tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60587162011-12-14T19:09:40.344-08:00The home of the AussiesmurfMy thoughts on politics, pop culture, and anything else that stirs my passions...Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.comBlogger411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-41483662754552584182011-03-14T23:31:00.000-07:002011-03-14T23:31:06.179-07:00Just visited various members of the Smurfette's family in Mildura over the weekend... The cricket plague in that area is just awesome. Seriously, the little buggers are absolutely everywhere. My admiration for the simple hard work of so many people who work on the land remains unabated.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-35491949774199799782011-03-14T23:29:00.001-07:002011-03-14T23:29:33.047-07:00Earthquakes, fires, floods, tidal waves... If anyone doubted that Mother Nature was still the boss, doubt no more.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-18636812611590001022011-02-21T17:48:00.000-08:002011-02-21T17:49:47.742-08:00I've been reading a few nostalgia posts for the games and activities I enjoyed as a 8-15 year old geek. In particular, old computer games and Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks. I'd recommend both CRPG Addict and Fighting Dantasy. CPRG addict chronicles the writer's attempt to play through every computer role-playing game dating back to the original Akalabeth, while Fighting Dantasy takes us through oneAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-76773180960323104042011-02-18T16:35:00.000-08:002011-02-18T16:35:48.122-08:00Question : Apart from sport, do the new television stations make pay television redundant? I mean, if you're sitting on the couch trying to find something to watch, between the six extra commercial stations, you can usually find something. Back when I was living with my parents in the 90s, that was the glory of pay-television - being always (or almost always) able to find something worth Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-5159615046542224562011-02-18T02:02:00.000-08:002011-02-18T02:02:19.767-08:00The Liberal Party gets both entertaining and sickening by the day. The revelations regarding Shadow Cabinet discussions are sadly predictable regarding the Party's healthy desire to exploit xenophobia. By contrast, the Labour Party's willingness to actually (god forbid!) praise multiculturalism is heartening.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-36686433486282708152011-02-15T19:06:00.000-08:002011-02-15T19:06:24.022-08:00If I can suggest a link, the anti bogan web-page is a great antidate to much of the mindless racism going around in Australia. Simply quoting people's own words, it demonstrates the meat-heads who think they are better because of the content of melanin in their skin.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-64573262526391659872011-02-15T15:28:00.000-08:002011-02-15T15:31:04.908-08:00The focus of much of the political news has been the reaction of Scott Morrison, immigration spokesman for the Coalition, to the fact that several family members of asylum seekers were flown to funerals in Sydney from detention on Christmas Island. The funerals were in Sydney due to the wishes of family that the dead be laid to rest in Sydney. Not to put too fine a point on it, Morrison thoughtAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-68197478941440724152011-02-15T01:52:00.000-08:002011-02-15T15:31:30.074-08:00Anyone who is reading this - I have done the unthinkable : I have changed comic book shops after around seven years. Mitchell and Troy, previously managers at Comics 'R Us on Bourke Street, have taken the plunge and opened their own concern : All-Star Comics at the junction of Queen and Lonsdale Streets in the Melbourne Central Business District. I highly recommend it to everyone.  Check out Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-54152517827322753582011-02-15T01:38:00.001-08:002011-02-15T01:39:22.837-08:00After a long hiatus, I intend to resurrect this blog.For those who don't know me, I'm a lawyer working in Melbourne, Victoria, married with a beautiful young daughter.I love my family, comics, Hawthorn, and my politics are decidedly left of centre.I have no idea how you may have arrived here, but I hope you'll stick around.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-79977462884289547352007-11-08T16:06:00.001-08:002007-11-08T16:06:59.296-08:00Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-48083210312872436922007-06-25T16:50:00.000-07:002007-06-25T16:52:56.801-07:00Chris Benoit is dead.Also his wife Nancy and his son Daniel have been found dead at their home.I have no idea what the circumstances are, the why, the when, the how.I can only think of the fact that my 'inner child' loved Benoit the person and Benoit the performer and now he is gone.A quote : "Here was a man. Taken all from all, we shall not see his like again."Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-69817613110144637782007-06-22T00:21:00.000-07:002007-06-22T00:26:32.135-07:00This is an absolutely fantastic post by Amanda Marcotte of Pandagon on issues of sex / rape etc. Highly recommended reading.I have a mini blogger-crush on Amanda, who writes brilliantly.http://www.pandagon.net/2007/06/21/on-pigs-basketball-frames-and-musicAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-53171125051946316612007-06-21T02:57:00.000-07:002007-06-21T03:05:57.271-07:00Spider-Man is going to three times a month hmmmm?Its hard to say anything about this without knowing more about the writers. Will Peter David still be involved?At least there'll actually be a chance that Amazing will get to issue #1000...Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-61400336675444579262007-06-18T03:26:00.000-07:002007-06-18T03:27:06.842-07:00Today's murder in the Central Business District of Melbourne is appalling. Seriously, I have no words.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-57222348640262018902007-06-18T03:00:00.000-07:002007-06-18T03:24:09.013-07:00Bite-sized Comic Reviews :Once again, some of these include comics released on 7 June 2007 : Justice #12 : The final issue of this mini arrives, and the high standard that has been set so far is solidly maintained. Make no mistake, with all due respect to Jim Krueger and Doug Braithwaite (contributing to script and art respectively), this is Alex Ross' baby, and oh boy, does it show.In the styleAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-57860440770549482742007-06-10T04:06:00.000-07:002007-06-10T04:31:43.849-07:00Bite-sized comic reviews : Some of these are a week late, as I missed the weekly visit to Comics R Us last week due to commitments to the Smurfette's family.Black Summer #0 - This $0.99US introductory comic by Warren Ellis probes the logical extension of superheroes existing in a world with corrupt, venal leaders : removal of democratically elected leaders and imposition of a new order. This is Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-28359771447279012162007-06-07T04:16:00.000-07:002007-06-07T04:24:45.324-07:00Sitting here with the Smurfette watching Lost and I've never heard of a more appropriate name for a show at the moment.Haven't they done about seventeen flashbacks for each of the major characters already? If the rumours of this show being signed up for another 55 episodes are true, this could get very ugly. "Tune in tonight, as we find out how Jack dealed with the first time his wisdom teeth Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-30398025269413919282007-06-06T18:49:00.000-07:002007-06-06T18:53:44.523-07:00I've just read one of the most depressing things I've read recently about the status of women in some places in the world. All those men that complain about immodest women? Welcome to your world.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-90209362995175070522007-06-05T03:27:00.000-07:002007-06-05T03:31:32.604-07:00I cannot believe believe how under-rated Hawthorn is by the public at large.Premiership favourites West Coast? Beat them going away (admittedly in Tasmania).Johnny-come-latelies Geelong? Beat themFavourites from a couple of weeks ago North Melbourne? Beat them.Pre-season darlings Port Adelaide/ Six-goal whipping.We've got many players on the rise, such as Ben McGlynn, Campbell Brown, Lance Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-91990663404798603992007-06-05T03:23:00.000-07:002007-06-05T03:26:32.930-07:00Well, tonight is the premiere of Mick Malloy's new sure, and it will certainly be interesting to see whether or not it gains a foothold.Having said that, my tastes vary widely from those of the people that are in possession of those wonderful little ratings-meters.I, for one, thought the David Tench show was absolutely hilarious, but those sacred ratings certainly didn't bear me out.Australia's Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-73729837924223158142007-06-01T19:40:00.000-07:002007-06-01T19:41:26.714-07:00The Smurfette and I saw Spider-Man 3 on Tuesday night. I don't want to echo the herd on this one, but I have never seen a clearer example of the ideas for 3-4 movies crammed into one (except maybe Being John Malkovich).What a confused mess.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-88700692881977693072007-06-01T19:33:00.000-07:002007-06-01T19:34:20.406-07:00John Howard keeps struggling and I, for one, couldn't be happier. I particularly like his statement to the Liberal conference that he is confident of victory, as contrasted with his warning to the party room that he faced 'annihilation'.Heh, heh, heh.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-8210170087840735052007-06-01T19:31:00.000-07:002007-06-01T19:33:12.208-07:00The last page of New Avengers #31 is the latest development that is supposed to 'break the Internet in half' (trademark Brian Bendis). Its yet to be seen whether this will be up there with Hawkeye's pseudo-return in the pages of House of M, but we will see what we will see. Those wanting copies may need to contact their comic book store right now.Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-55189746295805660032007-06-01T19:23:00.000-07:002007-06-01T19:31:18.161-07:00Many Melbourne readers and / or listeners may have heard about the current stoush involving Caroline Wilson, Alastair Clarkson and Craig Hutchinson. For those that came in late : (1) An piece immediately preceding an interview with Hawks captain Richie Vandenberg focussed on the possibility that, even when fully fit, Vandenberg may not make the Hawks' best team.(2) Clarkson (and Vandenberg) wereAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-36868885868897675422007-05-30T16:51:00.000-07:002007-05-30T16:54:44.575-07:00I am hereby testing my ability to link to another webpage.This is the web-page for Bill Simmons, a hilarious writer on baseball, other sports and pop culture.We will see if this worksAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-54931541520882513902007-04-03T00:04:00.000-07:002007-04-03T00:05:15.030-07:00Your results:You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command) 65%Wash (Ship Pilot) 65%Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic) 60%Alliance 60%Inara Serra (Companion) 55%Malcolm Reynolds (Captain) 50%Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic) 45%Derrial Book (Shepherd) 45%River (Stowaway) 35%Jayne Cobb (Mercenary) 20%A Reaver (Cannibal) 15%Dependable and trustworthy. You love your significant other Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-36655163525016407212007-03-04T22:21:00.000-08:002007-03-04T22:23:14.796-08:00The great bad movie page, www.jabootu.net has done it again, with an insanely long dissertation on the Rocky movies. If you love or hate them, there's something in the epic for everyone...Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-73092163523643016212007-02-12T15:30:00.000-08:002007-02-12T15:31:41.643-08:00This, I have to admit is very funny.www.hotchickswithdouchebags.comHaving said this, I don't know if one can help but have a sneaking sense of admiration for the gentlemen in these photographs...(h/t www.right-thinking.com )Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-21350476163628364042007-02-11T20:14:00.000-08:002007-02-11T20:18:14.871-08:00I don't really know what to say...I always knew i was giftedYour results:You are Dr. DoomDr. Doom 89%Lex Luthor 81%Apocalypse 67%Magneto 61%Juggernaut 61%Poison Ivy 58%The Joker 56%Green Goblin 53%Catwoman 52%Dark Phoenix 52%Kingpin 52%Mr. Freeze 51%Riddler 51%Two-Face 49%Mystique 45%Venom 43%Blessed with smarts and power but burdened by vanity.Click here to take the Super Villain Personality TestAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-74868086121687189032007-02-11T15:46:00.000-08:002007-02-11T15:46:11.194-08:00Went to Evanescence on Saturday night with the Smurfette.Generally a well-performed show, although the lack of the songs 'Everybody's Fool' from Fallen and 'Snow White Queen' from The Open Door were disappointments.I was also a little struck by Amy Lee's outfit. She wore a black singlet / tank-top, with a black tutu and black boots.I couldn't help but think that the outfit was disturbingly Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-6198925732450618192007-02-11T15:45:00.000-08:002007-02-11T15:46:01.679-08:00My thoughts regarding our PM John Howard's comments regarding Senator Obama. Our PM has been in an odd position regarding the Iraq war in that, although he has been among the most vocal supporters for the US Administration, the contribution of Australia in terms of funds, men and personnel has been quite minor. My understanding is that approximately 1,400 Australian troops are currently stationedAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1157081963055391732006-08-31T20:36:00.000-07:002006-08-31T20:39:23.073-07:00Friday!! Yay!!The first day of spring has arrived, and it is very much appropriate weather.Question - I am visiting the Astor tomorrow night (in my only opportunity to see Superman Returns before it vanishes from cinemas). Has it been sold? For sale? Will it continue as a cinema?If I write a blog-post and nobody reads it, does it really exist?Anyone who hasn't seen it, watch David Tench Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1156756077283824802006-08-28T19:04:00.000-07:002006-08-28T02:07:57.293-07:00First things first - saw Jindabyne on Saturday with the Smurfette, and it was superb. Loved the acting, loved the direction, loved the Australian scenery.... loved everything.I've adored Laura Linney ever since she had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it part in Searching For Bobby Fischer in around 1994, and she was brilliant in this. Gabriel Byrne was everything you could ask for (and yes, they did Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1143422891618540592006-03-26T17:26:00.000-08:002006-03-26T17:28:25.686-08:00Well, the new industrial relations laws kick in today... I'm of course wearing black.And the Games closing ceremony last night - not bad, not bad at all.Of course, this is basically because I love fireworks...and actually own three John Farnham albums (!!)Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1076137732504431212004-02-06T23:08:00.000-08:002004-02-06T23:11:16.560-08:00Joke : If John Howards and George W. Bush were drowning, and you only had time to save one of them, would you go to lunch or read the paper? And my best friend Cain is back from England!! Woo-hoo!!!Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1075848671167386882004-02-03T14:51:00.000-08:002004-02-03T14:53:30.793-08:00Yikes - that sure was a long gap there... I can't help but be fascinated with the United States electoral battle...partly because of the hatred I feel for such slimy right-wingers as Bush, Cheney and Ashcroft. And don't even get me started on Howard. On another note, watched 'Friends' for the first time in years on Monday - actually not bad. I admit I laughed out loud at the 'nonchalant' Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1068954200972053082003-11-15T19:43:00.000-08:002003-11-15T19:43:26.520-08:00Maybe my patriotism is lapsing, but I couldn't help but feel for the Kiwis last night. Rugby Union is so central to their sporting culture, and even a layperson like myself could tell that last night's performance was nowhere near the quality of place of which they are capable. And summer's here!! Woohoo!!!!Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1068778695151578672003-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:002003-11-13T18:58:19.970-08:00Weekend - yay! And I'm vividly reminded of a letter to the Age that said - 'not sure about this rugby game, but I've learnt one thing - you don't want to be the person with the ball.' Amen, sister!Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1068629298268474042003-11-12T01:28:00.000-08:002003-11-12T01:28:23.193-08:00Just listed to my new Sarah McLachlan cd all the way through (in the car, naturally...). The verdict - generally very good, but oh boy, did I have to check the cd case regularly to confirm what song was playing.... file that problem in the 'Surfacing' box... And everyone in Australia with Pay TV - watch North Square tonight on UK TV at 9.30 - one of the brilliant gems of British television, andAussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1068456923298388162003-11-10T01:35:00.000-08:002003-11-10T01:35:27.666-08:00Seriously - Australian Idol?? I mean, am I the only person that finds this glorified talent quest boring beyond words? I'm also miffed because I just saw a replay of some flighty young lass torturing 'Winter' by Tori Amos. I feel a hate crime coming on.....Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058716.post-1068449822858826842003-11-09T23:37:00.000-08:002003-11-09T23:37:07.053-08:00Greetings all, and welcome to my general blogging page.....Kick off your shoes, put your feet up and enjoy..Aussiesmurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503529901076228210noreply@blogger.com0