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No worse sign of ageing then when your heroes start passing away. Childhood heroes may be expected but those that impacted in more formative years cast a greater shadow with their loss. Celebrity deaths are odd of course because they USUALLY generate way too much comment then is EVER NEEDED. When Fred Smith who was the key grip on My Fair Lady passes away at 103 this is not noteworthy folks. I imagine he was finally glad to get out of here. And of course every death is sad to those close such as with the recent family tragedies down south or the one punch fatality in Brisbane recently. Then there are those moments in time when the looming question is where were you when JFK was shot or Elvis died. The one for me was John Lennon. I was in an elevator in the State Health Building in George Street , Brisbane when got the news. Not a particularly memorable location but still beats what I was doing when I got the Bowie news. Watching the Golden Globes. To be precise watching Katy Perry’s golden globes in what was one of many ironic moments really. Todays version of a pop star presenting an award to one of the most overrated clowns doing the rounds these days for a truly abysmal song. On a night when the lights dazzled brightly on largely overpaid “stars” with mostly limited talent the world grew a little dimmer with the passing of a true icon. Since that time have struggled to understand fully why this particular death impacted so much. It was of course a total surprise but I think it has something to do with the fact that many males of my vintage would have gone through a period of wanting to be like Bowie because he was simply the coolest dude around. He was uber cool (is that even a phrase anymore or did I just order a taxi ?)Then you layer on top his extreme and multi dimensional talent and you get a sense of the loss. Its a different world now to when Lennon passed and of course we are saturated with social media banality and the curse of the twitter eulogy. There are some worthy ones out there from those you admire like Alice Cooper but it doesnt take long for humour to kick back in and this one bought a smile

But lets return to a very one dimensional talent, that being the host of GG 2016, one Gervais, R. Like many I imagine I fell under his spell when he first appeared on our screens, or actually a bit later than The Office to be fair. His stand up shows and Extras were the highlight for me but then he became a celebrity and you realised that his skill set was limited. Basically he became an insult comic. He was edgy and good for headlines but that act wears pretty thin pretty quick. That little laugh of his starts to grate. It is probably easier to list the highlights of the show – or at least what I watched of it – but really there was only one. A visual gag, plain and simple

Downlights abounded as they usually do but the couple that stand out were the hideous bear gag with Jonah Hill at the start and Amy S dropping the C bomb for no real reason given her natural talent. Maybe to take some glare away from her BFF JLaw? Yeah we get it, you are now besties. Crudity , while it has its place, is usually a sign of an empty mind to moi and we all know Amy is far from that. Some surprise winners as often the case with GGs and the Leo circus rolls on now. Award shows also occasionally expose some well known people as real dullards and todays winner was Ridley Scott. Award show season does release screeners to the world but one has to wonder these days if even that can justify their existence anymore ?

One mostly blows past most of the “posts” on social media at these times when everyone wants to be heard but am glad I read this one from a Facebook friend (you know who you are). It encapsulates very well my feelings at present

I think the sad realisation I’m coming to is that I am now the adult, and the adults I admired in my youth are ending their journey. I suppose the sad part is not some trite revelation about the unfaltering forward march of time and my own inevitable death, but the simple fact that, by the time I near my end, the world will seem dim and there will be no heroes left. I’m not sure I’m prepared for that.

Which only leaves me to say of Mr Bowie. “Thank you for these many Golden Years”

NSW won the first game. Qld lost the second. Simple as that. The teams were always closer than an 8 yr run indicates but in the past Qld always got the job done when needed. Often the bounce of the ball went our way. More often though it was clinical execution under pressure. This has been lacking in both matches with no clear reason as all the guns were on the field. Blues defense certainly played a part in first game. So before what may appear like whining let me say that NSW deserved to win the series but more so Qld did not. Lets hope they take the win with the same grace they took all the losses which were in the bee’s dick category often. Mind you it was never the players that were the problem, it is the pro NSW “ARL” media.

It was a poor game if not necessarily dull. SOO can never be dull but this came close. It was full of niggle and slowing down tactics. There were especially a lot of late tackles on kickers – not all NSW of course but certainly the majority. NSW has a couple of clear grubs in their team – Bird and Reynolds are clearly at the front but Farrah not too far behind. Myles is our pin up boy in that regard. Gallen is simply a whinger and a whiner to referees and largely overrated although you cant deny his ticker. Woods is a prize clown. Hodgkinson looks the goods and slotted a good kick under pressure. Hayne was kept out of it mostly by the style of play but still pulled off the most significant event of the night – knocking the ball out of Thaiday’s hands when he was going to score. If he had it was all over red rover. They missed the Morris boys and changed their game plan accordingly

The gamble on DCE came off in one regard – he lasted the game. However he still appeared out of his depth. He made a poor read in defense when NSW scored and shortly after threw a shocking pass that coughed up ball in poor position. To be fair the right side defense on the line was screwed up a bit by loss of Tate. The loss of Tate was critical. McQueen is not a winger. Tate may not have scored the try but he probably would have at least caught the ball! Smith had a dominant first half but then largely went missing in second when calm heads needed. Thurston has lacked impact all series and then showed his ugly side at the end. Mind you rather convinced Reynolds started that nonsense with a missed cheap shot but at end of day you dont push your forearm into face of player on ground in full view if you expect to be a future Immortal! Scott has had a poor series and Taylor should never play Origin again. Gillett was the pick of the forwards along with Thaiday and Parker was sorely missed for his offloads

So many times Qld could have put this game away – as they have in previous years. Two crucial injuries – Cronk and Tate – in different matches killed their chances but then we have heard so often that that is when they are at their best – broken but not beaten. But no they are not supermen. They are highly skilled and highly paid athletes but still very human. NSW was gone and had no imagination in attack. They got 300 tackles in a row in our 25 and finally scored. We couldnt do that in first match. Then the cardinal sin – kicking out on the full . EVEN THOUGH WOODS CLEARLY TOUCHED IT!!! Another turning point – but once again we didnt deserve the win

So woke up this morning bleary eyed to see the highlights of a great Soccer match – yes it Soccer not Football, this is Australia deal with it. Talk about highly paid highly skilled players! But the glaring difference was EXECUTION UNDER PRESSURE by the Dutch superstars

So the sky isnt falling. Luckily we dont have to hear th “D” word for a while – as in dynasty. All good things come to an end and good luck to Lozza. Thank Me it wasnt Sticky, Bellyache or Gus that won! Its hard when your sporting “heroes” lose. When the Aussies lose cricket to the Poms it hurts – but you take solace in the fact that you are Australian at least and get to wash daily. So its not the end of the world. Things could be worse

I could have been born in NSW

Pretty good year really with solid returns and a couple of newbies that show potential. It was also a year I watched more foreign TV and there really is a treasure trove there folks. So the best for the year, in no particular order except start with the reliables

1. Breaking Bad – Always going to be hard to nail the ending to such a brilliant show but they did rather well

2. Mad Men – simply a solid reliable performer that never disappoints

3. The Good Wife – could just about be my favourite show that doesnt tax the brain but always keeps one interested

4. Misfits – unique and entertaining

Some Newbies that shone

5. Orange is the New Black

6. Masters of Sex

7. Vikings

8. The Americans

And the big losers

9. Homeland Season 3 – some potential early on but then died. If only Carrie had too

10. The Mentalist – specifically the Red John reveal. After 23 seasons a complete joke. The new direction of the show is good though

11. Agents of Shield – major disappointment

12. Dexter Season 8 – simply at a loss to explain that ending

As for some foreign shows?

The Returned – creepy and gripping as only the French can do it

Borgen – great political drama/soap from Denmark

The Bridge – the original and best

And as always some simply brilliant docos. No one does better sport than ESPN 30 for 30

Other notables – Keating, Fruitvale Station, Blackfish

This blog has been banned by Campbell Newman until further notice

Welcome to Queensland

Just dont try and tell them. The most interesting characters always have some flaws even if minor. Its the easy going “bloke” who says he isnt perfect but deep down really believes he is that you should avoid. But he has left politics now hasnt he? What started this train of thought? A synapse most likely. Or maybe Part 1 of Keating on Monday night. Now I have always been a Keating fan and that has nothing to do with political bent which oddly enough bends quite regularly. He is simply an interesting character with an amazing intellect given his modest schooling and upbringing. Mention his name in a gathering though and you will get very strong opinions , and some surprisngly vile given their pet hate about the man was his own vile nature:) . They remember the none too subtle slurs in parliament or maybe were affected by the “recession we had to have” . He certainly wasnt perfect and indeed was arrogant but at least had something to be arrogant about. Labour produced three legendary figures during the 70s and 80s and each has a different legacy. Gough is the esteemed elder statesman, Hawkie was the good cobber mate saviour and Keating was the tough as nails Treasurer who went on to win the Sweetest Victory of all. Gough was larger than life while Hawkie thought he was God even if he himself was agnostic. Keating remained largely misunderstood and this never seemed to faze him. He certainly wants his role in the development of Australia in those years duly noted and will never pass up an opportunity to outline them but he still remains a largely one dimensional character in a lot of people’s eyes. Do yourself a favour and watch the show over the 4 weeks it is on. And while waiting for next installment chase down the always excellent Labour in Power series.

My sporting idol was always Muhammad Ali – another flawed character. Ali was a boxer first and foremost – and a rather exceptional one. But he wasnt one dimensional either. He had blinding speed in his hands and an equally quick wit. Given his world wide popularity he had the opportunity to speak on many issues outside of boxing and naturally did so with at times amazing eloquence and thought. But he could be cruel too – just ask Joe Frazier. Like Keating he was a fan of mental disintegration. Now there are many clever people out there who can throw out some very clever barbs and insults but the trick is you have to back them up with deed and thought for full effect. Ali is likely elevated beyond his true position in many people’s eyes because he literally was larger than life. He is no Nelson Mandela after all. But then he is no Mike Tyson either

The talent pool in Australian politics is very shallow at present. Lets not even discuss the shape of Heavyweight Boxing. Instead be thankful that at times Giants do indeed walk amongst us and even trample a few along the way perhaps. That is the price you pay to rise out of the mediocrity of everyday life.

Or you cant sit around and wait for the next series of Australias Got Talent hosted by todays verison of talented celebrity

Well as the Loaf would say 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. My beloved preferred to stay home and work rather than see the world so let’s eat, drink and feel Mary. The day of debauchery actually started last night with a visit to Gibsons Steak house where they set aside half a cow for me to digest. Medium well done seemed to way to go to bring us into line with an Aussie medium – no mooing detected but still plenty of pink and red. It was great to get out and sit down for a relaxed meal if sadly alone 😰. So that intake kinda dimmed the fervour for today but I did do some research last night while waiting for stomach to rebound on the Chicago Food planet walking tours which seemed an ideal way to savour some more Chicago food. It was 3 hrs around Gold Coast and Old Town so perfect location. The day dawned booteeful again so headed across to the North Oak beach just across the road which was very noice before heading into town for one last photo shoot. Then it was back home before the short walk to our starting place – Pizza! However this was deep dish rather than stuffed so had now tasted the 2 favourite Chicago style pizzas. Then just up the road for a cup of German tea – don’t mention the war. Then time to walk off the pizza and on our way to Old Town walked past the original Playboy mansion as well as many Halloween decorated houses. Once in Old Town I felt at home! We had some Sushi, some fudge, some virgin olive oils and some spices – but not all at the same store! Last but not least was the Delicious Pastries stop off. Along the way there were many interesting anecdotes relayed by our charming host. A good group of about 20 made for a very enjoyable 3 hrs – and I was the only Aussie. They all now want to visit even though I assured them I was one of a kind. And then I wandered home alone I discovered Second City where my Tina cut her teeth.

So an amazing week draws to an end. Probably time for one more beer or two this afternoon, have given up on finding decent coffee! Then my usual disturbed nights sleep and then pack and head of to San Francisco tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow will be like Dexter Season 8 – you just have to get through it.

In a perfect world I will return to Chicago with CLP in tow

Expanding on a recent status comment why isnt the voting process easier and more tech savvy in 2013? I will be away on Saturday so went down to vote early yesterday – and the line up was out to the street. And that was just the clowns handing out how to vote cards! So went back at sparrows fart this morning – which for reduntirees is 08:30 – and there were only about 6 people there so was through in about 20 minutes! Because we still have a fucking ruler and big book that we have to place a line next to our name and then be explained why the toilet roll they give you is actually the senate voting paper but you only need to put a 1 against your first choice above the line. If voting for politicians a number two would would have seemed more appropriate. Then we had to fill in one to seven on the Rep voting sheet. Bloody hell – had to take my thongs and socks off to count up! And this detailed info is explained to every single person in line so when you get to front counter you have already heard so many many times. Couldnt resist asking the self important goose behind the desk though – “Sorry Could you explain that again please? “. He thought I was serious. I know when Tiny Abcess wins on Saturday we will be time warped back to the 50’s but this is ridiculous.

So whats the solution? Glad you asked. An app in the iTunes store obviously. Android users should not be allowed to vote anyway. Charge 99c if you must and allow for in app purchases like a detailed analysis of the Palmer vote for an extra $9.99 to appease the capitalists. Now voting is a serious issue but lets face it we are not Zimbabwe – although I wish we had their cricket team. Download app, vote and if you manage to luck out with a formal vote (remember we have cleverly weeded out the Android dweebs) you get 5 extra lives in Candy Crush. We can send a man to the moon – shouldnt he be able to vote while there? Its all done electronically and then Abcess is declared the winner. We know he will win whether we want it or not. In a perfect world Kruddy would fess up now before Saturday and say ok we are screwed lets work this out over a double chai latte and save millions of tax payers money. All we want is 5 seats in each state and for you to pass the Same Sex Marriage Bill – here after to be known as the Krudd Doctrine in memory of his one Bartletesque moment during the campaign. To sweeten the deal, we will get a statue of Tony erected with all the other dinosaurs at Palmer Coolum Resort. As an added bonus it frees up Channel Nine on this Saturday night to show reruns of Hey Hey its Saturday with the former labour caucus on Red Faces

Ok wont happen of course so I will form my own ALP – Antisocial Lazy Pricks – with this as my platform. So , come Saturday 7th to avoid the risk of a well hung parliament Vote 1 Flash and send mediocrity to hell. You know it makes sense.

And its another clever Martin Sheen tie in. Maybe should have gone with avoid the Apocalypse Now ?

Old Benny F was a wise old man – except for that nonsense about flying kites in electrical storms. Although not original he is also associated with the well know phrase

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes

As that was a couple of hundred years ago I was pondering are there a few extras we can add. Of course there are

1. An Aussie batting collapse on first day of a Test Match. Now Blind Freddy – as opposed to old crippled Freddy Flintoff – knows that if the English side circa@2013 can be bowled out for 215 Boof’s Boys are going to struggle to make 150.

2. There will be outrage at any fisticuffs in State of Origin – but the footage will be shown 24/7 in promotional buildup to the next game. Note – this is totally different to Fisting which the Blues team only do behind closed doors

3. The Wallabies Scrum will collapse into a shambles when the pressure is on. Lineouts and Mauls to a lesser degree.

4. Little Leyton will beat a well ranked player early in a Major tournament only to lose to a nobody the next round. Sam Stosur has a Travelling Psychologist (with couch) on call 24/7.

5. The Socceroos will continue to make World Cups but never beyond last 16

6. La Tour de Frog will enthrall first couple of days until casual followers realise it goes on for 3 months. If an Aussie cant win our interest plummets daily

7. There will be at least 3 blockbusters released every year based on a comic Superhero – and only one will be any good. Still waiting circa@2013

8. The Yanks will remake a hugely successful OS show only to see it flop because a) it is terrible and b) Yanks are simple folk (though lovely of course)

9. Every time Kruddy is elected to PM he will be very popular – for about 2 months. After that – see “Aussie Batting Collapse”

10. Tomorrow’s Weather forecast will be wrong