The SquizLog

On Economic Growth and Happiness

Once again Ross Gittins presents a refreshing perspective in his article, "Why all this living it up gets us down", in today's Sydney Morning Herald.

He starts by quoting the results of the recent Saulwick poll, which found that despite the fact that the majority of Australians think the Howard government has a poor record on health, education and environmental issues, by and large they support Howard due to his perceived good handling of the economy.

But has this economic growth led to greater contentment? More trouble with divorce, drugs, crime, depression and suicide would tend to suggest not.

Gittins goes on to examine the rising incidence of clinical depression, citing research done by the American psychologist Professor Martin Seligman that indicates depression is a disease which affects rich countries more than poor. Why? Seligman suggests four likely possibilities:

1. The rise of individualism;
2. The depredations of the self-esteem movement;
3. The rise of victimology;
4. The growth in short cuts to happiness.

As Gittins acknowledges, the "never-ending push for economic growth" cannot be blamed for the second and third of Seligman's suggestions.

'But economic rationalism venerates and promotes individualism, working to dismantle communitarian arrangements as "inefficient". And much of the growth in the production of goods and services we strive for comes from the ever-increasing sales of short cuts to happiness, not to mention all the lawyers making a quick buck by encouraging us to sue people who could be liable for our misfortunes.'

Interestingly, on the previous page a letter to the Editor from Owen Torr puts it rather more abruptly, perhaps a little unkindly:

'There are two types of Australians - those who vote for the good of their fellow Australians, and those who vote Liberal.'

I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt. But I wish they would think more deeply about the connection between economic policy, social outcomes and happiness. Kudos to Ross Gittins for drawing attention to this relationship.

Time to Learn Java 5

Judging by this AJUG mailing list discussion about annotations there is much interest in Java 5.

So far I haven't had a burning need to bone up on the new language features in Java 5 but I guess it's about time I started exploring.

So it really is time I upgraded my Mac to Tiger (OS X 10.4) so that I can install Apple's version of Tiger (J2SE 5).

Team 1, Coach's Beard 0

What a way to finish the season!

As the following score summary shows, the final of the inaugural NSW Country Under 14 cricket championship, played at the beautiful Holman Oval, Cowra, was rather one-sided:

Central Coast 3/278 (J Hayward 91 not out, T McDonald 67, L O'Brien 42, M Coombs 22 not out) beat Riverina 44 (A Pitty 3/11, D Tonkin 3/12, J Dusting 2/6)

It was an emphatic way for the team to finish what has been a triumphant season. Winners of the NSWDCA Moore Shield and now winners of the NSW Country Under 14 competition as well. I'm sure many of the players will go onto bigger and better things in their cricket careers but the 2005/06 season will be always be one for them to look back on with fond memories.

And, as promised, the coach shaved his beard off!

Another Triumph for My Boys

Revenge for their defeat last season. Their third premiership in the last four seasons. Last Sunday the Central Coast Under 14 cricket team, which I have the privilege to coach, won the final of the NSWDCA Moore Shield competition.

Central Coast 5/105 (M Coombs 55 not out, T McDonald 34) beat Parramatta 103 (J Elder 5/14, D Tonkin 2/14, C Soper 2/18).

After their skipper lost the toss Central Coast soon had the visitors in trouble, reeling at 4/23. Soper made the early inroads, dismissing both openers. Tonkin and Dusting followed up with a wicket each. Elder snared a brilliant catch in the gully, an early sign that this would be a day for him to remember. Parramatta made a recovery of sorts and at the morning tea break were 5/88 with Graham, their number 4 batsman looking dangerous, having already hit a couple of straight sixes.

Enter Elder, the leg-spinner. He enticed Graham to attempt a six over cow corner with the resulting skied ball held by Soper running in from cover. That was the clincher. Elder claimed the remaining four wickets in quick succession in a beautiful display of leg-spin bowling that would have warmed the heart of "Tiger" Bill O'Reilly. Elder: 9.4 overs, 2 maidens, 5 for 14. Parramatta all out 103.

Central Coast was undeniably in the box seat but, at the risk of repeating a cliché, Parramatta had the runs on the board and we had to get them. When the total teetered at 3/14, the coach started pacing around the oval, nervous but still confident in the boys' appreciation of the importance of partnerships. And what a partnership the next one proved to be. McDonald, the captain, and Coombs, growing more confident with every innings at this level, calmly and patiently picked off the singles and dispatched the loose balls. They combined for a partnership of 71, simply huge in the context of chasing a small total in a final.

Coombs was there at the end as Central Coast scored the winning runs with 10.5 overs to spare. Another triumph to go with their Cawsey Shield (2003/04) and Creak Shield (2002/03) victories!

This Sunday the boys play the final of the NSW Country Under 14 competition against Riverina. Which brings to mind a promise the coach made earlier in the season in an unguarded moment. As the boys are keen to point out, if they win this Sunday the coach's beard must come off!

Goodbye Muzz

I will miss your friendly smile.

I will miss the quiet, stoic way in which you faced life's challenges.

I will miss the delight you showed when supporting your grandchildren.

I will miss having you about, being able to pop next door for a chat.

I will miss your good humour.

I will miss your wisdom and sense of justice.

I will miss the way you made me feel welcome as part of your family.

I will miss being able to stir you and the good natured way that you laughed at yourself.

I will miss the close relationship you had with your daughters.

I will miss you dearly.

Although I will miss you, I will treasure many happy memories.

You will always hold a special place in my heart.