oh dear, we are upset aren't we. You are looking at the most narrowest of pictures. What does 2% of the Australian landmass tell you? Many of the fires would have ignited even if this place hadn't been inhabited. Lightening causes a lot of bushfires here. Yep, our emissions are high, due to the amount of coal that's dug up and exported, to where? China, Japan, South Korea et al. It's not burned here, it's burned in the recipients country, but included in our emissions. It's said that coal could be dug up here for the next 300 years or so and we still wouldn't see the end. Want to give up your Japanese/Korean car, made from Aussie iron ore/coal that makes the steel? The "new" coal mine that wants to be opened, in Queensland. Would that be the one that most Aussies don't want? The one that the Indians want to open, and to ship coal to the subcontinent through the GBR? It's called Adani, google them. Do you ever consider the UK companies that invest in Au and their impact? They invest to make themselves richer, including your superannuation funds that pay you your pension. If it upsets you so much, get in touch with your pension fund and ask them to invest in business' that create less emissions that return enough to pay you.

And, if you had been on the ground at many points on your flight, you would have found evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. You might have learned that Aboriginals have been using fire for centuries as a land management tool. Yes, only two% of the total landmass has burned. What does that tell you? Yes, this place is huge. Much of what has burned is National park, inaccessible National park. It's still burning. To you, it's a "barren nothingness", to those that have been on the ground it's a place to learn how to manage to live without damaging the ecology. The world could learn a lot from the Australian Aboriginals. Start googling Philip.

From the horses mouth (so to speak): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-08/why-paddy-power-pioneer-quit-betting-industry/11777058 One more, check out the comment from a guy who constantly won, and what B365 did . https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-06/sports-betting-gambling-royal-commission-costello-wilkie-say/11771506

Whilst I can understand the angst that's going on at the moment, it could, might be, or anywhere in between; a case of not getting what you wish for. It's a dangerous game, the solution to which has to be spot on, long term and not just a two game bounce.

"Dan" was, at best knowledge was anglo/american. The "Australian" connection was, to the best of my knowledge, far more (how should I put it) richer, and had the available funds, possibly more so than the Indians. Oh and they had/still have an interest in football. It would have been a far better alternative to what we have now, but that's in the past.....

Matt, If you think England have "big" runners, check out the Fijians. Huge, is an apt description. If they could last the 80 then they'd be world beaters. They are entertaining though, play with flair and not frightened to throw the ball about. If you get the chance, check out their first half v the Aussies.

No thread, but here's a starter : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-18/tonga-delights-passengers-with-singing-at-rugby-world-cup/11524860 click on the first photo for the inflight entertaiment. Would have loved to have been on that flight. The south sea nations are incredibly proud and humble peoples. Be interesting to see the outcome of this tournament

He's 29 tomorrow. Give him a birthday present!

Surprised no one has picked up on this. It could get interesting.

I can hear the thunder of the feet stamping in the riverside stand. Just looking at that photo brings back the smell of the mens bogs in that corner, and oh, the Blackburn end, before the cantilever stand. Memories.

That photo, if I remember correctly, is from behind the Blackburn end. I wasn't around in the tram days, but I do remember busses being parked up there to head back into town after the game

He plays For Melbourne City who are owned by Man City. If anything, he'll go to Citeh, and either become a regular with them (he has the potential) or he'll end up like Mooy, being transferred to a lesser club in the prem. I did say in an earlier post that Arzani was 17. As someone pointed out, he is in fact 19. It must have been my beer goggles kicking in.

Daniel is only 17. He's the youngest player at the world cup. Fantastic skills, but still very raw. I hope, where ever he goes, they don't coach him to play any different. He has a degree of unpredictability about him that could really make him a superstar.

More strength to Andy Holts arm. There is an urgent need for more owners like him. Well done Andy, your approach is like a breath of fresh air in the football world.

You obviously haven't read what Trescothick has said on the issue. Basically that different sweets have different "attributes". It could be said that Smith has been a "fool", and therefore should be penalised less. Atherton didn't do it in "the heat of the moment" though, he put soil in his pockets before going on the field. How is that not premeditated? Where did this team meeting "to enforce" it come from? Not making things up are you? Don't get me wrong, These guys got what they deserved, but the others that preceded them got off lightly, very lightly. If you don't believe me google Ball tampering, and see what players have done to the ball and their subsequent penalties.

OK "boots, give me details on the highlighted sections please. He lives in my local government area, plays (when he can) for my local club. He certainly hasn't been "fawned over", hasn't "got away with whatever he's done", (presumably in the past). Finally, based on past history of ball tampering, players have got away with cheating. Atherton and Trescothick (and others) come to mind. However Smith got to be Australian Captain he did through hard work. I'd suggest you find out what he did, and it was in the realms of Bradman's way of learning. What he did was wrong, yes he cheated, and yes, he should be punished, but should he be punished more than those who did exactly the same premeditated actions? I think that what he got as a punishment was correct, the others got off relatively cheaply, but don't put things about that are wrong. ps, I know you were a teacher, but I'll let you off with a typo with you're

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-02/mcg-pitch-becomes-first-in-australia-to-be-labelled-poor/9299708 There's your reply, Matty. edit: Matty, there is one other matter that doesn't affect cricket pitches in the UK, and that is that the grounds like the MCG, Adelaide, Waca, Gabba and the SCG are used all year round for Aussie Rules and other winter codes. This has led to the introduction of drop in pitches, (you don't want to be tackled on a rock hard cricket square at the beginning of the football season) Having said that, it is recognized that drop in pitches do take the traditional character of the cricket pitch away, and it will be interesting to see how the administrators of the grounds react, given that they have competing interests (ie winter v summer sports)

Sharks v Storm tonight Grand Final replay Mk 2. It's going to be a grind like the first one. It's been very wet in Sydney these past couple of days. Storm without Cooper Cronk, but Billy Slater should be playing.

State of Origin on in a couple of hours if you can get in front of a tv. Few stars missing out, and a few wanting to prove themselves. Should be a good one

Duggy, what is fraudulent about the (edited) highlights of Allardyce's comments? OK he has some "issues", but you can't deny what he says about the Rovers. It's all true. As an aside, I wonder how many on here would have him back?

Can't help but thinking I'll be raging angry then........

A few of them coming "home"

TS some great defence on both sides, some really big hits, great handling in windy wet weather. Seyagaro (?) who played SL last year won it for the Sharks with the only try, though Maloney scored all the other points.

Replay of the NRL grand final on Storms home ground. Sharks came away with a very well earned win 11-2 in atrocious conditions. It was 2-2 til lateish in the game.

Kohli gone cheaply again! Have the Aussies got his measure? Some of the media here are taking the P, saying he's scored less than Mitch Marsh! He's still a great batsman, but he's letting his emotions take over and he's losing the battle. Still a long way to go in this test though 50/50 at the moment.