17-01-2005 15:07									#241
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quote: Feel free. Music to my ears.

Imagine my delight therefore when yet another Tory defected across the floor of the house on Saturday. They are quite unelectable.

quote: It's quite common now but McQueen was the first to bring it to rugby.

Such a shame however that whenever his name comes up all I can think of is the disappointment of Plod’s one and only great moment of ball stealing.

quote: I'll have a look for it. I'll need something to put me to sleep on the long flight to Italy.

Then I recommend “Lions, Tigers and Roses” by Austin Healey.

quote: It's the Australian way to be seen not to be giving a stuff.

It’s an act? Hmm – it’s worthy of an Oscar then.

quote: He must now be losing hope that Wilkinson, whose leg injury seems to be real for once, will make the tour.

I’m starting to wonder if he will still be a player at 27. Very fragile these days seemingly. Trouble is I think it is crucial to have either him or Martin in the Lions squad for morale – both have cracking records against NZ.

quote: His feet don't always work as they should. We'll see.

And as soon as I praise him he gets a duck of course. Vaughan looks to be moving better and the flatter-to-deceive Trescothick is having a good knock. Thorpey has had a very bad test poor lad.

quote: and the second best will be qualified but Leicester seems out anyway

Thank goodness for Castres and Perpignan.

Did anyone see Stade Francais against Gloucester? It was sublime. I have never seen Glaws play so badly and to see them blanked at home did bring a smile to my face – not least when the shed’s traditional chant of “cheats” was utterly silenced by the Dominici try. Bye bye boys!

Game of the weekend was Biarritz via Wasps though. You have to hand it to Biarritz they did it the hard way. I would have loved another crack at them in the knockout rounds though (the same way Toulouse have drawn a team from their own pool that they have already stuffed at home!!!).

Laugh of the weekend was Harinordoquoy being yellow carded for swinging his elbow nicely into Dayglo’s chin.

One aspect of BO that seems out of control is the way they fall over at the drop of a hat and all manage to continue – even the ones who were nearly dying on the floor.

I’d also like to see how the French clubs would do if they were salary capped to the 3 Million Euros of English clubs.

So Leinster it is – not an easy play to go an win. But if anyone can do it then it will be us. And to win the trophy it has to be done the hard way now – but bet against us at your peril.

	18-01-2005 04:01									#242
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Imagine my delight therefore when yet another Tory defected across the floor of the house on Saturday. They are quite unelectable.

I notice the Tories have also enlisted the paid assistance of our Linton Crosby, mastermind of our Liberal Party's successive election wins. Nasty piece of work he is. Working with our Howard, one of the most cynical opportunists of all time, they targeted and exploited this country's greed, selfishness and racism. Hopefully you lot will be less naieve.

quote: Such a shame however that whenever his name comes up all I can think of is the disappointment of Plod’s one and only great moment of ball stealing.

Has it ever been suggested that you need to get out more?

quote: Then I recommend “Lions, Tigers and Roses” by Austin Healey.

I gather it's a prohibited import along with rabies and smallpox.

quote: I’m starting to wonder if he will still be a player at 27. Very fragile these days seemingly. Trouble is I think it is crucial to have either him or Martin in the Lions squad for morale – both have cracking records against NZ.

I could be wrong, but I suspect that Wilko's body could be suffering from the long-term, obsessive conditioning he's given it. It's worn beyond its years.

quote: And as soon as I praise him he gets a duck of course. Vaughan looks to be moving better and the flatter-to-deceive Trescothick is having a good knock. Thorpey has had a very bad test poor lad.

And they won. I told you there was every likelihood. They're very evenly matched teams, both flawed. The Boks could come back and win the next one.

quote: I’d also like to see how the French clubs would do if they were salary capped to the 3 Million Euros of English clubs.

Listen. They killed off Rugby L*****. They're entitled to a reward.

	18-01-2005 05:31									#243
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quote: Originally posted by Havak You should read Clive’s book. I’m not changing my views of the man significantly but some things are thought provoking and I would like your views on Chapter 7 (Antipodean Adventure). It may surprise you that he is full of praise for Aussie rugby and individuals – and an admirer of Rod McQueen in particular. That gets balanced with the fact that he had a day job with Xerox and expresses his consternation with Aussie office culture – where Sales teams didn’t give a stuff that they were not selling for example - and took their birthdays off without taking leave to cover the day. And keep you eyes out for the part where he complains about his unit on Manly beach because the waves kept him awake – he actually pokes fun at himself over that.

The moral outrage I feel atm is utterly indescribable.
I've lived here, working my rear end off, for several years and only now do I find out about this 'taking birthdays off without taking leave' thing.
I suppose the source is rather 'questionable' to say the least, but still ...

[Insert expletive here]

Wonder if I should e-mail my boss, including a link to this thread and then walk out for a few days ...

On second thoughts ... probably not.

	18-01-2005 16:38									#244
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Coward! (He types, happily self-employed)

	18-01-2005 18:17									#245
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quote: Hopefully you lot will be less naieve.

A country that has put New Labour (Old Tories) in twice with landslides? I’ll let you make your own call on that one.

quote: Has it ever been suggested that you need to get out more?

Have you ever sat in a crowd with Aussies in it after they have won a game? Oh hold on - I forget you are Aussie from time to time…your countrymen are bad winners – and shocking losers. Sorry if that outside prejudiced view surprises you.

quote: I could be wrong, but I suspect that Wilko's body could be suffering from the long-term, obsessive conditioning he's given it. It's worn beyond its years.

Good point I think. One nugget from a certain book – his parents employed specialist coaches for him (kicking and conditioning) from the age of 13!!

quote: The Boks could come back and win the next one.

They could indeed. Fairly evenly matched yes – but I think England is a stronger bowling side myself.

quote: Listen. They killed off Rugby L*****. They're entitled to a reward.

But three home semi-finals and a pass for Toulouse to the final is a little OTT.

quote: Wonder if I should e-mail my boss, including a link to this thread and then walk out for a few days ... On second thoughts ... probably not.

Clive never said it was West Coast culture. Perth residents are practically English compared to NSW aren’t they?

	18-01-2005 19:14									#246
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Serge Betsen has been cited for the incident that broke Stuart Abbots leg when BO played Wasps last weekend.

There is a very real chance he will be suspended for part of the six nations. It means a very different back row for France - no Magne and no Betsen. With Harinordoquoy playing all his club rugby at openside I'd like to ask the French lads what the back row will now be?

	18-01-2005 22:51									#247
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quote: Originally posted by finbar You're playing in Toulouse, LDiCesares? If you need a replacement hooker to let you express your skills at #10, I'm volunteering Tamerlin's services.

A 60 kilograms hooker playing for the main team of the Stade Toulousain promise to be a funny picture.

	19-01-2005 02:47									#248
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quote: Originally posted by Havak A country that has put New Labour (Old Tories) in twice with landslides? I’ll let you make your own call on that one.

Oh yes, sorry, I forgot. Blair has already locked up the cynical opportunistic racist vote.

quote: Have you ever sat in a crowd with Aussies in it after they have won a game? Oh hold on - I forget you are Aussie from time to time…your countrymen are bad winners – and shocking losers. Sorry if that outside prejudiced view surprises you.

You will sit in the cheap seats with the unwashed and uneducated!

quote: Good point I think. One nugget from a certain book – his parents employed specialist coaches for him (kicking and conditioning) from the age of 13!!

There you go. Clapped out.

quote: They could indeed. Fairly evenly matched yes – but I think England is a stronger bowling side myself.

Mmmm. Again, I think it's a matter of which line-up gets it right on the day. Hoggard has had one good match. Giles and Boje cancel each other out. Pollock and Ntini on song are as good as England's lot. Hoggard certainly bowled well, but it was freakish. The ball swung all day, which is unusual.

quote: But three home semi-finals and a pass for Toulouse to the final is a little OTT.

I would agree that Toulouse's luck is outrageous. Any break that Toulouse gets is outrageous.

quote: Clive never said it was West Coast culture. Perth residents are practically English compared to NSW aren’t they?

Gee, and I thought I'd hurled some insults at the Sandgropers in my time.

	19-01-2005 02:49									#249
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin A 60 kilograms hooker playing for the main team of the Stade Toulousain promise to be a funny picture.

60 Kilograms?? Good heavens, Dermott the Old English Sheepdog weighs 41 kilograms!

Oh, and I saw you loitering on the fringes of the unveiling of that big new plane in Toulouse. Trying to stow away?

	19-01-2005 14:53									#250
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quote: Blair has already locked up the cynical opportunistic racist vote.

He seems almost guaranteed a third term. They have done so little with their huge majority it’s almost criminal but the Tories are so woeful they just cannot make any inroads.

But if we are talking opportunistic the Lib Dems are promising to abolish University tuition fees and implement higher income tax for higher earners. That is a grab for the traditional Labour vote.

quote: You will sit in the cheap seats with the unwashed and uneducated!

As opposed to the expensive seats right next to those charming and fair minded folks who dress all in bright yellow?

quote: Pollock and Ntini on song are as good as England's lot

I disagree – Harmison (inaccurate as he is) and Jones on song are a far more intimidating pair to face. Ntini tries hard I’ll give him that. Crucially we don’t have any weak link – and they do (Steyn? Not to mention the way the skipper uses himself at times). And no I don’t think Anderson is a weak link.

Having said that I do have to accept you know the game better than I.

I understand the young bowler who has flown out this week has a lot of promise – a lad called Jon Lewis and a Tractor boy no less.

quote: I would agree that Toulouse's luck is outrageous. Any break that Toulouse gets is outrageous.

But to get a home draw against a team that was in your pool and that you soundly stuffed at home in that pool? It’s criminal. One might almost think ERC ltd was based in France eh?

Is it an insult to call an Antipodean resident English then? I had no idea.

60 Kilograms? There isn’t a position you could play and survive in at that weight is there. Not even scrummies are sub ten stone often.

	19-01-2005 16:22									#251
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quote: Originally posted by Havak But if we are talking opportunistic the Lib Dems are promising to abolish University tuition fees and implement higher income tax for higher earners. That is a grab for the traditional Labour vote.

Pretty much what the Greens try to do here. They're the only alternative to the two major parties, both of which are as conservative to each other, but they're minor in the extreme. A handful of Senators and no one in the lower house.

quote: As opposed to the expensive seats right next to those charming and fair minded folks who dress all in bright yellow?

Wattle!

quote: I disagree – Harmison (inaccurate as he is) and Jones on song are a far more intimidating pair to face. Ntini tries hard I’ll give him that. Crucially we don’t have any weak link – and they do (Steyn? Not to mention the way the skipper uses himself at times). And no I don’t think Anderson is a weak link. Having said that I do have to accept you know the game better than I.

Harmison is quick but wasteful. Jones isn't as quick as he was, but I haven't seen enough of him in this series. I don't think anyone has. Hoggard needs the ball to swing or he's relatively easy pickings because he can't bowl a consistent length. Anderson the same, only he's even easier pickings if it's not swinging because his control is even worse. I've never had much of an opinion of him.

Pollock is a deceptively fine bowler, moving it off the seam and swinging it. He beats the bat an awful lot. Ntini's problem is that he falls away in his delivery side, so he's always bowling at an extreme angle. He would rarely hit the stumps because the ball is always travelling across the batsman. That said, he's quick and can bowl quick for long periods. And he's taken at least one bag this series. Steyn's young, with a future, and the young bloke who broke his hand in the last Test looks promising too.

Bottom line: I stand by my view that there's not much between the attacks.

quote: I understand the young bowler who has flown out this week has a lot of promise – a lad called Jon Lewis and a Tractor boy no less.

Yes, I think he's on standby for Harmison. I shall watch with interest.

quote: But to get a home draw against a team that was in your pool and that you soundly stuffed at home in that pool? It’s criminal. One might almost think ERC ltd was based in France eh?

In Toulouse. In Tamerlin's sitting room!

quote: Is it an insult to call an Antipodean resident English then? I had no idea.

You can't insult a Sandgroper. Believe me, I've tried.

quote: 60 Kilograms? There isn’t a position you could play and survive in at that weight is there. Not even scrummies are sub ten stone often.

I suppose he could carry out the kicking tee.

	19-01-2005 18:39									#252
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They could if they didn’t blow away.

quote: Wattle!

The team play in Wattle. Those muppets wear bright yellow.

quote: Bottom line: I stand by my view that there's not much between the attacks.

I’ll offer another opinion after the final test.

It seems likely at the moment that Harmison will not play. He is out of sorts anyway so they should give the young ‘un a go.

Well between us we should have attracted Ravagon’s interest. Good job he is only a naturalised sandgroper perhaps?

Oh – half way through that certain book – a healthy *cough* ego shines through – but it is interesting more for what he does not include. There is no gossip at all (a promise he made apparently) and he ignores pivotal episodes such as Dayglo’s drug debacle and player written books that caused well known problems for him.

One nugget – he says he only discovered from Rod McQueen’s book that Campo is as loathed in Australia as he is in England.

	19-01-2005 21:01									#253
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Given that he just announced a testimonial fixture at Twickenham that takes place on the same day as the opening game of the Lions tour I think we finally have confirmation that Jonno is not going.

This same pointless money earning circus (do I sound bitter?) has been announced as involving Jonah Lomu and his invitational XV. Jonah as what though? Drinks carrier? No way does the RFU want a kidney transplant patient croaking on HQ turf!!

	19-01-2005 22:58									#254
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quote: Originally posted by finbar 60 Kilograms?? Good heavens, Dermott the Old English Sheepdog weighs 41 kilograms!

It could make for a very good fullback...

quote: Oh, and I saw you loitering on the fringes of the unveiling of that big new plane in Toulouse. Trying to stow away?

Impossible, I was working and struggling into the traffic jams because of all the pundits coming in Toulouse to see the show...

	19-01-2005 23:01									#255
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I suppose he could carry out the kicking tee.

When I am in shape I can bring the tee and the ball...

	19-01-2005 23:03									#256
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quote: Originally posted by finbar In Toulouse. In Tamerlin's sitting room!

No!

	19-01-2005 23:04									#257
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I would agree that Toulouse's luck is outrageous. Any break that Toulouse gets is outrageous.

That has nothing to do with luck, skill is the appropriate word.

	20-01-2005 03:23									#258
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The team play in Wattle. Those muppets wear bright yellow.

I suppose that's one advantage of playing in white. Washing doesn't fade the colours. OTOH, it does show up the nancys in the team - Luger, Simpson-Daniel, Healy - who remain as white as driven snow at the end of a muddy match.

quote: It seems likely at the moment that Harmison will not play. He is out of sorts anyway so they should give the young ‘un a go.

I think Jones was injured for the last match. If he's fit, I want to see him again. He looked vastly more accurate than any of the others in the match he played.

The pity with Ntini is that it's obviously too late to change his action. He reduces his options terribly by falling away in the delivery stride. He's quick and very strong, but compromised.

quote: Well between us we should have attracted Ravagon’s interest. Good job he is only a naturalised sandgroper perhaps?

The Sandgropers welcome anyone. Rumor has it that Hitler works as a beach inspector at Cottesloe.

quote: One nugget – he says he only discovered from Rod McQueen’s book that Campo is as loathed in Australia as he is in England.

Oh yeah, sure. Clive's attempt at wit. Campo's not altogether loathed here. He's just not taken seriously.

	20-01-2005 03:25									#259
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Given that he just announced a testimonial fixture at Twickenham that takes place on the same day as the opening game of the Lions tour I think we finally have confirmation that Jonno is not going. This same pointless money earning circus (do I sound bitter?) has been announced as involving Jonah Lomu and his invitational XV. Jonah as what though? Drinks carrier? No way does the RFU want a kidney transplant patient croaking on HQ turf!!

A no-contact exhibition match, obviously.

And there's talk of two NH -v- SH matches to raise money for the tsunami victims. How quickly will the English clubs veto them?

	20-01-2005 03:26									#260
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin It could make for a very good fullback...

He would bring new meaning to the term innovative defence - he'd eat the ball.

quote: Impossible, I was working and struggling into the traffic jams because of all the pundits coming in Toulouse to see the show...

Ah! I heard the sound of rampant car-horn blowing in the background!

	20-01-2005 05:18									#261
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Ah! I heard the sound of rampant car-horn blowing in the background!

It can't be me neither, a long time ago (around December 2004) I would have used the car-horn but the new enlightened Tamerlin isn't using this aggressive ear blowing tool.

	20-01-2005 19:45									#262
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quote: Luger, Simpson-Daniel, Healy - who remain as white as driven snow at the end of a muddy match.

You malign VD unfairly there – he is a hard tackler and frequently covers an absent fullback in that capacity, not to mention stepping in for scragged scrummies – he definitely gets dirty even when playing on the wing. The other two I have no argument with.

Jones was injured. It looks like they intend to play him and Harmison this time after all.

quote: Campo's not altogether loathed here. He's just not taken seriously.

Read McQueens book. I understand he is genuinely not a fan of Campo as a person. No exaggeration from Clive there I suspect. Maybe the leap from McQueen to all Australia was a stretch. I bet one person there likes him.

quote: How quickly will the English clubs veto them?

Very quickly – may I remind you we are in the middle of our season. There are other ways to raise money for this worthy cause than help S12 players warm up and injure our own lads mid-season.

Incidentally are you proud of your PM for being the one who caused ‘deliver rather than promise’ rebuke from the UN when he tried to top Japan’s donation of financial aid one day later?

quote: but the new enlightened Tamerlin isn't using this aggressive ear blowing tool.

And I think we all know what enlightening and the more passive 'blowing tool' you mean. Who said Splif?

	20-01-2005 20:05									#263
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quote: Originally posted by Havak And I think we all know what enlightening and the more passive 'blowing tool' you mean. Who said Splif?

Spliff only enhances a state of mind it does not create it...

	20-01-2005 21:20									#264
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I forget - I've been strictly alcohol only for twenty years now.

	20-01-2005 21:47									#265
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I forget - I've been strictly alcohol only for twenty years now.

Alcohol dilutes a state of mind, it does not enhance it...

	21-01-2005 05:25									#266
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quote: Originally posted by Havak You malign VD unfairly there –

Moi? If so, accidentally, I'm sure.

quote: Read McQueens book. I understand he is genuinely not a fan of Campo as a person. No exaggeration from Clive there I suspect. Maybe the leap from McQueen to all Australia was a stretch. I bet one person there likes him.

I'm sure there are people who genuinely hate him. For the most part, though, he's seen as a goose, not to be taken seriously. At the same time, even his harshest critic and strongest enemy doesn't deny his playing skills. It's off the field that his problems arise.

quote: Incidentally are you proud of your PM for being the one who caused ‘deliver rather than promise’ rebuke from the UN when he tried to top Japan’s donation of financial aid one day later?

Things go from bad to worse here. The Labor Party leader Mark Latham has just quit after 13 months and an election loss citing health reasons. The health reasons are legitimate. But the line up of replacements is depressing, apart from Julia Gillard, who is the party's best performer in Parliament by a mile. She has two problems - she's a woman, from the Left. She hasn't got a hope, unfortunately. So Labor will be led by one or another of the bland, conservative male choices.

Still, on the bright side, another one of our conservative aparatchiks, a Lynton Crosby acolyte, on his way over there to work with the Tories has had his work permit refused on the basis that there are locals who can do the job.

	21-01-2005 16:55									#267
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Finbar, I have recently discovered, thanks to a friend of mine, John Irving. I have already read "The Cider House Rules" and I am about to start "The World According to Garp". I would be interested in knowing what you, as a writer, think about this author.

As far as I am concerned, "The Cider House Rules" is one of the best books I have ever read, John Irving has a very special and efficient style, this is the first time I can see such a knack at describing shocking things and yet making you smile and even laugh.

	21-01-2005 18:10									#268
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Finbar, I have recently discovered, thanks to a friend of mine, John Irving. I have already read "The Cider House Rules" and I am about to start "The World According to Garp". I would be interested in knowing what you, as a writer, think about this author. As far as I am concerned, "The Cider House Rules" is one of the best books I have ever read, John Irving has a very special and efficient style, this is the first time I can see such a knack at describing shocking things and yet making you smile and even laugh.

I haven't read "Cider House Rules", but I have read "Garp". In fact, ironically, I read it the first time I was in Europe in 1979. Wonderful book, very fine writer. As you have discovered, he has a unique style. And the film adaptation of "Garp" is also pretty good given that Irving is a very difficult author to adapt because so much of his charm is in his style. An author's style is very difficult to transfer to the screen, which is why an author like F. Scott Fitzgerald - "The Great Gatsby", etc - can't be successfully adapted to the screen. You should also, at some stage, read some of F. Scott Fitzgerald's work, "The Great Gatsby" in particular. It's sublime writing.

	24-01-2005 14:00									#269
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quote: Alcohol dilutes a state of mind, it does not enhance it...

Exactly the effect I am looking for from it.

quote: Moi? If so, accidentally, I'm sure.

quote: even his harshest critic and strongest enemy doesn't deny his playing skills

You are absolutely right – and I do not deny he was a super player.

quote: She has two problems - she's a woman, from the Left.

I take your point. In our Labour party both those things prevent access to the cabinet – the latter factor is the equivalent of shouting ‘unclean’ wherever you go.

As far as Connys go I’m just grateful our Howard is never likely to see power the way Australia’s has.

I’m looking forward to doorstep arguments with the Labour canvassers as the election approaches. I’ll teach them the history of their party (created to represent the working man) before sending them off with a flea in their ear.

quote: has had his work permit refused on the basis that there are locals who can do the job.

Couldn’t he claim asylum? On the grounds he faces persecution at home – or is that ridicule?

Seriously if he was likely to help the Tories I’m glad he was refused – I want them to face a third humiliation at the polls.

Little rugby of note this weekend except the Powergen Cup quarters. It’s left a very weak semi final draw from the following: Glaws, Leeds, Bath and London Irish.

So no big clubs left in the cup at all!

	24-01-2005 16:37									#270
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Couldn’t he claim asylum? On the grounds he faces persecution at home – or is that ridicule?

The Tories here are riding even higher than ever. With the Labor party publicly disembowelling itself yet again over a new leader, and Howard milking the tsunami tragedy for all it's worth pretending to be a statesman, things have never been more dire. I cannot wait to escape this country!

In fact, the only good news here is that we'll be getting the 6 Nations games live on FoxSports! Go the Paddys!