Dockers go down to Geelong

Reports that the Dockers were desperately unlucky to lose to the Cats are off target and miss the point. Put simply the Dockers weren't good enough and deserved to lose.

They lack the fitness to go a full game at full tilt. It's notable that the Cats overran them at the end of both the second and fourth quarters. I don't know why anyone would want to be a Dockers supporter. They have the talent. Let's face it, you don't get up by 38 points over Geelong through not playing a good brand of footy. But they don't seem to be able to deliver when it all counts - and that's frustrating for their supporters.

They've got some young guns that have huge potential but need another season or two under their belts to harden up. By then some of their better players will be past their prime so I can't see things changing in a hurry. I sure hope they don't take any encouragement from tonights efforts.

The only thing they showed tonight is they know how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Como property damaged by vandals

Wow wouldn't you be shit off if you were the property manager (and owner) of the property in Como that's just been vandalised. Wonder if it'll be covered by insurance?

ANZAC day dawn service

Is our society going soft or am I becoming a grumpy old man?

It was great to see such a large turn out at the dawn service this morning. Men, women, old, young, all sorts of nationalities, all shapes and sizes. Each made their way along Fraser Avenue, across the grass, by bike or by foot, each with the goal of commemorating the spirit of the ANZAC. War is an ugly, ugly beast and no right-minded person wants its experience. But to yearn for peace is not enough. We, each of us, must be willing to fight for it, defend our right to it, to do what we can to keep it. Peace requires effort - and courage, sacrifice, determination.

So why is it that so many make the effort to attend the dawn service, then spend the time whispering and fidgeting, as if they can't bear the silence and the stillness. Why is it they can't stand to attention (well at least standing still would be a start) in silence while wreaths are laid? Why do they need to kiss and cuddle while old diggers shed silent tears for fallen mates? Why can't they make that tiny sacrifice for just a few short minutes.

Maybe I'm hard, or harsh, or overly critical. Maybe I should just be more grateful that so many made the effort to turn up at all. Maybe I was looking through eyes that could see my own softness reflected in those moments of inattention. Maybe war is just so sad.

Whatever the case I hope to never experience war. I hope for a world where wars are won through words and smiles. I hope for a day when peace is dominates the news. I hope for a place where all can enjoy abundance not a privileged few.

So thanks to all those who turned up to the dawn service. You make Australia what it is.

Adam Spangher dropped

Adam Spangher has been dropped from the West Coast squad set to play the Bulldogs this weekend. He deserved to be dropped...but.

Spangher is still finding his feet and getting up to speed with AFL at the elite level. I noticed him miss some important tackles and he made a number of mistakes in defense which simply aren't good enough. During the third quarter last week he caused a costly turnover that would have warranted him being dragged. Instead he was left on the field and he showed in the final term why he is worthy of the teams patience. He has genuine speed and, when he's on song, some real talent with the ball.

No doubt he'll go back to the WAFL (assuming he's not injured) and put last week's experience to good use. If he can build up some real toughness around the ball and keep his head whilst under pressure he'll go on to make a very serviceable player.

I'm against bio-fuels

I'm against bio-fuels.

The demand for bio-fuels turns good farming land into the factory for the production of fuel for motor vehicles - mainly driven in affluent societies - and drives up food prices. Why feed cars when we could be feeding our fellow human beings? The world's rich are doing little to help. As demand for bio-fuel increases we'll see pressure on struggling farmers to cut production of crops that could feed their families and grow corn for fuel. As the cycle escalates we'll see the wealthy buying out small farmers to get their hands on the means of producing lucrative bio-fuel crops. Little will be done to care for the land, and even less for the communities affected.

The real answer to global warming is less consumption, constrained population growth, and genuinely renewable energy supplies. Get rid of bio-fuels before we create anarchy.

It's never too late

I'm a bit excited for Mum and Dad. At the ripe old age of 80-odd they've just bought a flash new 101 centimetre Sony LCD TV. Being as how they didn't get a TV until they were in their 70's this is just a buzz. Mum will love watching the tennis even more now.

I hope they get to watch it for many years to come.

Reflections from an ordinary mind: Thesis statement and outline

Reflections from an ordinary mind: Thesis statement and outline