Glen Atwell

Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA


Joined August 11th 2006

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Recent Posts

Spring Carnival is here again and punters are salivating at the generous promotions up for grabs. Casual gamblers may not realise it but Australian booking companies have a love affair with gambling themselves - gambling away their profits!

Bookmakers spring carnival betting
Australian bookmakers are the biggest punters of all, writes Sandra Hajda

In recent years bookies have surprised many by offering promotions that seem to defy the laws of common sense - situations where they stand to lose in a HUGE way if the games do not go as expected.

Many tuned out when the siren sounded at this year's AFL Grand Final - Geelong had won by six points - but you can be sure the Northern Territory Sportsbet bookies were still watching very carefully. They had promised all punters with bets up to $200 a REFUND is their team lost by six points or less!

When Max Rooke scored his after-the-siren goal (the goal that didn't seem to matter) it made a huge difference to Sportsbet - it saved them from having to refund over 16,000 punters. Commentators dubbed it 'the final kick that saved the bookies'!

Max Rooke Geelong AFL
Premiership Cat Max Rooke kicked the first and last goal of the AFL Grand Final. His after-siren effort saved bookmakers a fortune

When 2009 Cranbourne Cup winner Sermon (trained by Robbie Laing) was excluded from the Caulfield Cup, many punters simply shrugged and adjusted their bets accordingly. But you can be sure www.Luxbet.com was breathing a huge sigh of relief.

One of THAT company's PR gimmicks is the Luxbet.com Caulfield-Cranbourne Bonus, which promises a $1 million bonus if the same horse happens to win the Caulfield and Cranbourne Cups.

When it was announced that Cranbourne winner Sermon would not race at Caulfield, it became pretty obvious that wouldn't happen. Luxbet will hold on to that $1 million in 2009!

In a slightly different example of dangerous promotional tactics, ABC Online is reporting that a midget race organised by Racing Australia has raised eyebrows, including those of Victoria's Racing Minister Rob Hulls. Accusations of 'poor taste' are flying around.

"I mean the Midgets Cup for goodness sake. Having short-statured people jump on blokes' backs and fall over the finish line at race tracks is certainly no way of promoting this great Spring Carnival, right around the world, right around Australia and right throughout Victoria" said Hulls. He alleged that such events do nothing to promote racing as a sophisticated and innovative industry.

Victorian Premier John Brumby agreed that the stunt was inappropriate, saying:

"What occurred may well be humorous to many people, but I think the test is whether it's hurtful to people and what occurred is quite hurtful to a number of people and so I think it's tacky."

A lot of careful PR maneuvering is part and parcel of big events like this, where exhorbitant amounts of advertising money are funnelled in: careers are made, deals broken, fortunes secured, sponsorship withdrawn and drunken gloves-clad girls picked up in the fading Flemington sunshine.

For most, however, Spring Carnival simply means a few extra racing segments on the news, a more striking and colourful selection of hats in the newspaper society sections, and perhaps the chance to win money in a free Spring Carnival Tipping Competition (such as the one run by Sportsbet www.sportsbet.com.au).


Sportsbet released their fairly uncontroversial new commercial over the weekend, in time for The Age Caulfield Guineas Day (Saturday 10th October) and www.Luxbet.com Cranbourne Cup Day (Sunday 11th October).

Be sure to get your bets in for mid-week races such as Schweppes Thousand Guineas Day (Wednesday 14th October) and this weekend's BMW Caulfield Cup Day (Saturday 17th October).
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AFL Grand Final Geelong vs St Kilda

September 22nd 2009 04:57
The last Saturday in September has arrived, and the 2009 AFL Grand Final is set to be a corker.

Undeniably, the two best teams this year won through for the right to win the AFL Premiership.

Geelong and St Kilda sat atop the AFL ladder for the entire year and won through to the Grand Final in impressive fashion.

Despite St Kilda dominating the competition, including an impressive win over Geelong, it is the Cats who will enter Saturday's final as firm favourites.

Geelong smashed a hapless Collingwood at the MCG last Saturday night. The second half was a walk in the park.

St Kilda, on the other hand, battled to the last minute against a burly Bulldogs team last Friday night.

The odds for the 2009 AFL Grand Final:

St Kilda - $2.52
Geelong - $1.64


St Kilda jumps out as incredible value here. Geelong are hitting their straps, but the Saints have been near on impossible to beat for the entire AFL season.

The Bulldogs are a better side than given credit for, and would themselves push Geelong all the way.

I'll be backing the Saints to lead at half time and full time, and to win by less than 39.5 points.

I'm confident I've got this one worked out.

Geelong, given their dominance over the past three years, have as much pressure to win at least two flags in their reign, as St Kilda do to break their drought.

St Kilda will thrive early, Riewoldt will be hard to hold down and they'll win by three or four goals.

- Glen Atwell
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VidZone and music streaming on PS3

September 14th 2009 11:28
Music on the Playstation 3 is fast becoming Sony's ace up the sleeze, as gamers and listeners turn to the shiny black box for their daily rhythmic fix.

VidZone, a downloadable application that allows PS3 owners to stream more than 13,000 tracks for free, has become a staple on hard drives and at house parties.

At the same time, it is fighting to deter casual music piracy, by selling small sections of the VidZone interface to advertisers.

Artists are throwing their support behind the service. Last week, British band Editors' premiered their new music video 'Papillion' exclusively on VidZone.

And it's no throw away track, instead, the lead single from a forthcoming album.

PS3 VidZone Editors music
PS3 music service VidZone is winning support from artists. British band Editors' premiered a track exclusively on the service last week.


Yesterday, Guitar Hero 5 hit the retail shelves, and the online consensus is that Activision's new offering makes it worthwhile to dust off that plastic axe once again.

With 85 songs on offer, ranging from Elton John to Eagles of Death Metal, there's a string to strum for every music lover.

Guitar Hero is the world's best ever selling music video game, and the franchise is showing no signs of slowing down, with versions that include a full repertoire of instruments.

Meantime, arch enemy title Rock Band, is releasing scores of downloadable tracks on the Playstation Network.

Today, across the road at the SingStar factory, retail copies of its latest instalment, Motown, are being released.

The disc is certain to have mum and dad interested, with classic era sounds such as 'Stop! In The Name Of Love' by The Supremes and offerings from Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5.

So where does the console-music crossover end? What is the next step?

Radio streaming remains uncharted territory. For the most part, radio networks cannot be streamed through the PS3 internet browser.

Grand Theft Auto IV created a number of virtual stations that were playable while behind the wheel, but we're yet to see a game sponsored by a real-world commercial network.

Developers could package a game with a radio streaming widget, that allows free streaming in game and from the PS3 menu.

Expect to see some serious movement on that front soon.

While we wait, keep enjoying VidZone's free tracks, and keep lobbying Australia's ISPs for unmetered usage.
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AFL Finals 2009 Week Two

September 8th 2009 02:37
So the Bombers and Blues are gone. The Bulldogs flopped, and Collingwood was choked to death.

I love September


[ Click here to read more ]
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AFL Finals 2009 Fixture

August 31st 2009 01:50
The 2009 AFL Finals Series has arrived... well on Friday night anyway, not soon enough!

The Bombers take on the Crows at AAMI in a do-or-die elimination final that is sure to test the resolve of the young Dons, who will likely be without captain Matthew Lloyd, and possibly Paddy Ryder


[ Click here to read more ]
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Lloyd suspended for bump on Sewell

August 29th 2009 10:31
Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd suspended for bump on Hawk Brad Sewell


[ Click here to read more ]
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Essendon will play in its first finals series in five years after a bruising 17-point victory against Hawthorn in wet conditions at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Matthew Lloyd bump on Brad Sewell dominated the post-match headlines. If you missed it, and the ensuing brawl, check it out


[ Click here to read more ]
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AFL Round 22 2009

August 28th 2009 01:39
Hasn't the season flown! Round 22 is upon us.

Essendon vs Hawthorn is the match of the round, and I have a sneaking suspicion the Hawks will give the Bombers a good old fashioned hiding. Get on at the $1.71


[ Click here to read more ]
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New slim PS3 images

August 19th 2009 00:00
A new slimmer, smaller and more importantly cheaper PS3 console has been announced.

We've got the exclusive images


[ Click here to read more ]
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small light slim new PS3
The slim, small and cute charcoal PS3 is an impressive unit


NEW SLIMMER AND LIGHTER PLAYSTATION 3 TO HIT WORLDWIDE MARKET THIS SEPTEMBER
[ Click here to read more ]
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Recent Comments

It's not for everyone, but certainly is a favourite Australian hobby... Or career!

Comment by Glen Atwell
on New slim PS3 images

October 13th 2009 22:40
Hi JC,

Welcome back! Your post made my day. It's great to hear you finally made it back on the field after your ACL journey!

How good does it feel to look back on the injury, surgery, recovery and rehab and realise that you've made it this far.

I'm sure your hamstring will continue to strengthen and become used to the rough and tumble of Aussie Rules.

Keep it up mate, and keep us posted on your progress.



- Glen Atwell

Comment by Glen Atwell
on Nintendo Wii Sports: You Little Beauty!

June 19th 2009 19:11
I still love Wii Sports!

Comment by Glen Atwell
on Which airports do you like?

June 12th 2009 02:35
The best airport in the world - by far - is the Koh Samui International Airport.

As small, and equally as cute, as a button, with lush green surroundings and beautiful rock and wood work.

It's just been refurbished and looks even better.

If you're in Thailand, check it out!

Great advice Kate.

Hey guys, please insert your names into the fields, makes it easier to reply!

LG - What is the concern of your parents?

If you're playing AFL, no player has ever taken to the field with a torn or partially torn ACL.

David Schwarz returned from an ACL reconstruction after 15 weeks and kicked three goals.

He re-ruptured the following week.

Tony Liberatore returned mid-season after rupturing in the pre-season, but it was in the twilight of his career.

Rugby players can continue with partial tears, because most of the running is straight, but all will eventually require a full reconstruction.

There's nothing to say it will definitely re-rupture the moment you put pressure on it, if you bulk up your leg muscles, it may hang on for another year or so.

But at your age, you've got plenty of time for an operation and the chance to spend at least a year rehabilitating to give the next graft the best chance possible.

If money is a problem, there is obviously other issues to work through and that may affect your time-frame.

- Glen.


A 50% tear of an ACL graft is something that will require repair. I certainly wouldn't be playing football or any other sport that requires sudden sideways movement.

Walking, running and swimming should be fine.

Skiing is definitely something to avoid with a bad knee, that sideways impact is tough on the healthiest of knees. But let's be real here for a moment, if you've half torn your ACL and are facing a second reconstruction anyway, you may as well take it easy on the slopes but at least enjoy yourself.

Talk with your surgeon or doctor, they'll be able to offer specific advice - but I'd steer clear of footy, strengthen your leg muscles before your holiday and look at surgey when you return.

Have fun in New Zealand, just stick to the beginner's slopes!

- Glen.

Hi LG, and other contributors,

The graft will not heal itself. Ligaments don't have a great blood supply.

Some MCL and LCL tears are left without repair because scar tissue can help minimise the impact of the injury, but the ligaments never heal themselves.

Speak with your surgeon, but I would imagine you'll one day need another ACL reconstruction.

Don't stress mate, it's not the end of the world, you've been through one and the next will be easier.

With the partial tear, it means you won't need the operation straight away. Take some time to strengthen your leg muscles and get prepared.

You may be able to function with a partially torn ligament in day-to-day activities, but if you're keen on your footy, talk with your surgeon.

- Glen.

Comment by Glen Atwell
on AFL Round 9 Tips Odds Best Bets

May 22nd 2009 06:25
Fixed it up! I had odds wrong! Cheers! I reckon Port will go close... Bombers are a moral. 2009 special. Haha!