Sime says

If one swallow doesn't make a summer, then why is a Swann going home for winter? This is anything but a single instance. Trott has already trotted off, Prior will be next to come up with a previous engagement hindering his selection and, if you believe the press, the English cricket team’s dressing room is rife with avian influenza. They are all shot ducks. Graham Swann’s decision to retire mid-series is one of the most disrespectful, selfish, rude and self-obsessed decisions made in 2013, second only to Astro Boy’s white-anting of the ALP. Lauded by some as being England’s best ever off-spinner, the 255-wicket-taking tweeker destroyed The Aussies in the Ashes series in England last summer and was Alistair Cook’s go-to man when a breakthrough was needed. Thank you Graham for bowling us over with your talent and for confirming that there is an “I” in team. Although you are not the first to spell it right, just ask Sebastian Vettel. Surprised? Not really. We are all pl...

In WA Colin Barnett wants to hook into sharks. In NSW Barry O’Farrell is the star in Casino Royale, while Tony and Chris are educating the rest of us on how to perform an ugly backflip. It’s December and everything’s arse up. It must be an end of year thing. The nation is punch drunk with broken promises and is now bracing itself for the final knockout blow: the best ever fireworks display, ever to be viewed on New Year’s Eve in Sydney. Twice as big … bigger, better, best! From the Opera House, “WOW”, and the Harbour Bridge, “”WOW”. You’ll even be able to send “love U” text messages to the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon. Now that’s a personal greeting. “Triple WOW”. It’s all part of the touchy, feely, sugar-coated ‘showy’ finish to another year – Sydney’s way of glossing over all the detritus dished forth on 364 previous days. Cynical Sime? Christmas grouch? Mid-life crisis? Now, that’s a winning trifecta! It’s hard not to argue that the news cycle is predictable, full of s...