The cricket Saga

I know I am late to the party in writing this, and for a long time and didn’t really know what to say.

I have been a loyal supporter of the Australian Cricket Team and Cricket Australia in general which makes things like this incredibly hard for me to write.

Its not just the ball tampering scandal that has me worried and taken back it’s a lot of choices of late that I am concerned about.

I honestly still don’t really know what to say about the whole thing I was in shock when I read what had happened and I am still in the same boat.

Let’s start with the ball tampering, had someone told me at the start of the year that David and Steve would be caught doing something like that, I would have told them they were dreaming. I know there has been a lot of hate going around them by fans and a lot of other things been writing about them, to them and their families and I am not about to unleash, what I will say is I don’t hate them for it I am disappointed but my love for them hasn’t just gone out the window just because of one mistake.

Yep one mistake, I know Australia is sports loving country that puts a lot of pressure on all our athletes and we try to make to sure our reputation is at world class levels. But posting vial comments about them and their loved ones and sending trash to them and their families doesn’t make you a better person it makes you worse than that mistake that will follow them for the rest of their lives.

Honestly would you want that backlash at your front door every time you have made a mistake? I know I wouldn’t. They all took full responsibility for their actions, stood up and said yes, we did it. That takes real courage. Its incredibly hard seeing grown men break down in front of everyone and admit their mistake and ask for forgiveness. Seeing it made me upset and wanting to hug them. 

I will be the first to admit I don’t condone their actions but its takes a real man to do what they did after the game and days after. I really hope the media stops focusing on them, so they can get on with the bans and move on.

A loyal fan is a fan that stands by them no matter what, even if they have done something wrong. Yes, you can be upset and disappointed in them but at the end of the day you should still support them. Ride that rollercoaster with them and support them through the bad times be and enjoy the great times. 

Many athletes say that they aren’t heroes, I tend to agree real heroes are first responders, armed forces and those who save lives. But I also know that these athletes inspire so many younger generations and many love and adore them. At the end of the day it’s a privilege to represent your country, state or sport, privileges can be taken off you. You go out on the field, ground, or where your sport is played. you are representing not only yourself, but a whole army of people supporting you, sponsors, endorsements, clubs, coaches, teammates and your friends and family.

I have honestly had enough of athletes thinking they are untouchable and only get slaps on the wrist punishments. I completely understand why Cricket Australia took a massive stand on their punishments, they need to make an example out of them and make sure this never happens again.

The one hundred hours of community within the cricket community should ultimately be spent with grass roots cricket, after all these are the kids that are asking for their parents to take them to the games, they are our future Australian cricketers we should be making sure they all learn from their mistakes and its not just the grass roots all crickets around the country and the world should be taking in the bans and learning that this wont be acceptable. If I was Steve, David or Cameron I would be getting in touch with teams in the East Asia – Pacific countries like PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu and Soma and asking them if they would like some clinics with them so we can continue to grow the cricket community.

I have worked with PNG at the under 19 cricket world cup in 2012 and I have continued to see them grown and they are well on their way to getting a chance to compete at 50 over and 20/20 world cups. Not only will it sit well with the ICC but also make a case for those players once the bans have been lifted.

The other reason I am writing this is the new media deal that Cricket Australia have just made with channel 7 and Foxtel and taking the Big Bash from channel ten. The decision taking big bash from ten I feel is a bad idea, in saying that I am willing to eat my words. Ten has done an amazing showcasing the series with incredible viewing numbers and outstanding team in the commentary box and behind the scenes which I feel sorry for those involved they have all done a brilliant job.

I don’t have pay tv and many other Australia also don’t have it. Which means I will no longer be able to watch the Australian teams play ODI’s and the Twenty 20 games during the Australian summer. This really upsets me that a part of my summer has now gone, and I am not the only fan that has been made to feel neglected.

I honestly don’t know how the summer is going to be with attendance at the games a lot of fans are angry and disappointed in not only the players but with everything else.

Appointing Justin Langer as coach is a great choice, new blood that can get the guys back into shape, not saying Darren was bad coach I am a fan of his, just think getting someone new in will freshen things up.

In recent years I feel that the team has lost a certain spark and I’m not sure what it is, but something is missing. And maybe a mighty duck inspired bonding session will help. Knowing that Justin is now with the team I am sure he will inspire them all.

Lets all make cricket great again and continue supporting the players and turn out to the games when they start back up at the end of the year and if you can go out and support the grass roots games after all they are the future.

The importance of Mental Health

We need to talk about the importance of mental health.

People go to their doctors regularly about their health concerns and check-ups but are less likely to do so when it comes to their mental health. Its just as important, the mind and the brain are what controls and coordinates it all. The brain empowers the body.  We all go to the dentist to look after our teeth, shouldn’t we look after the brain and mind?

There is a stigma about mental health and some people find it difficult to talk about their own or loved one’s mental issues. The only way to break down the stigma is encouraging people to speak up or encourage people to speak up or seek assistance.

There are people that think depression, anxiety and other things are not real and its all-in people heads (well it is in people’s heads, but it isn’t fake)

A lot of people have depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, they self-harm themselves, these conditions can take over your life make things hard to live for some. We need to be able to work on making our conditions better or work out effective ways for it not to interfere with our lives.

I say we because I suffer from anxiety ( the type of anxiety I have is social anxiety and it all stems from being judged and bullied from a younger age, I also have is a medical one but it comes from having a fear that my hip and back will go out while I am out, I don’t have control of my body and that does scare me. ) and It can make everyday living a little hard when you have these fears and phobias that can come into play and then those negative thoughts that play in your head it can stop you from doing things that you would like to be doing. Being bullied a lot of my childhood has given me those fears and thinking that people are talking about me behind my back and or laughing at me. And then getting slightly depressed.

Let me explain more about how being bullied can affect someone, it can give you mental scars, I have so many of them. It can give you negative thoughts and I have them and you can never really get rid of them they will always be lingering around in the background. I know that everyone is beautiful but there are those days that those voices make an appearance and for that slight second you believe them, and for some people those voices make people do drastic things.

Let’s talk about depression, it can make you do some crazy things. Or just make you feel like you want to be alone. I have been depressed but I am not always depressed I am always a happy, cheerful person but there are times when you feel alone and not wanting to do anything. With having an illness like cancer, autoimmune disease, depression is something you need to look out for and recommended on having a professional to talk to. 

Here’s the kicker no one that is mentally sane would point a gun at a person and take innocent lives and or their own life. I am talking mass shootings and or their own life. My feeling on guns and gun control is a whole other issue but there is one thing we all need to be aware of is that having no gun control and being so easy to buy guns in some countries makes them available to anyone, even if they have mental issues.

There is also a stigma about seeing a councilor / psychologist thinking that you are weak but let me tell you. you are not weak, you are incredibly smart by seeing someone that can help you overcome and work on the problems you are facing. so, let’s start to talk these things out with someone and help see things in different light or help navigate through it all. 

How can we stop the depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and or even talking our own lives?

Well firstly combat bullying in schools, the workplace and in the homes and stop cyberbullying.

Secondly, seeking help by talking to your doctors, seeing a professional or talk to someone. These people can put you on medication, give you advice, listen to you, give you helpful strategies to guide you when you are having an anxiety attack. Most doctors have care plans that can get you into seeing someone, next time you are at the doctors ask them about it.

Start a diary and write your thoughts down

Making sure our children know that no matter the circumstance or problem they can come to you for advice, help, forgiveness and understanding without judgement. They need to know that there are people around them like the police, teachers, friend’s parents, friends, priests, doctors and many more that they can approach and talk to. A lot of kids and adults feel the need to do it alone or think they have no-one to turn to. No matter what is going on you need to speak up. This counts for adults as well we all need to know that there are people out there for you.

I am writing this because we all need to be aware of our triggers, and that we all need to keep our mental health in check because it is so important. I know what its like to lose some body because of it and its incredibly hard to comprehend and get through. I know the struggles of dealing with my own anxiety.

If this can help anyone or started people talking about this, then I am extremely happy that my ripple can start to make waves and get rid of the stigma.

My Ultimate Vow - ©Danielle Briggs October 2017

Recently there has been a lot of talk about sexual harassment, sexual abuse and sexual assault in Hollywood that has made me want to write this post.

This has been in the back of my mind for a long time. But I never thought I had a strong enough voice to reach where this is needed and as far as I wanted it to reach. Then I realised, I can’t just sit here and not say anything. There are so many women around the world who aren’t in a situation where they can due to so many reasons.

Men shouldn’t be able to get away with treating women like a piece of meat and expecting us to do what they ask and / or suggest. Or for that matter force themselves on top of us without our consent. Often these things are not reported to police or investigated because it is always he said she said situation and often not taken seriously which is wrong and no matter who or where you are it should never happen. Just recently there has been a hashtag #MeToo going around it is amazing how many women have used this and they may have and may not have done anything about it. I want to also point out that just because some women haven’t used the hash tag or told their story it doesn’t mean they don’t have one, they just don’t want to talk about or bring it up.

I will also point out that these issues are not just in the work place. Often these are in our homes as well, whether it’s family or partners or anyone else for that matter.

This issue is a global problem that continually grows and will continue to grow unless we as a whole work together and change it. The governments need to step in and takes drastic changes. This shouldn’t be growing. It shouldn’t even exist.

So today here and now I want to make the first step in changing the world and make these vows to the world and to myself.

I vow to love, respect and value myself and my body.

I vow to stay strong in my weak and bad days.

I vow to protect myself where I need to.

I vow to never give up and keep fighting on the dark days until the light days arrive.

I vow to stand up for those who can’t and make sure those voices can be heard.

I vow to respect and appreciate all body types and personalities and not bully them or hurt them. (We women are so judgmental of other women. We say so many nasty comments to each other and behind their backs, it’s really disgusting to watch and see. When men see this some of them think that’s its ok for them to do this and it’s really not!… It’s not ok to do this to anyone. I get that you might not like someone or you a jealous of that person, but at the end of the day it’s just not worth making other people feel horrible.)

I vow to love and spread love until my last breath.

I urge you all to make these vows to yourself and for those around you. I also encourage the men to join in as well and vow that you will respect all women and not abuse or assault them and treat them as equals. I also encourage you to vow that you will raise your children to know what is right and wrong and make sure they do better. By using the hashtag #MYVOW we can stand together and make the world a better place one step at a time and make the hate turn into love. Would love to see any other vows you feel that you want to make for yourself and for the world.

#MYVOW

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Casey Barnes: The Underrated Artist

Casey Barnes is a hardworking Australian singer songwriter who has been chipping away at it for years. He has co-written songs with Rick Price, wife Michelle, Michael Paynter, Michael Delorenzis and MSquared.

Born in Tasmania and now resides on the Gold Coast with his wife Michelle and two daughters Charli and Emmy. 

Casey a former Australian Idol contestant in the last series in Australia finishing in 11th place with Stan walker taking the win in 2009.

Years on from Idol  Casey has slowly paved his way into the US country charts, after his song Keep Me Coming Back being played in the Professional Bull Riders circuit. 

Casey has previously supported acts such as Lady Antebellum, Mariah Carey and Bryan Adams and soon will be performing at the Vines music festival with Billy Ray Cyrus and many more in march at Crossroads in New South Wales. Also just announced an performing artist at CMC Rocks in march 2018, which is a sell out event held in Ipswich Queensland.

Casey also works with a band called Kick that is largely used by company's for work events and or events. 

A great family man who adores his wife and kids, also great with his fan base. Always respectful and gracious when meeting them and talking to them online.

Co writing hit song Live As One with Rick Price is something everyone should hear, incredible and powerful lyrics really make you want to change your ways and be more accepting of other people. 

Casey has two current songs out right now called The Way We Rise and Keep Me Coming Back which you can purchase on most music sources including iTunes. 

In the words of Molly Meldrum do yourself a favour and checkout Casey Barnes.

Like most artists Casey will more than likely do better in the states and around the world before getting the attention he deserves in Australia.

http://www.caseybarnes.com.au/

Studio 10 is where all the fun is

© Danielle Briggs October 2017

I really enjoy studio 10 from their crazy antics to their amazing hosts and guests. You never know where the show is going to go and not even they know, some of the time. It’s the best way to start your mornings, with a great laugh, with tears (some from laughing so hard), with insightful information and fun and games. I wouldn’t have the show any other way. All of the panel and panel regular guest hosts have all got something in common they all are their own person and embrace who they are, all have their own beliefs and thoughts on subjects they are discussing sometimes ends with little fights but they make up in the ad breaks.

Let’s dissect the panel shall we. Sarah Harris the bus driver of the show, one of my favourite journalists, incredibly smart and funny and somehow has the panel in control, although at times its hard she always finds a way to get them back on the road.

Joe Hildebrand is also an incredible journalist who hits the hard topics. Not only that but he has done so many things on the show that most people wouldn’t, a nudie run, prostate exam, leg wax (have to admit that was my idea that got picked up by the show’s Executive Producer) all this live on air. Joe hits the audience with dad jokes aplenty and most of the time has us all laughing.

Jessica Rowe, now this is a woman that embraces who she is and created a website based on being a crap housewife. I have to admit I applaud her for this and I must say she is really trying to get better and I have seen the evidence in her cooking. Jess is someone that is her own person and doesn’t change for anyone and just is herself and I think more people should do that. The Jess snorts are the best as it makes you laugh even more, Jess isn’t the only one that does it and I love that she is laughing so much she loses control.

The show then has two pioneers of the Australian entertainment industry and for women in Australia. They have both inspired many women around the country to get into the industry and or just inspired them to be strong women, and they have both done that for me. We are talking about Denise Drysdale and Ita Buttrose, Denise in the entertainment industry and Ita as a journalist both have had incredible careers and share the job on the panel. I have a lot of respect for both of these ladies and the whole entire panel.

David “Robbo” Robertson the shows roaming reporter and host of the $5 quiz on the show has grown on the show through the years and has been stepping up to be on the panel occasionally and doing great. Robbo is a funny and is always amazing to watch when at home at one of the viewers houses.

Robert McKnight the Executive Producer is a character, I think he likes torturing Joe I can’t wait to see what he makes Joe do next or allows him to do next. Rob is amazing and he keeps the show running and making it exciting for the viewers, coming up with new segments and growing the show. The show is going so well channel ten extended their show by an extra hour, which is the longest running show on a weekday morning.

Entertainment gossip and news covered by the amazing Angela Bishop and Craig Bennet, Angela has been in the business for a very long time and arguably one of the best entertainment reporters in the world. Craig is full of enthusiasm and enjoyment you can’t help but smile when he is on the show.

What can you say about Jono Coleman, the advertorial presenter? Incredibly funny and random which makes the show more entertaining.

Regular show panellists, journalist Jo Casamento, Hollywood reporter Richard Reid, Carlotta, Susie Elelman, and Natarsha Belling are all fabulous to watch and bring another dynamic to the show.  Jo, Susie, Carlotta and Natarsha all fill in for the panel members. All of them bring intelligence, laughs, enthusiasm and another perspective on the topics on the show.

I am a massive fan of Jo, Richard and Carlotta, they all make me smile and brighten up my day. I love the main panel of the show but if one or more of these guys are on I am very happy.

As you can see the show is beaming with beautiful amazing light that can lift you up from a gloomy start or can make you smile more after waking from an already great morning. I wouldn’t watch anything else and I can’t think of a better way to start my day.

Jet, Star on the Rise - By Danielle Briggs

** This article will be published on a local paper very soon**

Let me introduce you all to an up and coming cricketer who has the talent, the team player instinct that any team wishes for. A heart that is filled with passion and determination and nothing but fight.

Jet Liebke is a 15 year old wicket keeper all-rounder, who like all young boys aspires to be selected in the Australian men’s cricket team and has taken the first step in accomplishing his dream by being selected in the Under 16 Australian team. Jet will take the gloves later this year and early next year. When I asked about him being selected into the team he said

“I can still remember the moment before hearing the announcement that I had been selected in the team, I had major butterflies, my palms were sweaty, and my heart was in my throat, I could hardly breathe. When they announced my name I could finally breathe again, knowing all that hard work had payed off. It will be an honour to represent Australia and it is something that I have worked hard for.”

2013 Jet just getting started

Jet with Michael Clarke

Jet with Michael in the nets

Jet Keeping

Jet Keeping

Jet started playing in late 2011 after joining St Patrick's College and has been named in Queensland under 15’s and Queensland Rookie under 16’s, Brisbane North and Metropolitan North teams. Jet was also luckily enough to be selected to attend the Michael Clarke Cricket Academy in Sydney in 2015.when I asked about going to the academy he said.

  “Getting picked in the Michael Clarke cricket academy was a dream come true for me at that time. Getting to have one on one time with Michael himself and receiving feedback throughout the week at the end of the academy. The early morning training sessions were difficult, but having gone through that I feel like  now that when I play in carnivals I find it easier to wake up to play cricket. Also another highlight of the experience of the academy I got to work with Daniel Smith and Peter Nevill on my wicket keeping which was a major highlight personally for the week”      

 It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Jet, it has taken a lot of hard work and many hours to get to this stage. With private lessons, extra training, constant work on his form in the backyard and doing throw downs at the local park. I asked Jet about his best and worst part of his career so far he said.

“The worst that has happened to me in cricket is when I first started trialing for rep teams at first I didn’t get picked, so that enabled me to work harder over that years, I then finally made that team which is where multiple teams played in a carnival, and at the end of the carnival a team was announced the winner of the state champions and a QLD side was picked.  Unfortunately I suffered an injury a week before the carnival. With a broken foot that left me in a cast and out of cricket for a few weeks. I still went down to the carnival and supported the boy’s play. Which was difficult because I was itching to play with them, I still managed to hop around and help the boys with throw downs. After the week and the team had been announced for the U12 QLD, I was happy for those boys, who made it, but I left with a sad feeling knowing that I could have been in that team.

Up until now my proudest moment would have to be being selected in the U15s QLD side, which played, late last year and I did well enough to be selected in the Australian U16s which will play later in the year and early next year I believe”                                                                                                             

We talked about who inspires him the most and who his favourite players are he said.

There is no doubt that Jet is someone to watch out for, not only is he grounded but you can tell how much passion and desire he has for the game and to play for Australia. Jet is also a team player that encourages his team mates and works with them to improve their skills. I asked jet about what he wanted to accomplish and what he believes his future in store for him, he said.

“If I make the Australian men’s team I am going to grab it with both hands knowing that I have worked my butt off and made so many sacrifices to be there. If I ever play at that level I want to know that I’ve made a difference and been successful playing the sport. But there are no guarantees in sport.”

“I believe that I can go all the way to play test cricket for Australia and hopefully be successful at it in the years to come.”

Jet currently plays for St Patrick's College in Sandgate Queensland, Sandgate – Redcliffe under 17’s Qld squad. Jet also has played in winter cricket for Valley and Albany creek hawks.

“The people who inspire me the most are players such as Brad Haddin, Adam Gilchrest, Ricky Pointing, Michael Clarke, etc., My close family and friends who are always there supporting me whether I am doing well or not.  All my coaches and new coaches, which have taught me and are still teaching me to play the game of cricket”

“There is a whole list that I could name but Adam Gilchrest, Brad Haddin, Ricky pointing, Joe root, Steve Smith, Sam Whiteman, Chris Hartley, and Michael Clarke” are some of Jets favourite players.




**Jet know goes to Nudgee Colloege**

One of my dream was to get something published and June 27th 2017 it finally happened.

My post living with a disability has been picked up by a website called The Mighty, it is a site for those with a disability. I couldn't be happier than what I am now. It has been changed a little by their editors but I'm really happy about it.

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You can check it out here: https://themighty.com/…/living-with-psoriatic-arthritis-an…/

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@Briggsysspace on twitter as well.