Wine of the Week:
Dominique Portet Fontaine Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2008 - Blends are unique specimens; some people like them and others can not stand them, preferring not to cross the varietal streams so to speak. For me, this one does take a little time to get in the groove but after that you go through the three blends as you take each sip. The pepperiness of the Shiraz, the body of the Cab and the roundness of the Merlot. This one comes from the Heathcote region in Victoria. As the days get cooler (in Sydney anyway), the reds start to come into their own. http://www.dominiqueportet.com
Yet again, I begin by apologising for the very lengthy gap between posts. There has been a lot going on which has left no time (mentally or otherwise) to give my views, rants etc. I can't promise that I will be more regular in my postings...but I will give it a red hot go!
While I have been deep in another rabbithole, the world itself keeps spinning. In NSW, we have a new Premier...the Australian Cricket team has a new Captain...and 2011 seems to be the year that Earth is exacting it's revenge by a thousand cuts. Not that I am putting all of those events in the same basket - just what's top of mind when typing.
A couple of weeks ago, the city was abuzz and in awe of a horse called Black Caviar and the anticipation of it continuing it's winning run. My mate Skull sent me a text ranting about the fact that Sydney had gone mad for Black Caviar and stating that what was the big deal about a race horse? I couldn't really understand Skull's angst which was the same intensity as it was when Melbourne Cup time and everything was about Bart Cummings; just figured that he had a thing against horse racing.
However, I understand now how someone as level headed as Skull can get to such a angry state. That understanding is due to three words - 'The Royal Wedding'.
Now, I am not an anti-royalist but I am struggling to understand the what the big deal is with the upcoming nuptuals? I mean, it is Sunday night and the news anchors have started to set up camp in London. The breakfast shows are starting the on-site countdowns as of tomorrow and the coverage is only going to increase to the point of minute by minute, blow by blow coverage come wedding day on Friday (then again, I am kind of waiting to see if Kochie yells out to Kate's carriage expecting it to stop and her handing him her garter as a token of appreciation for his week's concern).
Is there a genuine interest in the wedding? Or are the media trying to generate a self serviing buzz or worst still, resurrect memories of 1981 and Charles & Diana's walk down the aisle?
Don't get me wrong - I wish the happy couple well and mazeltov to them but do we need the 24 x 7 coverage? That and new media has made it worse - I mean really, do we need an official Twitter stream for Friday???
I am not a big fan of banning things for the sake of them but my wife has placed a ban in our house on all wedding coverage for the week - finally, something in the world that makes sense!!!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
This may be controversal Mk II
Wine of the Week:
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise 2009 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot - I have had Wirra Wirra wines many a time whilst being on a Qantas flight and found the wine to be quite enjoyable albeit in those small bottles. We bought a bottle when we did our last "everyday drinkables" up at Woolworths Liquor at Engadine. This one was an interesting one as it seems to change with every sip. It had berries, oranges plus the peppery nature of the shiraz. At around $20 per bottle, definitely a great everyday drop.
http://www.wirrawirra.com/
On Saturday, while on the field with the mighty AKA Crusaders A Reserves, I mentioned to my mate Skull that he was going to rate a mention on this particular post. Primarily because he was the originator of the saying that I have used as the heading for the second time now. However, that is as far as Skull's inspiration goes. The true muse for this post is an unknown woman who I 'met' on a train on Tuesday.
Town Hall station is generally packed like sardines during the afternoon peak hour. While saying that, there is a common understanding or dare I say, etiquette to standing on a platform, waiting to board the train. Most people that I encounter on my travels stick to those unspoken words. That is except for her.
She was a try-hard, Beyonce look-alike who decided to push her way in front of me to board the train in such a way that if I decided to reclaim my spot, I would have been charged with manslaughter as she fell down the gap between the platform and the train. However, this big haired inconsiderate woman just pushed her way on to the train, found a seat and just sat there, listening to her ipod and acting like all was right in the world. Her world maybe but in mine, I was fuming.
So it got me thinking - what has happened to common courtesy on public transport these days? That and it is people of all ages and sexes too.
When I was going to school, it was drilled into everyone. You gave up your seat for an adult; not just because you could lose your train pass but it was the decent thing to do. Now, school kids just take a seat and stay there. Heaven forbid if you actually think that they should give up their seat otherwise you get a look that is a combination of a death stare and one of absolute distain.
And before you say that I am turning into a grumpy old man and against the youth of today, it isn't just the schoolkids that I have issues with. I was also brought up with the fact that if there was a woman who was standing up, you gave up your seat for her. However, I have seen grown men sit quite comfortably as even pregnant or elderly women stay standing.
I mean seriously, what the f... are they (men and schoolkids alike) thinking ?
I literally can not sit down in good conscious while there is a woman standing on a train. Trust me, I have tried it and I find myself doubled over in guilt as I see an old lady juggle herself between her walking stick and the rail she is grabbing on in the train.
To me, it just is another example of how we seem to have lost some consideration for others as opposed to keeping an eye out and looking after each other. It is also a sign that there seems to be a loss of respect for others also.
Then again, maybe I am over dramatising things...still means I have to stand all the way home.
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise 2009 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot - I have had Wirra Wirra wines many a time whilst being on a Qantas flight and found the wine to be quite enjoyable albeit in those small bottles. We bought a bottle when we did our last "everyday drinkables" up at Woolworths Liquor at Engadine. This one was an interesting one as it seems to change with every sip. It had berries, oranges plus the peppery nature of the shiraz. At around $20 per bottle, definitely a great everyday drop.
http://www.wirrawirra.com/
On Saturday, while on the field with the mighty AKA Crusaders A Reserves, I mentioned to my mate Skull that he was going to rate a mention on this particular post. Primarily because he was the originator of the saying that I have used as the heading for the second time now. However, that is as far as Skull's inspiration goes. The true muse for this post is an unknown woman who I 'met' on a train on Tuesday.
Town Hall station is generally packed like sardines during the afternoon peak hour. While saying that, there is a common understanding or dare I say, etiquette to standing on a platform, waiting to board the train. Most people that I encounter on my travels stick to those unspoken words. That is except for her.
She was a try-hard, Beyonce look-alike who decided to push her way in front of me to board the train in such a way that if I decided to reclaim my spot, I would have been charged with manslaughter as she fell down the gap between the platform and the train. However, this big haired inconsiderate woman just pushed her way on to the train, found a seat and just sat there, listening to her ipod and acting like all was right in the world. Her world maybe but in mine, I was fuming.
So it got me thinking - what has happened to common courtesy on public transport these days? That and it is people of all ages and sexes too.
When I was going to school, it was drilled into everyone. You gave up your seat for an adult; not just because you could lose your train pass but it was the decent thing to do. Now, school kids just take a seat and stay there. Heaven forbid if you actually think that they should give up their seat otherwise you get a look that is a combination of a death stare and one of absolute distain.
And before you say that I am turning into a grumpy old man and against the youth of today, it isn't just the schoolkids that I have issues with. I was also brought up with the fact that if there was a woman who was standing up, you gave up your seat for her. However, I have seen grown men sit quite comfortably as even pregnant or elderly women stay standing.
I mean seriously, what the f... are they (men and schoolkids alike) thinking ?
I literally can not sit down in good conscious while there is a woman standing on a train. Trust me, I have tried it and I find myself doubled over in guilt as I see an old lady juggle herself between her walking stick and the rail she is grabbing on in the train.
To me, it just is another example of how we seem to have lost some consideration for others as opposed to keeping an eye out and looking after each other. It is also a sign that there seems to be a loss of respect for others also.
Then again, maybe I am over dramatising things...still means I have to stand all the way home.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Up from the rabbithole...
Wine of the Week:
The Collection Shiraz 2009 - found this one at the Oak Barrel during their Christmas tasting do. It is both easily priced and a very easy drinking wine. From Margaret River in WA, the quality is not in question but it is young and not as full bodied as you would expect from a Hunter Valley Shiraz - hence it's easy drinking nature. At around $20 per bottle, it is great value.
http://vinedrops.com.au/the-collection
Well friends, let me apologise for the long time between posts. It has been an inordinate amount of time since I last sat upon the mound to give my latest sermon but there has been a lot going on.
I am sure that you have all heard of the saying "going down a rabbithole"; if not as part of a meeting that you have been a part of but as part of the story "Alice in Wonderland". In the story, Alice follows the White Rabbit down the rabbithole and begins an amazing adventure. For most of us, it isn't like that but rather you all of a sudden find yourself down a rabbithole without knowing when you are able to come up and see daylight. Well, that is what it is like for me.
Most of you may know that my Aunt was diagnosed with dementia late in 2008 after a spell of psychosis highlighted that she had been struggling for a while with a loss of memory and a heightened state of confusion. Since then, she has been in an old age hostel where she was able to get the care that she needed while still having the independence of her own room, her own space etc.
Since Christmas though, her condition started to decline and decline rather rapidly. To the point that she needed assistance to do the basic things she needed to do to take care of herself. That combined with a urinary tract infection and loss of appetite led to her being put into hospital for a couple of weeks; to get her physical health back on track but also to see if the dementia had also progressed - which it sadly had. As such, the decision was made that higher care was needed and now she needs to be transferred to a nursing home.
Hence, a lot of time over the last few weeks has been spent between the hospital visits, consulting family, social workers, visiting nursing homes etc - in addition to the usual fare of work and home duties. Anyway, her physical health has now stablised and we have found a bed in a nursing home close by which marks an end of one stage and the beginning of another.
In a quiet moment recently, the old cliche' of the children becoming the parents came back to haunt me. While it is very true, the other truth behind it is that there is nothing that prepares you to take on that role. No booklet, no training video on You Tube - nothing! You pretty much have to feel your way through it - feel being the operative word.
To live through the decline of your parents, guardians, grandparents etc is something that impacts the whole family and is a journey that is unique to each family. I have had friends who have lost grandparents and parents and while you can sympathise with their situation, you really don't know how challenging it is until you ride the rollercoaster yourself.
And I tell my story not because I have any particular pearls of wisdom that I have discovered but rather it is an experience and you know the saying about shared experience? (Seriously, I know there is a saying about it but for the life of me I can't remember it...let me know if you do)
That and I never liked Alice in Wonderland anyway.
The Collection Shiraz 2009 - found this one at the Oak Barrel during their Christmas tasting do. It is both easily priced and a very easy drinking wine. From Margaret River in WA, the quality is not in question but it is young and not as full bodied as you would expect from a Hunter Valley Shiraz - hence it's easy drinking nature. At around $20 per bottle, it is great value.
http://vinedrops.com.au/the-collection
Well friends, let me apologise for the long time between posts. It has been an inordinate amount of time since I last sat upon the mound to give my latest sermon but there has been a lot going on.
I am sure that you have all heard of the saying "going down a rabbithole"; if not as part of a meeting that you have been a part of but as part of the story "Alice in Wonderland". In the story, Alice follows the White Rabbit down the rabbithole and begins an amazing adventure. For most of us, it isn't like that but rather you all of a sudden find yourself down a rabbithole without knowing when you are able to come up and see daylight. Well, that is what it is like for me.
Most of you may know that my Aunt was diagnosed with dementia late in 2008 after a spell of psychosis highlighted that she had been struggling for a while with a loss of memory and a heightened state of confusion. Since then, she has been in an old age hostel where she was able to get the care that she needed while still having the independence of her own room, her own space etc.
Since Christmas though, her condition started to decline and decline rather rapidly. To the point that she needed assistance to do the basic things she needed to do to take care of herself. That combined with a urinary tract infection and loss of appetite led to her being put into hospital for a couple of weeks; to get her physical health back on track but also to see if the dementia had also progressed - which it sadly had. As such, the decision was made that higher care was needed and now she needs to be transferred to a nursing home.
Hence, a lot of time over the last few weeks has been spent between the hospital visits, consulting family, social workers, visiting nursing homes etc - in addition to the usual fare of work and home duties. Anyway, her physical health has now stablised and we have found a bed in a nursing home close by which marks an end of one stage and the beginning of another.
In a quiet moment recently, the old cliche' of the children becoming the parents came back to haunt me. While it is very true, the other truth behind it is that there is nothing that prepares you to take on that role. No booklet, no training video on You Tube - nothing! You pretty much have to feel your way through it - feel being the operative word.
To live through the decline of your parents, guardians, grandparents etc is something that impacts the whole family and is a journey that is unique to each family. I have had friends who have lost grandparents and parents and while you can sympathise with their situation, you really don't know how challenging it is until you ride the rollercoaster yourself.
And I tell my story not because I have any particular pearls of wisdom that I have discovered but rather it is an experience and you know the saying about shared experience? (Seriously, I know there is a saying about it but for the life of me I can't remember it...let me know if you do)
That and I never liked Alice in Wonderland anyway.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Australians all, let us ring Joyce! *
Wine of the Week:
Gartelmann Sparkling Shiraz 2007 - I am a fan of red and a fan of bubbles so when a sparkling shiraz wants to talk, I will listen. Generally, a sparkling shiraz is something that comes out at Christmas and goes down well with ham and turkey. It has enough body to suit such flavoursome foods. That said, it goes down really well with an Australia Day sausage sizzle.
Gartelmann Wines are situated in the Lovedale region of the Hunter Valley. It is a winery that has a friendly atmosphere and has many more wines to sample while you are there. The Diedrich Shiraz and the Benjamin Semillon being their flagship wines.
http://www.gartelmann.com.au
Rockdale Town Hall, September 1975. That was the month that the Moorgas Family were sworn in as citizens of Australia. From what I remember (and I was only three at the time), it was a very formal occasion in a very dark hall. There wasn't any morning tea or tree to take home like there is with today's ceremonies. However, it was a significant day as it finalised the commitment my family had to start a new life in a new country.
I have always been grateful for the decision my family made to move to Australia and start a new life. In turn, I am thankful that the country that they decided to move to allowed them to follow their dreams and make the most of what the country had to offer for themselves and their children.
So I guess that come every January 26th, I am personally thankful for what I think Australia is and what it should be; a country that encourages you to be your best, reach your goals and provide that opportunity to all it's citizens. A vibrant, dynamic and above all a compassionate country.
And while we all should feel lucky to live here, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't think and debate ways to improve and keep moving Australia forward. If we don't, we become stagnate and complacent which is always a dangerous thing.
In recent years, Australia Day also brings up debate around two subjects in particular; the Flag and the Day itself, which as I said previously isn't such a bad thing.
When it comes to the Flag, I don't have a deep desire to change it because it has a Union Jack in the corner. The only concern I have about the current flag is that in some circles it is also referred to as a "Cronulla Cape"...
That said, if an alternative comes up that I like I would be happy to consider changing it. I don't think changing our flag would disrespect those who have come before us under the existing one...that is where learning about our history and honouring it comes into play.
Which brings us to what do we celebrate on Australia Day. By definition, it commemorates European settlement in this land in 1788 and as we all know, the history of this land extends earlier than that. As a result, there have been some recent arguments to scrap Australia Day and come up with a new day that isn't linked to Captain Cook's stop at Kurnell and allows us to honour the entire history of this land. Debate about this gets emotional and rightly so.
For me, like the country maybe Australia Day has to evolve. I don't think we have to change the day but I do think we need to celebrate and honour our Country's entire history. It's like the fact that I thought it was fine to have a welcoming address from Aboriginal elders prior to each Ashes test this summer. I also thought it was pretty cool to hear 'Advance Australia Fair' with an Aboriginal verse prior to the third State of Origin last year.
At the same time, we also need to celebrate the type of Australia we want for the future. During the summer break while driving and listening to ABC Radio, the question was asked 'What is the national mood?' It led me to think about that question and invariably what type of Australia I would like to live in - a topic that I have touched on previously.
Recent events in Queensland and Victoria have shown that we are a nation that is still compassionate and willing to help each other out in times of need. That is something I hope doesn't change. Add tolerance and the continued ability to offer all a fair-go and I think we will have the mix pretty much spot on.
So Happy Australia Day to you all and as for me, I will go and sit in front of the tele with some Cheezels and Violet Crumbles and watch "The Castle" all over again...ah, the serenity.
*Thanks to Shane Jacobson for this immortal line from the movie "Kenny".
Gartelmann Sparkling Shiraz 2007 - I am a fan of red and a fan of bubbles so when a sparkling shiraz wants to talk, I will listen. Generally, a sparkling shiraz is something that comes out at Christmas and goes down well with ham and turkey. It has enough body to suit such flavoursome foods. That said, it goes down really well with an Australia Day sausage sizzle.
Gartelmann Wines are situated in the Lovedale region of the Hunter Valley. It is a winery that has a friendly atmosphere and has many more wines to sample while you are there. The Diedrich Shiraz and the Benjamin Semillon being their flagship wines.
http://www.gartelmann.com.au
Rockdale Town Hall, September 1975. That was the month that the Moorgas Family were sworn in as citizens of Australia. From what I remember (and I was only three at the time), it was a very formal occasion in a very dark hall. There wasn't any morning tea or tree to take home like there is with today's ceremonies. However, it was a significant day as it finalised the commitment my family had to start a new life in a new country.
I have always been grateful for the decision my family made to move to Australia and start a new life. In turn, I am thankful that the country that they decided to move to allowed them to follow their dreams and make the most of what the country had to offer for themselves and their children.
So I guess that come every January 26th, I am personally thankful for what I think Australia is and what it should be; a country that encourages you to be your best, reach your goals and provide that opportunity to all it's citizens. A vibrant, dynamic and above all a compassionate country.
And while we all should feel lucky to live here, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't think and debate ways to improve and keep moving Australia forward. If we don't, we become stagnate and complacent which is always a dangerous thing.
In recent years, Australia Day also brings up debate around two subjects in particular; the Flag and the Day itself, which as I said previously isn't such a bad thing.
When it comes to the Flag, I don't have a deep desire to change it because it has a Union Jack in the corner. The only concern I have about the current flag is that in some circles it is also referred to as a "Cronulla Cape"...
That said, if an alternative comes up that I like I would be happy to consider changing it. I don't think changing our flag would disrespect those who have come before us under the existing one...that is where learning about our history and honouring it comes into play.
Which brings us to what do we celebrate on Australia Day. By definition, it commemorates European settlement in this land in 1788 and as we all know, the history of this land extends earlier than that. As a result, there have been some recent arguments to scrap Australia Day and come up with a new day that isn't linked to Captain Cook's stop at Kurnell and allows us to honour the entire history of this land. Debate about this gets emotional and rightly so.
For me, like the country maybe Australia Day has to evolve. I don't think we have to change the day but I do think we need to celebrate and honour our Country's entire history. It's like the fact that I thought it was fine to have a welcoming address from Aboriginal elders prior to each Ashes test this summer. I also thought it was pretty cool to hear 'Advance Australia Fair' with an Aboriginal verse prior to the third State of Origin last year.
At the same time, we also need to celebrate the type of Australia we want for the future. During the summer break while driving and listening to ABC Radio, the question was asked 'What is the national mood?' It led me to think about that question and invariably what type of Australia I would like to live in - a topic that I have touched on previously.
Recent events in Queensland and Victoria have shown that we are a nation that is still compassionate and willing to help each other out in times of need. That is something I hope doesn't change. Add tolerance and the continued ability to offer all a fair-go and I think we will have the mix pretty much spot on.
So Happy Australia Day to you all and as for me, I will go and sit in front of the tele with some Cheezels and Violet Crumbles and watch "The Castle" all over again...ah, the serenity.
*Thanks to Shane Jacobson for this immortal line from the movie "Kenny".
Sunday, January 9, 2011
A not so happy new year for the Baggy Green
Wine of the Week:
Piggs Peake Suckling Pig Shiraz - I had the absolute pleasure of sipping (as one must do) this dessert wine twice. Once at a christmas lunch at the Winery in Surry Hills http://thegazebos.com.au/winery/
The second time on New Year's Eve at our friends' (Rick & Nadia) place in Forster. It was a perfect way to top off both occasions. One should always have a bottle on hand just in case...http://www.piggspeake.com/
Firstly, dear friends happy new year! I hope that 2011 brings you all good times and good fortune. The new year always provides an opportunity to take stock of the year gone by, what opportunities may arise in the new year and what plans can be put in place to take advantage of said opportunities. A fresh start. A clean slate. A time to ask questions and seek answers.
Which leads me to my first question for 2011...What the f*** happened to the Australian Cricket Team???
So the Ashes series ends and it is a 3-1 win to the English. Despite many of the dark moments during the Test summer, I maintained some degree of faith in our supposedly top eleven cricketers. That is until Day 3, post-lunch session when Cook and Bell batted the whole session and the Australian bowling, fielding and general demeanour crumbled under the weight of England's dominance. That to me was the low point as opposed to the Melbourne Boxing Day massacre of 2010.
So, here are some of my observations from the last six or so weeks of the Ashes Series.
1. We don't lose well. Not that I want to make it a habit but as a country, we don't lose with the good grace that we should. England were far and away the better team. We were outplanned and outplayed and they should be given the due credit for playing Australia off the park. Instead, we have been tearing our team apart. Don't get me wrong, they deserve it but it does lead us to not give credit where credit is due.
2. Test Cricket is alive and well - in Australia anyway. The advent of 20/20 has made it's impact but as it becomes more of a franchise system and international players become guns for hire, Test Cricket becomes the last bastion of national fervour and pride. Attendances were booming and everyone was talking about the series; more so as the results went against the home side.
3. It was worse in real life. I watched the majority of this series on the TV; which included the loss in Melbourne. Yet, I still had faith that they could draw the series at least. I was at the SCG for the first three days and left with nothing. All my faith had gone and all that was left was to see how bad the defeat would be.
4. No one is blameless and everyone is accountable. In my view, that pretty much sums up Australia at the moment. Which makes Andrew Hilditch's proclamation on Friday that his panel did their job and the loss isn't their fault even more laughable. That comment alone should see him lose his job because the man is clearly insane. If not for that but for his panel's inexplicable policy on the role of a spinner and their related selections. I have more to say on the specifics but will leave that to the end for the cricket devotees.
5. The Barmy Army are a class act. Love them or hate them, the Barmy Army are all class. They entertain the crowd, the songs are actually funny (even though they forever ruined my favourite Joy Division song. I found myself singing as I was getting ready for Day 3 "Swann...Swann will tear you apart...again") and they are genuine in their support for their team and the game. That and their t-shirts that they produced for Jane McGrath Day and the McGrath Foundation were priceless. My only disappointment was that they were all sold out before I decided to buy one.
In short, not a great way to start the sporting year but truth be told, one we deserve. It will be a long rebuilding process for the Australians and while the our coming back to the pack shouldn't be a surprise, the fact that our performances during this series were deplorable was.
Here is where those non-cricket devotees should log off as there are some specific areas that need to be addressed.
1. Captaincy: I believe that Ricky Ponting is still the best candidate to captain Australia. The question that needs to be asked is does he think so himself and does can he commit to lead the side to England in 2013 at 39 years of age? When answering this question, he needs to consider not only his captaincy but his role as a top six batsman. I was inclined to let Ponting name his own departure time but in recent days I have reconsidered it. If he thinks he can make 2013 then let him do it. If not, then I would suggest that he resign after the World Cup in March and hand the reins over to the next in line.
Why? Australia have two crucial series in South Africa in September and India next summer here. If we are looking for someone other than Ponting to be leading in England in 2013, they must be given sufficient time to build their side prior to this which includes a baptism of fire with these two series. We may lose these series but it will allow a new captain to build the side he wants. Question is, who is that person. I say Michael Clarke but he has to get in some batting form pretty damn quickly.
2. Bowling: Peter Siddle is the only bowler who warrants retaining at the moment. Trouble is that Siddle isn't a strike bowler. He is the workhorse that ties up one end while the strike bowlers get the wickets. For me, Hilfenhaus has played his last Test as has Mitchell Johnson despite his efforts in Perth. Scary thing is, the debacle over whether he was dropped or rested in Adelaide shows that he is untouchable under the current selection policy. After this series, he is no longer entitled to such protection and should be out on his ear until he finds consistency.
As for the spinner, the sooner that Australia changes it's game plan from the one that they have used in the past fifteen years the better. S.K. Warne was a freak and should be treated as such. If we don't have a spinner who can be used as a strike bowler, then don't select one as a strike bowler. That and we really need to pick and stick with our spinners.
3. Batsmen: Different formats call for different approaches and in test cricket, you have to be able to bat as the game demands. This means being more judicious around shot selection, know which ones to leave and ones to play as well as move your feet. That and a realisation that four to five of the top six batsmen need to fire for Australia to get themselves in a position to win. I would stick with Hughes and Steve Smith on the provisor that they learn the above, Shane Watson move down the order along with Ricky Ponting and bring in Callum Ferguson somewhere in the order. This may mean Michael Hussey moving on but Melbourne and Sydney showed some signs of some bad habits appearing again. Brad Haddin needs to move his feet when batting otherwise the drums around Tim Paine will only get louder.
4. Selectors: As mentioned before, Andrew Hilditch has done his dash and must go. The man is a loon.
Piggs Peake Suckling Pig Shiraz - I had the absolute pleasure of sipping (as one must do) this dessert wine twice. Once at a christmas lunch at the Winery in Surry Hills http://thegazebos.com.au/winery/
The second time on New Year's Eve at our friends' (Rick & Nadia) place in Forster. It was a perfect way to top off both occasions. One should always have a bottle on hand just in case...http://www.piggspeake.com/
Firstly, dear friends happy new year! I hope that 2011 brings you all good times and good fortune. The new year always provides an opportunity to take stock of the year gone by, what opportunities may arise in the new year and what plans can be put in place to take advantage of said opportunities. A fresh start. A clean slate. A time to ask questions and seek answers.
Which leads me to my first question for 2011...What the f*** happened to the Australian Cricket Team???
So the Ashes series ends and it is a 3-1 win to the English. Despite many of the dark moments during the Test summer, I maintained some degree of faith in our supposedly top eleven cricketers. That is until Day 3, post-lunch session when Cook and Bell batted the whole session and the Australian bowling, fielding and general demeanour crumbled under the weight of England's dominance. That to me was the low point as opposed to the Melbourne Boxing Day massacre of 2010.
So, here are some of my observations from the last six or so weeks of the Ashes Series.
1. We don't lose well. Not that I want to make it a habit but as a country, we don't lose with the good grace that we should. England were far and away the better team. We were outplanned and outplayed and they should be given the due credit for playing Australia off the park. Instead, we have been tearing our team apart. Don't get me wrong, they deserve it but it does lead us to not give credit where credit is due.
2. Test Cricket is alive and well - in Australia anyway. The advent of 20/20 has made it's impact but as it becomes more of a franchise system and international players become guns for hire, Test Cricket becomes the last bastion of national fervour and pride. Attendances were booming and everyone was talking about the series; more so as the results went against the home side.
3. It was worse in real life. I watched the majority of this series on the TV; which included the loss in Melbourne. Yet, I still had faith that they could draw the series at least. I was at the SCG for the first three days and left with nothing. All my faith had gone and all that was left was to see how bad the defeat would be.
4. No one is blameless and everyone is accountable. In my view, that pretty much sums up Australia at the moment. Which makes Andrew Hilditch's proclamation on Friday that his panel did their job and the loss isn't their fault even more laughable. That comment alone should see him lose his job because the man is clearly insane. If not for that but for his panel's inexplicable policy on the role of a spinner and their related selections. I have more to say on the specifics but will leave that to the end for the cricket devotees.
5. The Barmy Army are a class act. Love them or hate them, the Barmy Army are all class. They entertain the crowd, the songs are actually funny (even though they forever ruined my favourite Joy Division song. I found myself singing as I was getting ready for Day 3 "Swann...Swann will tear you apart...again") and they are genuine in their support for their team and the game. That and their t-shirts that they produced for Jane McGrath Day and the McGrath Foundation were priceless. My only disappointment was that they were all sold out before I decided to buy one.
In short, not a great way to start the sporting year but truth be told, one we deserve. It will be a long rebuilding process for the Australians and while the our coming back to the pack shouldn't be a surprise, the fact that our performances during this series were deplorable was.
Here is where those non-cricket devotees should log off as there are some specific areas that need to be addressed.
1. Captaincy: I believe that Ricky Ponting is still the best candidate to captain Australia. The question that needs to be asked is does he think so himself and does can he commit to lead the side to England in 2013 at 39 years of age? When answering this question, he needs to consider not only his captaincy but his role as a top six batsman. I was inclined to let Ponting name his own departure time but in recent days I have reconsidered it. If he thinks he can make 2013 then let him do it. If not, then I would suggest that he resign after the World Cup in March and hand the reins over to the next in line.
Why? Australia have two crucial series in South Africa in September and India next summer here. If we are looking for someone other than Ponting to be leading in England in 2013, they must be given sufficient time to build their side prior to this which includes a baptism of fire with these two series. We may lose these series but it will allow a new captain to build the side he wants. Question is, who is that person. I say Michael Clarke but he has to get in some batting form pretty damn quickly.
2. Bowling: Peter Siddle is the only bowler who warrants retaining at the moment. Trouble is that Siddle isn't a strike bowler. He is the workhorse that ties up one end while the strike bowlers get the wickets. For me, Hilfenhaus has played his last Test as has Mitchell Johnson despite his efforts in Perth. Scary thing is, the debacle over whether he was dropped or rested in Adelaide shows that he is untouchable under the current selection policy. After this series, he is no longer entitled to such protection and should be out on his ear until he finds consistency.
As for the spinner, the sooner that Australia changes it's game plan from the one that they have used in the past fifteen years the better. S.K. Warne was a freak and should be treated as such. If we don't have a spinner who can be used as a strike bowler, then don't select one as a strike bowler. That and we really need to pick and stick with our spinners.
3. Batsmen: Different formats call for different approaches and in test cricket, you have to be able to bat as the game demands. This means being more judicious around shot selection, know which ones to leave and ones to play as well as move your feet. That and a realisation that four to five of the top six batsmen need to fire for Australia to get themselves in a position to win. I would stick with Hughes and Steve Smith on the provisor that they learn the above, Shane Watson move down the order along with Ricky Ponting and bring in Callum Ferguson somewhere in the order. This may mean Michael Hussey moving on but Melbourne and Sydney showed some signs of some bad habits appearing again. Brad Haddin needs to move his feet when batting otherwise the drums around Tim Paine will only get louder.
4. Selectors: As mentioned before, Andrew Hilditch has done his dash and must go. The man is a loon.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Christmas Potpourri
Wine of the Week:
Well, I have to admit with the combination of a quick trip overseas and the festive season well and truly under way I have forgotten to single out a particular bottle of rouge. However, I would like to take the chance to thank the Oak Barrel in Sydney. They put on a great Christmas party last week that Trish and I attended. They provided a great range to taste and they have never failed to be helpful if you need any advice and guidance on what to buy. They are also online but in case you are ever in Sydney, they are on Elizabeth Street near the Downing Centre and worth the visit.
http://www.oakbarrel.com.au/
So, it has been a hectic time of late dear friends. The first week of December found me in Barcelona, Spain to attend a conference for work. Barcelona is a beautiful city - a great combination of old and new which is something that I haven't seen in any other city. That and was able to stay in a great hotel, the W in Barcelona. Once back, I started to get into the whole cycle of getting ready for Christmas and finishing up work for the year which seems to be a whirlwind in itself. That said, there were a few issues and events that took my attention.
While in Europe, two blonde Australians seemed to grab the attention of the press. Firstly, Julian Assange was arrested on alleged sexual assault charges. It wasn't long before the conspiracy theories came out. Funny thing is, I find them completely believable.
It wasn't long for the facts to come out that the extradition treaty between Sweden and the US would allow Assange to be sent there on spy charges quite easily. There seems to be a fine line between freedom of speech and spying...or that's what I am starting to see.
This one isn't over yet and it's one that everyone should keep an eye on.
Then there was the other Australian blonde - S.K. Warne. While I was in Spain, the story was around how there was a push by some Brisbane businessmen to get some cash to offer Shane to make a comeback to save our Ashes campaign. By the time the Perth test started, Shane had other things or people on his mind. By the end of the Test, all comeback talk had ceased...funny what a convincing win by the home side can do.
Last week, Sydney was under siege...by celebrities. U2, Bon Jovi and Oprah Winfrey all visited our fair city and all three made quite an impact. Traffic stopped, crowds grew and women swooned - and that was just for Oprah!
In fact, the only damage that seemed to occur was to the celebrities themselves as Hugh Jackman sailed into Oprah's stage and came away with a cut eye. However, if I was guaranteed to be comforted with a glass of Penfolds Grange after sailing into a lighting rig...get me up there!
Of course, we are on the downward run towards Christmas. Parties and lunches are happening in abundance, stores are getting busier by the day but the mood approaching Christmas Day does get brighter and brighter. It is a tragedy that the Island by the same name seems to generate feelings of sadness and despair. Nice to see Tony Abbott come out though and try and make hay as the waves crash...who said the concept of goodwill to all men is just a line in a Christmas carol??
So, to spite the Grinch from Warringah I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope that it's a time well spent with friends and family and that all your Christmas wishes come true...and we get a win in Melbourne!
Well, I have to admit with the combination of a quick trip overseas and the festive season well and truly under way I have forgotten to single out a particular bottle of rouge. However, I would like to take the chance to thank the Oak Barrel in Sydney. They put on a great Christmas party last week that Trish and I attended. They provided a great range to taste and they have never failed to be helpful if you need any advice and guidance on what to buy. They are also online but in case you are ever in Sydney, they are on Elizabeth Street near the Downing Centre and worth the visit.
http://www.oakbarrel.com.au/
So, it has been a hectic time of late dear friends. The first week of December found me in Barcelona, Spain to attend a conference for work. Barcelona is a beautiful city - a great combination of old and new which is something that I haven't seen in any other city. That and was able to stay in a great hotel, the W in Barcelona. Once back, I started to get into the whole cycle of getting ready for Christmas and finishing up work for the year which seems to be a whirlwind in itself. That said, there were a few issues and events that took my attention.
While in Europe, two blonde Australians seemed to grab the attention of the press. Firstly, Julian Assange was arrested on alleged sexual assault charges. It wasn't long before the conspiracy theories came out. Funny thing is, I find them completely believable.
It wasn't long for the facts to come out that the extradition treaty between Sweden and the US would allow Assange to be sent there on spy charges quite easily. There seems to be a fine line between freedom of speech and spying...or that's what I am starting to see.
This one isn't over yet and it's one that everyone should keep an eye on.
Then there was the other Australian blonde - S.K. Warne. While I was in Spain, the story was around how there was a push by some Brisbane businessmen to get some cash to offer Shane to make a comeback to save our Ashes campaign. By the time the Perth test started, Shane had other things or people on his mind. By the end of the Test, all comeback talk had ceased...funny what a convincing win by the home side can do.
Last week, Sydney was under siege...by celebrities. U2, Bon Jovi and Oprah Winfrey all visited our fair city and all three made quite an impact. Traffic stopped, crowds grew and women swooned - and that was just for Oprah!
In fact, the only damage that seemed to occur was to the celebrities themselves as Hugh Jackman sailed into Oprah's stage and came away with a cut eye. However, if I was guaranteed to be comforted with a glass of Penfolds Grange after sailing into a lighting rig...get me up there!
Of course, we are on the downward run towards Christmas. Parties and lunches are happening in abundance, stores are getting busier by the day but the mood approaching Christmas Day does get brighter and brighter. It is a tragedy that the Island by the same name seems to generate feelings of sadness and despair. Nice to see Tony Abbott come out though and try and make hay as the waves crash...who said the concept of goodwill to all men is just a line in a Christmas carol??
So, to spite the Grinch from Warringah I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope that it's a time well spent with friends and family and that all your Christmas wishes come true...and we get a win in Melbourne!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Time does fly when you're having fun...
Wine of the Week:
Dominique Portet Gippsland Pinot Noir 2009 - must admit, opened this one at a pretty young age but after a few minutes breathing, it delivers like a Victorian Pinot Noir should. In fact, Pinot Noir is one of the better things to come out of Victoria and delivers better than any of the Victorian Bushrangers do that's for sure.
One of the things I like about Pinot Noir is that it is a great red to have during summer due to the fact that it is light enough while giving some of the depth that a red can give you. We got on to Pinots when we had a trip to Singapore and were desperate for a red in the humidity of the place and the high prices of the alcohol. Don't get me wrong, I love the place but gee, how much do you want to charge for a bottle of wine?? See, now I am just prattling on...
http://www.dominiqueportet.com
Today is December 1st. Apart from the first day of summer (in Australia anyway), there is some significance about today - this year even more so. See dear friends, it is 20 years since the Class of 1990 Sydney Technical High School Formal - which has been the sort of benchmark date to mark time passed since leaving high school. Hence by default, it has also today meant a time to pause on the fact that it has been 20 years since some of my close friends and I finished high school.
Let me take you back to 1990 and provide you some facts of that year.
A lot of time has passed since then. Not just for me but for all of us that make up the Class of 1990. It sounds awfully cliched but it is hard to believe that is has been twenty years since we finished high school. Sometimes I feel like that it was just yesterday when I left; but as my knees start to ache from just sitting down that feeling soon disappears.
Thinking back, that year was pretty special. It is hard to remember everything that happened but there were a few events that stand out.
As the years passed since 1990, contact with my schoolmates started to decline as university, new friends and circumstances started to make you drift apart from each other. However, there were seven of us that stayed in pretty close contact for much of the last twenty years. In fact, we have experienced quite a bit together - marriages, births, deaths, moves overseas - the usual events that make up one's life.
We don't get together as often as we used to; that's just the nature of things. However, it is safe to say that we have all been a part of each other's lives over the last twenty years. And I for one not only appreciate that but also am very grateful for it.
So, to the Class of 1990 who may read this thanks for being an integral part of my high school years and the many memories and lessons learnt during that time.
To Andrew, Chris, Craig, Rob, Dave and Winston, thanks for being part of not only my school years but also for the last twenty. It has been quite a ride and one that I feel privileged to have shared with you all. I can't promise any cigar cutters this time...but then again, I won't leave them on a train either - but that is a story for another time.
Soige.
Dominique Portet Gippsland Pinot Noir 2009 - must admit, opened this one at a pretty young age but after a few minutes breathing, it delivers like a Victorian Pinot Noir should. In fact, Pinot Noir is one of the better things to come out of Victoria and delivers better than any of the Victorian Bushrangers do that's for sure.
One of the things I like about Pinot Noir is that it is a great red to have during summer due to the fact that it is light enough while giving some of the depth that a red can give you. We got on to Pinots when we had a trip to Singapore and were desperate for a red in the humidity of the place and the high prices of the alcohol. Don't get me wrong, I love the place but gee, how much do you want to charge for a bottle of wine?? See, now I am just prattling on...
http://www.dominiqueportet.com
Today is December 1st. Apart from the first day of summer (in Australia anyway), there is some significance about today - this year even more so. See dear friends, it is 20 years since the Class of 1990 Sydney Technical High School Formal - which has been the sort of benchmark date to mark time passed since leaving high school. Hence by default, it has also today meant a time to pause on the fact that it has been 20 years since some of my close friends and I finished high school.
- Bob Hawke was Prime Minister of Australia and George H.W. Bush was the President of the United States. In fact, Hawke is elected for a fourth term in March of that year.
- Nelson Mandela is released from imprisonment in South Africa and the ANC is legally allowed to function as a legitimate political organisation.
- Lech Walesa becomes the first elected leadef of Poland, Mary Robinson the first female President of Ireland and Margaret Thatcher resigns as Prime Minister of the UK.
- 'Driving Miss Daisy' won the Oscar for Best Picture and the number one song for the year according to Billboard is 'Hold On' by Wilson Phillips (yes, I tried to expunge it from my memory too...in fact, the Top 100 songs of that year are on this site: Billboard's Top 100 songs of 1990)
- West Germany wins the FIFA World Cup under the banner of a unified Germany; the two Germanys reunify officially in October.
- Collingwood wins the AFL Premiership and Canberra wins the ARL Premiership.
- Flying up to Inverell and winning the quarter final of the Davidson Shield State cricket knock-out competition in front of the whole town.
- The many eighteenth birthdays where $20 buck for a present meant a night of free food and drink!
- Our last day before stu-vac having a champagne breakfast at Carss Park that left me covered in eggs, flour and soy sauce.
- Finishing my last H.S.C exam - 3 unit Economics - in what was a bit of an anti-climax as I was one of the last to finish.
- Our formal and having a photo with two of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the way to the Hyatt Kingsgate...the rest of the night is a bit of blur apart from most of the invited guests coming back to my place for the post-formal party.
- And little did I know at the time, I also met my beautiful wife for the first time during that year
We don't get together as often as we used to; that's just the nature of things. However, it is safe to say that we have all been a part of each other's lives over the last twenty years. And I for one not only appreciate that but also am very grateful for it.
To Andrew, Chris, Craig, Rob, Dave and Winston, thanks for being part of not only my school years but also for the last twenty. It has been quite a ride and one that I feel privileged to have shared with you all. I can't promise any cigar cutters this time...but then again, I won't leave them on a train either - but that is a story for another time.
Soige.
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