Australian Cricket: A Dilemma?

The posts have been few and far between the second half of December. I guess there has been too much going on with staff development days in Moree and holidays in Fingal Bay. And, of course watching the Ashes.

I have always been a cricket fan. Perhaps that is because of the traditions and importance of the game to a great many Australians. Or perhaps because I played as a youngster and was pretty good at it. So, I figure I am as qualified as most other pundits to make a few comments on the current state of play.

Boxing Day is always a big day on the Australian cricket calendar. Not only because there is the Christmas Day hangover of giving and receiving presents and indulging in way too much food, but because this signals the start of the Boxing Day test. However, more than 83,000 fans found their way into the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch some cricket and enjoy Australia's resurgence in this Ashes series, only to watch the best English cricket has to offer rout the best Australian cricket has to offer on a day that saw Australia bundled out for 98; the lowest total in an Ashes test since 1877 (so, I am told).

This debacle has led, and will continue to lead, to some serious public and private discussions as to the fate of some members of the current Australian team and to the people who select them.

Some hard and tough decisions need to be made if Australia is to return to the dominant position it once held in world cricket. Any failure to make these tough calls will result in Australia floundering, as it currently is, around being the 5th or 6th best nation in test cricket. This is surely not acceptable for such a proud cricketing nation as Australia. Perhaps it is time that Australia adopted the English approach to the game?

One must give credit where credit is due. England has played excellent cricket, and for the most part has out-classed Australia in all facets of the game. The English had a bit of a hiccup in the third Ashes test in Perth, but the quality of their outfit has been seen in the way they bounced back and humiliated Australia on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne. The test will be whether Australia can exhibit the fighting spirit for which it is renowned and salvage a draw from the shambles of day one.

But I digress. What are the hard decisions that have to be made?

It must start at the top, at least in terms of the team. The captaincy of the Australian cricket team is one of the most important appointments in Australia. It is earned and the man given the responsibility is one who has achieved and proven their ability over many years. Many argue that it ranks second to that of the prime ministership. I would argue that it is more important than that! Therefore, it cannot be given and taken away easily. Yet, Ricky Ponting, despite his impressive record of achievement, needs to make some hard choices. It is time that he stepped down from the captaincy. Now, whether he stays on and tries to maintain his position in the team as a batsman alone, as Sachin Tendulkar has done in India, is a choice for him. But he needs to unburden himself of the captaincy and get on with his cricket or give test cricket away.

I like Steve Smith, and I think he is a wonderful talent, but he is surely not the best number six batsmen in Australia in 2010, is he? Nor is he the best spinner in Australia on current form. Let's face it, I am no big Nathan Hauritz fan, but the man gets dropped from the Australian cricket team, goes back to NSW and scores a couple of hundreds and takes wickets that see NSW on top of the Sheffield Shield table but a considerable margin. Despite the criticisms of Hauritz that he bleeds runs, it would seem that the selectors have erred in their haste.

Herein lies another tough decision. Australian selectors have to choose a spinner and stick with them, give them a chance to succeed in the Australian test team and the test cricket environment. It will be a long time before there is ever another Shane Warne, if ever, but to have burned through 9 spinners since his retirement smacks of desperation.

The final team dilemma, at least in terms of this post, relates to the captaincy in waiting deal. There is no need to annoit a captaincy in waiting beyond the selection of a vice-captain. Let that be as it is. Simply, the selection of the vice-captain suggests who the next bloke will be. Now, whether Michael Clarke is the man for the job is an issue for debate. Personally, I think there are better choices out there; Shane Watson for one.

It would be remiss not to address the matter of the selectors. After all, these are the men who put their heads together to come up with an Australian team. The only question I would have is this: Is this the best that Australian cricket has to offer?

Maybe it is time that Cricket Australia thought about changing its selection panel.

The final point is about coaching. Maybe Australian cricket needs a new coach. We were spoiled during the John Buchanan years with an excellent coaching staff and exceptional players. Yet, when things are going bad, then the coach needs to accept some of the responsibility too. Maybe it is time that the current coach fell on his sword?

Too Much Christmas for the MUI?

Can there ever be too much Christmas cheer? Yes!

It would seem that the Indonesian arbiters of all things Islam and Muslim, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), has decided that Indonesian malls have gone overboard this year. The malls have gotten so far into the Christmas spirit that Indonesian Muslims are offended by the constant bombardment of the message of giving and peace. The MUI has a serious problem with this fat white pagan in a red suit with a long-flowing white beard, he is everywhere!

Muhyidin Junaidi of the MUI has said that this constant bombardment of Christmas cheer will lead to a very negative backlash from Indonesia's Muslim majority. According to Junaidi, the logic is obvious, Muslims do not celebrate Christmas and as such having it constantly shoved in their face would be tantamount to proselytising. Ah, Pak Junaidi, the only incitement being promoted here is by you! But, if we were to take Junaidi's logic to a logical conclusion, then all celebrations must be muted in order to not offend those that do not practice a particular faith or celebrate a particular day. Then gain, what I think Junaidi is saying is that it is OK where that celebration is being conducted by the majority. But, when it is being conducted by a minority it is then OK to discriminate against the majority and stifle their constitutional rights to celebrate.

Or perhaps, Junaidi is simply saying that any money these malls make by capitalising on the Christmas theme at this time of year is haram. Surely, the MUI could issue a fatwa that bans Muslims from putting red sprinkles on their Starbucks coffee or something. Seriously, the great majority of Indonesian Muslims that I have had the pleasure of knowing and calling friends are not offended by this time of year. They do not have to practice or even participate in the rituals that are Christmas, but they are more than happy to tolerate those that do. It is as simple as give and take; it is about mutual respect; it is about focusing on the big issues and not sweating the little stuff. It really is too bad that the MUI cannot get in touch with the vast majority of Indonesians practicing a tolerant and moderate form of the Islamic faith.

But, let's assume for a minute that a Muslim sales promotional girl was forced to wear a "Santa's little helper" outfit. And, let's assume that this is something that she finds offensive. If this young woman was fired for not wanting to wear a Santa's little helper outfit on religious grounds, then I would have a problem with that. She should simply be moved to a position that does not require her to don the Christmas garb for the duration of the festive period. Until, it reaches a stage where people are getting fired for not wearing Christmas outfits as part of their job description, then Junaidi is really only stoking the fire of religious intolerance.

To the MUI, all my Muslim friends, colleagues and acquaintances are good Muslims and good people. They are not disturbed by the fat guy in the red suit.

Ho hum...

Carols by Candlelight...

There are always plenty of ways to identify the season to be jolly. However, carols by candlelight are always fun. This is the first one we have been to since we have been back. I cannot recall why we did not go last year. Anyways, we decided to walk up the road to Panania Public School and check out the festivities.

It was like a mini fair. There were all sorts of goodies on sale. There were also a lot of attractions for the youngsters. There was a small train, pony rides, bungy trampolines, and throw downs. They were called throw downs when I was a kid. I thought them to be banned, oh well! The evening concluded around 9.00pm with a brief fireworks display.

There was also a group of Samoan Church singers who provided the Christmas Carols entertainment. They were excellent. They are also performing tomorrow (Saturday) at the Panania Markets. We will probably see them again. I am sure that if Will hears them, then we will almost certainly be moving closer as he really got into the carols and was bopping away.

Some photos of the occasion.

 Will with his Nan taking a ride on the pony!

Will and his mum doing the joget thing!

Will looking pleased with himself and mum looking like she is having a good time!

Will, Family & Christmas...

The Baiton Boys...

A little pre-Christmas gathering and exchanging of gifts before we all head separate ways.

The photo was taken in Martin Place in Sydney. They whack up this really huge Christmas tree to draw in the visitors (seems to work a treat).

Must Be Getting Close To Christmas...

Well, there is still almost two months to Christmas...but there is nothing like getting an early start!

Merry Christmas!

Dear All (for those who celebrate this time of year)...

I hope that you and yours had a very Merry Christmas!

Santa was good to us, and we had a wonderful day with family. We are already looking forward to next year.

Will, Santa, and Christmas 2009...

Happy holidays to all.

For those celebrating Christmas, may it be a wonderful time for you all shared with family and friends.

This photo of Will was taken on Saturday. We had been enjoying a day at the markets at Warwick Farm and Liverpool. While we were at Liverpool, Santa was doing the rounds. So, we thought it as good a time as any to get a happy snappy of Will with Santa. However, it seems that Will is not so sure that the fat man in the red suit is all that cool.

I am sure that over time Will will come to appreciate Santa and Mrs. Claus, especially if the Christmas stocking continues to be filled in the same way that it is this year!

Mary, Joseph, and God...

Are you offended?

You have to hand it to those New Zealanders, they do have a good sense of timing and humour in order to spark discussion.

The above billboard appeared at the St. Matthew-in-the-City church in Auckland.

Indonesian Asylum-Seekers Sent Home...

A group of 62 Indonesian asylum-seekers who were intercepted north of Broome of the north-west coast of Australia back in September 2009 have been sent back to Indonesia. The 62 men were moved to the Christmas Island detention / refugee processing centre.

After processing their claims, it has been determined that none of them meet Australia's strict criteria for asylum. According to the Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, there was nothing that these individuals were claiming that would trigger any obligation incumbent on Australia with respect to protection. They also failed to meet any criteria to be classified as refugees under the Refugee Convention.

All of them claimed to hail from Java.

Once again, according to the minister, Australia does not issue protection visas or refugee status to those only seeking "better economic opportunities". The group 'voluntarily' returned to Indonesia.

Australia and Indonesia have a long history with respect to Indonesians seeking asylum or refugee status in Australia. The above cartoon reflects a little of that history, and can be found here.

Toys for Children -- Stuffed STDs

It is mid-September and getting close to Christmas. We have been planning to get away and go up the New South Wales north coast for a week or so just after Christmas. This obviously gets one to thinking about buying gifts in preparation for the big day where the fat fella in a red suit comes down the chimney and leaves a bag full of goodies for the kid.

Anyways, the best place to get ideas for gifts I reckon is the internet. So, online I went.

The above is what I found. It was one of those moments where one shakes their head, smiles, and then thinks, "I wonder who bought one or all of those?"

You can see the water cooler conversation now, can't you?

John: Hey Bill, what did you get your kid for Christmas?

Bill: I gave him chlamydia and the pox! What about yourself? What did you give yours?

John: Funnily enough, I gave my kid the clap and herpes.

There is something that does not sit right with the idea of making stuffed toys to represent sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STD / STI) and then giving them to children.

Imagine your kid takes one of these stuffed toys to school:

Teacher: Johnny, what did you get for your birthday?

Little Johnny: Miss, my parents gave me the clap!

Teacher: Oh, OK, how do you like it?

Even More Happy Snappies of Will -- Part III...

For anyone interested in seeing how little Will is growing.

More of Will...

The Fellas (Me, Will, and Grancher)

Will getting into the Christmas spirit.

Bath Time!

Christmas Movies and Cable TV in Indonesia

It's Christmas, well technically it is Boxing Day, so I am not going to focus on the negative. Instead I am going to focus on the positive.

I have gotta say that the Hallmark Channel had a great line-up of Christmas movies. Their program culminated with "A Grandpa For Christmas". Too bad that Will, the Wife, and I had the day out shopping.

Getting off the topic of my own post, it is great to live in a country where last minute Christmas shopping actually means you can go out on Christmas Day and shop!

Merry Christmas

For all my readers who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!

May it be a season of joy and happiness.

We have already had part of our Christmas cheer in November with the birth of our son. We will be enjoying our first Christmas together.

May your Christmas be a good one (and hopefully you have all been good and Santa will be nice).

The Night Before Christmas – Legally Speaking

To keep you all amused.

Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse.

A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick AKA/St. Nicholas AKA/Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter.

The minor residents, i.e., the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e., dreams, wherein visions of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.

Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as "I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the parts of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.)

Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e., the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.

At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.

Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional coconspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)

The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.

Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.

Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minors pursuant to the applicable provisions of the US Tax Code.)

Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.

However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.

Batavia Cafe

Although this posting is a little late in being written, it relates to Christmas Lunch, I guess it is better late than never, right?

I had not been to the Batavia Cafe for a number of years, the last time I was there was also for a Christmas Lunch. The Batavia Cafe is located in the old part of Jakarta at Taman Fatahillah. The old part of Jakarta, formerly known as Batavia, is worth a visit at any time. Aside from the obvious attraction of the Sunda Kelapa port there are also myriad of other attractions such as museums, China Town (in and around Glodok), and restaurants.

Back to the point of this entry. The Batavia Cafe is renowned as a late night hangout and is open 24 hours on weekends. The bars are great with a wide-range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for order. The food is always excellent.

The Batavia Cafe is famous for a few things such as the 6-person serving of ice-cream, but it is some other features that draw many more vivid memories for visitors. The Cafe is full of old pictures collected over many many years. Yet, the most intriguing feature for male visitors is the bathroom. The urinal is fronted with a full wall mirror. So, whatever it is that you take out of your strides is their for all to see. Well, at least the fellas standing on either side of you. This has contributed to the rumors and gossip of the Batavia Cafe being a gay venue. And the fact that they have "gay nights" probably also adds to the rumour mill. However, the Batavia Cafe is far from being a gay venue!

Let's face it there is no sign on the door stipulating you must be gay or lesbian to get in, and you are not asked what your orientation is before being allowed to get in. A true gay & lesbian club or venue would at least pose the question to you. I know this because two years ago in Washington D.C. some of my friends and I, walking home after a night on the town, passed a place and thought we would grab one more cold ale for the road, only to have our way blocked by this really muscular young woman, who in no uncertain terms informed us that it was a lesbian club and we did not qualify! She was right, but we got in anyway, because men were allowed if the manager/owner agreed. This only happened after pleading my case in my best Australian accent about being a travel writer and I would be sure to give the club a good write up.

The Batavia Cafe is a venue for all no matter what your orientation. So, enjoy the good food and beverages on offer.

Your best bet for the old part of the city is to make it a day trip. The fun is walking around looking at all there is to see. The Government of Jakarta has committed itself to renovating the old part of town, some might say it is about bloody time, which is a good move considering the rich history that it contains and the integral role it has played in the development of Indonesia.

Once you're done walking and are in need of a cool ale or some other refreshment, then duck into the Batavia Cafe. If you are a little peckish or really hungry then grab a feed. The menu contains plenty of options including classic Indonesia favourites such as Ox Tail soup. For those a little less inclined to sample the local delicacies then there is plenty of other Asian and Western choices on the menu.

May be I should send them this Blog entry and try and score a free feed!

The Milk & Cookies are out!

The milk & cookies are out and awaiting Santa's imminent arrival...So I thought I might jot a few posts as I await a glimpse of the big fella, but if he does not arrive in time I will just go to bed and see what he delivered later in the morning...

Australian milk and Anzac cookies no less (probably the wrong time of the year for Anzac cookies but if Santa is on a diet, I will eat them myself)!