about Australia bouncing back and returning to life.

A Fourth Day of Thirds

Day Four at the Wanderers and we are no closer to knowing the result. The day was split in three however, two victories to Australia and one to South Africa. Whoever wins the splits tomorrow will walk away with victory, and neither team will be confident.

The first third began with Pat Cummins, who officially announced himself as a star by breaking the firm stand of abdevilliers.com and Amla, and following Amla's century, a run out and wicket to Lyon, South Africa were reeling at 7-266.

The second third belonged to Dale Steyn and Philander who combined for a frustrating partnership of 48, finally broken by the golden arm of Cummins. Cummins knocked over Dorkel's castle first ball to register his maiden five wicket haul. Steyn hit out and fell on his own sword for 42, however the damage he had a part in with Philander was huge, changing a possible chase of 250 into a looming target of 310.

The final third, Australia's innings belonged to us. Despite the shocking start, Watson leaving a straight ball in the second ball of the innings, and Phil Hughes edging a push outside off, we were stuck at 2-19. Khawaja and Ponting resurrected themselves and their country in a strong partnership, worth 122. Unfortunately Khawaja fell within 5 minutes of bad light, and we are left at 3-142 at stumps, 168 left for victory.

Ricky Ponting holds the key, unbeaten on 54, he can guide us to glory or start the collapse. Recent form has us left expecting the worst, but history has us backing him in. Which will prevail, the question is to be answered.

Day One, Test Two, Year One.

The rebirth of Australian cricket began at the Wanderers stadium. Well, sort of. Of course, we haven't died, but there was a near fatal heart attack at Cape Town. But, with all new life, it is time to move on. A new test match, Usman Kahwaja is in for Shaun Marsh, who has been our best batsman of late. Our best bowler, Ryan Harris was injured, replaced by the great young hope, Pat Cummins. As usual, Clarke lost the toss, South Africa batting.

Mitch Johnson took the first wicket, hoping to save his career, Shane Watson took another and then promptly suffered an injury. And Jacques Kallis went nuts, scoring a 50 faster than he scores in T20 matches. Quck wickets to Pete Siddle and Cummins and we were on top. As usual we surrendered the adjacency with perplexing bowling changes and a streaky partnership between Ashwell Princess and A.BDevilliers.com. Princess gave his wicket away to Lyon to start the third session, abdevilliers.com skied a poor pull shot, and Cummins took a beautiful diving catch. Lyon had Vernon Philly LBW, and Spud Boucher skied Siddle on a poor pull. The tail was cleaned up by Clarke, and South Africa lost 6 for 25 to be all out for 266.

Of course, our bowling has never been the issue, however weak it has been. Not putting teams away with big totals and good batting is the problem. From the look of the pitch, it was a 400 first innnings par, and it looks pretty flat. The question hangs over Phil Hughes and Watson at the top, Kahawaja at three and Ponting at four. Have we ever had such an unknown top four? They seem to be so heavily unreliable, and they need to put our doubts, and their own at ease with big scores.  A lead of at least 100 is a must, and we should be aiming towards 200. But, batting has been our weakness. The second day of the new life will deliver more answers than the first. And the question is for how long this life will last.
We shall see tomorrow.

Vale Bob Davis

As a Geelong fan, who's jurisdiction reigns solely in the 21st century, my knowledge of the great Bob Davis is thin. I know he was a fantastic player, good enough to be named in the Geelong Team of the Century, and remained Geelong's last premiership coach from 1963 until 2007. Davis took part in the clubs second most successful era, the early 1950s where the cats won two flags and was pipped in the 1953 grand final in search of a three-peat.

Bobby, as he was affectionately known turned to media after his career and, along with Jack Dyer and Lou Richards set the standard for Australian Rules media coverage. The three great mates would participate in World of Sport and League Teams together, always with large humour and good fun. All this information has been passed down from the past to me. The beautiful thing about Bob Davis is that he made an impression even after his work.

Bobby was simply the last grand Geelong player, royalty in our town, representing the era of glory from the old days. His appearances became less and less as the years went by, yet whenever he was seen he was seen wearing a big grin, just for the pleasure of being involved in an event. For me, the lasting memory of Bob will certainly be the presentation of the 2009 AFL Premiership, flagged to present it if Geelong won in 2008, he was disappointed by a poor cats effort. The following year Davis handed it over, of sorts. As he gave it to Mark Thompson and Tom Harley, Bob seemed as if he didn't want to let go, and the players stormed the presentation, with Bob still clinging on to the cup. Bob Davis just wanted that last taste of the glory days, and nobody was going to argue with him, after all, that would be treason.

Holy Blogging, Batman.

Most of us know about this new Facebook feature, where there are poll questions asked of the public and they reply in kind. The polls range from all the important topics such as 'Eminem of Justin Bieber?' 'What hurts more, giving birth or getting kicked in the balls?' and 'Who do you hate more?' with the top vote getters being 'Fat sluts', 'Kids with rat tails and nike airmaxs' and 'General Cunts'. While these questions do prove to be quite interesting and vital to my lifestyle, one particular question caught my eye. 'Is there a God?'.


Facebook is not renowned for it's deep and meaningful efforts, but the sole question, 'Is there a God?' gave me an uplifting feeling. The votes, as they stand, 'No' has 226,463 votes. 'Time will tell', an extremely simple answer, sits with 211,242 votes, and 'Yes' has received 2,361,312 votes. More than ten times the other results, 'Yes' is the truthful answer, simply because it has the most votes.

God will never be proven, officially as existent. Yet there is no way to extinguish the hope of those who claim he is real, God will exist so long as somebody believes in Him. I, myself am not a believer in religion, yet the hope and joy it can offer people is one of the great things about this planet. Billions of people pour their souls out day after day, to a greater being above them without proof of existence. God doesn't represent an all powerful being, God represents the chance for humans to come together and believe.

While God remains an unknown property in this blog, the people who believe in him and trust in him are certainly there. God is the forefront for love and harmony, where the church built in his honour promotes   trust, happiness and love between all people. If all people joined into faith, we would be strong in our resolve to love one and other, trust each other and be happy in our togetherness, God would be proven as existent. Yet, as it stands there are many people out there who feel the opposite, and although the existence of a higher power, guiding humans along the road seems illogical to many, the morals and ethics behind him are not.

So while God remains unknown, the people who believe in him create him, and keep him alive to this day. God is forever to exist, simply because people think he does.

Tips Round 2.

Well, I failed to start my tips in round 1, so I am left with the away teams. This means I am left with 1 single tip. Fremantle did the right thing and gave me a start, so after round one, total is 1. My rules state that, if I predict the margin correctly, I gain an extra tip. I will also pick a 'Lock of a Week', and if my 'Lock of the Week' fails to win, I lose a tip.

Tips.
St Kilda defeat Richmond by 31 points. My 'Lock of the Week'.
Despite Jack Riewoldt probably kicking six or seven goals, Richmond have no real other goal scoreing options, and St Kilda will strangle a result.
North Melbourne defeated by Collingwood by 58 points.
Let's be honest, North might be a nice up and comer, but they, like most of the rest of the competition are no match for the Pies. This should be a cake walk.
Port Adelaide defeat West Coast Eagles by 11.
The Weagles had a good win on Sunday night, but with a six day break coming off a tight match in sweltering conditions, I can't see them coming with a victory. That being said, Port are not a very good side, and don't have many goal kickers. Should be a low quality match, yet a good close one.
Gold Coast Suns defeat Carlton by 20 points.
Carlton don't look like a quality outfit this season to me, and Gold Coast should be pumped up for a big match after Guy McKenna told them to 'play like it is a grand final'. Gold Coast will fire up and take a comfortable lead.
Fremantle defeat Geelong by 8 points.
Last season Fremantle over ran the mighty Cats in the final quarter and stole a victory, I can see this happening again on Saturday night, with the wide open spaces and the foot speed of the dockers running away from the Cats.
Western Bulldogs defeat Brisbane Lions by 38 points.
The Dogs surely, surely must be hurting after a disastrous performance in Round 1, and there are fewer better chances to take their anger out than on a depleted Brisbane line up, who although they were good last week will lose.
Sydney defeat Essendon by 18 points.
There are no better sides at bursting a bubble than the Swans, and Hirdy might struggle to contain Adam Goodes at ANZ Stadium.
Hawthorn defeat Melbourne by 3 points.
In the match of the round, the Hawks will bounce back and just over take the Jurrah-led demons. Expect Buddy to kick 6.

Running total - 1.

Round 1, Loved.

So here we are, the first round of the AFL season is completed and we are that much better off. More things to talk about, more things to see and hear. The first round had it good parts, and the not so good parts. I will start you off with the five things I loved.

The Long Kick Returns.
For the past five or so years, long kicking to a contest had been frowned upon. Teams have been forced by their coaches to retain possession by playing percentages at all cost. The long kick down the line was often seen as the last resort, not so in the opening round. The long bomb from the kick in, from the wing and to the forward line is back. And with the long, high kick has brought his fancied, beautiful cousin, the high mark. Big forwards and ruckmen taking pack marks looks to be returning this year, and no footy fan can complain about that.

The Super Sub.
AFL copped come criticism over the new rule over pre-season, yet I felt the sub on the bench is definitely  good thing. Jared Waite was the first player ever subbed, bit of trivia. The sub rule has added a little bit of tactics, and fairness. In the case of an injury both teams remain relatively even with bench rotations which is only fair. The new tactics of bringing on a fresh player was very interesting as each teams managed the fresh player differently, although Sydney stuffed theirs up with the choice of Mark Seaby as sub.

Jimmy Bartel and David Hille.
Although Bartel copped a $900 fine, he was one of the shining lights during the disgusting match on Friday night, and his second half was magnificent. It was the left foot snap from the point post that captured the imagination, and woke me up. A deliberate go at the goals inspired the cats to a victory.
Hille flew high like so many ruckmen do, and his mark of the week was sensational. Putting his hand up for the yearly prize, he flew over his team mate to take a top grab.

Close Finishes.
With the exception of Collingwood dominating, and Essendon shredding the Bulldogs apart, every other game was on well into the third quarter. Each of those games lead to exciting last quarters which yielded a draw and two other results within a goal. The fans were rewarded for the wait to the start of the season, and who doesn't love an exciting finish? Well, I love and exciting finish at least.

Team Improvement.
Everyone has heard about the Bombers, and they played terrifically in the opener, if they keep this level of intensity up, they will easily make the finals. The West Coast Eagles also impressed me, the same outfit last year would of given away the match on Sunday once the Kangaroos stole the lead in the last quarter. Brisbane Lions also were a good surprise, playing good football and were sincerely robbed by injuries,

Gump, Forrest.

Forrest Gump, the all time classically disappointing film. Half the world sees Robert Zemeckies comedy-drama as one of the great films. The other half sees it as a pointless, unsure film that doesn't make a lot of sense. Forrest himself has been described as loyal, stupid, brilliant, useless, loveable and not relatable. Forrest Gump is an epic, whether it is epically good or not is unsure.

Whether Forrest Gump is a brilliant film or not may be affected by what it achieves. Forrest Gump meets Elvis, three presidents, fights in the Vietnam War, survives a hurricane at sea, exposes the Watergate Break Ins, and runs across the entire country of the U.S.A. That is simply what Forrest Gump is, a film celebrating and commiserating the achievements, low lights and high lights of the United States over the past 50 years. Forrest somehow is involved with all the heroes, the moments that shaped the country, as he pursues Jenny. Particularly the running montage, a simple excuse to put in the American cinematography of its beauty.

Forrest Gump may not be the spectacular awe inspiring film that many think it is. With Forrest Gump comes the respect of the American Awards shows that overlooked The Shawshank Redemption in the same year. With Forrest Gump comes the same overrated feeling that gripped American Beauty. There is something silly about Forrest that captures our imagination though, making Forrest Gump a good movie, nothing spectacular, nothing poor. Just a good, solid movie.

True Grit - Review

Coming from the Cohen brothers (Joel and Ethan), True Grit is a very good western. It is based upon the 1968 Charles Portis novel of the same name, the 2010 film version is a humorous, violent and inviting film. Hailee Steinfeld stars as Mattie Ross, with Jeff Bridges as U.S. Marshal 'Rooster' Cogburn.

We are introduced to the film by the narration of Mattie Ross (narrated by Elizabeth Marvel in an adult voice), played by the 14 year old Steinfeld. Ross informs us that her father was murdered by the notorious Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), and that she is out to seek revenge and catch Chaney. She is forced to look for somebody to assist her and is guided to the U.S. Marshal, 'Rooster' Cogburn (Bridges), as the most merciless of her options. Ross also meets Texas Ranger LeBoeuf (Matt Damon), who has been after Chaney and proposes teaming up with Cogburn to help out. After much pleading and work by Ross, Cogburn finally agrees to help out, and the three set off together. They battle the terrain, Chaney's gang, led by 'Lucky' Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper), and themselves as Ross is keen to gain vengeance.

The film is a winner, with an extremely impressive performance by newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, backed up by Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. The acting is fantastic, and the direction and writing from the Cohen brothers is crisp. Combined with some classic cinematography, True Grit will capture the viewer and use you well. The particular use of humour within the film is a raging success, and balances out the sombre task at hand for the protagonists.

Four out of Five.

Superbowl Monday

All two of you would know, after reading my previous blog entries I am a Green Bay Packer fan. Possible the biggest fan of them in my house, at least my room. Well, as the rest of you would know, the Packers were in the Superbowl on Australian Monday. I was very excited to watch the telecast of it. There was a problem, I had school.
Being the model student I am, I was forced to attend school by my mother. I was left in a little dilemma, should I find out the score as soon as possible, or wait for the replay on at eight o'clock. I waited, unfortunately. I had to battle my way through school, football training, television, radio, social networking, friends and family, all in my goal to watch the Superbowl replay at 8 pm.
7:20 am - I awoke and left for school shortly after, I watched the Superbowl preview show. Big mistake, I was pretty keen to wag school.
4:10 pm - At a friends house, waiting to head off the footy training, there is a news flash on the tv. I stand up, block my ears and yell out loud knowing they will mention the Superbowl.
6:05 pm - Footy training warm down, somebody says 'Did you see the Superbowl?', 'Who won?'. I blocked my ears once again, yet after i unblocked them, somebody said 'Green Bay Packers.'
8:00 pm - The replay starts on ESPN, Green Bay take an early lead.
12:34 am - The Packers win the replay, and i make a status update about it. I go to bed smiling.

The Fighter - Review

Not exactly what you expect when you buy a movie ticket to see a boxing film, The Fighter is a triumph of gritty working class cinema, where the actors try their best, the director tries his best and the film works. The film's genre changes a little throughout the film as it morphs between the documentary that is being filmed early, yet remains a solid drama of family values and conflicts.

Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) is a struggling walterweight boxer from the town of Lowell, he is mentored and trained by his brother, and former big time boxer, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). Ward is known as a 'stepping stone' boxer, who is used by bigger boxers to make up easy victories. Micky is managed by his mother Alice (Melissa Leo). Dicky has a heavy crack addiction and is being filmed by HBO in a documentary as he prepares for a 'comeback'. Micky only wants to become a great boxer and make the big time, and with help from his girlfriend, Charlene Fleming (Amy Adams), begins to look outside his small town and big family. Micky is always wanting a crack at the big time, and to do so he may have to hurt those who he is closest to.

The Fighter basically belongs to the actors. Although David O. Russell does a solid effort as the director, and the script is very good, this is an acting film. One highlight of the film is the lack of boxing, as it focuses on the lives of it's characters outside the ring. Wahlberg is terrific as the leading man Micky, yet Bale steals every scene. He performs brilliantly as Dicky, and should win the Academy Award for his performance. Bale dominates every scene and proves he is a sensational actor in his own right. Adams is also surprisingly fantastic as Charlene, while Leo also is excellent as she strives towards her own Oscar. The Fighter is a little bit slow in the beginning, yet it breaks into stride perfectly towards the middle and finish of the film. Well worth watching, even for those who are not into violence, as the fighting is limited.

Three and a Half out of Five.

The slice of fortune

I'm a gonna let you finish, but my mother makes the most delicious vanilla slice of all time. Of all time. Not that I like to brag on behalf of other people, but it is quite brilliant. The pink icing on top, is as much about presentation as taste, although it is rather sweet. Underneath the icing is a layer of biscuit, which leads the teeth into the best part. The vanilla custard is what i imagine heaven to be like. Soft, delicious, light and delicious. I think it is delicious. The slice is finished with another layer of biscuit, helping for holding.

It is fair to say the mouth watering slice is magnificent. Glorious, majestic, beautiful, wonderful, good, nice, terrific, never better and perfect. I like to think the slice was modelled after me, with it's dashing good looks and fantastic personality. In fact, I know it was modelled after me, because everybody loves it so much. Particularly the ladies. Therefore the slice is just so good that I cannot forget it, the slice is much like a Paul Chapman football performance. It takes no nonsense, it delivers on a regular basis, and it is a champion. But really, it is just a slice.

School

Well it has been almost three weeks since my last blog entry, and for all one of you who are reading this, sorry. Sorry you are missing out on my intelligent, brilliant, amazing insights. But, here is something for you finally.

Today, i returned to school for the second last year of High School. Lots of fun. Anyway, I only have four subjects this year, so I am pretty relaxed about my thousands of frees i have every day. But what i am not relaxed about is the disgraceful prejudice and disaster that has come my way. The utter distain that has been heading my way for the past two years now.

Everything is going wrong for me, and i have nobody to blame but everyone but me. It can't be my fault, so i have to blame someone else for having a bottom locker. Being a reasonably tall student, i am shattered that i have to bend down, ALL the way to reach the bottom.

Without doubt, i am considering faking a back injury just so i can get a top locker. But until then, i will have to do my homework, do my downball and dominate the bottom locker.

A Lotta Mona-ing.

Recently I watched The Simpsons episode, Mother Simpson, in which Homer's mother returns to him for the first time in 27 years. This episode reminded me of the glorious moments of the past Simpsons episodes, where emotion played a major part. Mother Simpson reminded me of the way that The Simpsons managed to pull on the heart strings of the viewer.

During the glory years of the show, from about season two to eight there were regular episodes of such emotional depth as Mother Simpson, others like Lisa's Substitute, Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment, Lisa's Wedding, Bart Sells His Soul. These kind of episodes are what made The Simpsons such an unmissable show.

While many fans will claim episodes such as Last Exit To Springfield, Marge vs. the Monorail, A Star is Burns, 22 Short Films About Springfield are the great, hilarious episodes of the series. This may be true, and there is no doubting that these episodes are fantastic and funny, but for me, they don't have the great emotional pull.

The beauty of The Simpsons during these emotion filled moments is the ability to conjure up a remarkable lump in the throat from nowhere. It is a real testament to the writers, animators and directors of the show that within seemingly 15 seconds the mood has shifted to sad, tear dwelling moments.

This may be where the show has gone wrong in recent seasons, since the great days of the show, The Simpsons has struggled overly to reach those emotional moments. Sure, not every episode needs them, but every now and then, throwing in an emotionally stirring episode will remind the viewer of the glory days of the past, and just how brilliant The Simpsons were.




The above video is the closing scene of Mother Simpson, with Homer's mother leaving him once again.

127 Hours - Review

Danny Boyle says that 127 Hours is 'an action film, where the main character can't move' and he is right. During the course of 127 Hours the main character, Aron Ralston is stuck, with one arm beneath a rock and no where to go. Yet somehow, this inspirational story remains captivating and interesting throughout the 90 odd minutes of the film and remains surprising. James Franco plays Ralston, the only character with substantial air time, and he plays it perfectly. 127 Hours searches the mind and ability of Ralston and puts him under the microscope for all to see, and all to enjoy.

An adventure loving explorer, Aron Ralston (Franco) goes on a weekend hike throughout the Canyonlands National Park, an area he professes to know well. Ralston doesn't tell anybody where he is going or for how long. He meets a couple of fellow hikers (Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara) and agrees to meeting them later on for a party. Ralston heads off in a different direction to the hikers and heads towards Blue John Canyon and slips while making a descent, leading to a rock pinning his right arm. Ralston stays trapped under the rock while he reviews his life, his mistakes, particularly those with his family and former lover (Clemence Poesy), before attempting to make a daring escape from the rock.

Based on the book Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston, 127 Hours is a triumph of cinematic bravado. Danny Boyle somehow manages to make it fresh and interesting, despite having to cover a man stuck under a rock for an hour of the film. The basic outlines of the plot allow Boyle to become aggressive with his direction and it pays off. James Franco is terrific as the lead, sweeping me up into his world with humour, grace and skill. Yes, the amputation scene is quite gory, so if you have a weak stomach, it may pay to stay clear of that scene. The final act, beginning with that scene is brilliant and satisfying, including brilliant makeup effects on Franco. An inspiring picture that teaches as much about the human mind and the psychological effects of being trapped as it does about the actual act in place.

Four out of Five.

Black Swan - Review

Black Swan inspired an unbelievable face of shock and wonder for me. It took about ten to fifteen minutes for me to comprehend the latest roller coaster from Darren Aronofsky, a psychological thriller, which borders on dramatic love story, ambitious horror movie and out and out action. Even if the action is dancing. Natalie Portman takes the lead and produces a performance worthy of her accolades. This movie surpasses any of Aronofsky's previous pieces, even The Wrestler.

Black Swan follows the pursuit of Nina Sayers (Portman), a young dancer who is desperate for the lead in the upcoming production of Swan Lake personifies the white swan side of the role. Her technique and petite appearance makes her perfect for the role as the young, innocent white swan. The director of the piece Thomas Lery (Vincent Cassel), understands Nina's ability and decides she is perfect for the white swan, yet urges her to let go of her technique and take on the challenge of the black swan. Meanwhile, newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis), is less technically adapt, but personifies the passion and movement of the black swan, and is envied by Nina. At home Nina's mother, Erica (Barbara Herschey) hounds her constantly, as Erica lives through Nina after her own dancing career failed. Nina struggles mentally with the role of the Swan Queen and begins to spiral out of control, while she keeps a watchful eye over Lily.

Portman turns in the performance of her career here as Nina, and is worthy of her Oscar buzz. Portman fits the role well, and in whatever areas she doesn't fit, she makes herself fit. The supporters are also quite good, with Herschey being the stand out, as Nina's over bearing mother. Kunis and Cassel are very good in their roles as well, as is Winona Ryder, who plays a minor role. Credit must go to the scriptwriters, Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz and John Mclaughlin for creating the scene in which Aronofsky weaves his magic. Black Swan not only captivated me, but managed to make me think long and hard during and afterward as to what exactly was happening to Nina. The mystery is kept well and truly alive by Aronofsky, with Portman the leading performer.

Four and a Half out of Five.

Australia.

Australia is a deadly place to live, there is no making fun of that. Within six months, we were living in a dangerous drought, with Western Australia and Adelaide still desperate for water. Now, in the middle of summer an area the size of Spain, Germany and France combined is flooding in Queensland.

While we happily describe ourselves as the 'Lucky Country', and genuinely believe it so, we are home to the harshest conditions in most of the world. We have found ourselves complaining about a lack of rain, and within a month are wishing we had a little less. Within five days here in Victoria, we have had a 35 degree day and one with 15 hours of consistent rain. Melbourne is persistently referred to as having 'four seasons in one day' and it is not a joke. The other areas usually only have one season, a harsh one. Perth is expecting 34 degrees on Wednesday, Adelaide 32 with rain, Melbourne 25 and rain, Hobart 18. Each a part of one country.

As with the extreme bush fires of 2009, the Queensland floods of 2011 have produced deadly conditions, and, unfortunately death. When the darkest times approach Australians, we respond. We respond with daring rescues, and defy the conditions. No doubt, within the next week there will be dozens of stories following escapes and brushes with death. We respond with help too, there has already been a televised appeal raising money and the dollars will continue to come as we help out our own neighbours.

In times of need Australian's help each other more than we do when it is not desperately needed. This explains why and how this group of great humans have survived the times and conditions of this land. The environment will not wait for any man, and no man will wait for Australia. We keep moving, we survive and we prosper with humour, humility and grace, it is the Australian spirit and the Australian way. As we face adversity we work our way through, and while we survive and return to living we will not forget. It is the Australian way.

Foreigner's Sport

As an Australian teenager, I haven't been introduced to American sport, although I was always a little interested. This year though I have taken the big step of committing to the NBA and NFL and becoming a hardened supporter, despite the fact that I still don't know the entire rule book. Luckily for me I do have pay tv and One HD, which means there is a bare minimum of games to watch, and heading into the playoffs there is a genuine chance that my teams, Green Bay Packers and Miami Heat will get some good air time.

Firstly, the Miami Heat is probably the side I support more out of the two. But I want to make one thing clear, I was a supporter BEFORE Chris Bosh and LeBron James became 'Heaters'. With a friend we chose to follow the Heat after playing NBA 2K11 on Play Station. I was impressed with Dwayne Wade's pace and three point shooting, and seeing as I had never seen him play, he was already my favourite. Within a couple of weeks he was joined at Miami by a couple of alright players and I was sold. Since then, I watch Miami whenever possible and I am impressed by their return to form following a shaky start.

When watching a local comedy program a teacher labelled himself as a 'fudge packer'. So my love affair with Green Bay was born. Through research I was impressed by their history and decided to follow them full time. air time is scarce for the Pack-men so I have followed them by the internet, yet I am already hooked to John Kuhn as my favourite player, and have noticed his cult status with the fans. As I write actually the Packers are holding a 11 point lead over Philadelphia in the wild card playoff. Sensibly I am not celebrating, but with 4 minutes left, I am very happy.

Plans For a First Blog

Well here it is, my first blog. Now all I have to do is think of something to write. It shouldn't be that hard really, I have lots of interests, namely anything that can be passed up as sport. Particularly darts, I was watching the other day, triple twenties galore, the fans loved it. Now what was I saying? Oh yeah, a blog topic. Well, hmm I could write about the state of Australian politics, but nobody wants to read about that online right? Am I right?

I suppose this whole blog thing is harder that I thought, namely because I thought it simply required writing whatever comes to mind, and that is not working out for me right now. Or is it? But seriously, if you are reading this, I'm Josh Barnes, I am 16 and I am working hard to create a blog here that is worth reading. So stay tuned. Thanks.