Last weekend, when driving around a sharp bend (that overlooks one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful ocean views anywhere in the world), I remembered an incident that happened on that very spot over forty years earlier. On that day, my best mate demonstrated that he would not put up with bullying or bullshit from anyone. He bloody nearly got himself (and me) killed, but … [Read more...]
Olympics Rugby Teams – Who are the greatest?
U.S.A. Olympic Rugby Champions The mighty United States of America hold the record, of course! The Seppos won the gold medal in the 1920 (Antwerp, Belgium) games and the 1924 (Paris, France) games meaning that they are the only country to win the Rugby Olympic gold medal twice. Other gold medalists are France and Australasia (Wallabies) who have won the gold once … [Read more...]
Meaning of Valentine’s Day? A day of commemoration for lovers of surf journalism.
First surf journalist - James Cook February 14 is most commonly associated with Valentine’s Day… or the day in which lovers declare their devotion to the special person in their life. To most of the population February 14 means red roses, chocolates and the baring of one’s soul to a secret beloved. To true sports lovers, however, February 14 is not a day of celebration, but … [Read more...]
Confessions of an addicted mungo – my love for League (and the Rabbitohs)
We’ve all heard the joke about the good ol’ boy from Bumcrack, Alabama, who likes two kinds of music - country AND western. Well, I am similarly mono-cultural in my appreciation of footy. Being born and bred in Sydney in that golden age before the AFL’s South Melbourne arrived in town to re-brand itself as the Swans (until they won the 2005 grand-final, whereupon coach … [Read more...]
A bad day at Palmy – surfies and clubbies at war!
Shane was stoked that Kiddies Corner at South Palm Beach was firing up after days of shitty southerly storm conditions making surfing impossible right up and down the Northern Beaches. It was 8.00 a.m. Sunday, November 1966. Things hadn’t been good in recent weeks for Shane and his mates with the local Warringah Council passing regulations that banned surfing at most of his … [Read more...]