Unfair

Definition of Unfair Advantage:

"playing scissor/paper/rock against Edward Scissor Hands"

Jim

Ashes to Ashes........

This post is not profound. This post wont change your life.

But the thing that plagued my weekend, needs to be written about.

The Australian Cricket Team.

Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has a thought.

"They aren't concentrating enough" said one journalist.

"They are concentrating TOO much" said another.

The question of what is going on with the Australian Cricket team, continues to be asked.

But has anyone stopped to think that maybe the Australians have met their match. A domination in sport rarely spreads for more than a decade. The Windies did it through the 80's and early 90's, and Australia have done it since the mid 90's. But ultimately, the reign will come to an end.

Keeping in mind. This may not be it for Australia. Although Australia have been outplayed, the games have been tight, and the games have been close.

India have often come out to Australia and lost a test series, with one of the most formidable test sides in recent years. I don't know what the Indian press said, but we didn't see them dropping Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman did we?

Maybe, and not even yet, Australia might just concede defeat for this series.

Does it spell the end for Australian cricket for awhile? It might. But why is that surprising. People have been reporting on the aging Australian side for years. It should come as no surprise. But maybe, this is just a lost series for Australia against a world class team. A team which has worked hard to get where they are. A team which boasts some of the greatest modern day players.

Are we that arrogant to not concede we may have been beaten by a better team? Or could it only be that 'we played badly' that we lost the ashes.

I for one may cry if we lose the Ashes, it will hurt. But, all good things come to an end.

Get a grip. We might still retain them, and if not, we can rest assured, we were beaten by a better team.

Jim

I'm Back!!!

Lazarous - Circa 33Ad

Jesus - Circa 33Ad

John Travolta - Circa 1994

Michael Jordan - Circa 1996

Eternal Sunshine of Jimmy's Mind - Circa Aug 2005

Top 5

Ok - the below is my top 5 films thus far this year, both at the Cinema and on DVD. Now, this is purely on what I have seen this year. So far I have seen 13 movies at the cinemas and 13 on DVD. Hmmmm - interesting and even :) Some films may have come out last year, but If I saw it this year, it counts as this year :)

Top 5 Films

1) Finding Neverland.
A superb film. I have possible never left a cinema feeling the way I did after this film. Both complete and utter joy for the film, but such pain and agony for the story. Johnny Depp - You amaze me.

2) Batman Begins
A film so intricately crafted in its story telling, that you almost forget the superior character development that is going on. This is a true adaptation of the comic book where one knows Batman is the hero, but knows how dark and disturbed the character is.

3) Million Dollar Baby
purely for its great character development in Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood and Hillary Swank, this film is brilliant. A film which raises ethical and moral issues, but doesn't force an opinion down your throat. Not easy to watch, but Eastwood at his best.

4) Sin City
Although a little confusing and a little disjointed, by far the most original and special film I have seen in a long time. The main question I had to ask was 'why was this MA and not R'. More violent then Kill Bill and Fight Club combined, I actually had to look away at times. Not for the faint hearted.

5) Mr and Mrs Smith
A certain surprise into the top 5, but any film which doesn't take itself too seriously, has a bit of fun, and has good action cant be too bad. Pitt and Jolie are also fantastic. Both in chemistry and in acting. Leave your brain in the next suburb and this is a highly enjoyable film.


Top 5 DVD's

1) Garden State
What to say. I had heard so much about this film, so many good reviews. And for once, the hype was right. This is story telling at its greatest. No special effects, no action. Just pure story and character development. Natalie Portman is a pure delight to watch. A soundtrack to die for and it leaves you with thoughts. Zach Braff - what is next?

2) Saw
Again, I had heard good things about this film. I loved it, I really did. Sure, it relies on allot of things happening to get you to the convenient end, but so does Se7en and I love that film. A twist I never saw coming and made cheap and by Australians. Brilliant Thriller.

3) Anchorman
Man. What a year of fine DVD films. This good easily have been number 1. Quite possibly one of the best comedies of all time. A film which ever line could be quoted. Who cares how stupid and ridiculous it is, I was on the floor. And it just gets better upon repeat viewings. "You ate a whole wheel of cheese? How did you do that? I'm not even made. That's amazing".

4) I Heart Huckabees
I cant even remember this film. I need to see it again. But damn it was good. Slightly quirky and out there, but Marky Mark is great, as is Dustin Hoffman.

5) Napoleon Dynamite
An interesting look into the life of a nerd. I was hoping for more out of this film, but it actually gains more the more I think about it. Just needed something to happen. Not much happens, and some films can pull it off, and some cant. This probably just needed something a bit more. Still great viewing though.

Photos and more photos.....

The below are a number of photos that were taken on Monday. My fav is certainly the cheese and crackers shot, but who could ever complain about a phot which features Steve Baird!

Quote

"Bacon and Eggs - A days work for a chicken. A life time achievement for a pig" anonymous

Photo's from Monday, still to come.

Its Good to Be a Banker

Wow! What a day. There are only so many times that your job actually pays off. Working for a financial institution and getting the 'Bank Holiday' is certainly one of them. (Although how Steve gets it off, working for QANTAS, I don't know!)

The day started off by heading to Steve's new pad at Woolhara. Not the easiest place to get to, but worth it! We enjoyed sunlight, coffee, cheese, champaign and the Garden State Soundtrack.

We then headed to Clovelly for lunch at a small little cafe near the beach.

White Wine + Red Wine + Fish and Chips + Sunny Day + Good Company = Top 10 Day.

Statistic off the day goes to GP:
"2/3 of Penfold's Grange is consumed after 4 bottles of wine has already been drunk"

And in the words of Rod Flanders: "Is your source on this reliable!"

I will post some photo's of the magnificent day later tonight. Forget to send them to myself at work last night!
Jim