World Views – Book Review

A Spectator’s Guide To World Views
– Edited by Simon Smart

There are so many world views, some ridiculous, others not so much. Some intersect with Christianity while others are way out of sync. This book examines 10 of the so-called “isms” and gives the reader an understanding of what they are and how it is that they gained such a prominence in western society. Various authors have come together to put this book together, each looking at the separate world view. Outlined is its history, impact, contact & departure from Christianity as well as questions to think about and discuss as a group.

The respective authors have done the hard work so that you don’t have to while reading. For a thorough understanding of each world view there would no doubt be volumes available, but each chapter is enough for a general understanding.

Making The Switch

As their slogan goes, “Make the Switch To Vega.” Well I have answered the call of the highway billboards pleading with me to reconsider my choice of frequency.


Why? Well initially it was just for a change. I tend to go in cycles between AM and FM stations anyway. My main choices being 2GB and a mixture of MMM, 2WS, 2CBA and Mix, not so much Mix though as they tend to play too much Delta for my liking.

So this new player comes into the game and I want to hear what it has to offer. I had recently turned off from talkback, as it became a huge whinge fest with no relief in sight. Not a fan of Mikey Robbins in the mornings but for the rest of the day it is very pleasant and satisfies my need to sing loudly in the car. They might need to work on differentiating themselves further from WSFM because at the moment it is easy to interchange between both without really knowing the difference. Day after day of listening will find repetition in the play list but it’s the same at every other FM station as well.

Combating Inflation

All the talk these days is about inflation. After all, it is inflation that is causing interest rates to be increased. But is raising interest rates the only way to lower inflationary pressures? Haven’t heard much spoken about that. It’s as if the govt is very content to use the RBA as a scapegoat. They are independent from the govt, it beats being critical of something you are yourself doing.

So what else can the govt be doing? I’ve heard of a few suggestions, but somehow I don’t think either of them will see the light of day

• Increase GST to 12.5% - this would be effective as people start to tighten their budgets and spend a lot less. However a govt that does this will be committing political suicide and will probably be voted out in the following election, no matter how much they they try and convince the public that the increase is necessary for the long-term stability of the nation
• Restrict Trading – this is mainly a mode of bringing back some good old family values. With restricted trading such as no Sundays people have to spend time with their families. In effect this means that people aren’t shopping and spending money because they aren’t open. Most big retailers I’m sure wouldn’t like this though. Would also affect those people who rely on a Sunday job for a bit of extra income.

Embarking on Umpiring

This year I had decided not to play footy after having a horror year with quad injuries in which I only managed to play 3 games. It wasn’t until late in the pre season that I decided to attend a training night to become an official club umpire.

The Club Umpire program is a new initiative by the AFL in which each club needs to provide an umpire for certain grades. I like the program as it creates a manageable step for former players and others to have a go at umpiring before taking the leap and joining the umpiring squad.

I have since completed 2 games and have a new understanding and an appreciation for the job of umpiring. It is bloody hard!! So think twice before abusing match officials. Consider how you would like to cop abuse and how you would go making all the decisions. I find myself sticking up for the umpires a lot more now when watching on from the sidelines and dubious calls arise.

Yes I get some decisions wrong, but ultimately I am new to the caper and am trying my best. If everyone were to give this a go I think there would be much more respect for umpires.