Macca

See, I just can't bring myself to have the view that you have on this ... but I don't necessarily (totally) disagree with your view either. What I do know is that something needs to be done to stop the terrorism. I can't abide many on the other side where there seems to be a roll-with-the-punches attitude either. The "nothing to see here. move on" crowd. It's as if they need to be directly effected for them to react in a more proactive manner. But I'm not talking about all those with a differing view on either side. There's a lot of nuance involved. I don't have the answers Biff but sitting on one's hands certainly isn't going to work. I'm not religious at all so if all religions were dispensed with, I wouldn't bat an eyelid.

For those who are on one side of the argument, here's a book of non-fiction that is worth reading if you're willing to look at the other side of the argument. The book is 10 years old now but still relevant. Like many other matters of importance, I've always believed in having a fair & balanced view ... however, decisions often need to be made in advance so there's no real room for sitting on the fence. Too many nutters are buying into an ideology that often aims to harm ... and many of these nutters act as lone wolfs. Sometimes laws need to be enacted for the greater good. Or at least a greater awareness is needed with stronger checks and balances. Mark Stein - America Alone: The end of the World As We Know It.

The Flynn story won't be going away in a hurry - and what better way to follow the exposé than through the investigative reporting of the Washington Post ... Flynn departure erupts into a full-blown crisis for the Trump White House The story probably dies if there can be no proven link from Trump to Flynn with regards to what was said to the Russians. It's worth noting that Flynn may well be called upon to give details of what he said to the Russians and he won't want to leave anything out (or lie)

It's difficult for one to be all-in on a party when one continually questions all sorts of policies that that party might have.

We possibly/probably need safeguards just in case but I'm not convinced with the arguments either way. I'm generally cautious so cutting down on emissions makes sense (if one is a cautious type)

I do have strong stances though ... Gun laws in the USA - riiculous $7.40 minimum wage - even more ridiculous 2.8 million incarcerated ... words fail me. Who do I blame ... both Democrats & Republicans. They are as bad as each other. It pays to not be welded/rusted on to either side.

In the middle haha

I'm not a leftie Wrecker ... I'm cynical about all sides of politics.

You should have a wager with Wrecker re your last paragraph. He's up for it whilst I've decided to opt out of such daliances!!

We may as well be talking about a would-be coach at the MFC. The only thing that matters is the bloke who got the job.

Ha ha! I'm not exactly enjoying the performance by Trump if that's what you think ... on the contrary, I'd rather read some appraisals on how people think he's faring. I totally acknowledge that he won but it's not like winning a contest in sport or such-like. As soon as one side wins in politics there is a job to be done ... almost immediately. Hillary is finished and the democrats are background noise (for now anyway)

Why on earth are you lot still discussing the result and how that result came about? *News flash* Trump won and the Democrats & Hillary lost. The Republicans have a large majority in one house & a slim majority in the senate. From Nov 11 the discussion needed to be about Trumps performance & his team's performance. And the thread is desigmed that way ... although the 'Gump' reference should be changed.

No, it's not the Palace although I have frequented the Balwyn cinemas over the years ... in fact, I've previously visited nearly all the cinemas you listed when the need to hunt around to see a movie was warranted. It's different now with a lot of the smaller & larger complex's showing a greater variety of movies. The Como was a favourite for years. I'm not normally a name-dropper but I went to a premiere of a movie at the Rivoli once ... Viggo Mortensen was the guest of honour and he introduced a movie that he starred in called 'Good' ... an excellent film too and a bit of reminder of how things can get out of control very quickly. Viggo spoke for 15 minutes about the exploits of his favourite soccer team - San Lorenzo (Argentinian league) ha ha

I've got access to anything & everything in my household ... there are set-top boxes and wires aplenty. It's our one and only real indulgence though. .

Yes indeed, the Flynn debacle is certainly disastrous. The question is though ... "What did the President know and when did he know it?" If the powers that be can trace any collusion that Trump had with Flynn re the 'conversations' with Russia, then we could be headed for a possible impeachment. The hard part for Trump (who is forever claiming that he knows more than everybody about everything under the sun) will be him saying that he knew nothing about this. Your elected leader - the one you emphatically said was going to be an "absolute train-wreck" (if he assumed the Presidency) is quickly finding out that any words that he has ever uttered can and will be used against him. The 'Muslim ban' and the resultant fiasco is one such example and there will be others. Anyway, here's Bill Maher's opening monologue from Saturday's 'Real Time' ...

Goliath looks the goods if the first couple of episodes are any indication. Billy Bob Thornton stars and he's often good value. He's extra-good in this show,

I'm lucky that I have a cinema which is less than 5 minutes walking distance from my home ... excellent pricing too, all things considered. Like many cinema's these days, the cinema has a 'club' of sorts which makes the experience of going to the movies extremely worthwhile. The cinema we frequent plays a lot of "Non-Hollywood blockbuster type" movies as well which makes it even better. If one wants to view a large proportion of Oscar-type movies before the actual ceremony, then going to the cinema is a prerequisite these days. Most of the nominated movies aren't released until Nov/Dec as a general rule so the released DVD's often doesn't happen until March/April. Thankfully. all 9 nominated movies have been released to cinema in Oz but that hasn't always been the case. It can vary from year to year. The Academy Awards is on Feb 26 (Noon Feb 27 AEDT)

*Spoiler alert* I'm assuming you're referencing the scene where Casey Affleck is having dialogue with Michelle Williams ... put it this way, Michelle's role alone in that scene alone is Oscar worthy. Considering the circumstances, it was as difficult a confrontation as is imaginable (for both parties) I can see why many people would be dissatisfied with the movie because of it's bleakness (throughout) ... but each to their own.

2 more of the 9 movies up for best film at the Oscars ... as previously stated in an earlier post, all 9 movies offer up something for everyone. Some of the types of genre's aren't necessarily my favourites but these movies are at least the best of the best (so therefore, well worth watching) A case in point are these 2 films - one, a WW2 epic based on one man's utter determination & the other a very heavy drama but incredibly realistic. The following descriptions are "spoiler-free" ... Hacksaw Ridge Mel Gibson directs this WW2 epic based on a true story. However, this movie actually downplays the facts to a certain degree - which has the effect of making the film even more enjoyable. An inspirational film, the movie is extremely violent but it has to be. A powerful & riveting experience that starts off a bit slowly but then has you on the edge of your seat soon enough. The story of one man's journey against all odds. It's a remarkable story that is told extremely well ... Mel Gibson's direction is absolute top-notch (again) 8/10 Manchester by the Sea. Wow, this film was really hard to stay with and get through but not because it wasn't a very good film ... the plot line and theme is a harrowing and somewhat distressing one but I felt that the story couldn't have been told in a better way. Being extremely realistic and a bit melodramatic were not faults. The story needed to be told that way. Casey Affleck was simply superb in the lead role. Understated, melancholic, traumatic, powerful, heartbreaking yet somehow rewarding 8.5/10

I can see the AFL throwing in a blockbuster/rivalry/derby round in amongst those last 5 mooted rounds of matches. Slightly compromises the idea but appeases a number of the clubs, the moneymen, TV, sponsors and (at least in theory) allows the clubs to have an even spread of home games and away games (9 & 9) before the jockeying for positions begins.

I much prefer open, free flowing footy so I'd reduce the rotation numbers until the congestion is reduced to a point where it's not viewed as an issue. The footy last season started off well in terms of open footy but as the year wore on, the congestion returned (but it wasn't as bad as in previous seasons) I reckon reducing the rotations should work. Anywhere from 20 - 40 should be enough for the coaches to work with. They don't need 90 and they never needed 160+. It's not ice-hockey (where unlimited rotations actually improves the sport) Rugby league has only 10 rotations per team, per game whilst rugby union & soccer doesn't have rotations at all. Those who don't mind the congestion will differ but that's ok ... each to their own.

With the new proposed 17/5 system, there can be teams that may end up with only 10 home games and some of the traditional double-up games and derbies would be at risk as well. It's also quite possible that a team (or teams) could conceivably end up with 12 home games. Unless the AFL wants to risk foregoing those derbies and double-up 'blockbusters' ... and to also be ready to compensate teams that lose a home game, I can see them reaching a stumbling block with the plan. But this is the AFL where they can often make decisions on the run. The same type of fixture based on the previous placings of the teams makes more sense but they already largely do that now (save for the double-up blockbusters & derbies) I'm not against conferences & divisions though ... the ladder had a lot more interest when we had fewer teams. However, if they left it as it is I wouldn't be fussed.

9 movies are up for best film at this year's Academy Awards ... all of them with a fair bit to offer too. Slowly working my way through the 9 and still have 3 to watch. Here's 2 of the 9 with some "spoiler-free" comments ... I'll post up the other films 2 or 3 at a time in the lead-up to the Oscars ... Hell or High Water Jeff Bridges is superb whilst co-starring in this modern day western. The film is gritty, engaging, insightful & thoughtful and is a story told extremely well. An original storyline with lots of action, this tense & brooding movie is raw & powerful and is somewhat of a morality tale. 8.5/10 Arrival Amy Adams stars in this sci-fi movie with a difference. Superbly directed by Denis Villeneuve, this profound story will both surprise & delight. Visually brilliant & creatively impactful, this is one of the better sci-fi movies that's been produced. Compares favourably to 2001, Contact & Solaris. 8.5/10 Next up will be Hacksaw Ridge & Manchester by the Sea.

I hadn't realised that Coleman had gone off injured so it was down to Freeman or another player (who hadn't made a run all night) New England had stopped Atlanta's run in the 2nd half which signified that Belichick was daring Atlanta to throw it - the challenge was taken up and they fell short. Jones was double-teamed all night so others had to create separation. If Shanahan was solely responsible for the call not to run the ball (1st & 10 on the Patriots 22 yard line), he's off to the 49ers anyway. On the surface of it, a possible convenient outcome? And I agree with cfh's sentiments ... winning the NFC was a mighty effort. The Packers, who had done well to beat Dallas, were thoroughly outpointed in the NFC Championship game. .

One day on and I'm convinced that no other team other than the Patriots could have won that game ... certainly no team in the AFC could have come back from a 28-3 deficit. I can't see any of Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle or the Giants getting back either ... it took a great team like New England to do it ... Atlanta should have played more conservative (ran the ball on occasions) but it was like Belichick read their minds. And that's a skill. The Pats made more errors in the first half (including a pick 6 - Brady was also sacked 5 times) than Atlanta made in the entire game but it was as if the Pats simply erased those errors and just got on with it. The remarkable all-time best comeback shouldn't be played down.