The Big Step A Little Closer

It’s been a big week. A big few months for that matter. As mentioned here earlier this month I have been seriously considering buying my own place. I have tried to use my house sitting experiences as a sneak peak as to what it might be like. As well as the times I have been left home alone.

As of today I have made an offer to buy a unit in Toongabbie. It looks promising that everything will go through without a drama. I achieved approval from RAMS earlier in the week, which gave us the green light to go ahead with the offer. Basically all I need now is for the owner to accept the offer and then I have myself a unit within weeks (or RAMS owns it).


There is a lot involved in buying a house, more than I ever imagined. It involves not only the Real Estate agent but also mortgage brokers, conveyancers as well as family and friends.

I have tried to take into account all of the expenses that would now rest on my shoulders. I’m sure I’ll manage, how much is left over to buy stuff for the unit may be the issue. Don’t be surprised to see an email zoom around asking for furniture or appliances that aren’t being used (but still work).

Some Stupidity Just Baffles Me

Some teenage old girls in Bathurst apparently bored and lacking inspiration to do something constructive, instead, decide to desecrate the war memorial in their hometown. This on the eve of ANZAC Day, hours before the traditional dawn service. Obviously the local diggers were appalled and devastated when they found out what had occurred overnight. What saved them from further disappointment and would have made them proud were the multiple community groups including the Fire Brigade, Army and some locals who worked together to clean up the mess before dawn.

All the girls were caught because, wait for it, they were found nearby walking along the street still covered in paint. They should be locked up for stupidity. Unfortunately though they are all juveniles so nothing major will happen to them.

What I would like to see is have them locked in a classroom for a vigorous history lesson. These girls are taking their ‘freedoms’ for granted in their acts. Freedoms that we wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for the men and women who served our country in wars of days gone by. These girls are well within their right not to like war, however their freedom of speech ended once they opened up the paint tin.

War is never pretty and a lot of Australian lives were affected in the aftermath of two massive wars in the 20th Century. War is part of our history whether you like it or not. Yet we are not celebrating wars, rather we are honouring those lives lost in war and those who made it home.

Splinter Case

The AFL has a chronic case of fence sitting at the moment. In the recent Headland/Selwood insulting language case they didn’t punish either Adam Selwood or Des Headland for their part in the incident.

One has to be in the wrong.

Selwood reportedly referred to a tattoo on Headland’s arm of his six year old daughter and made crude comments. Selwood admitted to saying, "What's that sl** on your arm, I was with a girl like that the other night". Other alleged comments from Selwood are being vehemently denied.

Des Headland obviously wears this tattoo of with pride and took these comments personally and retaliated. Who wouldn’t react to such a disgusting comment?

Why wasn't Selwood punished for what he admitted to saying, which was still deplorable? Or if they couldn’t find Selwood guilty then Headland should have been suspended for striking after not being able to control his temper. Instead the AFL tribunal let both off the hook. Selwood’s case was “not sustained” while Headland was cleared of all his charges due to what the tribunal jury called "exceptional and compelling circumstances by way of provocation".

West Coast Eagles CEO, Trevor Nisbett, speaks glowingly of his player (on afl.com.au) despite his admission at the tribunal

"He's an outstanding character. He played for Australia last year. He comes from an impeccable family and has a wonderful record with charities. He's a long-term leader and his character is unquestionable. His record stands alone. He hasn't been reported at any level and he's a very fair player and is hard at the ball."

At a time when the Eagles have issues with player behaviour the CEO is praising a player who admitted to insulting language. Surely what he needs to do is counsel Selwood at the very least and even suspend him for a game. Show the public and the rest of the team that these misdemeanours are unacceptable from anyone. Even those with a glowing reputation and background.

There is the unwritten rule that what happens on the field stays on the field. A lot of what is said on the field the players let slide. Selwood crossed the line and all other players needed a statement by the AFL and West Coast Eagle as to where that line shall stand.

Letters to Jim Main #4

I have a 'bee in my bonnet' about alternate jumpers at the moment

An Epic Clash (18/4/07)

Dear Jim
What is the use of the AFL insisting clubs have an alternate jumper if the clubs are not going to wear them? I would have thought the Essendon-Carlton match was one in which one of the teams should have worn an alternative jumper. In this case Essendon was the away team, so why wasn’t it in something different? Essendon keep fighting the issue, so it is time for the AFL to grow a spine.

Jim Main Says:
I didn’t have many difficulties following the Essendon-Carlton game, but it would have been much better if the Bombers had worn an alternate jumper. Anyone would think the AFL was asking the Bombers and the Magpies to wear pink with purple spots.

Where Are They Now?

The England cricket team were full of self-praise at the end of January 2007. They rated themselves very highly even suggesting that they should be number 1 in the world rankings. Who could blame them? They were all on a high after their miraculous 2 – 0 series win in our summer. This was in spite of the 5 – 0 whitewash in the Ashes Test Series and not performing at all well in the One Day series up until the finals.

So where are these world-beaters now?

• Struggling to make the top 4 in the World Cup in the West Indies.
• Got flogged by South Africa in a must win match
• Michael Vaughan fighting to keep the captaincy of one-day side
• Duncan Fletcher is still trying to justify why he is coach
• An inquest is being requested to avoid a third world cup flop

The problem with English Cricket is that they get too far ahead of themselves. It was evident before the Ashes series and it is evident again right now. Two good wins over the world's best does not make a champion team. Rather, playing well consistently over time creates a champion team. The ability to bounce back creates a champion team.

I’m sure that Ricky Ponting and the rest of the team were somewhat embarrassed by their performance at the end of our summer. But what did they do? They did what any champion team would do, they bounced back to the top. Currently they are undefeated in the World Cup and are guaranteed a spot in the semi finals. They are also favourites to win the final.

Who will be their opposition? One this is for sure, it won’t be England.