OK, before I start, just keep in mind my “ratings” might seem harsh to some but I have pretty high standards 😉 Also keep in mind we are all of different ages and generations and like some more than others.

@ “a”
Billy Joel – well thought out (ingenious) lyrics and catchy tune. One of my favourites. Mind you, I have a lot of favourites 😁 Newbie Rating: 6/10.

Goyte – when I see videos of artists I haven’t seen before I always close my eyes so that I can get a “feel” for the song rather than have the video possibly put me off. I did exactly that for this one and it wasn’t too bad for a first impression. Newbie Rating: 5.5/10.

Birds of Tokyo – another one I’ve not seen before. Hmm, even with eyes closed, didn’t do much for me I’m afraid brother. Good "heartbreaker" lyrics though. Oh well, taste is subjective as we all know. Newbie Rating: 4/10.

Thanks for the toons my friend 👍

@ Butcher
Yeah, remember this one fondly. Must be a “generational” thing but love me some 80s. Newbie Rating: 6/10. Cheers. Just read your “romance” story. For real? Well done buddy. What a great story. Here’s hoping you have another 30 years. Ain’t love grand 💖

@ Steely
Never even realised I’d left myself open for that Sea Eagles joke. Brought a smile to my face. Nice one 😁 Rather I didn’t hear about Rangers beating my Celtic boys though 😥. But as I always say … the longer you keep losing, the closer you get to winning (and vice-versa).

OK kids, stay well, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Cheers…

Okay Manyana I just listened to your song I’m not a fan of the verses but I do like that chorus so yeah it’s not bad

Hi "a", it wasn't so much about the song, as it was about the photos from the terrible fires, and the aftermath. Thanks for watching it .
Christine, I hope that you're somewhere where the smoke is not affecting you too much.
Re your phone, perhaps unknowingly you are pressing the numbers button while you are typing. Other than that I'm sorry but I have no advice to offer.
Cheers manyana.

Hi NuL1F3, you're not the only one who had a tear in your eye after seeing that video.
I didn't have the sound on at first and that was bad enough, but when I turned the sound on, it really made me very sad.
Anyway, hope everyone is well. I pop in occasionally to check up on what's going on, and it won't be long before the conversations will be about the upcoming (very interesting) league season.
Cheers, manyana.

Hi Butcher, I'm with you all the way, as are a lot of Aussies.
Hope your family stay safe.
Cheers, manyana.

Hi to all,
Our thoughts are with everyone that may be affected by the devastation that the fires are bringing to all Australian residents or visitors.
The stress, fatigue, loss of loved ones, home & livelihood, pets and nature of all types, that has resulted from this “event” is incredibly hard to comprehend.

1) - Manyana,
Thank you for posting the link.
I shed tears too, as I have during the news on more than one occasion, to see the devastation, loss of life (both human & animal), property and livelihood.
Words just don’t describe the courage shown by fire fighters facing the red monster day in, day out, but the pictures do!!!

2) - Mark,
No, I don’t agree with the blame being placed on the Government either, but understand that stress, fatigue and uncertainty of future will lead to a “scapegoat’ for many.

The smugness of the Labour leader, and the lack of comment by the Greens is noted, as the Media do what they do best – blow somethings out of all proportion, including holidays that have probably been planned months ahead, by tourists that now need rescuing, as well as the PM.

The logistics involved in planning assistance for people, across different states and services would be huge and not achieved without a great deal of consultation & planning.

When Mother Nature decides to throw us a curved ball, does it show humans they are not as smart as they think they are?

It certainly throws us more challenges (than we probably want) that we then fight to overcome. If anything, communities tend to strengthen with adversity and the fight for all will be a long one.

Hopefully some sane decisions will emerge from local, state and federal governments to prepare for the future, although hopefully, no one has to face the magnitude of this devastation again.

To all – keep safe.
Mary

Hey Mary S
Thanks for your well thought out comment. I always thought I'd never politicalise this tragedy but our media particularly the ABC have sought to blame our PM for everything and now so called celebrities from the USA and elsewhere are blaming our Government for "climate change"
My God has no one seen the pollution put out by China, India, Pakistan and other sub-continent or Asian countries? It's horrendous.
Yes when in opposition (Gov) it's so easy to be critical with the benefit of hindsight. Must admit I don't mind Albo a much better choice than Bill but we need unity now not opposition.

Great song their Newbie absolutely loved it

As for my song of the week this is something different to what I usually do but I personally love this song and the band

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WIm1GgfRz6M

If you listen colsey you will see a change up in the chours

NuL1F3 I’m 50:50 with your song with this but hey your taste is your taste

Lot of fake news going on about the greens not supporting hazard reduction burning at the moment judging by some of the above comments. I quote Shane Fitzsimmons RFS NSW commissioner, where he said the greens do support back burning.

SlowMo should not of taken off to Hawaii, leaders don't take off in a war and this fire season is a virtual war.

https://7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/shane-fitzsimmons-dismisses-bar...

Thanks for the songs ALL a good mix but all enjoyable.
BUTCHER
Your sense of humour is exceptional. Please keep it up until at least the seasons start and please after that as well.
JACK STARKY
We are all entitled to our political beliefs and of course I respect yours.
At this terrible time I'm not going to enter into a stoush with you.
As I said I respect your opinions and leave it at that. Have a great weekend, my friend.

ErsaStar you’re song is decent

@ Jack.Starky
Apologies mate, didn’t mean to stir the pot or get you upset. Can I just clarify?

I quoted the following the other night:

“It was mentioned the other night on the previously mentioned (non-footy) forum that rabid “Greenies” have a lot to answer for with this current bush fire tragedy.”

I was just quoting something that was bandied around on another forum I frequent and may not be exactly what I feel.

I also quoted:

“Along come the lunatic fringe thinking they know better and guess what? A total and utter shambles that will cost the nation billions of dollars and has cost human and animal lives needlessly.”

What I meant by this “lunatic fringe” is the one-eyed clowns who protest about anything and everything. Yeah we need people to protest about things that are actually wrong in this world but let me eat meat and drive a petrol fuelled car if I want to. Give me a responsible alternative that makes sense and I’m all for it. I just wish they’d put some thought into it before they try and “force” their ideals and agendas on me. We all need to live together, hopefully in peace.

I also quoted:

“Please don’t ask me for an “honest” opinion of how I feel about the Greens. Thinker would kick me off for overuse of obscenities! Suffice to say they annoy the s - - t out of me.”

After reading your comments, I actually did some research on the Greens and was (pleasantly) surprised to see they do actually support “hazard reduction” burns. But there’s a caveat of sorts. They mention on their website, and I quote:

[The Australian Greens support hazard reduction burns and backburning to reduce the impact of bushfires when guided by the best scientific, ecological and emergency service expertise.]

To me that reads they support it but only if “guided by the best scientific, ecological and emergency service expertise. That’s the kicker in my view. What if they don’t consider it the “best” advice or expertise? I stand by my comment regarding my dislike of them though. I think my view could be “tainted” by their association with the “lunatic fringe” side of things. Rightly or wrongly, that’s just how I feel. I just believe that they’re an ineffectual group of people. But hey, we need them and at least their official position is pro hazard reduction and for that I thank them.

I’m being sincere here when I say “thank you” to you Jack for getting me to do some research regarding the Greens’ position on hazard reduction. More than happy to be proven wrong my friend. This is how I learn. Thank you 👍

Apologies to you (and anyone else) if my comments offended but as we know, we all have our opinions and I for one fully respect those that have them and voice them in a rational manner.

OK, that’s all I have to say at the minute and I’ll be back later on tonight. Until then, stay well people 😍 Peace!

Yeah the greens need to be stopped now

HA HA BAGGY
Really enjoyed that Python clip but it does go to the absurdity of our current question time debate in parliament. I'm sure you may have watched "question time" at some stage to see what a farce it is.
Questions "gagged" then a vote, people changing sides, doors locked, large egg timers, then a count and a decision only for it to happen all over again. Is this the people who are running our country? A joke surely.
BUTCHER
Recently our Gov committed $50 mil to NASA space program. We haven't been told what we will get out of this or at least I haven't heard. How many water bombers would that buy?
NEWBIE
Our first Australians burnt this country on a regular basis. It reduced hazard build up around their settlements but also allowed many native flora species to regenerate. I was surprised to read just how many Australian natives need a burn for their seeds to generate.
When this horror is over, please sooner rather than later, our Pollies, no matter what party, get together with some solutions. We can't make it rain but surely some level heads can prevail. Amazing to think the south and east coast is burning while large parts of WA are drowning in cyclonic rain. Are we still "the lucky country".

“Standout Winner” Predictions – EPL Round 22

Round 21 saw just 1/3 winners. Running results so far:
Home Teams – 30/45 @ 66.67%
Away Teams – 11/18 @ 61.11%

Predictions for R22 as follows:
Home Winners – Chelsea, Everton, Man Utd, Wolves
Away Winners – Man City

@ Jack
Yeah mate, I hear ya and glad you’re (sorta) good with all this. I think as human beings we want to blame someone when we’re hurting. And we’re really hurting at the minute. Excellent comment regarding retaining all the rainwater that Mother Nature gives us. Absolutely on point 👍 Like you said, all we gotta do now is figure it out. Surely it can’t be that hard.

@ Baggy
Good points also. I realise this may sound a wee bit negative but I don’t really hold out much hope with politicians getting things fixed. I’m old enough (hey not that old) to remember when governments actually got things done because they needed doing. Bugger the cost, just get it done. This will last for generations and improve people’s lives and so on. These days (most) politicians are in it for the power trip and feathering their own nest (eggs). To them it’s just a “means to an end”. Do their 8 years and get that fully indexed, tax-free pension for life is what it’s all about. Oh how I wish it wasn’t so 😥. You caught me off guard with that video bro’ 😁. Nice one…

@ Mr Ashford
Boom! 💥

@ Esra
You old fox! Where you been hiding? Great band absolutely. Used to listen “in awe” when I just a little kid to the Allan Bros. My all-time favourite of theirs is Midnight Rider. And let’s not forget Ramblin’ Man. Ah, the joy 😍. Good on ya for sharing this one. If you like them boys I’m wondering who else you like. We might just be on a couple of similar wavelengths here bro’ 😁.

@ Steely
Yes, I do indeed have a “varied” taste in music. It all boils down to what “floats my boat” basically. To be honest, if I didn’t have music in my life I think I’d be a “lost soul” and a very, very sad and negative person. Thank the Universe for music 🎼. Now, having mentioned my “taste” in music and how much you enjoy it 😉, here’s a couple of “mellow” toons you may like to listen to. I’m not too confident many of you have heard of my boys Curtis and Paul though.

Here’s Curtis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li2MgnFnvOQ

Here’s Paul - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhu3orNqZu4

Finally, RIP David Bowie. 4 years ago today since his sad passing 😥.

OK kids, be good, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

NEWBIE
A couple of nice mellow love songs for my Saturday afternoon.
Do like this stuff just wish I had a nice mellow lady to share them with.
To Jack Starky and anyone else I may have upset with my political comments, I will comment no more in that regard.
BUTCHER & BAGGY
Keep posting funnies as I need a good laugh to get me through this tragedy. To our unbelievable firies I wish you success in your efforts and our wildlife carers, well you are just amazing.
I'm not a believer but have found myself praying for rain.

BAGGY
I just want this horror to be over. I want Aussies to return home and if it's gone then our Gov to help rebuild with no questions asked. I want our beautiful wildlife to survive and no matter what it takes to ensure they go on. We have perhaps the most beautiful place on earth to live in and need to take care of it. #7 showed pictures of Koalas & Kangaroos burning this morning, reduced me a tough old fisherman to tears.
Please God let this be over,

Christine you don’t need to worry about your spelling here we all make mistakes especially me