fliknkick

Slack I am

2009-01-09T16:40:00.002+10:00

Happy 2009
this year will be fine
an opportunity to shine
especially after some wine.

Vogon poetry, so spesh. Slack I've been but that shall cease

Mothers Day Madness

2008-05-12T11:24:00.003+10:00

Did you get anything fab for your Mum on Sunday? I was over the moon with my pressies. My Mum just loves a phone call, which is handy because I am the slackest in the world when it comes to sending cards. I actually think that cards are a waste of money and resources. How many trees are cut down every year for Birthday, Christmas, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentine's Day, Get Well, Bon Voyage, Congratulations and Oh God you just got promoted, demoted, denoted??? Well, I am making a stand.
I will no longer buy into the card wastage. Every card that you give somebody, unless it is home made when it will be kept until too dilapidated to be read, will be in the bin the next day anyway. So, tightfists and environmental saviours unite!!! Let's stop the bilge of believing that a card actually means something when a phone call is more personal, able to communicate more and a lot cheaper. If you don't feel that this works for you, how about recycling an old card. No, not the 'whack into the recycling bin' way, but in the 'use liberal amounts of white out to remove previous recipients and senders of cards and insert your own details' way. So what if you are giving a Christmas card for their birthday, or a congratulations card when they have broken their leg. I think that the only one that you need to buy is the bereavement card. After all, I think that you will really send the wrong message if you deliver a 'Congrats on you recent promotion' card at a funeral. Though there are some that would see it that way.

Marvellous May

2008-05-06T11:04:00.003+10:00

It's getting colder and once again the flanny jim jams make their appearance. The time for hot chocolate, movies and books has arrived. I'm hoping for a long chilly winter this year. This is only so that I can become an actual hibernating creature. I have just finished the PhillipPullman triligy. It was heavy going. I find it hard to believe that so many people found the book riveting. I found it tough going at times. The narrative is a bit long winded and I felt like there was a lot of time wasting. GET TO THE GOOD BITS ALREADY!!

Having whinged about that, what do you think? Have you read them or did you see 'The Golden Compass'? That movie was adapted from the first book, 'Northern Lights'.

Enough of that, I'm re-reading the 'Chronicles of Narnia' at the moment. I'm looking forward to 'Prince Caspian' being released. That is my absolute fave of the Narnia stories. It looks pretty good too.

Also keeping a close eye on the trans tasman trophy. The Firebirds are still going off, but last nights games between the Vixens and the Swifts was a nail biter. Big Hurrahs to the Vixens who managed to giddy up by just one goal. That would be why Sharelle is the best. We love you Sharelle.

Back to the usual grind.

2008-04-14T10:57:00.003+10:00

What a fabulous Youth Week!! The movie night on Friday night was FAB! fancy being paid to watch a movie and eat some pizza. I have the dream job. I love X-Men.

Back to the usual grind this week, for all of us. We are having a bit of a think about the next Finally It's Friday and what would be a good thing to do. Any ideas? We are always looking for more ideas, both practical and impractical. After all, we need to have something to say NO to.

Have you been keeping an eye on the Netball? My team, Melbourne Vixens, formerly known as the Phoenix, had a convincing win over the Firebirds over the weekend. Now, while I love the Firebirds, I HAVE to support my Sharelle. Especially when I begged her parents to take me in, you know, old age adoption!

She looks fierce in this photo and that is exactly how she plays. FIERCE!!

Keep an eye on the competition as the Melbourne Vixens are, naturally enough, the DREAM TEAM. If only Sharelle had believed me when I told her at the World Cup that I can shoot too. Though Caitlin Thwaites is taller, younger, SO WHAT? Okay, that will do for my self advertisement. Go Sharelle.

Youth Week 2008

2008-04-07T10:57:00.002+10:00

Youht Week kicked off last Saturday with a cartooning workshop at Gordon White Library and what wonderful artists we have in Mackay. Heaps of fun was had by all and if you missed it I'll bet that you are kicking yourself right about now. It isn't too late to get in on the action though. We have a movie night for 12 - 18 year olds on Friday night. X-Men, pizza, soft drink and a movie, what an excellent way to spend a Friday night. We also have activites for 6 - 12 year olds this week at 3 of our branches. You can come on along and make your very own Superhero costume. If you want to check out some cool competitions you can log onto the Youth Week website and peruse the possible fun stuff http://www.generate.qld.gov.au/
Other news? The trans Tasman Trophy kicked off on the weekend with the Firebirds posting a narrow win. The games were terrific and it is great to see players from all over the world. We normally only see them at the World Cup or maybe the Commonwealth games. I'm sure that this will improve the netball from all nations and we will have a bit more difficulty in Singapore in 2011. Keep track of all the fun and frolic of netball at http://www.tasmantrophy.com/

Post Easter Blues

2008-03-25T11:01:00.002+10:00

I love Easter! Who doesn't love the opportunity to eat more chocolate than is good for a small African nation? Yes, those who are allergic, but my motto is 'Less for you means more for me'.
I apply this as often as possible, that explains everything doesn't it? Well, to more exciting stuff. We have now opened our School Holiday Bookings and we are ready to have some Superfun!! We will be kicking off Youth Week April 5 at Gordon White Library with a cartooning workshop with Harry Bruce. He is going to help you to create your own Superhero! Then on Tuesday April 8, 9 and 10 we begin our round of library mayhem. We will be creating our own Superhero costumes complete with cape, mask and wristband. there will also be some games to play and our usual lucky door prize. Then to finish up Youth Week we will be screening X-Men on Friday April 11 at Gordon White Library. Remember to book so that you don't miss out.

Mackay Regional Council

2008-03-18T15:56:00.003+10:00

Welcome to the Mackay Regional Council LIbrary Service. What a mouthful! Thankfully I haven't had to get used to that tongue twister as yet. But, what does that meant for you? Just that you will be soon having more stuff happening in a wider area. Yes, but what does it mean? I don't really know, except that now we are going to be bigger and better than ever. I know that you reckon that if one really wants to get bigger then you can just eat more takeaway and drink stupid amount of soft drink and take the exercise level down to nil. I would argue that I do that already. Except for the soft drink.

Now to the fun stuff. We are gearing up for Easter. WOW- chocolate!! That pretty much covers Easter for me. We are also madly trying to finalise our activities for School holidays and boy do we have some fun planned. Since 'Superheroes' is the theme we have decided to become our very own 'Superheroes'. I have the super power of book location. Come on, what do you mean that doesn't sound like a super power? Have you ever tried to locate a book when the only information that you are given is that it is red, about *this* big and it has a boy and a dog in it? Well, have and let me tell you that requires Superpowers.

Swappsies.

2008-03-10T11:26:00.002+10:00

We have now swapped the PS2 and X-Box360. If you want to try some different games, in you come. I am so looking forward to playing these different games. Yes, I know that only 12-18 year olds are allowed to play, however I am only 16, in my own mind, and I have to know how to play the games in case anybody requires assistance when they wish to play. So there! Star Trek : Legacy is the one, the absolute one, and Amped is a close second. I love to think that I am able to do some serious snow boarding and wicked tricks. Stop laughing and pointing at me, I know that I cannot actually do that, but I am more than capable of turning out a few virtual tricks. Or should that be virtually capable? I leave it to you to decide.

March Madness

2008-03-03T11:10:00.002+10:00

Mad as a March Hare! That phrase was coined in England and the simile refers to the beginning of the breeding season in what is their spring. It's Autumn here though that doesn't mean that we can't always be a little crazy around this time of year. That would explain why I thought that it was a good idea to be in an ENORMOUS play and learn obscene amounts of dialogue. Have you been thinking about coming to see 'Agnes of God'? You should come on along. The response has been very positive from all our audience so far and we are looking forward to another 2 weeks of rave reviews. The play asks each audience member to think about and question the basis for, their faith. It is a thought provoking piece and very demanding for the 3 cast members. We don't do all the work though, we need the audience to become immersed in the story and feel the trauma that all the actors are experiencing. Oh, come on, you know that you love a bit of drama with a dash of madness and a smattering of laughter.
On a library note, we will be swapping the PS2 and X-Box 360 locations next week, so a whole new raft of games and a different machine on which to play them. Yippee!!

Just Bead It

2008-02-25T15:02:00.002+10:00

Finally It's Friday kicks off with a beading session this Friday, February 29th, 3.15pm at Mackay City Library. Just an opportunity to chill out and enjoy some therapeutic jewellery making. If you want to come along call 49571 787 or 49443000 to make sure that you have a space. While you are here you can check out the Earthquest exhibit.
Settling into the new year of school also means settling back into interminable assignments and that can be a drag. Have you had a look at Your Tutor? Just click on the link and it will take you to the front page of our website and follow the online tutoring link. You will find a live person to help you with your research. http://www.mackaylibraries.com.au/ How cool is that?

Mackay Floods

2008-02-18T10:19:00.002+10:00

Hope none of you guys were adversely affected by the flooding last Friday. The rising water missed coming in y front door by only an inch. It was very scary. I had my daughter, my dog and a bag of essentials and was ready to evacuate. Luckily the water peaked just an inch below my front door. The water was coming in the back and it didn't look good. http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/gallery/0,23816,5029554-17382-1,00.html This is a look at the hospital bridge, as you can see it was 2 metres over the bridge. It all happened so fast and that is the scariest part of the whole experience. Let me know how you guys went.

Sladie Slaughter

2008-02-13T10:58:00.000+10:00

Due to the really rubbishy weather we are having, yet another skate comp has been cancelled. First it was the Australia Day comp at John Breen Park and now the annual Sladie Slaughter has been called off. What can I say, except that sucks. I know that we need the rain, but come on, 40 days and 40 nights is getting a bit much. Enough about the weather whinge, how about the Earthquest exhibit at City Library and Gordon White Library, it's terrific. I have whiled away a couple of lunch hours having a look see and touch feel of the exhibit and I'm pleased to say that I have solved the puzzles correctly. Okay, so not so much of a biggy, but YEAH!
There is no seguay into this so I'll just say that you need to check out this site, it has a quiz and it actually does some good http://www.freerice.com/ I have spent quite a bit of time on this one. Extending my vocabulary and helping to feed the less fortunate, does it get any better than that?

Library Lovers Month

2008-02-04T11:22:00.000+10:00

Everybody loves a lover, or that's what sucky lovestruck loons would have us believe. However, in the case of libraries, don't we just love them all the time? After all, a book never gets cross with you, never tells you that you have a case of bad breath or looks in an obvious 'Oh God! Is that an enormous pimple that is right on the end of your nose?' way.
A book can take you anywhere without fear of disease, natural disaster (unless the title is 'Natural Disasters of the World'), or maxing out the already screaming credit card. On a rainy day when there is nothing to do and nobody wants to go anywhere, a book can take you on a flight of fancy, and let's face it, the read / doze / read / doze on a Sunday afternoon during the long dark teatime of the soul is just the way to bring to an end a busy weekend. Much better than doing the ironing, as if I actually do that ;>P I would probably be tempted, if I could iron out the wrinkles ... on my face, but other than that, what a bore!!
Libraries are feeling unloved most of the year but during February we are looking for affirmation, for enthusiasm, for love. If you come in during 'Library Lovers Month' you can enter competitions, let us know what your fave reads are and you can have a 'blind date with a book' Yes, you did read right, we are having a lucky dip. You grab a wrapped book from the blind date bin and check it out, take it home and read it. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy a whole new author or genre. Yes, we are expecting that some folks will be unhappy with their choice, but when was the last time YOU took a chance and read a book out of your comfort zone? I have already grabbed one and I'm sure that I will enjoy 'Coyote : a novel of Interstellar Exploration' by Allen M. Steele. Okay, well maybe I won't but the point is that I will TRY!!

BACK TO SCHOOL!

2008-01-29T10:38:00.000+10:00

Thank the 'Powers That Be', school holidays are finally over. Now this may not be your idea of a good day, but getting back to ME! While we all had a great time over the hols with our activities, parties and movie night it is fantastic to sink out teeth into a whole new year. 2008 the chinese year of the 'Rat'. No, this doesn't mean that you can be a ratbag, though I do my best to be a ratbag regardless of the year. We have already been working hard to make this a great year. I would tell you more but that would spoil the surprise.

I'm hoping that our PS2 and X-Box 360 will become even more popular over the coming months. Remember that we have a different game each day and you can come in after school and have a relaxing play with your mates while waiting for your internet time, or after your research.

Enough about the library, have you been keeping an eye out for the new Trans Tasman trophy teams? You can have a look at all things queensland netball at http://www.netballq.org.au/ . I know, you think that I have said all there is to say about netball after my mammoth trip to the Netball World Cup, but trust me, it is my obsession. Right up there with George. Speaking of George, did you see that he has been nominated for an academy award? This is long overdue and well deserved. I am shaking out my frock already, just in case he needs a date. I loved this movie. George and Kath sitting in a tree.... Okay, so her name isn't Kath, but it easily could have been ...........

Party! Party! Party!

2008-01-21T14:16:00.000+10:00

Parties all week at Mackay Libraries! We had the 'Paradise' party to mark the end of the Summer Reading Program this morning and it went off very well with all our participants enjoying the chips, cheezels and fairy bread. Well, all except one family from the UK who had never seen fairy bread before. This sounds crazy doesn't it? How can anyone manage to reach the ripe old age of 12 and never eaten fairy bread? That's okay because that is no longer the case.
We are having some fun with our second week of School Holiday activities this week. We shall be making box jellyfish, a swaggie's hat and doing a dot painting. Nothing like a bit of creativity to while away the few remaining hours of freedom before the start fo the next school year. For our teens we are launching 2008 'Finally, it's Friday' on January 25 with a movie night. Is there a more quintessential Aussie movie than 'The Castle'? We don't think so, so call us and make your booking so that you don't miss out on the fun.
Back to school next week means that you will all be looking for new ways to fry your brains with heaps of work, so don't forget to go to www.mackaylibraries.com.au to check out all that we have to offer in the way of help with your school work.

Life Long Learning? Hrrumph

2008-01-14T11:27:00.000+10:00

I'm feeling a bit down today as I look at the rain and mourn the lack of holiday time that I have. I have been trying very hard to learn my lines and find myself going to great lengths to avoid the necessary and spend time doing the pointless and inane. Wouldn't you think that by the time one 'grew up' that one would be smart enough NOT to offer to work hard in spare time for no pay? Obviously, I have yet to grow up.
So, what have I been doing? Investigating more anime titles for possible purchase. Hang on just a cotton picking minute!! Didn't I just say something about NOT doing unpaid work in my leisure time? Well, it wasn't real work. I LOVED R.O.D. [Read Or Die] I watched the first 3 episodes on the weekend and it's great. I love the fact that there is a Superhero Agent that attacks with paper. Yes, Miss Paper, this is her codename, loves books and uses paper to overcome the bad guys. We do have some of the manga in the library, but it is called Read Or Dream. I prefer the first title. Wow, big surprise from a Library worker yeah?
This series was lent to me by one of our trusty trainees and now I want to see the movie, which is apparently heaps better. Not such a trusty trainee, fancy having the inferior series and not the superior movie! I have enjoyed watching heaps of anime, just to get the feel so that my collection is of the highest standard of course, and I'm hoping to update the collection again very soon. Any thoughts?
Speaking of thoughts, did you know that we are having a movie night for our Young adults? yes, we are showing ' The Castle' on Friday January 25, 6pm at Gordon White Library. Booking s can be made by calling any of our branches. We will be having Pizza, Australian is WITH pineapple. It should be a fun night and I look forward to chilling out with pizza and a movie and YOU.

2008 is going to be great!

2008-01-07T12:44:00.000+10:00

I like to start the year on a positive note. D. I like D, it is a good note, neither too high nor too low. It has strains of joy. Enough of that mallarkey, have you read a good book lately? I am struggling to learn my lines and haven't read a good book all holidays. Though I did have a bit of a skim through Wil Anderson's book [actually just a collection of various columns he's written]. I have to admit that 'Survival of the Dumbest' seemed like a great title to help me come to terms with the effervescent life force of complete and utter idiots, random fools and the occasional imbecile. Yes, I did drive a long distance over the Christmas break.
So, I mentioned that I am reading/learning a script. Those who know me, even just in passing, will understand the difficulty that I shall face playing Mother Miriam Ruth in 'Agnes of God'. Yes, I shall be wearing the whole penguin suit. Apparently, so says the director, he has been dying to get me to play this role. I think that it's because he has no life and has to torment people and so have a good point and laugh at their expense. Okay, I'm kidding, I am really looking forward to this meaty and challenging role........... but I would rather read a book!
This could be because I have a deep seated need to do as little as possible. Ha! As if that is unique to me.
Anyway, how is the Summer Reading Club coming along? Here's hoping that you are all reading and reviewing up a storm. Don't forget the party.

And so it's nearly Christmas

2007-12-18T15:27:00.000+10:00

Merry Christmas to all. I hope that you have all completed your shopping and are ready for all the silliness of the Season. We have kicked off our Christmas parties and we are having a ball. Last Friday was the launch of our X-Box 360 and our PS2. The lovely Friends of Mackay Libraries who made all this possible came along and had a Buzz with us and proved to be very handy with the answers. We also have the X-Box ready at Gordon White Library.

Have you registered for the Summer Reading Club yet? Remember that there are a lot of cool prizes to be won and, yet another, party at the end.

We are all geared up for some fun and frolic with the Australiana Holiday Activities in January. We are going to have some craft in the first week and a trivia quiz in the second week. So, you know what that means.......YES MORE PRIZES to be won.

Have you been keeping an eye on the Firebirds website? They have a newsletter that you can sign up for to keep yourself in the information loop for next year's exciting new ANZ competition.

I'm off to BrisVegas for Christmas and I'll be on the Sunshine Coast for New Year's Eve. I'm hoping to catch up with family and some old friends. I'm at the age now where all my friends are old. I'll keep checking in so let me know what you are reading. I'm taking 'Kate' the definitive Katharine Hepburn Biography. I say definitive because this was written after she died so those interviewed were probably more inclined to spill the beans. Enjoy your holidays.

So, you didn't know that Netballers loved books as children?

2007-12-03T13:50:00.000+10:00

Of course, they do. In fact I have a list of some of the Aussie Emus favourite reads.
'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sandak was the favourite book of both Sharelle McMahon and Bianca Chatfield. Yes, we do hold that title at ALL of our branches.
'Are We There Yet' by Alison Lester was the Assistant Coach Sue Kenny's fave as a kid. We all know how to say that on a long car trip, don't we?
Liz Ellis loved 'The Faraway Tree' books by Enid Blyton. Former Aussie captain Kath Harby-Williams also loved Enid Blyton but her series of choice was the 'Famous Five'. I asked her which of the characters she related to and she said George, I did say that I liked Timmy the best. For those of you that know the series, yes I know that Timmy was the dog.
Natalie Von Bertouch loved 'The BFG' by Roald Dahl, yes, she has kept her off beat sense of humour.
Nat Medhurst admits to still loving 'Snugglepot and Cuddlepie' by May Gibbs. She is a true Aussie favourite to love this true blue aussie story, what do you think?
I'd love to hear what your fave reads are. Do any of the team share your tastes?
My fave as a child was anything Enid Blyton. Though the Adventure series was the one that I read and re-read. If only 'Harry Potter' had been around in the dark ages when I grew up. Aah well, now I can enjoy it just as much for I am a child at heart.
Don't forget to come to our Christmas Party, I'd love to see you there and bore you with my 'Tales of Mystery and Imagination'. If you can come and tell me who wrote that collection of short stories, I'll have a prize for you. See you at City Library December 14th at 3.30pm for the launch of our games and Teen Xmas Party.

Firebirds are Back

2007-11-26T11:39:00.000+10:00

So, back after the holiday of a lifetime, well until Singapore anyway, and no sooner am I back than Netball takes a turn for the amazing. Firebirds are back. Yes, the Queensland team in the trans Tasman trophy is still to be called the Firebirds.
Those teams from Down South and across the ditch had best be aware and afraid. Vicki Wilson will be the Fire in the Birds bellies and they will be hungry to make their mark on the statue of netball competition. Check out their new uniform and playing times and dates at
www.firebirds.net.au They be looking GOOD! Maroon, for Queensland, Gold, for winners and White, for the difficulty in getting out stains (?)
Of course, Bosom Buddy and I have already decided that we shall continue our stalkage of the lovely Vicki Wilson and she, lovely fool that she is, asked us to email when we were coming down. Maybe that was so she could alert security to our presence. Mmm on second thoughts maybe that isn't so great. Aah, my paranoia is taking over.
Then again, maybe she is just after some excellent companionship at breakfast and who better for that than the Netball Loonies?

Melbourne

2007-11-23T10:53:00.001+10:00

Melbourne was the supposed recovery from the World Cup but the team followed us there. I swear the Aussie Emus love Bosom Buddy and I. They must have found out that we were having a week of shopping and sight seeing and they made sure that they followed us here. The first day in Melbourne was supposed to be rest and recuperation but the team was honoured with a homecoming in Federation Square. The team were surpried and we think that they were also pleased to see us there. The first question was about how we felt after the night of celebration. Mo'onia confessed to sleeping all the way back, as did bosom buddy and I.

After that we headed down to Philip Island for some sight seeing.

The Phillip Island race track is a long one, but Bosom Buddy and I were determined to do the loop. We needed to run off some of the food from New Zealand anyway so we were off and racing.

Unfortunately I am nowhere near fit enough to run around the

track and so had to resort to trying to catch a ride.

The ride ended up catching me.

After this it was off to the seals and the penguins. Phillip Island is a great place for some rest after a long campaign in New Zealand and I am sure that Bosom Buddy and I are both refreshed from our break.

We'll both be home next week to empty our braggage of the best holiday ever.

Winners Night

2007-11-23T10:37:00.000+10:00

Here are a couple of the promised photos. It was a great night and the team were ready and willing for the party and the photos.

You can see how relaxed Catherine Cox looks here and the rest of the team enjoyed the big feed of pizza, chips and Is that ice cream?

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS

2007-11-18T08:44:00.000+10:00

Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi! Australians are now the World Cup Champions. What a game. It was exciting, physical and just plain old AWESOME! The crowd was pumped and so was the team. After the game it was drinks at the Crowne Plaza bar until 3. The whole team, as well as supporters, former coaches and players, welsh players and the umpires were celebrating just as hard as they could. After the bar here it was off to the harbourside for more celebratory libations with the Aussie team, the Singapore team, the Welsh team and the English team. the Aussie girls were, naturally enough, the SUPERSTARS of the night.
No photos this morning as bosom buddy and I dragged our winning selves out of bed at 10.30 and we had a 11am checkout and the room showed definite ravages of 2 netball loonies having the week of their lives. So, the elusive cord is somewhere in our baggage. Thus you will have to wait until we hit Melbourne for the shots that will cover you with envy. The World Cup in our hands and in the hands of our Aussie Emus. Bosom Buddy and I have already decided, very firmly, that Singapore 2011 is our next big trip.
Bosom Buddy passed on the Aussie cap to the Singapore team who were very happy to have that but Bosom Buddy was even more thrilled to receive an Aussie Netball flag with all the team signatures. I have a cap to show off to you all when I return with some excellent signatures as well. All in all, this trip has been memorable for us and we have made new friends that will be meeting us in Singapore, why don't you?

Found the cable

2007-11-17T09:11:00.001+10:00

Yes, the cable has been found and so we move onto the volunteers. These tireless folk have made this event the fun that it has been. This lovely lady took care of us in the bottom stands for the first 4 days and has come up to visit us in the nosebleed section on the subsequent days. She is a hoot. Her daughter also came to visit her and she loved the Aussie Netball Loonies.

This lovely fellow is Dave and he has been driving the aussie girls

around and doing a fine job. We are all wearing a shirt that has the

logo for the World Cup, well the modified logo. One of the travel group spent a night fiddling with the image and she has done a brilliant job, even made TV news. We all loved them so much that about a hundred or so Aussies have ordered their own. The English supporters played with it so that they would have their own version. No prize for second. Surprisingly there is no purchasing of other countries supporters gear. Just the Silver Ferns and World Cup gear. I would have loved a Botswana shirt. never mind, they are wearing our wigs so its all good.

Go the volunteers!!!

Australia set for final

2007-11-17T08:54:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was the first real test that Australia has had at this tournament. They came out on top of England in a convincing win. The Silver Ferns followed up with a tight win over Jamaica. The Silver Ferns must be feeling nervous with the Aussie Emus looking so good. Selina took the court and there was no sign of her ankle injury and the rest of the team looked slick and fit. Sharelle and Coxie missed a few but that means that they have got the misses out of the way. Silver Ferns fans here have been saying that they reckon the Emus will take it away. If you were watching the telecast you would have been treated to the sight of the Botswana team sporting green and gold tinsel wigs and Go Aussie boomsticks. Yes, that was courtesy of bosom buddy and I. They lost their game to Fiji and so are now ranked 10th in the world which is an excellent result for these World Cup debutantes.
We had a few 'quiet' ones with the Welsh team last night as they have completed their campaign and so were out for a relaxing party night. The team and their manager and coach treated us to a few songs so it was quite a rowdy quiet drink. Tonight will be the test though. Vicki is tipping Australia by 9 goals and I must confess to not feeling quite that confident. One should never be cocky about a final as anything can happen. No photos today as bosom buddy has misplaced the camera cord, but close your eyes and imagine us having the best time and you will be right on the money. It's hard to believe that tonight is the end of the World Cup and that we have been here for a week. Time flies when you are having the best holiday ever.

Botswana play off for 9th/10th

2007-11-16T07:45:00.000+10:00

Botswana are proving to be the big surprise of the tournament with their 1 goal win over Trinidad and Tobago yesterday. These girls dug deep to hang on for the win and they were pumped to be in the play off game for World Ranking 9/10 today. They will be playing Fiji who have a huge following over here and they will find today's game a big ask but I don't think that is going to faze them. They are just so happy to be playing off for the higher ranking at their first World Cup.

The Aussie girls will have a tough match tonight against England. The English girls are looking slick and fit. I think that we will have a spot of bother with them, but we should giddy up over them in the end. My prediction is 10 goal margin. Bosom Buddy and I were having a chat to Norma last night and she wanted to let you know that her favourite book was The Bush Christmas. Always nice to know what somebody's fave read is. Watch the telecast and play spot the Netball Loonies. Ciao for now.

Botswana are the bomb.

2007-11-15T06:46:00.000+10:00

Yesterday marked the first win for the Botswana netball team in their very first World Cup campaign. These girls are young, fit, committed and the best fun since, well, since bosom buddy and me. They loved that support from all the Aussie fans and came and sat with us to watch the Trinidad and Tobago vs Singapore match. Those girls can daaance. They loved all the touristy stuff that we had with us and they will be looking for us today in the stands. None of their countrymen have followed them over in the

of Australian, Welsh, English supporters so we have adopted them.

We also ordered our special shirts so there will be about 60 of us today barracking for Australia and wearing our unique shirts. Keep an eye out during the telecast.

This morning was, yet another, breakfast with Vicki Wilson. This time it was a tour breakfast and she shared lots of interesting stories about her time in the World Cup competitions with her second best friend Keeley Deverey. I would share with you, but some things are too good to share. I know that Vicki looks surprised in this shot, and again I could tell you why......however some things are best not shared. Mo'onia Gerrard's birthday today and while bosom buddy and I don't have the best of singing voices we tortured her with a rendition of Happy Birthday that will give her nightmares for weeks to come. Keep an eye on the Aussies, we sure will.

Last day of pool games

2007-11-14T06:38:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was the lst day of the pool rounds and so we expect competition to hot up today. It was a great day, as they all have been. We started with breakfast with Vicki Wilson - again - and she introduced bosom buddy and me to Norma Plummer. We asked her what she thought of the names and though she liked Diamonds, its already taken, so she thought that the Australian Netball Team was a good name, mainly because not everyone knows who the Opals are or the kookaburra's, but if you say Aussie Netball Team then it's clear to all and sundry.

Steve Price also made an appearance at breakfast and he was as nice as he is gorgeous. Don't worry George, I can still use my eyes but my heart belongs to you. What a start to the day.

Off to the Netball and what a day. The Australian girls posted their biggest margin of the tournament against Scotland. They used all their bench so all the girls are ready to take the court for quarter finals. All that is except Selina Gilsenan. Yes, she was injured in yesterday's game however her X-rays seemed to be clear. They will re-assess today and hopefully she will be match fit for the semi finals. It is a rest day today for the Aussie girls but bosom buddy and I will still be there. After all how can one stalk the umpires if one isn't at the courts? These were the 3 umpires for the South Africa vs England match. Far left is Bronwyn Meeks, an awesome Auckland umpire.

Yesterday's thriller match was Wales vs Malawi and as I am sure all other netball loonies know, Malawi won. Those girls know how to party.

After the games Dave, the Aussie driver, took us to see ALL of Auckland. Mount Eden has the perfect view though it's getting cold as the wind coming up from the south has all the chill of the southern snow. Keep watching the netball ad let me know how much Eloise loves us. xox

Elephants in Auckland?

2007-11-13T06:31:00.000+10:00

Greetings from beautiful Auckland, still having a great time over here. Yesterday was another great day. It started with the driver for the Australian team offering to take us to the Zoo where he works so that we could meet Burma the Indian Elephant. We were blown away. It is a lovely zoo and we were lucky enough to feed Burma and get some happy snaps. For once I actually felt small.

The day just got better and better. After arriving at the Netball I was introduced to Jill MacIntosh and her pick is ROSELLA'S. Unfortunately folks, Diamonds, which was what Vicki Wilson liked is already taken by the national softball team and Southern Stars has been used as well. So from now on I shall try Rosella's instead of Southern Stars. I also got to have a chat to Maureen Boyle who is THE umpire of note. She was there to look at the umpires and to do some testing. Maureen liked Emu's for the team.

Yesterday saw the Australian team to another win and it was great to see so many combinations tried out on court. But after that, it was Fiji versus Jamaica saw Vili Davu take the court and hit the deck in her usual style. It was a boost for the Fijian team to have their coach on court and the crowd loved it, as did bosom buddy and I. But the game of the day was the first one. Cook Islands vs Singapore. Look out for Singapore in 2011. I think that they will surprise us all. Having breakfast with Vicki today so must be off. Watch this space and I'll keep you posted on good stuff from NZ.

Australia's first game

2007-11-12T06:31:00.000+10:00

Today marked the first day of competition and Bosom Buddy and I knew that it was going ot be awesome. First up in the morning we met the Welsh team, not just the dragon, and they were amused by Bosom Buddy and I doing the Skyjump in the Crowne elevator. Yes, there is a glass elevator and we press ourselves up against the glass, arms in the air and yell WOOHOO! It's as close as we will get to throwing ourselves off a building, sorry Em.

While waiting for the bus to pick us up we were gobsmacked to see the coaches carrying the entire Aussie Netball team stop right in front of us. Mo'onia even smiled for the photo.

The day was full of Netball Loonies from all over the world and it was really good to be sitting with Vicki Wilson to chat about the game and the players. Her insights added to our day. If you watched the ABC telecast you would have heard the chat at half time about the Name the Netties competition, yes I am working hard on that. Last night I had a chat tot Tracy Parish, media guru to the Aussie team, and she is now on the job of asking the team what they think of the names. I am particularly interested to hear what Sharelle ma'belle has to say as she is my she-ro. So we are pumped and ready for Day Two, keep you posted.

Opening Ceremony

2007-11-11T06:13:00.000+10:00

Last night was the first night of competition and what a night it was. The fun started when we were waiting for the bus transfer and old eagle eyes [that's me] spotted the Welsh team bus and we had a very close time when it came to taking the dragon, we settled for a photo. The opening ceremony was awesome, except for some whingers behind us. Unfortunately they are staying here with us and what a pack of moaners. Nothing was good enough, but we set about enjoying ourselves to the max.

The parade of teams and entertainment was just the thing to get us into the mood for the first game. New Zealand vs Malawi. The Silver Ferns did their very slick warm-up but the Malawi girls did more of a dance and it got the crowd going. Unfortunately the game didn't go their way but fortunately for me Vicki Wilson was sitting next to me, across the aisle, but next to me nonetheless. Vicki will be giving her opinion today on the team names and Bosom Buddy and I are off to enjoy the first full day of competition. First up is South Africa vs Malaysia and later we will see Botswana debut at the World Cup Championships. We will be barracking for Wales as they have the Dragon.

Eloise says EMU'S

2007-11-10T12:44:00.000+10:00

Greetings from the beautiful and friendly City of Sails. This city is absolutely gorgeous and we made some new friends last night, our very first here in Auckland.

First off was a tasty dinner at CinCin on Quay. If ever you are here head on down for delicious food, great service and a chatty manager, chef and wait staff.

Then it was off to sample some of the nightlife and who did bosom buddy and I meet outside the VERY FIRST VENUE??????????? Eloise Southby Halbish. She is even more beautiful in person and she loves the name EMU'S.

We also met cousins of one of the Samoan team and of the Cook Island teams so we are set and ready to wreak some havoc tonight, the very first night. we discovered that we are staying at the same hotel as the Australian team so be ready for some HOT posts. We are off to the bus now so, keep your eyes on the prize, we surely are.

Name the Netties

2007-11-07T11:18:00.000+10:00

Only 3 days until the World Cup and only 2 until I wing my way to Auckland. The excitement is getting too much, well not really, I'm a big girl I'll manage. We have closed the Name the Netties competition and we have some cracker names.
Southern Stars - this is a fave in the office
Emus
Goannas - No Anna's on the team so maybe not.
Eucalypts - they are green and gold
Cassowaries - my fave
Sugar Gliders - this is the other office fave.
So, what do you think? Have I chosen well? All will be revealed very soon. I have begun to drive the library nuts with counting down the hours until my flight, currently 48 hours to go.
Before I go though there is the second episode of the Librarians, I wonder if I can identify any colleagues in the characters. More scary, can they identify me? On that note, I'll keep you posted on the Happenings, watch this space for all the fun and frolic.

ONLY FOUR MORE SLEEPS!!

2007-11-05T12:16:00.000+10:00

It's getting close, only 4 more sleeps until I leave and only 5 more sleeps until the beginning of the NETBALL WORLD CUP! I have some names to flash about but I NEED MORE!! Emu's seems to be the most popular but I particularly liked
'The Plovers' because if ever you have been attacked by one you know how devious and scary they can be.

Keep an eye on how the Aussie girls are doing on the diary page with Cath Cox, Nat Von Bertouch and Julie Predergast. http://www.netball.asn.au/extra.asp?ID=2028
Looking forward to hearing more of your ideas
Your Netball Loony

2007-10-31T11:09:00.001+10:00

Greetings fellow netball tragics, only 9 more sleeps until the big event and the only names that I have are the ones that I think are good. BUT I WANT GREAT! So, help me already. The 'Name the Netties' competition in my library, thats www.mackaylibraries.com.au has been launched and I am in dire need of your great ideas for names.

It isn't just the netball though, there is also the trip to Melbourne the week after to shop, eat and sight see. Bosom Buddy and I have planned a trip to Phillip island to check out the seals, the fairy penguins and the race track. Shame that we miss the Moto GP by a couple of weeks. It would have been excellent to watch Casey Stoner win the race and championship from trackside, but I will happily content myself with the Cassowaries. Yes, that is my lame name for the Aussie girls so, HELP!!

Countdown to an all new adventure

2007-10-23T15:32:00.000+10:00

The countdown is on to the

Netball World Cup

I will be THERE!! Looking forward to cheering the Aussie girls on to yet another victory. Yes, I know that New Zealand won last time, but we had to let them win.

Yes, because if they never win then they'll take their netball and go home.

We cannot allow that because they are the best opposition that we have.Back to the Australian netballers. They don't have a name for their team.

THIS IS A TRAVESTY!!! So, I have plan, a cunning plan, a clever plan, a alright enough of the description of my plan and to my plan. I shall be travelling with my bosom buddy and we shall have some names to ply the Aussie supporters with to see if we can find a name for them.

I will also be asking the supporters from other countries what name we should give their superiors. [cheeky] If we can manage it, we will be asking any actual netballer, you know the good ones who are playing, what they think of our gems of brilliance.

Please, please, [now I'm begging] flick your ideas to me and my bosom buddy and we shall take the ones that we like, judges decision is final - my blog I get to choose- and we shall kick them about until we have the name that sticks like gum to a shoe.