Come Aboard, We’re Expecting You

What to do on a beautiful late winters afternoon? Today that decision was easy – the new Spirit of Tasmania ships were in port. It took us an hour of lining up to get on board but the tour was worth it. Very opulent, very stylish. The ship (we were on number one) was so impressive we’re now contemplating a cruise.

The Ships In The Distance

Melbourne From The Deck

Spirit Of Tasmania 2

The Last Game For 2002

Last night’s game was wonderful, with the Tiges coming home to win their third in a row. Prior to the game there was a parade of nations – eight international teams competing in the first ever international Australian Rules competition were introduced to the crowd. Canada, Nairu, South Africa, Samoa, Denmark (!), Japan, Papau New Guinea and Great Britain. They got a great reception from the crowd and then got to see a magnificent exhibition.

Heading home that night on the train I was waiting on the platform at Flinders Street with a few members of the Canadian team. They were so excited at having seen real football played at its spiritual home and were chattering madly. A thought struck me. As my train pulled in I asked if any of them were Richmond fans – one spoke up. I asked if he really was, he said ‘sure man’ so I threw him my scarf and jumped on the train. As the train pulled out he waved it at me and yelled out his thanks.

I bought a new scarf today, to replace its brother that will soon find a new home in Toronto. Go Canada!

Farewell Footy, 2002

My 2002 Membership Card I’ve got my train ticket ready, jumpers waiting to be put on and membership card primed. It’s time to say goodbye to the Tiges for 2002. It’s our last game in Melbourne for the year with our final two being interstate.

I’m in two minds – I’m going to miss footy until next March but am glad to see the end of 2002. The poor Tiges, after coming so close to a premiership last year, will languish down the bottom of the ladder when finals come around in September. It’s been wonderful going with Rae, Phee and Rob and next year when Rob and I have reserved seats together it will be even better.

So long Tiges, here’s to 2003.

Another Mark Against My Name

Good way to start a Friday – Nigel at The Audi Olympics (one of my very few must read daily blogs) has added me to his Preferred Reading List.

Well, I did the adding – but it was at his request. That makes two links to me out there – I’m taking over the world.

Signs

Quick Review : Ignore them. They will go away.
Not So Quick Review (That Gives Away The Ending) : Mel Gibson stars as an ex-priest who rediscovers his faith after invading aliens are defeated when someone spills a glass of water on them.

Village Sunshine, Cinema 19, D 17

Rae told me I wasn’t allowed to give away the ending but I don’t care. Films such as this don’t deserve the cone of silence. Oh god this was bad. If you thought it sounded silly from the NSQRTGATE above then you are 100% correct. A movie that tries to be a serious examination of faith is so mired in silly sci-fi hokum (and I love my sci-fi, I truly do) that all you can do is ask for your money back at the end.

You’ll spend all your time wondering if Mel Gibson was awake at all as he acted, if Rory Culkin is just a clone of Macaulay and why Joaquin Phoenix is spending all that time in the cupboard.

You’ll jump because the music gets loud, you’ll sigh when the music is soft. This film that references War of The Worlds (click to listen to the Orson Wells broadcast) , Close Encounters, Aliens – even Predator should have concentrated on telling its own story. M N Shyamalan can make great films – we all know that. Go rent that, then rent Close Encounters of The Third Kind on DVD to see how to make gloriously perfect sci-fi movies.
Continue reading “Signs”

Elvis

It’s 25 year since Elvis’ rather ignominious death. Now I’ve never been a great Elvis fan but my beloved is so I think on this day we should unveil an international day of importance.

From hereon let August 16 be known as ‘The International Day for 7-11 Attendants and Burger Flippers’

The Biro That Broke The Camels Back

I’d had enough. Every pen I ever had here has disappeared and this morning my trusty blue biro that I’d nursed through almost a year was gone. Stolen, from right here at my desk. Now that was the final straw (and biro)

Lunch time today I went down the street and purchased a spiffy new pen and pencil set. I then marched on up to the guy in the shopping centre and had my initials engraved on them. So pen thieves, unless your initials are AWM your days in this office are numbered.

My New Pens

The Greatests Girl In The World

Yep, that’d be my Rae. Yesterday she brings me home a present – a Richmond jumper! I haven’t had one since I was 10 and this sleeveless version does illustrate what wimpy arms I have but I’m so happy. I’m wearing it Friday night come hell or high water.

All together now –

“Oh, we’re from Tigeland,
the fighting fury…”

A Blogging Great Huff

The Age carried an article on Melbourne Bloggers today and I’m not happy. They ignored me! Okay, so I’m not on any Melbourne Blog listing, and I seldom mention where I live, and I didn’t go to the meet up session for Melbourne Bloggers but still, what do they want from me?

My name is Tony.
I’m from Melbourne, and I blog.