Leeds United begin the new English Championship season this Saturday with a home game against Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road. The summer has been somewhat familiar to last season. An off season spent seemingly penniless and an all too familiar feeling that we're short a few players. In actual fact we're not short of any players, it's just that we don't have an adequate level of talent across the park.
The 3 new signings will add something. Luke Murphy at 23 and a captain back at Crewe Alexandra, looks to have the right mix as a midfielder. His leadership skills are obvious, his talent on the ball critical but as of yet not really tested at a high enough level. He'll get a good test this weekend. He looks a player who will develop strongly at Leeds United, at least it's hoped. The second key signing is that of Noel Hunt from Reading. Hunt will add some experience up front, his guile and movement around the box make him one to be wary of for opposing defenders. He also brings good character to the squad, something that shouldn't be overlooked in football. Hunt may not bang in 20 goals this season but his hard work is sure to lay on its share of assists.
Matt Smith is third signing to date. Smith, arriving from Oldham on a free transfer is something different. Some have dubbed him the Peter Crouch of League One. His lanky frame does not diminish his work on the ball or his ability to move. He will no doubt be a tricky customer although is unproven at this level. The 3 above signings may well be upgrades but the trouble is there is only 3 of them. That means the rest of the squad is essentially last season's underwhelming squad led by Neil Warnock. It's true though that under Brian McDermott's late reign the side did perform better. The trouble is that McDermott still has a squad that is almost entirely to Neil Warnock's liking. Judging by that and the two managers styles of football. This is far from good.
McDermott this week has hinted there may be another departure from his current squad. If so, the plan is to bring in another new player. The trouble is, for this squad to be anything serious this season, 2 or 3 more need to go. I feel we're way over stocked in the midfield. Michael Brown, David Norris, Danny Pugh and even Michael Tonge could be considered surplus if the right players are bought in to replace them. There's the same in defence. Lee Peltier doesn't seem a guy who's likely to be a long term option, neither does Adam Drury or Jason Pearce. Of the above mentioned Norris, Pugh, Peltier and Drury should be moved on. If we could bring in two players, that would be ideal.
My theory on GFH is that they whilst they are not spending money, well, much of it. The lack of spending is down to the fact that the squad is big enough already. It's just unbalanced with too many players in one position and not enough in others. Rather than risk building up a large wage bill, it's easier to come out and say that players need to go before you bring in. I get that. And I agree. GFH certainly appear to have a long term plan and ambition that is based on sustainability. I'm excited about that but also patient because I realize my ambition of Premier League promotion may have to wait at least another season. But knowing that my club is healthy at the same time is an extremely satisfying feeling at a time when many clubs are feeling the pinch financially.
So what are my expectations this season? For me it's all about promotion. I would love to get there but sadly I realize that may not materialize if we can't do things properly in quick enough time. Players need to move on before others come in. With that being the case, the new season may be one of stability and further prep work towards a tilt at promotion next season.
Prediction: 10th-14th
Assuming other players will leave and come in, I do see Leeds continuing to improve. Our football under McDermott has improved and so too has the genuine atmosphere around the club. I believe that will translate into more positive results. The club seems to pulling in the right direction now and the fans will respond. This will be a better season.
Player of the Year : Rodolph Austin
Based of what I've read from teammates this pre season, Rudy is going to be an ever present in the line up and back to the form he's been capable of delivering. I believe he'll benefit from a strong pre season under McDermott. People forget that last season he also came from the Norweigan league and with an earlier kick off date meant an extraordinarily long season.
Young Player of the Year:
It's hard to go past Sam Byram again. Sam aside I'm hoping Dom Poleon can make the grade and that Chris Dawson can emerge from the metaphoric high chair and become a useful first team squad member.
Opening Day prediction:
Leeds United 2-1 Brighton
Got my money on a 2-1 here with goals from Ross McCormack and Noel Hunt. It promises to be a close match up, a real contest that could go either way. No Poyet in charge will hurt Brighton with Leeds the home side doing just enough to see off the visitors.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Did you just call Australia a racist?
The racist rant aimed at South Sydney league star Greg Inglis yesterday again raises the question, "When will we ever learn??". I am dumbfounded by the never ending tirade our indigenous Australians seem to face. It's not only the indigenous who face this day to day though. I've witnessed countless racist attacks on unsuspecting members of the public whilst at work. Some of these are spite driven, with a horrible undertone delivered to it. Other attacks are softer, almost to the point of a bit of harmless fun. Which again is far from acceptable.
The overwhelming feeling from me is that we still don't get it as a nation. We have our campaigns and groups which encourage anti racism and these things are great. However there are still countless racist rants floating around by people who do think it's okay. Sure we're talking about minority who offend here but if we all sat back and took a look at what we saw around us, we'd be shocked to realize this "minority" is a little bigger than we'd like. I couldn't tell you the amount of times, myself being an Australian, that i've had to listen to someone be racist and confide in me thinking that their rant is okay because i'm an aussie and that i'll agree. WRONG!
I've worked with people from different cultures and i've learnt to understand them and appreciate them. There are things we can learn from them. A lot of these things never happen because they get lost in translation, which is often why a lot of people seem to racially rant because they feel these people are dumb. That too is wrong. This is a generic and dumb conclusion to draw.
My concern for this country is not so much that we don't do enough to eradicate racism, I think we're trying to do so. My concern is that too many of us just don't get it. I know plenty of people who i don't think are racist but will make racist jokes. We all know these people. They think so long as the victim doesn't hear it, that it's okay. We'll not really! At it's most simplest form, life is about people interacting with other people. We can teach people things and we can learn things from others. None of us are perfect, or have things figured out. There is a lot to learn from everyone we come into contact with. I've found people from other cultures always have something we can learn from. We should be embracing cultures. Not arrogantly shooting them down and portraying ourselves as superior.
One of these days, the world will finally GET it. At least i hope........
The overwhelming feeling from me is that we still don't get it as a nation. We have our campaigns and groups which encourage anti racism and these things are great. However there are still countless racist rants floating around by people who do think it's okay. Sure we're talking about minority who offend here but if we all sat back and took a look at what we saw around us, we'd be shocked to realize this "minority" is a little bigger than we'd like. I couldn't tell you the amount of times, myself being an Australian, that i've had to listen to someone be racist and confide in me thinking that their rant is okay because i'm an aussie and that i'll agree. WRONG!
I've worked with people from different cultures and i've learnt to understand them and appreciate them. There are things we can learn from them. A lot of these things never happen because they get lost in translation, which is often why a lot of people seem to racially rant because they feel these people are dumb. That too is wrong. This is a generic and dumb conclusion to draw.
My concern for this country is not so much that we don't do enough to eradicate racism, I think we're trying to do so. My concern is that too many of us just don't get it. I know plenty of people who i don't think are racist but will make racist jokes. We all know these people. They think so long as the victim doesn't hear it, that it's okay. We'll not really! At it's most simplest form, life is about people interacting with other people. We can teach people things and we can learn things from others. None of us are perfect, or have things figured out. There is a lot to learn from everyone we come into contact with. I've found people from other cultures always have something we can learn from. We should be embracing cultures. Not arrogantly shooting them down and portraying ourselves as superior.
One of these days, the world will finally GET it. At least i hope........
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Benji - via @NothingButWT
Via @NothingButWT
Let me start by congratulating Benji Marshall on a great career. He will (hopefully) finish with 200 NRL games for the club, our leading tryscorer, pointscorer and will always be remembered for "that" pass. What happened behind closed doors is for Benji, Tauber, the club and the NRL to know. Rugby League is a business, and at this time Mayer and Wests Tigers management is working overtime to ensure a dominant future past 2013. Both Benji and the club need to do whats best for them moving forward. Not all Rugby League players get the fairytale goodbye.
Let me start by congratulating Benji Marshall on a great career. He will (hopefully) finish with 200 NRL games for the club, our leading tryscorer, pointscorer and will always be remembered for "that" pass. What happened behind closed doors is for Benji, Tauber, the club and the NRL to know. Rugby League is a business, and at this time Mayer and Wests Tigers management is working overtime to ensure a dominant future past 2013. Both Benji and the club need to do whats best for them moving forward. Not all Rugby League players get the fairytale goodbye.
As Robbie Farah said yesterday, "No one player is bigger than a footy club." Benji's legacy will always live on at Wests Tigers.
Moving Forward
In 2014, we will have depth through the club that we have not seen before. We will have a good mix of youth and experience. For fans asking why the club needs to make players who are 'untested' in the NRL a priority it is as simple as this. Guys like Brooks, Moses and Nofoaluma have fielded offers from rival clubs over the past two years and some of the offers are downright ridiculous. Players like Brooks, Moses, Lovett and Santi, although still to play first grade, are players which the club have to keep. Our under 20's have been the brunt of a lot of criticism this year about 'underperforming' but it is overlooked that Tedesco, Sironen and Nofoaluma are still eligible. Injuries have enabled the club to test players like Luke Brooks in the NSW Cup which will only help his development.
Whether it is Benji Marshall, Luke Brooks or Mitchell Moses, it is important to remember what occurred to Taniela Tuiaki and Simon Dwyer. Nothing in life (or rugby league) is a given.
Fans are understandably nervous about 2014 and beyond, but remember this, players from the graduation class of Farah, Fulton, Halatau and co have said the talent we will see in 2014 at Wests Tigers is unparalleled. Robbie Farah made no secret that a major reason he re-signed was due to the talent at the club. I am not going to sit here and tell you that all of the 20+ players we have in NRL and NSW Cup who are 22 years of age or younger are going to play 200 NRL games, win premierships and represent their country, but we have the base to work with, as we have the most talented group in Rugby League.
It is time to have faith in our junior system. Since the start of the National Youth Competition we have seen 30 players who have graduated from the Wests Tigers U20's and play NRL. Before a ball was kicked in 2013 the thought of having 7 debutants and playing games with 8 players who had less than 10 games NRL experience was 'far-fetched'. The injury crisis the club battled this year, in my opinion, has helped the club for next season.
To the believers that 'only Benji can guide the new talent around the NRL', i say this. Within our current squad, Robbie Farah, Braith Anasta, Aaron Woods, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair, Chris Lawrence and co all made their debuts as teenagers or as 20 year olds. They know the expectation, they know the feeling.
Because of these points, i believe we will enter season 2014 in the strongest position the club has been in. Support the jersey, Support the badge. Yes we have lost a superstar, but another is about to take the NRL by storm.
Management
For too long, retention, recruitment and fan interaction has been a huge blight on the club. Point the finger at whoever you like over this, but 6 weeks ago Grant Mayer became COO of the Wests Tigers. In that time we have seen Marty Taupau join the club, Keith Galloway re-sign for 3 years and extensions for 2014 provided to James Gavet and Ava Seumanufagai. I have no doubt that Mick Potter and Grant Mayer are the best people for the job to help the club move forward.
Fans
So we have two months of guaranteed footy left in 2013, I was disgusted to see fans threaten to boycott games 'in honour of Benji'. If you are considering boycotting games just remember this, Benji has his last game at Leichhardt, his last game at Campbelltown and his 200th game coming up. Who are you trying to punish?
Finally, to the fans who say they will burn their Wests Tigers jerseys, all i can say is, please do it. All it means is that you will have nothing to wear when you feel like jumping back on the bandwagon.
Monday, 15 July 2013
The Benji conundrum!
I sit here this morning still finding it pretty hard to believe what has transpired in the past 12-13 hours. Yes, a check of the papers this morning confirms the black cloud that hovers over all Wests Tigers fans this morning is indeed still there:
BENJI MARSHALL IS LEAVING WESTS TIGERS!
Currently there is divided opinion on Benji's decision from fans of the Wests Tigers and and those of the game in general. Some feel that a player of Benji's value and service to the club should've been looked after - end of story! Others believe the guy is now past his best and should probably have accepted the offer as the best he can now command. Whilst others, myself included, believe the truth is probably somewhere in between. For those of us out of the know, well we'll just have to accept the facts that we do know. That Benji was presented an upgraded contract for the next 2 seasons and he rejected the terms, then seeking a release.
One thing i do know though is that this situation is far from ideal. It's not ideal for Benji, it's not ideal for Wests Tigers and it's not ideal for Rugby League. We're talking about one of the games most marketable players. He may have polarized some opinions but i think there's little doubt he is one of the game's modern day greats. From an attacking perspective i believe Benji pioneered a new breed of footballer. His skills are so silky, his ability to chance his arm, whilst always debatable, thrilled most people. Everyone remembers his flick pass for Pat Richards in the 2005 grand final win. What was he thinking? Is this guy nuts??? To this day he remains one of the games best attacking players. Statistically always up there for try assists, line break assists, line breaks and tackle busts.
2013 has not been a good year for Benji. In fact it's fair to say it's been his most challenging yet. After already having to deal with the departure of close friend and long time Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, he then suffered the pain of losing the job as New Zealand Captain. That must have been shattering. Rumours were he would not even be selected in the squad. A turf toe injury put to rest that question though. His on field form for Wests Tigers had been insipid at best. The effort was always there but the execution and his confidence seemed to both fall away. He was dropped to the bench by coach Mick Potter in a game v Souths in a move i feel seemed to work because it bought with it a reaction. His form has slowly improved since that game. Though it's fair to say he's still not at his best weeks later.
These recent contract negotiations have clearly been tough. Tough for Wests Tigers, it's fans and most of all Benji. Benji has come out and said that after discussions with the then CEO Stephen Humphreys, that they had discussed a further 2 year extension to his current contract which would've tied him till 2017. This talk was only ever on a hand shake agreement and one that still had to be ratified with the board. However Humphreys since that time has resigned. Stepping in to the negotiations has been COO Grant Mayer. He and his board met and approved only an upgrade to his current deal. This was a clause in the current deal that allowed the deal to be restructured under a new salary cap. Wests Tigers honored this.
As we now know though, Benji has declined the offer. Reportedly on the grounds that he was first offered a further 2 years to his current deal. This is now where the situation becomes murky. There's not many people out there who will know the truth to how this played out. Plenty will say they will, but few will seriously know. This is how i look at it. Weather or not Benji was offered a further 2 years under a "hand shake" agreement with Humphreys is of little significance. This was never approved by the board and ultimately all deals need board approval.
Okay, morally Benji probably does have a point if this is indeed how it played out. Wests Tigers though cannot simply move heaven and earth to satisfy Benji. The board and Grant Mayer agreed to honor the clause in his contract and rightly so. They offered a deal which was fair for Benji and his status in the game. Also, remember this. It is an upgrade. Meaning he would now be paid more than previously. Which given current form is probably a little fortunate from Benji's perspective.
Ultimately, Wests Tigers needed to be mindful and responsible in their dealings. There is a wealth of young talent coming through the club these days. The youth plan has been developing nicely over the past 3-4 years and only now are we beginning to see the fruits of this. The Tigers decided to make this priority number one. To nurture and retain their talented young players. Therefore it sits comfortably with me that the club would only raise the bar so high with Benji. They had to act responsibly for the sake of the club and it's future. Guys like James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Marika Koroibete, Curtis Sironen, Sauaso Sue, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, Brendan Santi, Kyle Lovett and Nathan Brown amongst others are our future, and significant time has been invested in them. Would it be right to sacrfice a long term investment for one player who's form has not been top shelf for quite some time now?? I don't believe so. This is why the club i feel was right to only raise the bar on Benji to a certain point. It needed to think long term and NOT short term.
All this aside though it's still a sad time for Wests Tigers. Benji will forever be one of this club's greatest ever players. And having him leave prematurely does hurt. In an ideal world he would've agreed to his upgrade. He has bought so many fans to the game. I feel terrible for all the young Tigers fans who have to face up to the reality that their hero is leaving. I'm sure there are tears, i know there are tears. I will miss his ability to conjure a play that simply wasn't there. His instinct. It was his greatest strength. I often thought that a lot of his errors occurred because he often thought a level ahead of his team mates. He could see what his team mates couldn't process at the same time.
Benji though is an institution at Wests Tigers. Some will call him Wests Tigers. That when people think Wests Tigers they think Benji Marshall. His 11 years of service have been incredible. From the lows of recurring shoulder injuries to the highs of a grand final win in 2005. I was overseas when he was exceptional in the 2008 World Cup. He was tremendous in periods of 2010-11. These are the things i will remember him for. He made going to the football just that little bit more fun. He always had you anticipating something brilliant. He was more than capable of it.
If i saw Benji now, i would thank him for his service. For he has provided us Wests Tigers fans with so many moments of joy. He gave this club it's hope. Help turned us from a basket case into a contender. I got no doubt that Rugby League thrives these days because of the impact stars like Benji have had over the his past 11 years. It doesn't seem right for Rugby League to lose him. Benji's loyalty to this club though means we will lose him though.
The reality though for our club is that star players will always move on at some point. The club though will always be here. It will remain here to provide opportunities to other players. The good news is there will be other star players to throw on a Wests Tigers jersey. We will recover. We will survive. Benji though will ALWAYS be remembered.
BENJI MARSHALL IS LEAVING WESTS TIGERS!
Currently there is divided opinion on Benji's decision from fans of the Wests Tigers and and those of the game in general. Some feel that a player of Benji's value and service to the club should've been looked after - end of story! Others believe the guy is now past his best and should probably have accepted the offer as the best he can now command. Whilst others, myself included, believe the truth is probably somewhere in between. For those of us out of the know, well we'll just have to accept the facts that we do know. That Benji was presented an upgraded contract for the next 2 seasons and he rejected the terms, then seeking a release.
One thing i do know though is that this situation is far from ideal. It's not ideal for Benji, it's not ideal for Wests Tigers and it's not ideal for Rugby League. We're talking about one of the games most marketable players. He may have polarized some opinions but i think there's little doubt he is one of the game's modern day greats. From an attacking perspective i believe Benji pioneered a new breed of footballer. His skills are so silky, his ability to chance his arm, whilst always debatable, thrilled most people. Everyone remembers his flick pass for Pat Richards in the 2005 grand final win. What was he thinking? Is this guy nuts??? To this day he remains one of the games best attacking players. Statistically always up there for try assists, line break assists, line breaks and tackle busts.
2013 has not been a good year for Benji. In fact it's fair to say it's been his most challenging yet. After already having to deal with the departure of close friend and long time Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, he then suffered the pain of losing the job as New Zealand Captain. That must have been shattering. Rumours were he would not even be selected in the squad. A turf toe injury put to rest that question though. His on field form for Wests Tigers had been insipid at best. The effort was always there but the execution and his confidence seemed to both fall away. He was dropped to the bench by coach Mick Potter in a game v Souths in a move i feel seemed to work because it bought with it a reaction. His form has slowly improved since that game. Though it's fair to say he's still not at his best weeks later.
These recent contract negotiations have clearly been tough. Tough for Wests Tigers, it's fans and most of all Benji. Benji has come out and said that after discussions with the then CEO Stephen Humphreys, that they had discussed a further 2 year extension to his current contract which would've tied him till 2017. This talk was only ever on a hand shake agreement and one that still had to be ratified with the board. However Humphreys since that time has resigned. Stepping in to the negotiations has been COO Grant Mayer. He and his board met and approved only an upgrade to his current deal. This was a clause in the current deal that allowed the deal to be restructured under a new salary cap. Wests Tigers honored this.
As we now know though, Benji has declined the offer. Reportedly on the grounds that he was first offered a further 2 years to his current deal. This is now where the situation becomes murky. There's not many people out there who will know the truth to how this played out. Plenty will say they will, but few will seriously know. This is how i look at it. Weather or not Benji was offered a further 2 years under a "hand shake" agreement with Humphreys is of little significance. This was never approved by the board and ultimately all deals need board approval.
Okay, morally Benji probably does have a point if this is indeed how it played out. Wests Tigers though cannot simply move heaven and earth to satisfy Benji. The board and Grant Mayer agreed to honor the clause in his contract and rightly so. They offered a deal which was fair for Benji and his status in the game. Also, remember this. It is an upgrade. Meaning he would now be paid more than previously. Which given current form is probably a little fortunate from Benji's perspective.
Ultimately, Wests Tigers needed to be mindful and responsible in their dealings. There is a wealth of young talent coming through the club these days. The youth plan has been developing nicely over the past 3-4 years and only now are we beginning to see the fruits of this. The Tigers decided to make this priority number one. To nurture and retain their talented young players. Therefore it sits comfortably with me that the club would only raise the bar so high with Benji. They had to act responsibly for the sake of the club and it's future. Guys like James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Marika Koroibete, Curtis Sironen, Sauaso Sue, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, Brendan Santi, Kyle Lovett and Nathan Brown amongst others are our future, and significant time has been invested in them. Would it be right to sacrfice a long term investment for one player who's form has not been top shelf for quite some time now?? I don't believe so. This is why the club i feel was right to only raise the bar on Benji to a certain point. It needed to think long term and NOT short term.
All this aside though it's still a sad time for Wests Tigers. Benji will forever be one of this club's greatest ever players. And having him leave prematurely does hurt. In an ideal world he would've agreed to his upgrade. He has bought so many fans to the game. I feel terrible for all the young Tigers fans who have to face up to the reality that their hero is leaving. I'm sure there are tears, i know there are tears. I will miss his ability to conjure a play that simply wasn't there. His instinct. It was his greatest strength. I often thought that a lot of his errors occurred because he often thought a level ahead of his team mates. He could see what his team mates couldn't process at the same time.
Benji though is an institution at Wests Tigers. Some will call him Wests Tigers. That when people think Wests Tigers they think Benji Marshall. His 11 years of service have been incredible. From the lows of recurring shoulder injuries to the highs of a grand final win in 2005. I was overseas when he was exceptional in the 2008 World Cup. He was tremendous in periods of 2010-11. These are the things i will remember him for. He made going to the football just that little bit more fun. He always had you anticipating something brilliant. He was more than capable of it.
If i saw Benji now, i would thank him for his service. For he has provided us Wests Tigers fans with so many moments of joy. He gave this club it's hope. Help turned us from a basket case into a contender. I got no doubt that Rugby League thrives these days because of the impact stars like Benji have had over the his past 11 years. It doesn't seem right for Rugby League to lose him. Benji's loyalty to this club though means we will lose him though.
The reality though for our club is that star players will always move on at some point. The club though will always be here. It will remain here to provide opportunities to other players. The good news is there will be other star players to throw on a Wests Tigers jersey. We will recover. We will survive. Benji though will ALWAYS be remembered.
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
The Soundtrack to our lives.....or is that to our personality?
So i sit here now with Paramore's "Future' blaring in the background. Which is kind of fitting for what i want to write today. You see, Since Paramore's "All We Know is Falling" (2005), they have been part of the future that i have created. That's now 8 years i've taken a ride with the now trio from Tennessee. Then there's New Found Glory who remarkably i've followed since the year 2000 - 13 years now!! Throw in Anberlin who since 2005 i've grown really fond of. You get the idea here. I've spent a fair portion of time committing and growing with the same bands. The question is why? And why do we all do things like this??
I like to think that in the most simplest of thoughts the reason we connect to a band is more than just a catchy tune. Sure, that catchy tune may well be what attracts us to a band initially, but what is it that makes us stay with that band. For me anyways i look beyond the music and lyrics. There are many a great song writers in our time. They are to me, on par with authors. The good ones ooze creative talent, often write the words we simple folk think but can never put into words so well. As much as i respect the song writing process, it's the actions, morals and beliefs which stick with me.
One particular band that has my full respect is Anberlin. I first saw them live in 2005. 8 years ago now. 7 albums have passed since 2003's "Blueprints for the Blackmarket". The thing that struck me most that night back in 2005 was the genuinity of the band that night. It was a band that was humbled by what had been given to them and where it had led them. They appreciated even the little aspects of their success. Over the 8 years i feel like i've grown with them. I've watched them grow from young 20's in to the men they are today.
The respect i have though is not just about their music. It's about what they stand for in life. I'm over the catchy pop hooks. They don't lure me in to anyone's music. The artist needs substance. A substance that i can relate to. In the case of Anberlin they admit to being a band with Christian values, like myself - a man of christian values. Further more i believe i have a heart which is open to people. Particularly the vulnerable. In fact Anberlin were one of two bands (the other being Switchfoot) who got my attention on the non-profit "To Write Love On Her Arms", a Florida based organization which works with people who are struggling with some of life's most difficult issues such as depression, thoughts of suicide and self harm. I'm thankful that i know of this non-profit because my eyes have been opened to the fact that our world is far from pretty. It's screwed up and that's okay. This world we live in is far from perfect and the fact that there is a community that exists to lend support to those caught up in it, is beautiful.
Paramore are another band who have led me to another non-profit who i think do amazing work. "Love 146". Love 146 exists to abolish one of this worlds most evil trades, child sex trafficking and exploitation. Myself, i cannot fathom how people can support such evil. I'll never understand it fully perhaps but to see this non profit fighting the way they fight is inspiring. The world can be a better place.It warms my heart that there are people out there who care this much.
To know that two of my favourite bands support such important social dilemma's is a massive thing because like i said earlier, i want more than a catchy tune in my music. I want substance. I want these bands to stand for something far more important than their music. Having beliefs and morals is an issue of the heart. In this case it's about what's just and fair. it's about showing care and love for people other than yourself. Just because your life is swimmingly great doesn't mean the world is in the same place. I truly wish the world could open their eyes. Why did the world mock Invisible Children when they launched their Kony campaign? Why did we need to shoot down Jason Russell in the weeks that followed? Was that what the Kony campaign was meant to achieve? Again, the world thought only of itself and down played the nature of concern about Kony. The world seems to act rather skeptical towards a lot of non profits organization these days. Why can't the world channel the same energy into listening and acting in support of the worlds social justice issues and stigmas.
I guess in conclusion. What i've realized is that much of the music i listen to these days comes down two things. First, a sound that i identify with and enjoy. And secondly it comes back to the artist or band and the things they stand for. In a time where i can ramble on about Robin Thicke and how i have NO resepect for him and his career for his decision to write songs about rape, I choose not to because he doesn't deserve the time. The world has enough people criticizing this douchebag. Instead i'll sit here and promote bands and artists who appeal to my very way of life and thank God for them and their songs and of course their hearts.
www.anberlin.com
www.paramore.net
www.towriteloveonherarms.com
www.love146.org
I like to think that in the most simplest of thoughts the reason we connect to a band is more than just a catchy tune. Sure, that catchy tune may well be what attracts us to a band initially, but what is it that makes us stay with that band. For me anyways i look beyond the music and lyrics. There are many a great song writers in our time. They are to me, on par with authors. The good ones ooze creative talent, often write the words we simple folk think but can never put into words so well. As much as i respect the song writing process, it's the actions, morals and beliefs which stick with me.
One particular band that has my full respect is Anberlin. I first saw them live in 2005. 8 years ago now. 7 albums have passed since 2003's "Blueprints for the Blackmarket". The thing that struck me most that night back in 2005 was the genuinity of the band that night. It was a band that was humbled by what had been given to them and where it had led them. They appreciated even the little aspects of their success. Over the 8 years i feel like i've grown with them. I've watched them grow from young 20's in to the men they are today.
The respect i have though is not just about their music. It's about what they stand for in life. I'm over the catchy pop hooks. They don't lure me in to anyone's music. The artist needs substance. A substance that i can relate to. In the case of Anberlin they admit to being a band with Christian values, like myself - a man of christian values. Further more i believe i have a heart which is open to people. Particularly the vulnerable. In fact Anberlin were one of two bands (the other being Switchfoot) who got my attention on the non-profit "To Write Love On Her Arms", a Florida based organization which works with people who are struggling with some of life's most difficult issues such as depression, thoughts of suicide and self harm. I'm thankful that i know of this non-profit because my eyes have been opened to the fact that our world is far from pretty. It's screwed up and that's okay. This world we live in is far from perfect and the fact that there is a community that exists to lend support to those caught up in it, is beautiful.
Paramore are another band who have led me to another non-profit who i think do amazing work. "Love 146". Love 146 exists to abolish one of this worlds most evil trades, child sex trafficking and exploitation. Myself, i cannot fathom how people can support such evil. I'll never understand it fully perhaps but to see this non profit fighting the way they fight is inspiring. The world can be a better place.It warms my heart that there are people out there who care this much.
To know that two of my favourite bands support such important social dilemma's is a massive thing because like i said earlier, i want more than a catchy tune in my music. I want substance. I want these bands to stand for something far more important than their music. Having beliefs and morals is an issue of the heart. In this case it's about what's just and fair. it's about showing care and love for people other than yourself. Just because your life is swimmingly great doesn't mean the world is in the same place. I truly wish the world could open their eyes. Why did the world mock Invisible Children when they launched their Kony campaign? Why did we need to shoot down Jason Russell in the weeks that followed? Was that what the Kony campaign was meant to achieve? Again, the world thought only of itself and down played the nature of concern about Kony. The world seems to act rather skeptical towards a lot of non profits organization these days. Why can't the world channel the same energy into listening and acting in support of the worlds social justice issues and stigmas.
I guess in conclusion. What i've realized is that much of the music i listen to these days comes down two things. First, a sound that i identify with and enjoy. And secondly it comes back to the artist or band and the things they stand for. In a time where i can ramble on about Robin Thicke and how i have NO resepect for him and his career for his decision to write songs about rape, I choose not to because he doesn't deserve the time. The world has enough people criticizing this douchebag. Instead i'll sit here and promote bands and artists who appeal to my very way of life and thank God for them and their songs and of course their hearts.
www.anberlin.com
www.paramore.net
www.towriteloveonherarms.com
www.love146.org
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Drunken Douches
So this morning I got around to watching Joe Hildebrand's latest offering on ABC2 - "Shitsville Express". After enjoying his first offering - "Dumb, Drunk and Racist", I kind of knew what to expect and Shitsville didn't really disappoint. Joe has the ability to target a confronting issue and do it whilst managing to either not bore, depress or weird out his viewers. There is a comical side to his presentation but it never forgets its true purpose - to provoke a serious issue.
In "Shitsville Express" Ep.1 we learn about one of society's ugly ducklings......alcohol related violence. This itself is a topic that I loathe. You see, I believe society has a massive drinking problem. Society is essentially an alcoholic with a binge drinking problem. Trouble is people want to talk, but there doesn't seem to be enough people doing something about it. We seem to suggest the problem, offer alternatives and then get shot down by someone who says "oh no, that won't work!".
Shitsville offered examples ranging from a group of girls getting liquored up before going out because it was cheaper that way, to the cleary too young teenage boys roaming around city streets drunk and talking gibberish. There was also the sobering reality of witnessing the effects of what alcoholic violence can bring to a victim.
The reality is that this is a MASSIVE society issue, and it's one that's not getting better. In fact where crime rates are going down, drunken crime rates are soaring in the other direction. Why is that we hound our sportstars like Josh Dugan or David Warner and gloat about how it's not acceptable for them to be out drinking and carrying on when what they are doing is no different to what happens in every Australian town in every Australian state, EVERY weekend???
I often wonder about society's slipping moral standards. These days it's even more acceptable to basically do whatever we want. It's all about rights, so they say. Heck, even criminals have their rights. When it comes to alcohol related crime though I think these rights should diminish. Rights are for the genuine, the doo gooders or the ones who are led astray. They're there to protect us. In the case of alcohol related violence though i'm sick of hearing excuses being made when alcohol is involved.
We've probably all had too much to drink at one point or another in our lives, but you know what? You do generally know when to stop. Or you should know. There usually comes a moment when you know you've reached that point and you have to make the sensible decision. This is where your rights either stay with you, when you decide to stop, or your rights leave you, when you decide to become inebriated and lose control over your behaviour. In my opinion the onus needs to go back on to the individual offending. I don't really think it's acceptable to come out say that "Oh it was the drugs or the alcohol that clouded my judgement". Or that "I'm an alcoholic, have mercy on me please, it's tough!" Remember, it was your choice!
At the end of the day, a young guy who goes out on the piss on a Saturday night is responsible for his own actions. He got himself there in one piece, he can get himself home in one piece - IF he makes the right choices. If that same guy is going to get drunk, he needs to know that he is the one in control of his emotions. If you over step the mark, you've overstepped the mark. End of story. Don't blame anything or anyone but yourself. It was your choice.
If violence is not acceptable when sober, then why should alcohol ever be an excuse. In my opinion it just makes a person look even dumber. Our judicial system needs to come down harder on the fools who do this. Years of slapping them on the wrists has led to what?? Oh that's right - drunken crime is soaring through the roof.
In "Shitsville Express" Ep.1 we learn about one of society's ugly ducklings......alcohol related violence. This itself is a topic that I loathe. You see, I believe society has a massive drinking problem. Society is essentially an alcoholic with a binge drinking problem. Trouble is people want to talk, but there doesn't seem to be enough people doing something about it. We seem to suggest the problem, offer alternatives and then get shot down by someone who says "oh no, that won't work!".
Shitsville offered examples ranging from a group of girls getting liquored up before going out because it was cheaper that way, to the cleary too young teenage boys roaming around city streets drunk and talking gibberish. There was also the sobering reality of witnessing the effects of what alcoholic violence can bring to a victim.
The reality is that this is a MASSIVE society issue, and it's one that's not getting better. In fact where crime rates are going down, drunken crime rates are soaring in the other direction. Why is that we hound our sportstars like Josh Dugan or David Warner and gloat about how it's not acceptable for them to be out drinking and carrying on when what they are doing is no different to what happens in every Australian town in every Australian state, EVERY weekend???
I often wonder about society's slipping moral standards. These days it's even more acceptable to basically do whatever we want. It's all about rights, so they say. Heck, even criminals have their rights. When it comes to alcohol related crime though I think these rights should diminish. Rights are for the genuine, the doo gooders or the ones who are led astray. They're there to protect us. In the case of alcohol related violence though i'm sick of hearing excuses being made when alcohol is involved.
We've probably all had too much to drink at one point or another in our lives, but you know what? You do generally know when to stop. Or you should know. There usually comes a moment when you know you've reached that point and you have to make the sensible decision. This is where your rights either stay with you, when you decide to stop, or your rights leave you, when you decide to become inebriated and lose control over your behaviour. In my opinion the onus needs to go back on to the individual offending. I don't really think it's acceptable to come out say that "Oh it was the drugs or the alcohol that clouded my judgement". Or that "I'm an alcoholic, have mercy on me please, it's tough!" Remember, it was your choice!
At the end of the day, a young guy who goes out on the piss on a Saturday night is responsible for his own actions. He got himself there in one piece, he can get himself home in one piece - IF he makes the right choices. If that same guy is going to get drunk, he needs to know that he is the one in control of his emotions. If you over step the mark, you've overstepped the mark. End of story. Don't blame anything or anyone but yourself. It was your choice.
If violence is not acceptable when sober, then why should alcohol ever be an excuse. In my opinion it just makes a person look even dumber. Our judicial system needs to come down harder on the fools who do this. Years of slapping them on the wrists has led to what?? Oh that's right - drunken crime is soaring through the roof.
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