It has been a few days since I posted a Blog and there has been a lot happening.Hawthorn upset the Geelong party and unexpectedly won the AFL Grand Final at the hallowed MCG. Hawthorn are really a local team as they play 4 regular season matches here in Launceston and Tasmania are their No. 1 sponsor. The local reaction has been wild and the team are currently here at York Park (Aurora Stadium) celebrating with local fans and sponsors.
This unexpected victory has perhaps killed off the idea of a separate Tasmanian team in the AFL. The idea was really floated by the State Labor Government to deflect attention away from recent political incompetence and mismanagement. Hawthorn has said it remains committed to staying here in Tasmania and frankly it clearly is the best option than starting off a separate AFL team from scratch. The AFL hierachy has also made it clear that they are not interested in a separate team for Tasmania, prefering instead for teams on Queensland's Gold Coast and Sydney's western suburbs. I personally think the idea of a second team in Sydney is a non-starter, judging by the extremely poor attendance for the Sydney Swans finals match at the Sydney Olympic Stadium. Also the Gold Coast team is shaky with lukewarm sponsorship and local interest.
I think that the current 16 teams are enough. There are some teams who are on borrowed time if they cannot overcome their huge financial debt, namely Melbourne, Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs. Melbourne could possibly be saved because it was the first australian rulles football club and is as old as football itself. Freo will probably merge with the West Coast Eagles.As for the Western Bulldogs, I think they can survive as they do have a good supporter base yet are heavily in debt.
I know you may be asking the inevitable question whether the Hawthorn victory make me alter my allegiance from Collingwood? The answer is of course, NO. Naturally I am not happy with the way they have been performing, particularly off-field.I really think they need a new direction and leadership to overcome the negative image they have been portraying. Personally I think they lost the plot when they moved away from Victoria Park , which was Collingwood's identity for over 100 years. I have been there and you could feel the history and atmosphere of the ground. True the ground was too small to cater for the huge increase in spectator numbers but to move their clubrooms and facilities out of the suburb of Collingwood was, IMHO, a retrograde step.
Robin L. Harwood
a passionate Magpie fan.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Some initial thoughts on Relationships.
Do you find it increasingly difficult to get going in the morning? Is it related to ageing? I am
61 and have noticed that I am at a much slower pace. I really do not push myself unless
I really have to. I have been living alone now for 7 years and probably need a shake-up.
I also find I am doing tasks automatically from habit. Motivation to get out of this self-imposed rut came from a very close friend who was recently here from Queensland. Our paths had not crossed for seven years and we realised that we had so much in common .
We need each other and if we find ourselves alone and just twiddling our thumbs and doing nothing at all, then it is really time to get out and about and be stimulated. That is what this blog has done so far. It has made me think outside the Box. A Relationship needs two or more to develop. You cannot have a relationship with yourself because that is so self-centred. It is very blinkered and a very narrow view. I know I need relationships to get a balance and equilibrum in my life. It is said that No man is an island yet we often hide in insularity and insecurity. Relationships makes us open and yes vulnerable. Relationships need trust to work.
None of us are perfect so we should accept the shortcomings of others and try to overcome my faults and personal shortcomings
Each relationship is unique and cannot be replicated. Building a relationship takes time
and effort and there are degrees in a relationship. Some are very close, others transistory or marginal and some are even difficult or hostile. Relationships do depend on how we respond to them and what we put into each one. It is better to give than receive. Aim to be selfless and not selfish.
Robin L. Harwood
61 and have noticed that I am at a much slower pace. I really do not push myself unless
I really have to. I have been living alone now for 7 years and probably need a shake-up.
I also find I am doing tasks automatically from habit. Motivation to get out of this self-imposed rut came from a very close friend who was recently here from Queensland. Our paths had not crossed for seven years and we realised that we had so much in common .
We need each other and if we find ourselves alone and just twiddling our thumbs and doing nothing at all, then it is really time to get out and about and be stimulated. That is what this blog has done so far. It has made me think outside the Box. A Relationship needs two or more to develop. You cannot have a relationship with yourself because that is so self-centred. It is very blinkered and a very narrow view. I know I need relationships to get a balance and equilibrum in my life. It is said that No man is an island yet we often hide in insularity and insecurity. Relationships makes us open and yes vulnerable. Relationships need trust to work.
None of us are perfect so we should accept the shortcomings of others and try to overcome my faults and personal shortcomings
Each relationship is unique and cannot be replicated. Building a relationship takes time
and effort and there are degrees in a relationship. Some are very close, others transistory or marginal and some are even difficult or hostile. Relationships do depend on how we respond to them and what we put into each one. It is better to give than receive. Aim to be selfless and not selfish.
Robin L. Harwood
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Invitation to contribute to my Blog.
I have found out how you add your thoughts into my Blog. All it needs is to add you as authors. If you would like to contribute is to go to my email address and request permission. I did give permission to anybody seeing my Blog but I may curtail this to my friends or acquaitances depending on the reaction. All you have to do if you wish to post your comments is to click
on to post your comments and it will direct you to a page where you can do this.
This should help you. I am really new to this. Bear with me.
on to post your comments and it will direct you to a page where you can do this.
This should help you. I am really new to this. Bear with me.
Robin.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I know Football isn't everything.
I have been writing on Australian Rules football and although I like the game, it certainly doesn't dominate all my waking thoughts. The season ends this Saturday and I will concentrate on other subjects after 5:15 on Saturday afternoon.
Lately I have been giving quite a deal of thought to my immediate future. I know what I would like to do yet there are some temporary barriers. I do have faith that these will be removed or another route will be found. I do have to exercise patience and frankly it isn't one of my virtues.
I have been through a lot and finally there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am not anxious or worried and believe that it is part of the Divine Plan. I am learning what Trust is by being patient.
It is late Wednesday evening here and I am tired and really should be sleeping.
Tasmania is a great place to live and I have lived here all my life. It is not perfect
but what place is? Could I live in another state or location? Yes I could although I would frequently come home.
We are an island state and our insularity is one of our strongpoints. We are proud of who we are and our historical roots. We were first settled by a unique indigneous race 40,000 years ago
and European settlement has only happened in the last 200 years. Sadly most of the original inhabitants were wiped out by introduced diseases or through violence done to them. Yet there are many descendents of these original indigneous inhabitants still living here in Tasmania.
When the Europeans came here, their primary purpose was to establish a penal colony and this lasted for 50 years until transportation ceased in 1853. Most Tasmanians have ancestors who were sent out here as convicts. One of mine was actually transported for receiving stolen goods
and upon his release became one of the leading personalities in the country town of Westbury
with one of the main streets named after him. Other ancestors came out as free settllers and were involved in mining or farming. Some were very adept at running Pubs. Others were involved in horse-racing, either as trainers or jockeys. Music is also prominent in our ancestors with one being a bandmaster and having his own orchestra in the early 20th Century.
I have been involved in researching my Family Tree and of course have discovered some skeletons. It has been very fascinating to look back and only wish my own Father was still alive to learn about his forebears. He was denied access to much of his family history.
Robin L. Harwood
24th September 2008
Lately I have been giving quite a deal of thought to my immediate future. I know what I would like to do yet there are some temporary barriers. I do have faith that these will be removed or another route will be found. I do have to exercise patience and frankly it isn't one of my virtues.
I have been through a lot and finally there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am not anxious or worried and believe that it is part of the Divine Plan. I am learning what Trust is by being patient.
It is late Wednesday evening here and I am tired and really should be sleeping.
Tasmania is a great place to live and I have lived here all my life. It is not perfect
but what place is? Could I live in another state or location? Yes I could although I would frequently come home.
We are an island state and our insularity is one of our strongpoints. We are proud of who we are and our historical roots. We were first settled by a unique indigneous race 40,000 years ago
and European settlement has only happened in the last 200 years. Sadly most of the original inhabitants were wiped out by introduced diseases or through violence done to them. Yet there are many descendents of these original indigneous inhabitants still living here in Tasmania.
When the Europeans came here, their primary purpose was to establish a penal colony and this lasted for 50 years until transportation ceased in 1853. Most Tasmanians have ancestors who were sent out here as convicts. One of mine was actually transported for receiving stolen goods
and upon his release became one of the leading personalities in the country town of Westbury
with one of the main streets named after him. Other ancestors came out as free settllers and were involved in mining or farming. Some were very adept at running Pubs. Others were involved in horse-racing, either as trainers or jockeys. Music is also prominent in our ancestors with one being a bandmaster and having his own orchestra in the early 20th Century.
I have been involved in researching my Family Tree and of course have discovered some skeletons. It has been very fascinating to look back and only wish my own Father was still alive to learn about his forebears. He was denied access to much of his family history.
Robin L. Harwood
24th September 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thoughts on the 2008 Brownlow Medal Count.
Today the rain stopped and we had some sun at last but the Wind is unrelenting. Of course it is the Equinox when the Season officially changes from Winter to Spring.
Lst night, Adam Cooney unexpectedly won the Brownlow Medal from Gary Ablett Jnr. and Mattthew Richardson. It was a close result but we could have been spared all the hype and hoopla associated with what their partners were wearing or who was with who. Prior to the TV networks taking the Medal count over, The count was conducted on the Monday night before the commencement of the Finals in a smoke-filled room and the only way you could find out what was happening was by steam radio. When the winner was determined then the radio networks used to scramble to find out where the winner was. The present set-up could be open to abuse as quite a deal of money is wagered on who will win the Medal. However despite the votes being in sealed envelopes and supposedly opened on the night, there is the perception that there are individuals who may have advanced information.
I was not surprised that Cooney won but query why there was so much media hype about Gary Ablett was a shoe-in to win it. I was also surprised at the high number of votes cast for Simon Black from the Brisbane Bears as I personally did not think he played such a dominant role this year as in previous seasons.
I have received some feedback on this blog to one of my email addresses but many of them are confused as to how to add comments at the end of each blog. So I have allowed comments to be posted so feel free to add your comments and reactions.
Robin L. Harwood
September 23rd 2008.
Lst night, Adam Cooney unexpectedly won the Brownlow Medal from Gary Ablett Jnr. and Mattthew Richardson. It was a close result but we could have been spared all the hype and hoopla associated with what their partners were wearing or who was with who. Prior to the TV networks taking the Medal count over, The count was conducted on the Monday night before the commencement of the Finals in a smoke-filled room and the only way you could find out what was happening was by steam radio. When the winner was determined then the radio networks used to scramble to find out where the winner was. The present set-up could be open to abuse as quite a deal of money is wagered on who will win the Medal. However despite the votes being in sealed envelopes and supposedly opened on the night, there is the perception that there are individuals who may have advanced information.
I was not surprised that Cooney won but query why there was so much media hype about Gary Ablett was a shoe-in to win it. I was also surprised at the high number of votes cast for Simon Black from the Brisbane Bears as I personally did not think he played such a dominant role this year as in previous seasons.
I have received some feedback on this blog to one of my email addresses but many of them are confused as to how to add comments at the end of each blog. So I have allowed comments to be posted so feel free to add your comments and reactions.
Robin L. Harwood
September 23rd 2008.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday's ramblings.
I am determined to continue writing this blog, despite not receiving much feedback. What has come back has been to my email address but I am hopeful that we will see some comments at the end of the blog.
Today it has been raining continually and yes we certainly needed it but the rain is not falling where it is most needed, particularly in the Midlands. It would be good though just to have a few days of Sun , just to brighten things up.
Tonight I shall be watching the annual Brownlow Medal count on TV. I don't know who will win although most media commentators are hoping Garry Ablett Jnr. Will win. Expect many ineligible players to figure prominently in the count and on-field indiscretions will cost somebody a medal.
My GP arrived unexpectedly this afternoon and gave me the all-clear with a normal blood pressure reading. Thankfully there are no further complications
and he will see me next month as normal.
I am looking forward to watching the Grand Final on Saturday afternoon
from Melbourne. This year channel 7 will apparently be telecasting it and it is the first time for seven years that they have done this. Channel 10 has been doing this and apparently is part of the television rights with the AFL I personally prefer the channel 10 commentary team because they are more knowledgeable than 7.
Prior to the Grand Final , I shall be watching the debate between McCain and Obama at 11 am. It will be interesting to listen to them but the vice-presidential debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden will be more interesting. This will be on Friday week. Initially I thought that McCain would run away with the election but his selection of the virtually unknown Alaskan Governor to be his vice-presidential running mate, has the appearance of desperation. Obama and Biden have more experience and look stable. If Obama does win, there will be changes for sure, particularly to the domestic area.
Robin Harwood
September 21st 2008.
Today it has been raining continually and yes we certainly needed it but the rain is not falling where it is most needed, particularly in the Midlands. It would be good though just to have a few days of Sun , just to brighten things up.
Tonight I shall be watching the annual Brownlow Medal count on TV. I don't know who will win although most media commentators are hoping Garry Ablett Jnr. Will win. Expect many ineligible players to figure prominently in the count and on-field indiscretions will cost somebody a medal.
My GP arrived unexpectedly this afternoon and gave me the all-clear with a normal blood pressure reading. Thankfully there are no further complications
and he will see me next month as normal.
I am looking forward to watching the Grand Final on Saturday afternoon
from Melbourne. This year channel 7 will apparently be telecasting it and it is the first time for seven years that they have done this. Channel 10 has been doing this and apparently is part of the television rights with the AFL I personally prefer the channel 10 commentary team because they are more knowledgeable than 7.
Prior to the Grand Final , I shall be watching the debate between McCain and Obama at 11 am. It will be interesting to listen to them but the vice-presidential debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden will be more interesting. This will be on Friday week. Initially I thought that McCain would run away with the election but his selection of the virtually unknown Alaskan Governor to be his vice-presidential running mate, has the appearance of desperation. Obama and Biden have more experience and look stable. If Obama does win, there will be changes for sure, particularly to the domestic area.
Robin Harwood
September 21st 2008.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
95% of Blogs wither and die but who knows with mine?
Thanks for your comments which were sent to one of my email addresses.
Thanks Kinty for your encouragement.
I was reliably told by an expert that 95% of all blogs never get past the the first one.
I see blogs as being two-way and thus it depends on your input and comments for me to
be motivated enough for me to write.
As I stated in my first blog, I have cerebral palsy and have had this from birth. I recently
inquired about a project run by the prestigious Menzies Institute in Hobart on Cerebral palsy.
I am currently fillling an extensive survey form as well as filling a national online survey.
I have no qualms in participating as it may benefit my future health.
This is the second Menzies Institute project I have encontered. I previously participated
in a prostate cancer survey and probably still on the books with that one. My father had this condition and many cancers are genetic so it is prudent to keep monitoring me in case any symptoms manifest themselves.
Geelong and Hawthorn meet next Saturday in the Grand final in Melbourne. Out state government has sponsored Hawthorn to the tune of $15 million and four regular season games
are played here in my city at the Aurora Stadium. Although Hawthorn is a "local" team
and apparently 10,000 Tasmanians have signed up as paid members, I have not been swayed from my allegiance to Collingwood. It is now 45 years since that day I went to Victoria Park
as a guest of the Collingwood Rotary Club to the match between Melbourne and the Magpies.
The first player from Collingwood I met made sure that I was defintely a supporter and I have been ever since. This upset some of my family , including my father and aunt as they were fanatical Essendon supporters.
But to return to Saturday's Grand Final. Geelong look to be unbackable and I expect that they will easily beat Hawthorn, although the Hawks easily beat St. Kilda last evening. The only way Geelong can be beaten if relentless pressure is applied. Geelong easily dominates if they are allowed to run over the opposition.
Robin L. Harwood
September 21st 2008
Thanks Kinty for your encouragement.
I was reliably told by an expert that 95% of all blogs never get past the the first one.
I see blogs as being two-way and thus it depends on your input and comments for me to
be motivated enough for me to write.
As I stated in my first blog, I have cerebral palsy and have had this from birth. I recently
inquired about a project run by the prestigious Menzies Institute in Hobart on Cerebral palsy.
I am currently fillling an extensive survey form as well as filling a national online survey.
I have no qualms in participating as it may benefit my future health.
This is the second Menzies Institute project I have encontered. I previously participated
in a prostate cancer survey and probably still on the books with that one. My father had this condition and many cancers are genetic so it is prudent to keep monitoring me in case any symptoms manifest themselves.
Geelong and Hawthorn meet next Saturday in the Grand final in Melbourne. Out state government has sponsored Hawthorn to the tune of $15 million and four regular season games
are played here in my city at the Aurora Stadium. Although Hawthorn is a "local" team
and apparently 10,000 Tasmanians have signed up as paid members, I have not been swayed from my allegiance to Collingwood. It is now 45 years since that day I went to Victoria Park
as a guest of the Collingwood Rotary Club to the match between Melbourne and the Magpies.
The first player from Collingwood I met made sure that I was defintely a supporter and I have been ever since. This upset some of my family , including my father and aunt as they were fanatical Essendon supporters.
But to return to Saturday's Grand Final. Geelong look to be unbackable and I expect that they will easily beat Hawthorn, although the Hawks easily beat St. Kilda last evening. The only way Geelong can be beaten if relentless pressure is applied. Geelong easily dominates if they are allowed to run over the opposition.
Robin L. Harwood
September 21st 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Let's start of with my first Blog.
OK this is my first blog and depending on feedback, I will consider regularly posting one. Just to fill you in, I am 61, male and retired, currently residing in my own unit in a retirement village. I am disabled with cerebral palsy.I live in Tasmania, an island state of Australia and have been here all my life.
It is finally Spring here and lately it has been raining and has been very windy. We do need more rain because of the prolonged drought. There has been quite a deal about climate change and mostly blaming Man for it but it is so apparent that it is definitely an cyclic event and has more to do with the Sun than the actions of Man. Currently there have been a prolonged absence of sunspots there and this has been causing most of the World's climatic shifts. I do also believe that Man has not been helping things by pumping increasing amounts of pollution into the atmosphere and dumping his gsarbage without really developing strategies or suitable technology to get rid of it permanently.
I don't believe in blindly following any political party or movement and not a member of any. I believe that one should be independent and not tied down to a single train of thought of philosphy. If anything I am in the centre politically and a moderate. Politicians should be regularly changed and should not be completely trusted.
Well this is my first effort at blogging and I will have further comments on life, love and having cerebral palsy.
Robin Harwood
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