Banjo

Thanks for the thread.

I am still holding my breath - and await her final docking in Sydney.

Another great role model for teenagers. Our young people need them with so much negativity projected towards them by too many adults.

And a big high five to her parents - mine were too overprotective, Jessica's self-reliance is something that has taken me most of my life to achieve and I still would never attempt what she has done.

Severin,
Aw,I dunno love.

Don't our sports people like footballers and the models and rock stars set a shining example for our youngsters?

They are such angels and always in the media. Drink and drugs? perish the thought.

Our politicians also set high standards with their honesty and integrity.

Good news comes so rarely, I doubt we know how to handle it.

Sadly, you can count on one hand the good role models.

Banjo

I get your drift:

>> Sadly, you can count on one hand the good role models. <<

However my father said something to me when I was 10 years old, I'll never forget when I was trying to get him to talk about his war experiences. I wanted to know if he had ever shot someone, he told me he didn't know and then I asked if he was a hero.

My father said, "To be a hero, you have to be seen."

We don't get to see all the good role models - but they are there touching people's lives every day. Occasionally a girl like Jessica comes along - the people who made it possible are all behind the scenes. Starting with her parents and others who believe girls can.

good on ya Jessica. I'm sure she has too much about her but she would be quite within her rights to tell the media where to put it when she gets home.

nairbe

I agree:

http://newmatilda.com/files/imagecache/cartoon_homepage/images/BroelmanHomeStretch.jpg

nairbe,
You bet! I'd like to see her give the finger to the nay sayers and critics, but I reckon Jess is too well brought up and too much of a lady to do that. Actully she had a bit of a giggle at the critics

Severin,
Good one!

With the weather looking not too bad for the next few days and Jess taking EPL easy and nursing her a bit, I am starting to get in the party mood for next weekend.

This song will do for starters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2Eot7XDk8Y