I thought I had deleted my birthday too!

Having spent some time with the parents of one of the Canterbury Crusaders last week I have learned a little of the wheres and wherefores of rugby. Heather went too on Friday and loved it.

I have enjoyed the weight lifting too and recognised queuing, and had a conversation with the gold medal winner of the 56kg class a little guy from Malaysia. Fantastic athlete. Great to see other countries break through what seems to be such an Australian stranglehold in many areas.

What a festival of sport as your bro observed.

Bro, I hope I can. I love to see the smiles and see the honesty of people when I put a badge in their security tray as it has happened today. Saying "this isn't mine" when they find a badge they hadn't seen with their belongings. Just a little Aussie icon I hope they can enjoy and just to smile is a fantastic thanks.

Other little pieces of treasure is to hear of bikes that have been upgraded so they can be a bit more competitive or running shoes replaced. Real feel-good happening here at times. In the Village the police are seen as friends too and talk to everyone and wish to bottle the feel and take it to wher they otherwise feel it is us and them.

I was told by an athlete last week that security here is far beyond Atlanta where palm prints were taken but vehicle gates left open. It was a Welsh athlete in a wheel chair who had the experience.

It is a pity that we only get the Australian side of the pictures on TV. A real blast to get the real feel Bro. I have talked to some of your past country men and women and have one on my worker team.

in the sparkly dress and no knickers Ruth?

Cor. Promises, promises. Why are you so far away?

I am sure you would enjoy it here Ruth and Heather has some tickets for you too.

A real blast Eric. So you lit the wicks on the sky rockets?

I reckon the best spot in town would have to have been both in the MCG and on the river bank but at the same time was impossible. I have been exhausted but have a lay in for tomorrow morning but have recommended it for others in the team too over the next few days. Getting to the village before 6 am isn't always easy especially for friends at Frankston, virtually a two hour trip. Then reverse the trip from a 3.30 finish. Makes a long day.

No lighting required lol , all i had to do was press a button, actually make that 3 buttons lol , but fun when flying down the river at the same time and no cop could say anything for braking the 5 knot rule hahahah

Just imagine, that was you blowing things up, Eric - I would hardly have known! LOL

Come on Steve. So you want to be like me and want to repeat the same mistakes all over again? Of course take a longer time over the mistakes. LOL Thanks for the birthday wishes though too.

Thanks Glenn,

Just watching John Howard kissing the lady athletes on TV. Would love to do that myself but never so much the tragic.

From the friends who saw him into the Village in the Visitors entry last week he spoke to all the volunteers so they were impressed as they were with the Prince Edward. Bracksie ignored them all as he did security. You know what I would think of that!!!

There have been Prime Ministers here and Presidents and of course Condi Rice too. The things that thrill me are the smiles and friendship of the people who aren't so famous and love to be wanted and to have someone say hello or g'day.

Mate,

I am not sure if you saw any of the opening ceremony, but the roars and cheers John Howard received when introduced to the crowd was amazing. I have never heard such ovation for our national leaders. Last time Bob Hawke was intorduced to the crowd at the MCG, he was booed.

Doesn't suprise me about the Mirror Man's arrogance. Just goes to prove he learnt nothing from the great Jeff Kennett. Arogance cost Jeff the election, so hopefully the same will happen to John Mirror Man Bracks.

Glad you are having such a great time, I can't wait to see the photos, especially of you towering over the most powerful woman on the planet.

Cheers

Glenn

Glenn, I think your old teacher will be there tomorrow and he will hopefully talk to all and have lunch with the workers....... Not that I would know anything.

God love him...lol

Baz, half way through the featured twelve beers of the Commonwealth at the RACV club at the moment, so that puts me in the draw for some special ones. I better try the next six too as some are special..

Got any Jamison raspberry beer ;-)))