flashman181

Finally the Finale. (Possible Spoilers)

Posted: June 2, 2014 in TV

Who shot JR? Or more to the point who didnt want to shoot JR but it is a classic example of the season finale cliffhanger and the next day water cooler moment. Of course this was the good old days when we all watched the episode at the same time and there were no downloads or internet spoilers. And we spoke to each other at Water Coolers. Season finales can fall into many categories

1. The well planned Series finale where all the loose ends are tied up like Six Feet Under or maybe the story ends but the wondering doesnt ala Sopranos. All the planning and notice in the world does not guarantee satisfaction of course as ably demonstrated by Dexter

2. The unexpected season finale that becomes the series finale ala the tragic Terriers. No satisfaction at all of course just a felling of loss and emptiness. Sometimes the writers cobble together a finish of kinds, but never the one they really wanted. Hostages was an example of a show left totally up in the air – not that it was a great show of course 🙂

3. The Mid-Final Season finale. Thanks Breaking Bad and Mad Men. Also known as the “Show Me the Money” option. Oddly shows us that in fact The Best Things in Life are Not Free but rather drawn out

4. The Pentulimate Season finale. Where we set up for the final season hopefully. Usually the end of a well planned story arc ala Sons of Anarchy

5. The current season finale which is often a cliff hanger to bring you back next year. Like number 4 works best when there is a clear story arc ala Hannibal rather than the year to year run of a show like Mentalist where no firm conclusion is necessarily known

6. The Book series. A slightly different situation altogether ala Games of Thrones which while it may well deviate from the book at times some big moments from the books are going to happen if all the characters are at a bloody wedding for example! Cant be helped. Why I dont read books

Dedicated followers would know that being an AAL sufferer (Advancing Alzheimers Likely) I like to take advantage where possible of saving up seasons to watch in one hit. This does not occur with a show like GOT where a) I need my weekly fix b) likely ruined by internet spoilers. So lets run the slide rule over some latest offerings

Anyone still reading and not singing Im a Lumberjack – this is where spoilers may kick in

Good Wife – solid recovery from a mid season death induced slump but not earth shattering. 7

Mentalist – a largely silly season but at least they actually resolved something at seasons end when it looked like the usual nonsense 7

Hannibal – gutsy ploy to preview the final showdown early in the season but it is a classy show with a clear plan – whether it happens or not. Lots of balls in the air and a few in a soup somewhere no doubt 8

Bates Motel – Surprisingly enjoyable show given its soapy plot but we all know the story so some backfill is interesting and the leads are great. Nothing too startling and no knives or showers seen 7

Person of Interest – silly show personified but somewhere in there is an actual interesting yarn and they progressed the story well this season 7

Mad Men – another must watch each week show even though the pace is measured. Simply great drama and while no cliff hangers (apart from Charles Manson knocking on Megans door) it has set up the final season perfectly as it has always been Dons journey 8

Americans – uniformly excellent show and the end of season 2 was a natural evolution of the story especially given the central theme of the season 8

SOA – yes its an old one but is the classic example of a well thought out arc (whether you like it or not) and a penultimate season finale with a shocking turn of events that will have significant impact on multiple characters 8

Still have to watch Vikings and Da Vinci Demons. Californication is ending. Lets hope they nail Fargo. When you have a brilliant show like Fargo then the pressure is really on to nail the landing or a lot of the good will built up seeps away with time

S.O.O. 1 Wrap

Posted: May 28, 2014 in Sport

The better team on the night won. The best player on the field wore a blue jersey – Jarrod Hayne. The second best player on the field wore a blue jersey – the slightly less ugly Morris twin. DCE learnt the hard way that SOO is totally different to any club game whereas the “inexperienced” blues halves handled it well

Its hard to see how it all went so wrong after the quick fire start but you cant totally discount complacency. You still thought with 5 minutes to go they were going to pull off another miraculous win but the defense held and the attack lacked imagination

Billy S was our best which says a lot. You need Thurston or Smith to be the standouts up front for the team to dominate. Smith seemed injured for last half and Thurston didnt have room to move because the forwards failed to get on top. Parker was disappointing and didnt get his usual handoffs working. None of the forwards stood out – in attack at least. Tate was reliable as ever and Boyd is the consumate finisher but Inglis as usual in these big games goes missing. Sam Thaiday was sorely missed and should come back in for next one naturally for Guerra. Qld are big on loyalty but McQueen should be replaced by Josh Maguire .STAT

Still QLD could have and should have won with the number of chances they had in the latter periods. Gillett bombed a certain try. Their only plan to score was to get it out to Boyd but the Blues had a great defensive winger this time around. DCE had no ideas. Cronks loss was big structure wise but most people would have thought how lucky we were to have DCE to fill in. He was found wanting in most areas.

Hayne should not have scored but the guy has an almost Wally like presence about him in these big games. For once the bounce of the ball went NSW way – and it often doesnt. So good luck to them. You cant hate Loz – he isnt Carlos Smierson or Gus after all. It aint over yet and QLD know what they have to do – if Blues can do it at Suncorp then there is no excuse not to win in Sydney

Qld were always good winners and to be fair NSW were good losers. Lets hope they dont become bad winners as previously. Of course we will have to put up with the raving about the dawn of a new era by the heavily biased NRL reporting media but this should work in our favour and get the boys’ minds back on the job.

A Bunch of Fives – Memorable Aussie Sportfests

Posted: May 28, 2014 in Sport

With the 100 th State of Origin game but hours away it has firmly entrenched itself on the Aussie sporting landscape – in some states :). In QLD at least it has a major impact on the day to day activity of the great unwashed like nothing else really. So it got me thinking – what are the 5 biggest sporting events in Aussie land that have stood the test of time and impact, if somewhat variably, on the day to day lives of folk. That is events held in Australia as opposed to a mesmerising event like the Americas Cup in 83. The five I have chosen are in my order of significance and would suspect the order will change with some of course and a couple of outliers would find their way in from the honourable mentions in the mind of peoples from certain states. But here we go

1. State of Origin – very much a QLD/NSW phenomenon but no one can deny its impact on the daily lives, especially of Queenslanders, and after almost 35 years it holds a special spot on the annual sporting calendar. Especially the first game. The nation may not stop but two states do. In a game with a strong international presence (cf AFL) a game between two states still holds top spot and that tells you something. Winning 8 in a row does not hurt of course 🙂

2. Boxing Day Cricket Test. The first session in must watch TV , simple as that. The MCG is a stunning venue. Pity we have to watch that stupid yacht race at midday

3. Melbourne Cup. Ok it does stop the nation. Never been a gambler but fondly remember school days when was in a sweep and then for many years later it would be the only bet you would have all year. Every year it sneaks up on you and sometimes you leave it to that last morning but you still have to place a bet or at least get in a sweep. It is simply un Australian if you dont

4. Bathurst 1000. Ok this is more a fond memory but you cant deny its place in Aussie sporting folklore. The 1977 race always ensured that I would get a two door Falcon XB which I duly did as soon as I had a job. In 1978 🙂 Legends were made and a fierce rivalry, similar to SOO, developed. Aussies were Ford or Holden for many many years. Simple ast that. Its lost that now largely but the start and first few laps is still a must watch every year

5. AFL Grand Final . This is more a nod and a wink to the AFL faithful but it is the one game of AFL I try to watch every year. Especially now the Lions are so woeful 😦 Its all about tradition and atmosphere and no one does it better than the sporting mad Victorians at the palace that is the MCG. And its still a day game Thank Me!

Honourable mentions> Australian Tennis Open. F1 GP. Bledisloe Cup. Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Thoughts ?

Monday Musings – including, but not limited to, Moaning

Posted: May 26, 2014 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

Lets rev up first with some CCs

Centrelink V Payroll Forget Godzilla, this is the current battle du jour. To continue to travel, and lose regularly at golf, Mr Money Man and I agreed I should look at Newstart especially as was almost 45 yrs old 🙂 So after my big package has shrunken considerably but perfectly acceptably with approaching dotage I should be able to claim Newstart about now. To make sure though I needed my Separation Form from Payroll which I should have ticked box for at time back in Dec 2102. So quickly emailed Payroll last Monday and got an almost immediate response from the lovely Carmen indicating she would start that process immediately and mail it out. A week later memories of dealing with Payroll come flooding back while the mailbox remains empty. Now initial dealings with Centrelink were similarly promising and in 2014 a lot can be done online. Huzzah. I had my CRN and my CAN which are apparently different and set up my 5 secret questions – listing the biggest assholes in Politics and didnt even have to leave the Federal arena. Then I had my phone interview where we struck the first hurdle although Harold was very helpful. Apparently I had an existing CRN from back in the days when I was a sperm donor or something I guess but he assured me the two numbers would merge seamlessly (of course they did not) and then arranged an interview with Job Employment agency the next day. All was on track – any one who has done a claim knows you have 2 weeks to complete or it is cancelled. Went to Sarino Russo ” What job would you like Sir?” “I replied Sultry Nude model“, we both laughed and then of course informed her of the “Golf Course” option. Quickest interview ever, left with my “15 hr volunteer workers form” and headed to Golf Club. All filled out and then we were left with the last hurdle. The in face interview to prove your identity etc. So I lined up at 08:20 this morning with Shazza and Darlene who not only had the flannos on but a rather fetching pair of cut off trakkies – I kid you not. All was good but by opening time the line had extended to 25 – or 50 if you are Paul Gallen . First comment though was “Sorry computers are down, there may be some delay”. Luckily though mine was pretty straight forward after I handed over my platinum Library card I was sweet to go. Go home that is and re enter all of my data on the old CAN! So a week into the claim and the only hurdle at present is getting the form off Patroll in next 4 days…..

Coasterville Ok Zynga are money hungry grubs this we know. There is something simplistic and appealing about games where you build pretty things in your own little ville. I never spent a dime but I did have some impressive erections in my park let me tell you. Then logged on yesterday to be informed that like Windows XP Coasterville would no longer be available after June but you can play Farmville 7 straight away. Fuck off. One less game to check on which is kinda even steven as just joined new and active alliances in Stormfall and Samurai Siege which fill in day nicely.

Community Forums While talking about online games I have noticed over time that these forums and their members – whether gaming, travel, movie and TV – all fall into 3 categories

1. Members who post and always generate a response regardless of topic or any apparent expertise
2. Members who are ridiculed regardless of content of post
3. Members who are simply generally ignored

While I often fall into category 3 this is not a complaint but simply an observation. The only true way to get genuine discussion , and help, on these forums would be for it to be totally annonymous

And now to end on a good note. Great effort by the Not Quite Dark Shark this morning to be the first player/Aussie player to win the Texas Slam in golf. He went in with pressure of Number One on his back and a nagging new wife to deal with. He just made the cut, continually improved and then won a sudden death play off. Class act.

Tuesday Tune In

Posted: May 6, 2014 in TV

Ok , I cant afford to take a Monday off anymore. Sunday night (US time) is chock full of quality shows to watch on Monday but now they are starting to load up Monday Night as well with return of Louie et al. So lets run the slide rule over the current crop and see if we can drop any off. And lets not forget our UK friends either

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

GOT and MM are the lead players and are always reliable performers and similar in a way with the slow build up as season progresses – although GOT is known to throw in the odd early zinger. I struggle to follow some of the personal interrelationships on GOT but there are plenty of aids on the net these days to help us old farts keep up. Have to say though that the Daenyrus story line is clearly my favourite. GOT 8/10. MM started off slow but ep 4 may have finally seen Don bottom out and start the climb back up. He is not exactly a likeable character but have enjoyed his attitude since return to Sterling et al. 8.

Then we get our second stringers. Have always enjoyed Good Wife but it has struggled since death of Will and even Marty McFly is struggling to boost it . Solid 7 with a return to form likely. Mentalist really is a mixed bag . Post RJ started off pretty good but then they just have some stupid episode occasionally that plays out like Hart to Hart. The current 2 parter has been good though. 5/10 Like Mentalist, Elementary is very uneven but when it nails it is very good 7/10. Throw in Blacklist (5) and Person of Interest (5) for late week viewing – because I started when not much on I have to finish the story!

I am saving up Hannibal, Vikings , Americans and Bates Motel for full season watches

Short can be good. Californication 7 is a guilty pleasure but has actually been much better this season. The son is annoying in a Jonah Hill kinda way but having a Soprano on board cant hurt. 6/10. Nurse Jacki can be very good at times even if on occasion ya just want to slap her in the head – that is addiction though. Uneven so far so lest stick with a solid 6. Silicon Valley has been a pleasant surprise and very likable but only for 30 mins a week – then the nerds get a bit much 7/10. Veep started off slow for me but has started to hit its straps and last weeks episode with Meat Meyer was excellent 8/10. Inside Amy Schumer has at least one great skit per episode but some other stuff like the stand up less so 7/10

Then we have the comedy talk shows. Daily Show is still my fave simply because of the mix and excellent “correspondents”. Colbert is most talented and Bill Maher most out spoken. John Oliver is a bit much for 30 mins for moi

New shows for Monday now include Louie and 24. Louie is an acquired taste but when you have it ya cant shake it. There are just some scenes or lines from a show that stay with you even if some dull stuff around it 9/10. 24 has not changed. No one expected it too. Good location, topical story. 7/10

And just for something different gave the US version of Shameless a go and it is that rare bird – better than the original UK version!

Non US

Happy Valley currently my fave (8/10) but there are so many short miniseries to choose from. In the Flesh Season 2 just started – my preferred zombie story by a long way . Prey looks the goods too . For all of your UK drama check out this site http://www.crimetimepreview.com/
Penny Dreadful could be very good.

And every new 30 for 30 doco is a must watch , including Soccer series. Simply superb story telling

Its a full day let me tell ya. I have even missed my nana nap on occasion

EDIT EDIT EDIT Somehow I forgot Fargo – easily the best new show in TV land at present. 9.5/10

Monday Moan – Ya know you missed it

Posted: April 28, 2014 in TV

Two events over the last 24 hrs , though seemingly unrelated, simply confirmed a few concerns for moi about the quality of Austalian media and TV in particular. And its a nadir from which we cannot climb out of. Apparently

The Lionheart Leaping Leapai got a regular toweling. Now , anyone who knows anything about boxing knew this was the likely outcome. But you couldnt help get caught up in the magical fairy tale and just the glimmer of hope that he may just land that one haymaker. Now by all appearances he is a genuine nice guy who probably knew the realities. He has some talent no doubt but boxing is a cruel mistress. The gap between good and great is longer than the gap between their respective heights and reaches. The weigh in photo took me straight back to Hulk Hogan and Sly in Rocky 3. At least then it was played for laughs. But the real problem was the way the Aussie media built him up with daily reports from Camp Leapai. Just down the road from Camp Crystal Lake sadly. It was in Kraut land and one suspects the Lionheart maybe had one too many big sausages judging from his less than svelte figure. Even Klitscho , who never smiles, was radiant. Of course we had the US show pony showing up at times to add to the theatre – and also show the physique of someone in good shape admittedly. So now of course the media laud his brave effort and even the champ adds his praise. Very easy to praise someone who is not a threat. The media only tears down the successful tall poppies. Of course when ever there is a heavyweight fight the juices stir slowly as one remembers back to the halcyon days of Ali and Frazier.

Speaking of fond memories, what the fuck happened at The Logies last night? Ok to be fair I did not even know they were on and of course have zero interest. The last good Logies – note massive segue here slow uns – was when Ali and Moonface were doing their skit. We had a genuine King and we had the supreme host. And there was even an occasional good show in there. Gold Logie winners were actual media personalities who could turn their hand to most things and work ad lib with the best of them. They were lauded as true legends in the industry. Ok so it has been on the slide for years now but when some hack yobbo carpenter can win the gold statue well that will do me. Has there ever been a more searing indictment of the state of Australian FTA TV? People moan and whinge about GOT spoilers but really I am going to have to go on a media blackout this time every year to avoid being physically ill.

Segue 2 . ———- > Speaking of GOT, Monday is not all bad of course. Being ahead of the world in everything except TV shows (ok US gives us a good run) it means that Monday PM is Sunday PM in USA and we have GOT,MM, Good Wife, Veep, Silicon Valley(nice little sleeper) etc to watch at our leisure. But where is the moan in that? Well I cant watch in my leisure you see because if I dont watch GOT immediately some asshole will spoil it for me when online later during wine o’clock! And let me tell ya nothing spoils a frisky little 2012 Sav Blanc like finding out that MILF Cersei was sat on by a dragon and is now the same size as Dinklage.

Oops

Sorry……..

NYC 2015 “My Balls Drop”

Posted: April 25, 2014 in Travel

So the apartments are booked and the flights confirmed so its full steam ahead for Hands Solo Part Deux in Feb 2015. 10 days in NYC and a week in the City of Brotherly Love – San Francisco. Oops wrong kind of love. Philadelphia ! Thats better. No way a Polar Vortex can occur two years in a row right but am starting to accumulate the appropriate weather apparel in case. Will it be a magical winter wonderland or a pain in the ass (#notgoingtoSanFranluckilythough). Probably a bit of both. Just looking for that one magical shot of snow on the ground in Central Park with crystal blue skies above. And Tina Fey eating a hot dog. Have been lucky enough to visit NYC in autumn with the CLP so have seen the iconic structures and have photos to prove it.

As one gets older and the income dips the expectations tend to rise and a certain level of comfort, once experienced, is hard to forego. Like elasticised pants – but that is another story. So the apartments are in the slightly better part of town and on the slightly higher floor and have the slightly bigger shower nozzle. The latter is significant when still graced with luxurious, slightly tinted, growth on top. Then we get to the flights. There was a good sale on Premium Economy Qantas. I did a search of forums and generally gets good reviews although there is always that one horror story that sends shivers down your spine. “I was downgraded to Economy at the airport and had to sit next to a woman and a screaming baby for 13 hrs. And she was a Blues supporter!”. Money of course is relative when it comes to travel. After you travel you have relatively less money then before. So then I just had to convince myself and it was a tough sell for about 3 nanoseconds. In a timely segue I argued with myself that why not use the extra money I made doing on call for Easter and Anzac Day back in 2012? Luckily for myself I was not smart enough to argue that same money was spent about a week later. Onset of dementia is not all bad folks

So the dates are set and it will be a birthday in NYC just for something different. With the number of candles I need these days I may just get to see another one of those hottie NYFD guys. Tina for me, Rocco for CLP. Sounds fair to moi.

Of course part of the fun with holidays is the planning stage. Then the downer of the paying stage. Then the fun of the holiday. Then the downer of the return home. Then the joy of seeing loved ones again. And the thrill on their faces as their Snowglobe collection increases by 1.

Life is a rollercoaster baby.

Missing Link?

Posted: April 23, 2014 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

My significantly more successful, and slightly older, brother contacted me last week to join the social network of Linked In. This was unusual as he is not a social media person per se being successful, employed, busy, driven yada yada yada. On first inspection it looked a cross between a Facebook Messenger Lite for busy people and a bragging page for successful people. As it was not April 1st just had to assume it was ironic that after 35 years work I would now be asked to join a professional site when retired. Now I have always been assured that length was not important so was not unduly surprised that my professional resume was what one may call succinct and to the point. Went to college, got a degree, got a job, got sacked 35 years later. Didnt cure cancer although my riveting published paper “The Role of Oncogenes in Leukaemia” did show a lot of promise and indeed offered hope back in 1992 for the appropriately afflicted. Not an original work of course but simply a review I should add. I did learn many years ago that the concept of loyalty was very old school and carried no weight what so ever when it came to job interviews. Yes I did actually apply for one back in the 90s – Sales Rep/App Specialist for Coulter – that would have involved leaving the sheltered workshop of Maryborough Pathology and venturing forth into the big bad world – south of Gimpland. My years of loyal service of course meant zip when stacked up against clowns who had MBAs or similarly unrelated awards to the actual performance of Pathology tests. Undaunted I did actually pursue Post Graduate qualifications but mistakenly went for the one that was only highly regarded by actual medical scientists – AIMS Fellowship – and not by the bean counters who run Qld Health these days. Into the abyss some may say – but that would sound petty and beneath me. So my Linked In profile was looking a bit sparse – which was of minor interest given not actually seeking like minded individuals let alone employment. There was an interesting discovery though. Remember when you were young and carefree and living the life of a Uni Student surrounded by equally carefree and often wild lads and lassies. The only 4 people I knew on Linked In were of the aforementioned group from QIT days and yet had all done remarkably well in the professional world. Did not see that coming. It is interesting how people find their niche in life via many different pathways.

The elephant in the room though of course is how do the Famous Four align my stated current profile with my towering, untapped potential back in the 70s. May have to wait a while to find out.

Apparently they still all have jobs and dont get online much

Maybe I should have added my current level of Candy Crush to my profile?

Hubba Hubba ?

Posted: April 14, 2014 in Sport

It was a strange day. Devoted followers would know I rank the final 9 at Augusta as the TV Sporting spectacle of the year. The only thing that could make it better – apart from an Aussie winner – would be to have a wild man of golf in the lead and ready to implode. We had Bubba folks – the current first choice for a roller coaster ride. Given that John Daly cant make the field any more of course. Please note a roller coaster is not same as a meltdown ala Sharkie circa 96. It was rainy outside. I had my coffee. I had my All Bran. The phone was off the hook. A thrilling 3 hours lay ahead. Or did it?

What happened? Bubba was calm. He cried at the end of course but apart from that it could have been Jim Furyk out there. Ok a very long hitting version admittedly. There were a couple of college kids chasing, a 50 yr cigar smoking Spaniard, a 54 yr old Augusta favourite and of course Billy Bob Aw Shucks Kuchar. Scottie did his best Sharkie impersonation by birdieing the last hole when it meant absolutely zero. Glorious weather in a superb setting – but a rather dull finale. Dont take anything away from the skill on display. The two younguns were rather superb. Buuba was in full control. One rather strange decision for second shot on 15 gave us all hope for some disaster lurking – but it was all a big tease.

One expected with the demise of Tiger in recent years we would see the second rung stars take over but really tipping a US PGA event these days is like tipping NRL 2014! You would have got long odds on Bubba on Thursday – despite some good form – and lets not think of the odds for Bubba winning twice in three years! Most events this year have been won by young guys and even first timers. Aussies have fared well of course which is great to see. Sendo was never going to hang on and Scotty has faded a few times now. No you cant call him a choker after last years Masters. But the professional golfer does make for a fascinating study of their psyche. They can simply trasnform overnight from a world beater into an also ran and no one can pinpoint what is different.

Foxtel coverage was hopeless so quickly switched to Seven Mate which was fine. Except it was a bit scary. I dont watch FTA TV anymore so to be exposed to ads for upcoming shows that night was terrifying. To think that people actually watch this crap by choice left me fearful for the nation.

Then I watched an interview with Joe Cockey (aka Chicken Little) on Insiders and certain dread set in.

Media Watching

Posted: March 20, 2014 in TV

There is some scary shit out there. Not talking about the news per se but rather the reporting of it.

Devoted followers would know I stopped watching nightly news when they switched to the puffed up hour long bulletin of fluff. I stopped watching morning “news” shows years ago when clowns like Kochie and “thank you Karl” became celebrities for some unknown reason. Luckily this meant I missed all of the Corby nonsense and it would appear now I have missed some insensitive reporting of the Malaysian Airlines saga. In USA the feeding frenzy for theories is startling with the low point surely being the overlaying of Flight 370 over an old poster for TV show Lost. !I use to be one of those that complained but kept watching. But no more. Switch it off people. The sad fact is that if there is one thing that the slew , and amazing ratings, of reality shows has told us is that the general IQ of the great unwashed is closer to Alex Doolans test average than The Don’s.

I try to leave politics out of most discussions. I am a swinging voter generally with a strong history of Labor support but we are talking back in the Hawke/Keating era. I would never vote for Abbott of course as he is a dangerous buffoon but that should not let an under performing Labor party, for many years, get away with it. I grew up in Joh’s Queensland and while the gerrymander was a significant fact it tended to overshadow an inept opposition. So what has this got to do with media? I now watch a lot of Daily Show et al which has a strong anti-conservative bent but when you listen to the Republicans at times you can understand why. Scary shit indeed. But dealt with humour. See I can take blatant bias if it is with humour. Fox news in USA is so biased though but straight faced too! They actually believe the crap they say – as do many Yanks. In Aussie land the ABC is often accused of bias but they are amateurs compared to Fox – and also to many Aussie commentators. Have you ever listened to The Parrot on his perch – or his love child Bolts Hadlee? Pathetic biased reporting which luckily can be switched of. Mad as Hell is an Aussie version of Daily Show which is not quite as good of course as it doesnt have the raw material to work with that Stewart has. But we do have Media Watch – from that commie ABC organisation. The recent story about an edited “letter to the editor” by The Australian was simply appalling. And the insertion of an ACA camera crew and moronic reporter into a Qld Police operation is mind boggling at best and deliberating misleading at worst.

I liked my News with that druggie Mike Higgins reading it and a bimbo at the end leaning over a weather map with a big pointer. When these days the weather presenter appears as the brains of the outfit then you see the problem. I have watched crap TV in my day – Number 96 Hello?? To be fair back then we didnt have many options. That is my story and I am sticking to it. Sadly it is not just the news. Back then we had Rod Gallegos and Grandstand on a Sunday afternoon. Now we have that goose Vautin or clown Johns running a footy talk show with about 3 mins of actual football in it. The BACK PAGE use to have actual sports commentators on – plus Billy B for humour. Now they have some ex player who thinks he is a laff riot. Luckily there are still shows like NRL 360 to watch to get some actual sports news.

So to get actual news these days – of the unfiltered variety – you need to go online and try and find a non Murdoch publication. The Aussie Guardian seems about the best at present.

This puts me in the perfect position in the morning to do all the important things in life. Sit down to the puter. Get my news, have a coffee, play Throne Rush……..

Well something had to replace Number 96 right?