While your natural reaction to this article is to laugh, it does point to something a lot darker and deeper about the state of the media and what they'll do for a 'story'.
The uproar over the phone hacking scandal in the UK has deservedly been loud and vocal and all involved have been roundly condemned. It has bought a media empire to its kness and may even bring down a Government in time.
But I'm guessing the sort of thing outlined in the article happens quite often and its only reported on when another news outlet happens to catch them. A pretty sad reflection then on the fourth estate and the role they're meant to be playing in our democracy.
Based on your readings of this blog over the last nine months, you've probably got the feeling I am deeply disappointed in the mainstream media these days and their lack of riquor and application to the things that really matter rather than their current focus on trivial matters and the cult of personality.
Well, I think it stems from my journalism degree which I went into with quite an idealistic view and ended up coming out of with quite a cynical view. Pretty sure that's where it all began as I saw so much potential in the 'informing/educating the public' facet but have seen things to deteriorate to the point where they'd rather entertain than inform.
I'm not sure of any solutions though. It seems all of society is moving to an entertainment focus with reality TV shows and the like, so it's getting harder and harder to track down real analysis and real discussion on the things that should matter to us all.
And the story on the search for Daniel Morcombe's remains does matter and is important for a number of reasons, but trying to claim a helicopter is above the search area while its actually sitting on the station helipad...well, that just erodes even further any trust and faith in the media's reporting.
Yes, my first reaction was a smirk and a laugh as well, but the more I think about it, the more disappointed I become. A sad day indeed but as I said before, it probably happens more often than we think.
What's next then? Journalists copying press releases word-for-word? War correspondents 'reporting' from their cosy hotel rooms? Feature writers plagiarising ideas and words from bloggers?
Hang on, that already goes on doesn't it. Oh well, as long as there's a story in it hey? Or maybe we just need the return of Frontline?
EDM.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Weekend Beckons
It's Friday afternoon and I've just realised its been a while since I last posted. Thought I better log in and write something as the clock ticks down toward 5pm and the end of the working week.
So, what to write about? Well, in the absence of anything more interesting, my weekend ahead looks a little like this:
- Night-in tonight (aren't they all) so probably some PVR shows and an itunes session on the laptop. Just wish I could watch the footy (bloody Channel 7). Should be a cracker tonight.
- Usual Saturday morning breakfast early on at Coaldrakes in the Valley. There's a CD title in there somewhere I reckon.
- Family photos session on Saturday afternoon for the mother-in-law's birthday. Hoping I pick the 'right' shirt for the occasion.
- Wife out Saturday night, although she has also talked of a dinner party at her sisters. Will have to confirm.
- Sunday morning no doubt a park session with the son. He's learning how to ride a bike so better have my running shoes on.
- Lunch at the Albion Hotel before a few hours on the 'green' at Windsor Bowls Club for my farewell for up the coast. Cheers to the boys for organising.
- Probably an easy dinner Sunday night with a nice glass of red. Although I might also be in 'hydration mode' and smashing down the waters after an afternoon of bowls and beers.
So there you have it. Funny how the weekends fill up so quickly but some fun stuff in there that's for sure.
Perhaps not that interesting to the rest of you though. Promise next post will be far more complex, intriguing and thought-provoking.
Til then my friends,
EDM.
So, what to write about? Well, in the absence of anything more interesting, my weekend ahead looks a little like this:
- Night-in tonight (aren't they all) so probably some PVR shows and an itunes session on the laptop. Just wish I could watch the footy (bloody Channel 7). Should be a cracker tonight.
- Usual Saturday morning breakfast early on at Coaldrakes in the Valley. There's a CD title in there somewhere I reckon.
- Family photos session on Saturday afternoon for the mother-in-law's birthday. Hoping I pick the 'right' shirt for the occasion.
- Wife out Saturday night, although she has also talked of a dinner party at her sisters. Will have to confirm.
- Sunday morning no doubt a park session with the son. He's learning how to ride a bike so better have my running shoes on.
- Lunch at the Albion Hotel before a few hours on the 'green' at Windsor Bowls Club for my farewell for up the coast. Cheers to the boys for organising.
- Probably an easy dinner Sunday night with a nice glass of red. Although I might also be in 'hydration mode' and smashing down the waters after an afternoon of bowls and beers.
So there you have it. Funny how the weekends fill up so quickly but some fun stuff in there that's for sure.
Perhaps not that interesting to the rest of you though. Promise next post will be far more complex, intriguing and thought-provoking.
Til then my friends,
EDM.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Clash's Prophecy
You've all done it. Pretty much all of you anyway. Given me that glazed look of confusion when I try and explain my interest in political science and my degree. 'What does it mean?'...'What do you actually study?'
Well, Mr Birmingham has given a sort of explanation in this piece. It's not about party politics and the in/outs of that as some may think. Political Science is a look at how we construct and structure our societies and the conventions we uphold in the name of the 'social contract'. That tacit agreement where citizens give up 'total' freedom to governments in exchange for protection against anarchy and disorder.
Yes, in the eye of the London riots and more global financial misery on the cards, the fabric, or lack thereof, that holds a society together is back in focus. The handwringing and analysis has already started in asking why, asking how. But the simpliest of answers is that the social contract broke down, for whatever reasons, and those that felt powerless and with little control over their lives went out to get themselves some power and get themselves some control.
That's the tenuous balance that all civilised societies must manage. To be inclusive and to enfranchise its citizens. To ensure they feel part of something bigger than themselves. Otherwise, that society will fracture and there'll be a slowburn of angst and unrest from those who do not feel included. All before the inevitable explosion of anarchy and mayhem. And the fact these riots have occurred in one of the oldest democracies in history just goes to show how fragile that balance is.
But of course there's many elements to this. Some obvious and easy to explain. Most not so though. The mass of human thought and emotion is just too damn complicated to come up with the exact answer and an exact remedy. But the tweets below quoted in Birmingham's piece certainly allude to some of the feelings and views I have:
@BrandonCarroway: "You all want the army and cops turned loose on destitute black kids but white thieving bankers are okay by you."
@dazzazza: "Sorry but this is not a "revolution". In a revolution you bring down a corrupted elite,not your hard working neighbours!!"
@VickyAnscombe: "Wow, these rioters are really sticking it to the man - those newsagent owners and shopkeepers can't oppress them any more!"
And for a more personal take on it all, this piece is well worth a read. Having lived in London before, the names of suburbs being torched and looted are all too familiar. But just as the floods in Brisbane earlier in the year compelled me to write and discuss, there's no point of view like that of someone living in it and living through it.
Til next time,
EDM.
Friday, August 5, 2011
GFC Round 2?
Just to prove I'm not a braindead jock:
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/this-time-its-serious-20110805-1ie4t.html
"In round one, governments bailed out the private sector. The financiers who engineered the problem got away scot-free. But who will bail out the governments?"
And this:
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/blogs/blunt-instrument/the-us-hasnt-prevented-armageddon-just-delayed-it-20110804-1ic9c.html
"The whole world economy is feeling more and more like a pyramid scheme."
Might be time to grow that vege patch and build that chook pen I reckon.
EDM.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/this-time-its-serious-20110805-1ie4t.html
"In round one, governments bailed out the private sector. The financiers who engineered the problem got away scot-free. But who will bail out the governments?"
And this:
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/blogs/blunt-instrument/the-us-hasnt-prevented-armageddon-just-delayed-it-20110804-1ic9c.html
"The whole world economy is feeling more and more like a pyramid scheme."
Might be time to grow that vege patch and build that chook pen I reckon.
EDM.
Some Perspective Please
Finally, some perspective!
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/strugglers-tanking-is-part-and-parcel-20110804-1idmx.html
To read the hysterics in the media this week, the MFC is the only club with the stigma of 'tanking' around it. Plenty of other examples from other clubs that ended up doing very nicely out of priority picks over the years.
Collingwood without Thomas and Pendlebury might not have won a Premiership. And Carlton must thank their lucky stars every day for 'winning' the so-called Gibbs and Kruezer Cups.
The hypocrisy and hysterics has been unbelieveable. Looking right at you Mr Kennett.
EDM.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/strugglers-tanking-is-part-and-parcel-20110804-1idmx.html
To read the hysterics in the media this week, the MFC is the only club with the stigma of 'tanking' around it. Plenty of other examples from other clubs that ended up doing very nicely out of priority picks over the years.
Collingwood without Thomas and Pendlebury might not have won a Premiership. And Carlton must thank their lucky stars every day for 'winning' the so-called Gibbs and Kruezer Cups.
The hypocrisy and hysterics has been unbelieveable. Looking right at you Mr Kennett.
EDM.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Roller Coaster, Dees Style
All right. As everyone's favourite Melbourne supporter, I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath for my take on the Geelong game and Bailey sacking.
(deep breath)
Where do I start then? OK, the game. I am still speechless about it to be honest. The thought of it just prompts an involuntry shake of the head and a sick feeling in the stomach.
How could such a thing occur? This is a team that is still in the hunt for the finals (strange but true). Not a team at the bottom of the ladder with no talent or hopes for the future. How can they put up the second worst performance in the history of the VFL/AFL. In over 13,000 matches, only one other is worse. I'm shaking my head again just typing that out.
I dare say no Demons supporter will ever forget the result nor where they were as it unfolded. Like Kennedy's assassination. Or September 11. I eventually had to turn it off. Life's too short for sitting through something that just upsets you that much. I had a son who wanted to play at the park. It was a no-brainer really.
Alas, I caught the final score at about 4:45pm and had to sit down in shock. And of course only minutes later the texts starting coming in from friends and family. Some in commiseration. Some in shared bewilderment. But also plenty in jest. The son wanted me to watch him ride his bike. I happily switched my attention but the twisted feeling in my belly remained.
I deliberately avoided all the footy talkshows on Sunday and drifted over the relevant articles in the newspaper. I knew untold angst would be delivered if I delved too deep into it. I hadn't really taken it all in yet so immersing myself in the torment and the drama just wasn't worth it.
Come Sunday night, I had watched something (was still in a zombie state) before switching on to ABC 24. And the first thing that I read across the bottom of the screen was that Dean Bailey had been sacked. I should have been engaged by it. I should have felt something. But I didn't. I knew Monday morning was around the corner and there'd be plenty of time for analysis and discussion then.
Quite frankly, I was still in shock from the result. Deflated. Confused. I just couldn't contemplate what it should mean just yet. I needed time to heal. Time to get some closure on what had happened on Saturday afternoon.
The media frenzy was in overdrive once the working week started though. I couldn't avoid it any longer and begrudgingly looked up the various AFL news sites and even logged on to a couple of Demons fansites. None of them were pretty. Some of the comments were just plain crap though and of course plenty of non-Melbourne people were lining up to take pot shots based on speculation and rumour.
That made me angry. Finally I was feeling something again. The passion had returned and it was time to sort out my feelings on it all. I watched the press conference live with my earphones plugged into my work computer. I commented on some of the fansites and even took a couple of journalists to task via email for their blatant generalisations and base untruths. I was back.
But enough about me. What about the sacking? And what about the club?
Firstly, it was really sad to see Jimmy Stynes struggling with his health so much during the press conference. He's been an absolute inspiration in the way he has turned the Melbourne Football Club around while also fighting his own problems. As much as the club needs him right now, perhaps we need to let him go and concentrate solely on his health. He has a real life-and-death struggle in front of him. Not like all the hyperbole going around in the media about the club at the moment.
The sacking then? Well, I didn't think Bailey should coach us next year anyway as I've never thought he'll be our next premiership coach. In many ways, he was always going to be the sacrificial lamb one day. He was recruited to take the team through a development phase and unless he delivered a miracle, like taking us from last to first in only a few short years, he was probably always going to be replaced by someone else once the team plateaued a bit. Once it was deemed we needed someone else who could take us to the next level.
Now I don't want to come across as anti-Bailey. He's done the job asked of him up to now and always put the club first. Sometimes at a risk to his reputation. And sometimes at a risk to his sanity no doubt. But there were a number of issues for mine from a pure coaching standpoint.
No. 1, the team has been playing with no game plan. Unless its a free-for-all with the ball travelling easily from end to end, the Demons have looked confused and unsure of what to do, particularly against a well-organised forward press. That must put the coach in a negative light as it’s his role to instill a game plan and a sense of purpose in the players.
No. 2, Bailey’s game-day tactical nous must be called into question. Time and again moves were not made or were made far too late. Cloke had kicked 6 goals on Rivers mid-way into the second quarter on the Queens Bday before the move was made to put Frawley on him. Cloke only kicked one goal after that but the game was already over. That’s just an example of many similar gameday issues I've had throughout the year.
And No. 3, the lack of on-field leadership has been a serious concern and is one that a good coach should have addressed a long time ago. Yes, it's a young team but there are a number of senior players who seem to go missing when the heat is on. It's certainly a sad reflection that our best players on the weekend were some of the youngest - Jordie McKenzie, Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, James Frawley.
Time and again the team gets blown away in the second half of a game and no-one is willing to stand up and say enough is enough. To go and make sure they win the next clearance. To go and make sure the next tackle sticks. To go and make sure the next goal is kicked by us. While the senior players are also at fault for this, I count this as a big slight on the coach for not doing something about it after bringing on those senior players and after four years at the club.
Regarding the backroom and boardroom issues that have been mentioned in the media, I’m not privy to any of it so I can’t give any meaningful comment. None of us know the inner workings of the club or the exact relationships between the key people.
But if it is true that the players were unhappy about a few things and struggled to get their minds right for the game on Saturday as a result. Well, I just shake my head in shock and disbelief once again. And may well shed a tear for the club I love and for some of the people in it that I admire.
Yes, the players should definitely not get off scot free with all this as the performance against Geelong was disgraceful and they must take responsibilty for their actions, or lack thereof. Their integrity and their professionalism have been called into question. And not just by the media and opposition supporters, but by their own as well.
A week's a long time in football as they say though. And it would be typical of this roller coaster year for the Demons to come out and beat Carlton on Saturday after all the turmoil. Especially as some revenge must be sought after some Blues players called our style 'bruise-free' last time. The ultimate backhander by my reckoning.
Geez, I hope they do come out with something special then. Something to make us supporters proud once again. Something to shut all the naysayers up and quiet down the rumourmill.
But especially something that will make it too hard for me to turn the TV off and go to the park with my son.
EDM.
(deep breath)
Where do I start then? OK, the game. I am still speechless about it to be honest. The thought of it just prompts an involuntry shake of the head and a sick feeling in the stomach.
How could such a thing occur? This is a team that is still in the hunt for the finals (strange but true). Not a team at the bottom of the ladder with no talent or hopes for the future. How can they put up the second worst performance in the history of the VFL/AFL. In over 13,000 matches, only one other is worse. I'm shaking my head again just typing that out.
I dare say no Demons supporter will ever forget the result nor where they were as it unfolded. Like Kennedy's assassination. Or September 11. I eventually had to turn it off. Life's too short for sitting through something that just upsets you that much. I had a son who wanted to play at the park. It was a no-brainer really.
Alas, I caught the final score at about 4:45pm and had to sit down in shock. And of course only minutes later the texts starting coming in from friends and family. Some in commiseration. Some in shared bewilderment. But also plenty in jest. The son wanted me to watch him ride his bike. I happily switched my attention but the twisted feeling in my belly remained.
I deliberately avoided all the footy talkshows on Sunday and drifted over the relevant articles in the newspaper. I knew untold angst would be delivered if I delved too deep into it. I hadn't really taken it all in yet so immersing myself in the torment and the drama just wasn't worth it.
Come Sunday night, I had watched something (was still in a zombie state) before switching on to ABC 24. And the first thing that I read across the bottom of the screen was that Dean Bailey had been sacked. I should have been engaged by it. I should have felt something. But I didn't. I knew Monday morning was around the corner and there'd be plenty of time for analysis and discussion then.
Quite frankly, I was still in shock from the result. Deflated. Confused. I just couldn't contemplate what it should mean just yet. I needed time to heal. Time to get some closure on what had happened on Saturday afternoon.
The media frenzy was in overdrive once the working week started though. I couldn't avoid it any longer and begrudgingly looked up the various AFL news sites and even logged on to a couple of Demons fansites. None of them were pretty. Some of the comments were just plain crap though and of course plenty of non-Melbourne people were lining up to take pot shots based on speculation and rumour.
That made me angry. Finally I was feeling something again. The passion had returned and it was time to sort out my feelings on it all. I watched the press conference live with my earphones plugged into my work computer. I commented on some of the fansites and even took a couple of journalists to task via email for their blatant generalisations and base untruths. I was back.
But enough about me. What about the sacking? And what about the club?
Firstly, it was really sad to see Jimmy Stynes struggling with his health so much during the press conference. He's been an absolute inspiration in the way he has turned the Melbourne Football Club around while also fighting his own problems. As much as the club needs him right now, perhaps we need to let him go and concentrate solely on his health. He has a real life-and-death struggle in front of him. Not like all the hyperbole going around in the media about the club at the moment.
The sacking then? Well, I didn't think Bailey should coach us next year anyway as I've never thought he'll be our next premiership coach. In many ways, he was always going to be the sacrificial lamb one day. He was recruited to take the team through a development phase and unless he delivered a miracle, like taking us from last to first in only a few short years, he was probably always going to be replaced by someone else once the team plateaued a bit. Once it was deemed we needed someone else who could take us to the next level.
Now I don't want to come across as anti-Bailey. He's done the job asked of him up to now and always put the club first. Sometimes at a risk to his reputation. And sometimes at a risk to his sanity no doubt. But there were a number of issues for mine from a pure coaching standpoint.
No. 1, the team has been playing with no game plan. Unless its a free-for-all with the ball travelling easily from end to end, the Demons have looked confused and unsure of what to do, particularly against a well-organised forward press. That must put the coach in a negative light as it’s his role to instill a game plan and a sense of purpose in the players.
No. 2, Bailey’s game-day tactical nous must be called into question. Time and again moves were not made or were made far too late. Cloke had kicked 6 goals on Rivers mid-way into the second quarter on the Queens Bday before the move was made to put Frawley on him. Cloke only kicked one goal after that but the game was already over. That’s just an example of many similar gameday issues I've had throughout the year.
And No. 3, the lack of on-field leadership has been a serious concern and is one that a good coach should have addressed a long time ago. Yes, it's a young team but there are a number of senior players who seem to go missing when the heat is on. It's certainly a sad reflection that our best players on the weekend were some of the youngest - Jordie McKenzie, Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, James Frawley.
Time and again the team gets blown away in the second half of a game and no-one is willing to stand up and say enough is enough. To go and make sure they win the next clearance. To go and make sure the next tackle sticks. To go and make sure the next goal is kicked by us. While the senior players are also at fault for this, I count this as a big slight on the coach for not doing something about it after bringing on those senior players and after four years at the club.
Regarding the backroom and boardroom issues that have been mentioned in the media, I’m not privy to any of it so I can’t give any meaningful comment. None of us know the inner workings of the club or the exact relationships between the key people.
But if it is true that the players were unhappy about a few things and struggled to get their minds right for the game on Saturday as a result. Well, I just shake my head in shock and disbelief once again. And may well shed a tear for the club I love and for some of the people in it that I admire.
Yes, the players should definitely not get off scot free with all this as the performance against Geelong was disgraceful and they must take responsibilty for their actions, or lack thereof. Their integrity and their professionalism have been called into question. And not just by the media and opposition supporters, but by their own as well.
A week's a long time in football as they say though. And it would be typical of this roller coaster year for the Demons to come out and beat Carlton on Saturday after all the turmoil. Especially as some revenge must be sought after some Blues players called our style 'bruise-free' last time. The ultimate backhander by my reckoning.
Geez, I hope they do come out with something special then. Something to make us supporters proud once again. Something to shut all the naysayers up and quiet down the rumourmill.
But especially something that will make it too hard for me to turn the TV off and go to the park with my son.
EDM.
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