Longing for the day ...

I'm back

Back from a few days' holiday at the beach. Nice and relaxing. A couple of observations on world events:

1) I think what happened to Nick Riewoldt in theSt Kilda vs Brisbane game has no place in sport. It is a classic example of the macho-bullshit culture that exists in AFL and it is probably one of reasons for the difficulties that code experiences in marketing their game outside Australia (or Melbourne, really). It's one thing to fiercely contest the ball and field position, it's completely another to antagonise an opponent who's nowhere near the ball - and to run some distance to do so is just chickenshit, cowardly behaviour.

I've been starting to warm to the game in recent years but I think that's one aspect that could be stamped out very easily and to do so would make the game much more enjoyable. Let's concentrate on the skill of the contest at the ball ...

2) I feel for Catholics all over the world over the imminent loss of their beloved Pope. I don't agree with very much of what he has to say, or what he represents, but their loss is profound.

3) Great sorrow on the latest Indonesian earthquake tragedy. It's made even harder by the recent Tsunami damage and losses.