flashman181

Went off early this week as who knows what the world will look like after Tuesday. Women will either be wearing pantsuits or protecting their privates. Men will be watching sports and drinking. Ok, not everything will change, fair call. Not much more to say really that hasnt already been said. If they dont know by now they never will. One amusing/annoying aspect of course is the short attention span of both the media and citizens to significant issues. Everyone is in a lather about the “emails” and yet Buffoon Bob will go to polls on Tuesday still with no tax return release! Kelly Bundy is a great example of your typical Trump voter supporter. Head can only hold so many facts until it has to lose one to take a new one on board

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eNXFMu7ecU

Mind you it isnt all one sided over there either . Obama has been doing the rounds and one generally expects a better behaved crowd at these shindigs even if the occasional protester breaks through the offensive front line in black suits and matching glasses. Doesnt take long then for the crowd to work into a misplaced frenzy that even the leader of the free world cant control. Or was it all staged? You decide

One thing for sure and certain is that the tightness of the race has sent the market into jitters already. If there is a silver lining it is that the Aussie $ could climb well against the US $ for any of you solo travellers out there. Of course in my case (also known as mild OCD ) I already have my US currency and so will simply have less Aussie $ to come home to anyway. Never been a glass half full type of person because in those situations my only question is “Ok which asshole took half my drink?”

Speaking of Kelly B, one is reminded of her affliction when one looks at our “Test” batting line up . I say “Test” that way because these clowns dont realise it is a 5 day affair. “Dont hook at the Waca” “Ok, I will forget I shouldnt slash outside off stump then. Done” . You can put them on a concrete road but if the ball moves a bee’s dick off line our boys are screwed. When Davie “Kaboom” Warner is the voice of reason in a team you know the world has turned upside down and yet we still remain on the bottom ? Interesting side fact. At Old Farts day the other week in Woomby there was a book fair and who knew Warner had released at least 5 books? I would have put money on the fact he hadnt read 5 books! Mind you he has nailed the Steve Smith likeness. It appears when he is not getting out LBW to men he is being caught behind by sheilas

In other sporting news is the world finally waking up to the fact that the QT man of league is not a messiah but just a naughty boy ? Expect 2017 to be a rough year for him media wise as his sheen has certainly dulled and only a premiership would gleam it up again. The World Series ( if the world was only the USA of course) baseball final was very good bordering on mesmerising. I found myself even understanding terms like “double play” which previously I assumed only referred to what happened after the game #lockeroomtalk#trump . Lets face it if BB wins next Tuesday next year they will be playing for the Trump Cup so enjoy it while it lasts

In TV land not a lot happened. Done with Youre the Worst after 3 seasons. I should be done with Blacklist but for some reason simply tune in each week to see how much sillier they can get. The bar is at record lows at present mind you. Paranoid is your typical solid UK drama with a complex plot and interesting obscure characters but with one major and jarring flaw. For some reason no Detectives over there ever carry a gun ergo baddies always get away. Russell Coight is apparently being resurrected. It was always a bit hit and miss for me but will be interesting to see if they “update” him. Judging by his efforts on Upper Middle Bogan I am suggesting Robbins does not have a vast range in the acting caper

November is here which means summer is in full blast. The weather folk will be alternating creaming their jeans over possible storms or possible bushfires. For Maryhole the only forecast we need is

And yep, nowhere to run. Let alone crawl.

Yeah getting later each week but played golf on a Tuesday this week and it has thrown me. Also had to wait for my review of Fashion on the Fields of course. No one won. Again.

So, its just over a week until the USA votes and Trump is still a chance. How is this possible? More Weiner trouble for a Clinton of course. Two decades apart. Really though even if there was an email digitally signed by Hilary stating that on Nov 9th she intended to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge it still shouldnt matter. Trump’s latest claim that 650 million people could be let in to USA the first week of a Clinton presidency is simply so ludicrous even when placed in a hat with all his other ridiculous claims. As said many times before I get that the 25-30% rusted on deplorables lap this up but that aint getting him extra votes. Another aspect that amazes me , having commented previously on his female surrogates , are that his two main male disciples are equally laughable despite some previous noteworthy contributions in life. Gingrich and Giuliani. Throw in Chris Christie and its Moe, Larry and Curly all over again. Compare that with Biden, Obamas x 2. Everywhere you look Clinton should be pulling 85%. But not in America and not with a Clinton.

Appropriately then it is Halloween. Having been instructed previously on the origin of Halloween given my distaste for the Aussie adoption I shant go down that path again. If people enjoy dressing up and going to neighbourhoods to mix with other so inclined so be it. Just dont knock on my door, assuming you got past the barbed wire and broken glass. In this weather it is not fair either to have to lock up place at 5pm and pretend you are not home:( Luckily already in PJs so no great impost. Now, bring back cracker night and I am in. Then there will be some neighbours jumping, trust me.

In the sporting world there was a massive event on yesterday. Yes Ferguson, Walker, Greathead and Morgan won all the choccies against a start studded field in the annual Melbourne Cup Ambrose Invitational World Cup Golfing Extravaganza in Maryhole. It was organised by the Vets so there were more carts than in the parking lot at Woolies but us 4 brave walkers did it tough on a dry, firm track. Sadly, I did a fetlock and had to be put down at day’s end. Or at least carried down the stairs, lumbered with trophies. Starting to think I putt better on sand greens and thinking of moving to somewhere with them permanently – like Thargomindah. At least it gets more rain than Maryhole. Seriously, all joking aside, I am sick to death of the constant lack of rain here couple by the continual “unbridled enthusiasm” (copyright Billy Mumphrey) that our clown forecasters keep posting storm warnings with. Its 2016, factor in some “historical data” ya gooses. In the meantime I shall remain a cock eyed optimist

In other sporting news some test cricket starts soonish, somewhere in this wide brown land. Seriously that is the level of my interest at present. I will watch the first hour of a new Test series on home soil although if in Perth as I suspect it could impact on my nanna nap. Cricket now is more of a highlights package viewing experience for moi and none more interesting than this little snippet overnight. Interesting fact – this cricketer has never been given out LBW. Everytime he gets hit on leg he asks for a review and is always given not out on snicko evidence assuming it hit bat first. Ya with me ? Of interest, he never tours India. The crowd of 3 went wild.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrFUEFF_dAI

In TV land Quarry wrapped up an impressive first season after a slight mid season lull. Best new series of the year for me. Many of course would give that gong to Westworld and that is ok but as said in other media commitments ( BBC News of the World etc) I cannot follow this series which I think is trying to be deliberately complex to appease the nerds and not going to waste precious remaining brain cells trying to. Alcohol consumption features heavily in my near and distant future. One series that could lead me to drink even more is The FALL. Its another one of those shows with its moody, slow burning atmospherics that please some but simply bore me. Long dull one on one conversations and Gillian A’s sultry constipated look combined with long wistful stares into nothing does nothing for me and she is definitely an X file for me in the spank bank these days. Season 3 was even worse than 1 and 2 (why watch it then ? – good question Your Honour) with a simply ridiculous conclusion

Another reason for a late note this week was a lovely weekend spent in Toowoomba with several of the clan. Started with Old Farts day at TACAPS for Will and Pat, a school Fete and then the baby shower for Ranny – or more specifically a pre wetting of baby’s head with Richard. Didnt quite all go to plan but a great few days all round

November already which means just over a month for bub to arrive, about 2 months to Xmas and under 4 months to Seattlandia! Two of those events are very exciting

Later dudes

Where to start. I have a theory. All Brontosauruses are thin at one end. Oops wrong theory. At least that one is factual. All we have in the US election though are theories about the release of Donny’s Donts and Hils private thoughts. More women have lined up to complain about Donny then at a Boxing Day sale. Oh dear, I have just given him a whole new group to harass. As said in other media commitments enough is enough and if the Clinton campaign is orchestrating a slow trickle (and not just Bill these days) of stories then cease and desist because the US public are largely sick of it. The one aspect that could lead to an unexpected result is poor voter turnout and you need to envigorate the people not disgust them. If not disgusted yet by Buffoon Bob then they never will. And now he is unshackled! Love the line about comparing him to King Kong – “breaks the shackles and gropes white women against their will” . Amazon forests have been cleared writing about this nonsense and climate change bought forward 3 years (thanks China!) with everything spoken about it. It use to be Jon Stewart as go to person but now it is Samantha Bee. Not only is she witty, smart and crude but also brings a female perspective to it all and you can see she is only barely controlling her anger as she delivers one great put down after another

Billy Bush gets suspended from his job because NBC has higher standards for reporters than many US voters have for Presidential candidates. Many of the Republican surrogates, mostly female nudge nudge wink wink, deflect to Bill Clinton’s behaviour as a way of justifying Donny Boy’s locker room bravado. It gets some traction of course but the big one about Clinton paying $800 k to settle a sexaul harassment lawsuit menas he was guilty even though Donny Boy always settles because he was innocent. Anderson Cooper nailed Conway on it and she was mega uncomfortable

Speaking of Conway the SNL clip of her day off was magic and probably pretty close to the mark this last week.

So, enough US politics for one week. Moving onto sport, the best thing about last nights Test match was Valentine Holmes is a Queenslander! The boy does fly. Kyrgios continues to prove he is an irredeemable clod. We finally have the Bathurst winner confirmed and any false impressions of Brocky as a charmimg playboy somewhat dashed. The two parter miniseries on Brock was an odd mix to say the least and reminds me Molly wasnt that bad and INXS almost Emmy worthy. Mind you if they ever do the life story of Bubba Watson – The Hillbilly Years they have the guy to play him when not appearing as a ghost on Offspring of course. Apparently there is a Test series of cricket coming up against SA with the only real interest is which ward of St Vincents the selectors will visit to pick their pace attack. Pat Cummins had a great return to one day game yesterday but has been told only to play one day cricket for rest of life so doesnt break down anymore at the ripe old age of 23. Thank Me we have all those conditioning experts on the ACB payroll

In TV land watching third season of Halt and Catch Fire which pretty well sums up my golf game at present. You know if I ever catch fire again that is. It is a great show and like the move to San Francisco. Hope they find my heart by season end. Watched the Aussie drama Deep Water which was good apart from William McInnes. As said many times, Aussies make great TV but do get sick and tired of seeing so many same old (and in same cases positively ancient) faces bob up. And memo to Check 1-2 McLachlan – stick to playing baddies as in Deep Water and not fluff as in Wrong Girl. Or not act at all of course, an appealing choice to be honest. Another Aussie newbie Rosehaven has some comedic chops but fear the lead guy could grate week after week. Exorcist is getting into the good stuff while Lethal Weapon has slightly improved as Wayans dials down the goof act a bit. Apart from expecting Jack Bauer to appear at any moment, Designated Survivor is engaging stuff and of course Shameless never disappoints

One may ask where do you get all this time to watch so much TV? Hell, I only list the good stuff! Plenty of time still spent out on Golf Club doing bunkers of course (on course actually) but this wind is doing my head in. All leaves blown out in morning, all return by afternoon. If there were not rakes left incorrectly at edge I guess more may blow in! Getting up at 5 am is probably the clue to having so much time left in the day. And some pleasantly cool weather of late as indicated by my two “go to” signs – aching shoulders at 4am in morning and the inability for automatic garage door to roll up and stay up. Probably a crude joke in there but we are not in a locker room ok.

HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE ZINGER.

Going to a retro street party in a few weeks and “price of admission” is one LP of the vinyl variety. Knew I had a cache hidden somewhere under my signed Donny Osmond posters and eventually found them and what can only be called an electic mix

Slade – Sladest
Deep Purple – Made in Japan
Concert for Bangladesh
JC Superstar Original Soundtrack
Bad Company – Desolation Angels
Cocker – Cocker
Monty Python – 5 LPs!

Wish I had kept Smokie – The Hits to give away but was only a 45 to be fair. Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize for Literature because they dont give one for Enunciation ?

One last thought. If they dont sort out this crazy clown nonsense soon I see some rather unfortunate events occurring this Halloween. Just saying

They say a week is a long time in politics. For me 90 minutes is too long. When it is a debacle. Sorry Debate. I really need to stop watching US politics so much as I despair for the world we live in at times. How anybody could say with a straight face that Buffoon Bob won the second debate is beyond reason. Yes, of course like everywhere else the media is biased and nowhere more so than in USA and so hard to get a fair review admittedly. So, instead will use my own two eyes, two ears and an IQ of at least double figures. I dont give a crap about Pussygate (or taxes for that matter) – it tells us nothing new about him. What drives me up the wall ( an actual one, not a dreamt up one) is he simply doesnt answer questions and no one pulls him up on it. His knowledge of the world is akin to that of his family tree – the Orangutan .The Supreme Court question was just one of many examples – yeah get another devil incarnate to replace the one that died but Hey Hilary why dont you contribute your own millions to your campaign eh? Huuuuuge Zinger ! Nope, simply embarrassing to a level where the bar is not even above ground. Some commented on the look on Hil’s face at times but truly believe she was as shocked as anyone with the dribble coming out – and she lives it 24/7! Of course she is far from perfect but at least she has a grasp of the world and what is going on even if she doesnt have all the right answers. I can only take it from his comment that Dickwad Don is going to send in a band of secret ninjas in the dark and reclaim Syria, Iraq, Libya and even Madagascar from those pesky , but adorable, zoo animals. His complaints about moderators and everything else simply reminds me of the Bill Maher tagline #whinylittlebitch . And the sniffs are back. So many great memes etc around at present but this one caught my eye as combines two simply bizarre current behaviours in the world

Of course with BB we know he thinks he is My answer to everything like knows the bible better than the Pope etc . He also thinks he is a great golfer so lets look at the swing. Ok, not Charles Barkley admittedly but that putting stroke looks “susceptible” and bet he wishes he could wear a suit on course. And then of course we get the crap about him handing out money at the end

In other sporting news we had two fairytales – AFL and NRL – and one nightmare – Aussie ODI tour of SA. Of most interest to me though was Bathurst yesterday. Watched the start as usual and then came back for last 20 laps and it was simply riveting television. The skill level of these guys is amazing and seeing them scream down Conrod reminded me of my recent lap record – 47 kph!

In between sport and politics was able to finally celebrate CLP birthday at the rather special Casa Di Natura. A great package of a sauna, a swim and a massage. And champers and choccies. Then they tell us you will be last couple to do package as closing down pool etc. Dont feel so bad about peeing in pool now

And before heading to Flashman Sunshine Coast INC HQ dropped into Rainbow Beach to catch up with da boys. Glorious day in a beautiful location

I tell ya, its a hard life but think I am up for it

In other news Summer is well and truly here , at least in Maryhole. Only a bit over 4 months to wait for Seattlandia I guess

And in other news my son finally went over to the darkside and joined Facebook and set a record for number of photos uploaded in any 24 hr period. But as they are mostly my gorgeous grandkids I will allow it this once

And then there were two and I just lost all interest. Tipped Melbourne several weeks ago and stick with that because as we all know you have to lose one first before winning one. Canberra showed inexperience last night on the big stage and it cost them dearly. As expected Cowboys were shot ducks by time they rolled into Sydney once more. Pity the AFL isnt going to be two Sydney teams though, that would have been funny. Jason Day still has shaggers back and so the final event has lost some appeal as well but still a good viewing spectacle. Just have to remember tomorrow that it is over by 7 am!

Speaking of a funny contest the US election campaign enters its 4 th year and the debate beckons. After Trump got his hair ruffled by lightweight Fallon , Clinton thought she would take the hard hitting interview route

This was both funny and cringeful at the same time. Barack can get away with it while Obama of the M variety may in fact be the most charismatic of them all. Zack had a couple of good zingers at least but one does wonder what Hil was trying to achieve – most BTF watchers would already be her supporters. Trump supporters are also easily recognisable. Just not believable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imTzpI8_nqk

You cant write this stuff

In other TV news tis the season for newbies and there is a current fascination with turning movies into TV shows, both here and abroad. Lethal Weapon and Exorcist were first cabs of rank and no surprise for this LBD that any show with a Wayans in it was going to be hard to take. Couple of soppy ones like This is Us and Pitch both had their big twists in first ep so could all be downhill now. A comparatively short trip. With the 24 reboot just around the corner we are reminded of JB in Designated Survivor – interesting enough premise but very much in the Madam Secretary mould methinks and not West Wing. Or 24. Can certainly skip Graves while Bull has a definite Lie to Me vibe happening. In the remaining 30 minutes in the day quickly fast forward through returning shows like Shameless and Transparent

Did a bit of flirting this week and CLP fully understands. She is not only a year older but so much wiser to boot. I could be in trouble. I flirted with the idea of adding a week at beginning of next year holiday in cold old Chicago to get my winter fix as Summer kicks in here already. I look for signs – like “great today only super flight deals” . There were none. In fact there is the usual Qantas penalty for changing flights. It was going to cost at least 5 grand just for extra week before factoring in beer and peanuts. Its only money right? Well yes but I also went to doctor during week and he said I was looking as fit and healthy as ever. Then he took the glove off and we both relaxed. So I may live longer than expected, let alone fear. That 5 grand could come in handy. To go to Chicago the year after and do it proper eh! I may just need a leg up. Wait a minute……

And so the Broncos bow out for another year at least with some fight. When you have a makeshift centre pairing you are going to struggle and a 10 minute period in second half with two easy tries did that. After getting every call last week they squared the ledger this week, not that there were any howlers like last week. Two missed offside penalties (even Gus Gould acknowledged them!) were critical though especially the last one near full time. Of course the NSW media used all their ink last week moaning about how things went Broncos way – wont be a peep this week . You cant help but wish good things for JT though as he is simply all class. Parker wont look back on his last few games with any great pride and Milford was usual missing link. Boyd was good but backline in general lacking. The forwards need 5 more Thaidays. McGuire is a clown thug and Blair not much better. Gillet brain explosion didnt help anyone and tie that in with Roberts effort last week and there is your season gone. It can be a tough world at times and you have to think the Cowboys could be spent after last nights game. Luckily they only play Cronulla:) Would like to see Panthers win it all and some Bronco do something stupid on Monday just to round out their season in style. Jason Day is going to struggle next week again one assumes and you wouldnt want our Adam to have a 4 foot left to right slider to win it all on the 72nd. The gob merchant DJ looks a safe bet. Wallabies won a match and the fans rejoiced. Such a small group these days that largely went unnoticed

In the land of make believe people better get ready for a Trump presidency and then look in the mirror for the culprit. We now have the charm offensive in full swing even with some hair tussling involved. From afar it is no more believable as each week passes but becoming more understandable. You would have to think the debates are the last chance for him to totally stuff it all up so even the deplorables see it. In the land of political satire have to say Samantha Bee is knocking it out of the park while Colbert is only a shadow of his former self. Not really following the back and forth here on the plebiscite but seems an awful lot of money to spend on a no brainer. Guess that what happens when you have no brainers running the country

In TV land Offspring and Suits finished season/midseason finales and the world did truly rejoice. Offspring had a certain whimsy to start with along the lines of a Seachange for example but simply went gaga a season or two ago, came back after a break and did the impossible. It got worse. Once you lose whimsy you are dead in the water and we all know what that means. Sharks jump over you easily. As for Suits, well what can u say. Has one of the most unlikable characters in TV land in Rachel( only matched by Elizabeth on Blacklist for this LBD) and a plot line of late simply of the charts. There are too many ridiculous things to list and still get to sleep tonight – except maybe the A Few Good Men reference! – so lets just say sayonara to both shows for ever. In a pleasant surprise though a new show Quarry comes along and looks like the cats pyjamas. Like Aquarius before it is set in a great time period in USA -early 70s. Great cast and interesting plot so far . Many other shows return next couple of weeks but not getting sucked into AHS again.

In other news, nothing happened

And so Spring has sprung and the cloud/sun/rain app is all sold out in the app store. Speaking of which now we have the next few weeks of downloading “iPhone 7 compatible” upgrades for all apps on my iPhone 3 . Seasons change but some things remain the same. Trump is still a chance to be Top Dog while Broncos are no chance

It is amusing to see the negative backlash for Matt Lauers probing interrogation of Trump. What were they expecting — he makes Karl Stefanovic look like David Frost. I even got an email this morning from Eric Trump looking for donations for their campaign all because one day many years ago I briefly subscribed to Washington Times! The calamity still has not happened – or at least what your average yank considers a calamity. You could see this go down to the wire in a contest most called 6 weeks ago. It would be like Clive Palmer and Jacqui Lambie on a joint ticket here in Wonderland and still a chance going into polling day. At least they are only asking for nickel donations not dollars. (Warning – may be too clever for some readers). I do return to USA next March and there will be a new President either way. Could be interesting bordering on scary

Broncos sadly thought the Grand Final was 2 weeks ago. They played well then but now have gone back to usual crap. Brisbane hotels have reported bookings for their Mad Monday next week already! Smartest planning they have done all year. I cant recall a team getting such a poor “rub of the green” as Titans did last night. Yes you can say by letter of law it was a penalty try etc but really every call went Broncos way. The square up will probably come now with Jet and The Grey cited and sidelined for next week. Wont the Sydney media love showing the kick and headbutt on loop for next few days. To be fair I think the Cowboys players egged them on. One thing apparent in first half last night was Broncs should have held onto Taylor and let Hunt go. Really sick and tired of Hayne doing his Christ the Redeemer pose after any good thing he does. Luckily it only annoys me about 3 times a game these days

In other sporting news Jordan Day (known as Jason to his mates) suddenly cant find the middle of the fairway with a compass and flashlight. It is encouraging to all hackers when the world number one just loses his game like that – just wish it wasnt an Aussie. I have been on this earth for many years but cant recall a previous period when I didnt even know on a given day when Aussies were playing Test cricket or ODI in another country. Talk a bout a Who Cares fixture – second now only to a Bledisloe Cup match. Its Ashes and World Cup now and thats it.

In TV land Narcos Season 2 is very good once again as is Ray Donovan even if latter tends towards pulp fiction most of the time . Jon Voight is having a ball. It can be embarrasing at times to note some shows one still watches in a Melbourne Cup field of quality available really. Mostly due to having started the show back many years ago and hard to walk away from. However now I clearly have my running shoes on for Suits and Offspring. They jumped the shark, went back and back flipped with triple pike and then did a forward somersault and landed flat on their ass. Aussie TV has been bad for a long time now but it still surprises that in 2016 they can make a “new show” like Doctor Doctor and it will rate of course. Then again the forum post for Zumbas Desserts on Whirlpool runs to five pages!

The week started with a big wedding and even bigger night. Yes nothing like an old fool eh. So, waking up on Fathers day was not a pleasant experience having only got home on Fathers Day a few hours before hand! High Caloric intake helps to a degree in the recovery process but one still feels flat. And then one gets a present from da boys and all is good again

Better get out and do my chores for the day because as you know the weather forecast is – “chance of possible shower” and they are never wrong. How could they be really ? Its like saying Trump is a chance of winning, Broncos are a chance of beating Cowboys/Storm, buy a ticket for a chance at $10 million. Chances are one day they could be right!

So, back in Maryhole for almost a week and not a lot has changed. Which is FAD

One aspect of spending most of the previous two weeks on a barstool – apart for a couple of extra kgs – is you miss your usual TV programmes , especially sport. It was therefore interesting to fire up the recorded Back Page episode just prior to start of Olympics. You remember, this was when there were bold predictions of 20 gold medals and a top 3-5 position finish. How do we fall for this everytime ? Now, winning isnt everything but there comes a time when you have to face facts and seriously how can anyone believe a world champion saying she couldnt handle the pressure? True champions like Phelps and Bolt thrive on that stuff . Of more concern though then the belly flop in the pool is the poor form of usual reliable teams like our hockey players. Of course what does our media do – lets all jump on board the Boomers as likely gold medalists! Unbelievable. If the Boomers win a Silver it will be a stunning achievement. Of course the one certainty with any Aussie sporting group on tour is that not only will they likely under perform on the field but someone will act the goose off it too . Channel 7s coverage is woeful, especially their app. Best way for Olympics is give it to Fox Sports and make those interested pay for special channels. To try and watch a news programme on any other channel and only be able to see “stills” rather than actual video is pathetic. Of course the one glaring thing it once again shows – like the Census debacle – is we dont have the infrastructure to suddenly become an “online” “streaming” society. Had a clown from Telstra on phone yesterday with their 3 monthly checkup on “what we can do for you”. Starts off friendly but always gets a bit stroppy when you wont change to their internet plan even though you are already paying over $100 a month. “But we will give you a 1000 gig a month download” What for ?Cant use the 400 gig already get when you struggle at times to stream an SD version of original Jazz Singer without sound! Or colour! With Torrent sites about as reliable as Aussie Olympians I am all for streaming and paying for it but lets be real here – not paying premium for a service that spits and stutters like a 90 yr old with prostate cancer.

Of course the one advantage of Olympics is the return of Roy and HG to the airwaves. After a great first week though have to say second week has been a bit like the Aussie tilt at gold – fading fast. Of course the boys are not immune to commercial reality so have released a best of This Sporting Life album which once again happy to pay for

https://royandhg.lnk.to/ThisSportingLifeFB

In other sporting news the best 5 mins of NRL for Broncos was those after Parker was kicked in head last night. Great to see the boys line up for some whack. Could just be what is needed entering the finals. They wont win the big one of course. Think Canberra will stumble at end as well. My tip would be the Storm at this stage but part of me would like to see Cronulla do it – as long as Gallen doesnt play of course 🙂

In TV land caught a few of the Aussie series of late. Barracuda was scarily similar to what actually happened in Rio! Kettering is a bit sci fi for my liking while Cleverman is fresh and new. The best show currently returning though may well be Gruen. Like MAD AS HELL previously it is very clever and topical. The US ad for organ donors was brilliant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeVLxcekEsw

As a break from all the drama though have finally discovered Gilmore Girls on Netflix and it is an easy and enjoyable watch. Probably limit myself to 3 episodes max per day to avoid late onset Diabetes

Of course US politics has not changed in two weeks. Trump is still an asshat and Fox News and others still support him. I love travelling to USA as you know but really it is becoming a bit scary how thick a lot of them are. Just hope it is not contagious. Same for that hair

Great to see still have a few more cool nights to live with before the heat descends. And when it does the morons will rejoice as they always do

Spring has sprung and the morons rejoice because heaven forbid we should have two nights in a row with single digits. They have to take their gloves off to count I guess. The weather bureau started the week back on form with a complete exaggeration of the amount of rain that would fall. Luckily the week also started with a wonderful celebration for the Ferguson matriach on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Kidnapped in the middle of the night from the maximum-security twilight home for the bewildered she was quickly transported to the festivities at Kedron Wavell RSL showing appropriate surprise and wonderment – given she had organised the whole thing 🙂 Only joking, wonderful effort by sister Anne et al. It was a gloomy day admiitedly but must make one feel rather special to see a room of up to 50 people and to know it all started with that simple I do all those years ago. Hell, I played my small part with my small part to personally contribute about 8-10 of the free loaders. Sadly the cousins do not see much of each other these days so is extra special to all get together . People came from far and wide including Strathpine.

Terrorism continues to strike world wide in a sad reflection of the times but a fair deal of the news coverage at least in USA was devoted to the RNC in Cleveland and you just knew the news people (a loose term admittedly) were hoping the Orange smurf would go full batshit crazy in an epic meltdown. Instead he was rather subdued and we had the riveting stuff of “the plagiarised speech” ; more evidence of why Ted Cruz is hated by everyone ; the walking ad for Valium disguised as a VP and of course little Lord Fauntleroy front and centre at the end . I always suspected Jon Stewart must be kicking himself to not be on air during this period but dang if he isnt popping up everyhwere now. In a packed field of creditable entries I have selected these two as my faves for this particular period in life as we know it. Stewart and Colbert have reprised memories of the famous AC skit of Who’s on First with their own version of Who’s the Candidate?

In another sign of the times Carpool karaoke with Michelle Obama likely still pulled better ratings 🙂

Sportswise you can put a line through the Broncos in 2016. I never quite understand all the plaudits the QT man gets as a coach ? Good manager of men? Maybe. Great tactician? Nope. Give me Bellamy anyday. Milford is way overrated as is McQuire who has added bonus of being a grub. You cant win a game with Alex Glen in the centres. Oates has read a bit too much of his own press. The effort against Penrith was simply pathetic and you can no longer blame SOO. Grow a pair, ya overpaid wankers. Think back to 2015 GF and then compare Broncs and Cowboys this week. Even daylight saving could not bridge the gap now. Rio Olympics is really becoming a Who Cares fixture only saved by the reappearance of Roy and HG on the airwaves. Give Pro golfers slow greens and they are stuffed eh. As always The Open is a unique event but simply on at the wrong time of day for this LBD (see future comment about HDD capacity before ridiculing please)

In TV land one must again be thankful for Netflix . When I saw the title of Stranger Things I thought “Haven’t we seen enough of the RNC already?” but it was actually a very good boys own adventure with more than a dash of suspense thrown in. The acting was uniformly excellent although to be fair not sure that Winona was acting. More Marvel shows on the way with Luke Cage et al to boot. Kickass Torrents have been taken down again , at least temporarily, and Internode have doubled my monthly download quota for free. Think Old Whiskers is trying to tell me something ? Aussie drama continues to impress while US shows like Suits fall off the radar in a mess of bubbles and annoying female leads . Yes Blacklist, looking at you too ! Foxtel even threw in a couple of weeks of “free movie channels” so my hard drive now is fuller than a State School hatrack with some old faves lined up for the cooler nights ahead. Ok….. may not need a whole HD full , fair cop 😦

Speaking of cool weather I couldnt shake CLP this time so will be heading off to NSW ( in full Maroon attire) end of upcoming week with beloved for a couple of weeks driving around in what will be known , for devoted fans, as Blue Mountains, Red Wine and White Sands – Colour Me Happy or BRW for simplicity sake. The title is a fair clue but you will just have to follow it to get all the details. Should be great to be around folk that embrace actual cool temperatures and cant win an SOO series.

It was also a week where one realises the important things in life but that is not a discussion for this nonsense , now or ever

Until we meet again. If I speak slowly it will be because I am in NSW, OK?

Or maybe the year that was ? Is it just me or is the acronym EOFY everywhere this year? Sounds like a disease you get where an appendage falls off. And not the “hardly ever used” variety 😦

It could be the country that was coming to an end if u listen to ScoMo the Goose if Labor win on Saturday. Talk about politicising an overseas event. Your average Joe (or maybe Bruce?) has no chance of understanding the impact of Brexit given the differing views of many experts. What is clear, given the Google search rates for “What is the EU” AFTER THE VOTE WAS DECLARED , your average Pom was clueless as well and in the age of Trump appear to have been driven more by fear of immigration. Of course as it is politics the big central promise of spending the EU money on NHS if successful exit immediately fell by the wayside as if run over by a BUS! Trump’s initial tweet from Scotland tells all u need to know about his grasp of world politics. John Oliver, as is his way, of course had the best summary

Then Samantha Bee stepped it up with the best reading of the many twitter responses

Speaking of US Politics there could be a run on Blue Pant Suits if Elizabeth Warren gets nod for VP choice. Personally I think it unlikely as despite many male fantasies, two women at once could be a bit much. What if their cycles overlap?? Lordy Lordy, hide those nuclear codes 🙂

In a clear sign of the times, although I have no idea what it actually implies, the line ups for pre election polling are longer than on actual election day! I wash my hair on Saturday so naturally lined up at Boltons yesterday with many many others and it was a slow process. If the world doesnt end on Saturday then I still have to pay this years rego I assume. How did it suddenly get to $900? For that money it should come with a couple of 50% off vouchers for any speeding fines incurred at roadworks. Electricity charges continues to rise to. Anyone else think it may be due to all of these “Solidarity Light Up Your City Monuments” spectacles in recent times ?

GOT ends and Winter does arrive? It has been cool the last few mornings indeed and then followed by simply glorious days. So booteeful in fact you dont want to sit inside watching said GOT episodes but really the last two this season have been stunning in a visual and aural orgasmic way. Is it just me or has Cersie Lannister become Clare Underwood ? You can tell its school holidays though as the fan geeks go into meltdown at such minor things as time leaps and lapses. Not that any other reason was needed but it does make me glad I dont read the books and can just let the show flow over me like the warm breath of a dragon on a cool June morning. Speaking of cool and hot at the same time

In other TV news WIN is now Ten and Ten is now 9. I think. Tracy Grimshaw says “she cant wait to see us” so clearly does not understand the one way concept of how TV works. I do hope that Win’s version of Offspring next week is better than 10’s last night although they do seem to have the same cast? VEEP finished with a moderate episode after a superb season. Silicon Valley is still a bit hit and miss for me but better than 80% of other crap on of course. Aquarius is an interesting show about a fascinating time period in US history. DD still mostly plays Hank Moody with a buzz cut but the source material is what works here. Manson and OJ is one double date no girl should go on.

The sports world is entranced by the Semi Radradrararar saga – or at least copy editors think we are. As said in other media commitments if all of the articles written on this nonsense were printed out and laid end to end they would reach to Fiji! Maybe Kieran Foran can walk on them and get out of Australia. Look up “implode” in the dictionary and there is just a photo of the 2016 Eels. Broncos are struggling but really who cares at this stage of season. Wait until about September 10th before placing any bets this year. Can the RIO Olympics really go ahead? Athletes are dropping like flies, or maybe more appropriately mosquitoes, with that traditional symbol of all things Olympics – Golf – front and center in the who cares caper. Seriously at this stage it will be Jack Newton and Peter Thompson representing Australia. Speaking of snoozefests Wimbledon is here again and the big question on everyone’s lips is will Stosur fall to an unranked player before Tomic tanks again ? Kyrgios has already played his requisite “ball between legs” shot so he can go now. The Aussies won some game of cricket in the West Indies apparently. Wake me up when The Ashes start again please

July 1 tomorrow which means I have to set aside 30s to do my tax return online at some stage. Mind you there may be a couple of surprises this year so only time will tell. As long as I get it done before Saturday when life as we know it in Australia could end. If it does then of course only one course of action. Trumpy Von Trumpster would approve