Not So Cruisey...
Maybe it's just me, but I've never understood the desire to go on a cruise. To me, it would be the most boring, confined and claustrophobic holiday ever. Cooped up in matchbox-size cabins, sharing with people you don't know unless, of course, one can afford to pay more, doesn't appeal to me whatsoever. Even going on such a holiday with a partner wouldn't be an enticement for me. If it was imperative for him to go, I would be on the wharf waving him 'bon voyage'!
Being stuck with a mob of 'yobbos' or totally mis-matched fellow cruisers, is not my idea of a relaxing holiday.
After the broad and graphic publicity of the Dianne Brimble case, I'm sure there are others who are re-thinking going on a cruise. The lack of responsibility shown by the cruise ship operators has to be addressed and addressed promptly, not just here in Australian waters but internationally.
Yep...I'll stick to 'terra firma' for my holidays, thank you. I'd rather be cuddled up in a cosy cabin up on a mountain with a glowing log fire in the arms of a loved one, with the sound of birds singing gleefully in the trees outside or in an apartment/house on the beachfront..not on a floating prison upon the ocean.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
What Price Fame!
Enough is enough! How low can they go? Extremely low, it appears. The Italian magazine that published the photograph of the dying Princess Diana showed no empathy or compassion towards William and Harry. I think these two young men have had to deal with enough in their young lives from the ravenous media without some grubby magazine trying to profit, still, from the tragic death of their mother nine years ago. It really is bad taste. Diana's sons don't deserve this grotty treatment. Give respect where respect is due.
Enough is enough! How low can they go? Extremely low, it appears. The Italian magazine that published the photograph of the dying Princess Diana showed no empathy or compassion towards William and Harry. I think these two young men have had to deal with enough in their young lives from the ravenous media without some grubby magazine trying to profit, still, from the tragic death of their mother nine years ago. It really is bad taste. Diana's sons don't deserve this grotty treatment. Give respect where respect is due.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Computer Cats!
I have two cats who are completely intrigued by my printer when it's in action, one more so than the other! The printer is on loan. I'm madly trying to save my pennies to buy a new printer and scanner for myself. My cats are going to be so disappointed when I have to give this one back and there's a lapse between buying a new one for myself! So, I'd better hurry up and save a few more of those very elusive dollars, if only for the sake of my cats!
I have two cats who are completely intrigued by my printer when it's in action, one more so than the other! The printer is on loan. I'm madly trying to save my pennies to buy a new printer and scanner for myself. My cats are going to be so disappointed when I have to give this one back and there's a lapse between buying a new one for myself! So, I'd better hurry up and save a few more of those very elusive dollars, if only for the sake of my cats!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Why Bother?
"What's it all about, Alfie?" An often repeated question. Frequently, I wonder myself what it's all about. I wish I knew the answer.Would anyone care if I no long existed on this earth? Would there be anyone who would miss me and/or remember me? Probably not. Life goes on and my life is just a mere spit in the massive ocean of existence. I am invisible, of use to no one other than myself (and sometimes I even wonder about that!) and my two cats.
Except for them, my two cats and all the books I still have to read, all the movies I still have to see, all the music I still have to hear, all the sunsets and sunrises I still have to witness, all the things I still have to learn, all the people I still have to meet, I probably would give it all up!
And most importantly, as long as I still have me...I shall remain!
"What's it all about, Alfie?" An often repeated question. Frequently, I wonder myself what it's all about. I wish I knew the answer.Would anyone care if I no long existed on this earth? Would there be anyone who would miss me and/or remember me? Probably not. Life goes on and my life is just a mere spit in the massive ocean of existence. I am invisible, of use to no one other than myself (and sometimes I even wonder about that!) and my two cats.
Except for them, my two cats and all the books I still have to read, all the movies I still have to see, all the music I still have to hear, all the sunsets and sunrises I still have to witness, all the things I still have to learn, all the people I still have to meet, I probably would give it all up!
And most importantly, as long as I still have me...I shall remain!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
No Middle Ground in the Middle East
What did they expect? Hezbollah (Hizbullah) guerillas grab two Israeli soldiers and kill seven others and expect the Israelis not to retaliate? I think not! Israel withdrew from Southern Lebanon in 2000 as part of the broader peace process. Hezbollah (Hizbullah) had another agenda, it seems. With Iran and Syria as their patrons and Hamas as kindred spirits, Hezbollah (Hizbullah) has opened up 'Pandora's Box'. They are laughing in the face of the UN, which is sending three delegates to try to defuse the situation. Much chance they will have! Iran's proximity to gaining nuclear capability is very worrying. It's a major concern for Israel and internationally. If Israel doesn't get international support, then it will have to act unilaterally...let's hope Israel gets the support it needs.
Russia and the European Union have criticised Israel's strikes, of course.
What did they expect? Hezbollah (Hizbullah) guerillas grab two Israeli soldiers and kill seven others and expect the Israelis not to retaliate? I think not! Israel withdrew from Southern Lebanon in 2000 as part of the broader peace process. Hezbollah (Hizbullah) had another agenda, it seems. With Iran and Syria as their patrons and Hamas as kindred spirits, Hezbollah (Hizbullah) has opened up 'Pandora's Box'. They are laughing in the face of the UN, which is sending three delegates to try to defuse the situation. Much chance they will have! Iran's proximity to gaining nuclear capability is very worrying. It's a major concern for Israel and internationally. If Israel doesn't get international support, then it will have to act unilaterally...let's hope Israel gets the support it needs.
Russia and the European Union have criticised Israel's strikes, of course.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Wimps Don't Gain Leadership!
And it's about time Peter Costello realised this! How he can continue displaying his weakness so openly to the Australian public/voter amazes me! One would have thought he would've learned his lesson long before this. He's becoming an embarrassment...no, he is an embarrassment!
John Howard is going nowhere...can't you get that through your thick skull, Mr Costello?
The people want Howard, not you! So please go away and hide amongst your figures! Stop throwing tantrums...take your marbles and go home! The polls are against you. They are always against you as would-be leader of the Liberal Party, hence leader of this country. In your dreams, Mr Costello!
What is it you don't you understand?
Your fellow Liberal MPs don't want you as their leader. What don't you understand about that? I can't even say, 'give up while you're ahead!'....as you're falling further and further behind every time you open up your mouth on this issue!
I really do hate seeing a grown man grovel and cry about 'his turn'...for Heaven's sake...give it all up. Give us a break! Look at Mr Howard's record, Peter...his record in international relations with the US, Asia, the UK. Howard has gained credibility across the board in foreign affairs and in national security. So please cease being a 'petulant wannabe, Peter Costello'...let Mr Howard get on with his job.
And it's about time Peter Costello realised this! How he can continue displaying his weakness so openly to the Australian public/voter amazes me! One would have thought he would've learned his lesson long before this. He's becoming an embarrassment...no, he is an embarrassment!
John Howard is going nowhere...can't you get that through your thick skull, Mr Costello?
The people want Howard, not you! So please go away and hide amongst your figures! Stop throwing tantrums...take your marbles and go home! The polls are against you. They are always against you as would-be leader of the Liberal Party, hence leader of this country. In your dreams, Mr Costello!
What is it you don't you understand?
Your fellow Liberal MPs don't want you as their leader. What don't you understand about that? I can't even say, 'give up while you're ahead!'....as you're falling further and further behind every time you open up your mouth on this issue!
I really do hate seeing a grown man grovel and cry about 'his turn'...for Heaven's sake...give it all up. Give us a break! Look at Mr Howard's record, Peter...his record in international relations with the US, Asia, the UK. Howard has gained credibility across the board in foreign affairs and in national security. So please cease being a 'petulant wannabe, Peter Costello'...let Mr Howard get on with his job.
Winter Warmers
Let's get cosy together. It's time to share a couple of warming recipes with you. Let's shut out the bad things going on in the world today and concentrate on having a bit of fun for a change. And there's nothing more fun than sharing a meal with the one you love. Well, there is...but today we'll stick to eating...okay?
I’ve not joined the ‘flannelette brigade’ or the ‘ugg booters’…not yet, anyway! In truth, I never will. On the subject of ‘boots’, I did try ‘boot-scootin’’ once, though. It was very trying and also a sight to behold, I'm sure While the others were kicking to the right, I was off somewhere kicking to the left. When they kicked to the left…I left! Vainly trying to keep my pride intact, I scurried to the bar to watch from afar! My crowd-pleasing days as a fine line dancer fizzled, coming to a rapid end with no reprisals. There are easier ways to keep warm on these long winter nights and chilly days…for me, at least, now that I’ve given up making a idiot of myself on the dance floor of a golf club out west, the identity of which shall remain unnamed! I shan’t mention the more pleasant ways of staying warm throughout winter! However, one way to keep warm is to fire up the oven, toss calorie-counting out the window and roll out the pastry! Here are a couple pie recipes to try.
Cheesy Pie: Sift 1-1/2cups flour and pinch of salt into bowl. Add 1.5tspn yeast (dissolved in 1tbl warm water) and 1tbl olive oil. Stir to combine. Add 1/3 cup water. Mix well. Add a little extra water if dough is too dry. Knead until dough is no longer sticky. Turn into a greased bowl. Cover and stand in warm place while sipping on an Irish Coffee…oh…stand the dough in a warm place, also! When dough has doubled in size, punch down and knead lightly. Allow dough to rise again, covered, as before. Have another Irish Coffee. Skin a large red capsicum and then cut into strips. Put aside. Fry 125g smoked ham, diced, in non-stick pan over moderate heat, until golden. Drain. Leave 1tbl oil in pan, add 1tbl olive oil. Fry 1 thinly sliced red onion and 2 sliced cloves garlic. Add salt, pepper and of nutmeg. Cool. Mix together 250g ricotta, ½ cup grated mozzarella, ¾ cup grated provolone and ¾ cup grated pecorino with 2tbl thickened cream, 2tbl sour cream, 2 eggs and parsley. Add the ham and onion. Adjust seasoning. Punch down dough and press into a 25cm pie dish. Pour in filling. Decorate top with capsicum strips. Bake in 190C oven until filling is set. Cool for 10mins before serving.
Tomato & Zucchini Pie: Grated and squeeze-dry 500g zucchini. Add finely chopped shallots, some crushed garlic and chopped thyme to a lightly greased pan. Cook over high heat until softened. Remove from heat. Add beaten egg, 70g dry breadcrumbs, salt and ground pepper to mixture. Press into the bottom and sides of pie dish. Bake for 15mins in 180C oven. In a bowl, combine 150g grated mozzarella, ¼ cup grated parmesan, 1tbl mayonnaise and 1 beaten eggs. Spread on top of baked shell. Top with overlapping tomato slices. Sprinkle with Italian herbs and coat with cooking spray. Bake for about 30mins.
Currant Pie: Make a sweet short-crust pastry. Line a 23cm pie dish. Combine 500g each frozen black and redcurrants, 1 cup brandy and grated rind of 1 lemon in a bowl. Marinate overnight. Drain the liquid into small saucepan. Stir in ½ water, vanilla, ½ cup sugar, 2tbl lemon juice and 4tbl cornflour. Stir over medium heat until thick. Pour over currants, mix and then allow to cool. Pour into pastry-lined dish. Arrange a lattice-design with remaining pastry over top. Brush pastry lightly with cold water. Sprinkle with castor sugar. Bake in 180C oven 35-40mins. Serve warm with cream and/or ice-cream. Go for broke…have both! (Warm custard is yummy, too!)
There’s no disputin’, when it comes to boot-scootin’, I’d better stick to computin’!
Let's get cosy together. It's time to share a couple of warming recipes with you. Let's shut out the bad things going on in the world today and concentrate on having a bit of fun for a change. And there's nothing more fun than sharing a meal with the one you love. Well, there is...but today we'll stick to eating...okay?
I’ve not joined the ‘flannelette brigade’ or the ‘ugg booters’…not yet, anyway! In truth, I never will. On the subject of ‘boots’, I did try ‘boot-scootin’’ once, though. It was very trying and also a sight to behold, I'm sure While the others were kicking to the right, I was off somewhere kicking to the left. When they kicked to the left…I left! Vainly trying to keep my pride intact, I scurried to the bar to watch from afar! My crowd-pleasing days as a fine line dancer fizzled, coming to a rapid end with no reprisals. There are easier ways to keep warm on these long winter nights and chilly days…for me, at least, now that I’ve given up making a idiot of myself on the dance floor of a golf club out west, the identity of which shall remain unnamed! I shan’t mention the more pleasant ways of staying warm throughout winter! However, one way to keep warm is to fire up the oven, toss calorie-counting out the window and roll out the pastry! Here are a couple pie recipes to try.
Cheesy Pie: Sift 1-1/2cups flour and pinch of salt into bowl. Add 1.5tspn yeast (dissolved in 1tbl warm water) and 1tbl olive oil. Stir to combine. Add 1/3 cup water. Mix well. Add a little extra water if dough is too dry. Knead until dough is no longer sticky. Turn into a greased bowl. Cover and stand in warm place while sipping on an Irish Coffee…oh…stand the dough in a warm place, also! When dough has doubled in size, punch down and knead lightly. Allow dough to rise again, covered, as before. Have another Irish Coffee. Skin a large red capsicum and then cut into strips. Put aside. Fry 125g smoked ham, diced, in non-stick pan over moderate heat, until golden. Drain. Leave 1tbl oil in pan, add 1tbl olive oil. Fry 1 thinly sliced red onion and 2 sliced cloves garlic. Add salt, pepper and of nutmeg. Cool. Mix together 250g ricotta, ½ cup grated mozzarella, ¾ cup grated provolone and ¾ cup grated pecorino with 2tbl thickened cream, 2tbl sour cream, 2 eggs and parsley. Add the ham and onion. Adjust seasoning. Punch down dough and press into a 25cm pie dish. Pour in filling. Decorate top with capsicum strips. Bake in 190C oven until filling is set. Cool for 10mins before serving.
Tomato & Zucchini Pie: Grated and squeeze-dry 500g zucchini. Add finely chopped shallots, some crushed garlic and chopped thyme to a lightly greased pan. Cook over high heat until softened. Remove from heat. Add beaten egg, 70g dry breadcrumbs, salt and ground pepper to mixture. Press into the bottom and sides of pie dish. Bake for 15mins in 180C oven. In a bowl, combine 150g grated mozzarella, ¼ cup grated parmesan, 1tbl mayonnaise and 1 beaten eggs. Spread on top of baked shell. Top with overlapping tomato slices. Sprinkle with Italian herbs and coat with cooking spray. Bake for about 30mins.
Currant Pie: Make a sweet short-crust pastry. Line a 23cm pie dish. Combine 500g each frozen black and redcurrants, 1 cup brandy and grated rind of 1 lemon in a bowl. Marinate overnight. Drain the liquid into small saucepan. Stir in ½ water, vanilla, ½ cup sugar, 2tbl lemon juice and 4tbl cornflour. Stir over medium heat until thick. Pour over currants, mix and then allow to cool. Pour into pastry-lined dish. Arrange a lattice-design with remaining pastry over top. Brush pastry lightly with cold water. Sprinkle with castor sugar. Bake in 180C oven 35-40mins. Serve warm with cream and/or ice-cream. Go for broke…have both! (Warm custard is yummy, too!)
There’s no disputin’, when it comes to boot-scootin’, I’d better stick to computin’!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Why Do Men Have To Resort To Rape?
War has been around since time began and will continue indefinitely, long after I'm dead and buried. This statement doesn't mean I like war. I don't, but as long as mankind lives upon this earth, it looks like they're going to be around for a long time to come! I would love to live in a world of peace and harmony. 'Tis one of my many fantasies...none of which will come true, I might add. I have my many fantasies but I am a realist.
It sickens, angers and disgusts me when I read about the rapes of women and children such as the degrading acts in Iraq back in March perpetrated on a young girl and her family by US soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. These men/monsters are a disgrace to their country, their families and the rest of the Western World...the rest of the world, for that matter. Their despicable acts, by all reports, were callously premeditated. What is gained by raping women and children, I wonder? It's very difficult to have respect for men when they can revert so easily, without conscience, to these cowardly, vicious, violent acts against females...of whatever age...age seems not to matter to these barbarians. Is their hate and disrespect of women so ingrained in them, that it allows them to commit these atrocities...both in war zones and elsewhere?
Men need help...they need to go into therapy to rid themselves of whatever it is within them that is capable of turning them into cruel, frenzied savages. Either therapy or castration...or a frontal lobotomy!
The media, probably some magazine editor, created the term "SNAG" (sensitivate-new-age-guys)...I don't think such a man exists or will ever exist not as long as men commit rape upon women. There is no excuse for rape...whenever, wherever...war is no excuse for rape, either.
It's time men learned respect. I could say a lot more but then I would have to censore my own comments!
War has been around since time began and will continue indefinitely, long after I'm dead and buried. This statement doesn't mean I like war. I don't, but as long as mankind lives upon this earth, it looks like they're going to be around for a long time to come! I would love to live in a world of peace and harmony. 'Tis one of my many fantasies...none of which will come true, I might add. I have my many fantasies but I am a realist.
It sickens, angers and disgusts me when I read about the rapes of women and children such as the degrading acts in Iraq back in March perpetrated on a young girl and her family by US soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. These men/monsters are a disgrace to their country, their families and the rest of the Western World...the rest of the world, for that matter. Their despicable acts, by all reports, were callously premeditated. What is gained by raping women and children, I wonder? It's very difficult to have respect for men when they can revert so easily, without conscience, to these cowardly, vicious, violent acts against females...of whatever age...age seems not to matter to these barbarians. Is their hate and disrespect of women so ingrained in them, that it allows them to commit these atrocities...both in war zones and elsewhere?
Men need help...they need to go into therapy to rid themselves of whatever it is within them that is capable of turning them into cruel, frenzied savages. Either therapy or castration...or a frontal lobotomy!
The media, probably some magazine editor, created the term "SNAG" (sensitivate-new-age-guys)...I don't think such a man exists or will ever exist not as long as men commit rape upon women. There is no excuse for rape...whenever, wherever...war is no excuse for rape, either.
It's time men learned respect. I could say a lot more but then I would have to censore my own comments!
Monday, July 10, 2006
A Cock-Or-Two! Or Are You Happy To See Me?
Custom officers at Sydney airport were beginning to question their sexuality when they spied a passenger about to board a flight from Sydney to Bangkok! Rather than having a 'banged-cock', the passenger had a bulge in his groin, drawing the inquisitive attention of the customs' crew. The would-be passenger, when questioned explained he had a hernia which sometime caused his testicles to rise! Well, you know...maybe...yeah...it could happen, perhaps.
After a strip search six eggs were found hidden inside a stocking in our 'cock-eyed optimist's' underwear. He kept everything in perspective, however as two of the eggs were cockatoo eggs! Perhaps he was just into transplanting and not smuggling! Two of the other eggs were galah eggs and he sure made a galah out of himself! Maybe the other two eggs were peacock eggs!
Custom officers at Sydney airport were beginning to question their sexuality when they spied a passenger about to board a flight from Sydney to Bangkok! Rather than having a 'banged-cock', the passenger had a bulge in his groin, drawing the inquisitive attention of the customs' crew. The would-be passenger, when questioned explained he had a hernia which sometime caused his testicles to rise! Well, you know...maybe...yeah...it could happen, perhaps.
After a strip search six eggs were found hidden inside a stocking in our 'cock-eyed optimist's' underwear. He kept everything in perspective, however as two of the eggs were cockatoo eggs! Perhaps he was just into transplanting and not smuggling! Two of the other eggs were galah eggs and he sure made a galah out of himself! Maybe the other two eggs were peacock eggs!
So What!
"A showdown looms between Peter Costello and John Howard as they question each other's truthfulness, imploding one of Australia's most effective political partnerships. The Treasurer accoused the Prime Minister of lying yesterday when he gave his version of a 1994 leadership meeting witnessed by form minister Ian McLachlan.'
I have no idea what all the commotion is about! John Howard changed his mind...so what? John Howard said one thing to Peter Costello back in 1994 and didn't go through with what he said he was going to do.
Hell! That happens to me all the time and has done so throughout my life! People saying they're going to do one thing and either do the other or do nothing at all! People are always saying they're going to do one thing and then proceed to either forget they've said it or have had no intentions ever of doing what they said they were going to do in the first place, anyway...so what's the big deal? If I'd held my breath waiting for the things people have said they're going to do to come into fruition, I'd be long gone from this earth by now!
The press media, once again, is pouncing all over this to help fill their blank pages! Prime Minister Howard can stay as long as he likes as leader as far as I'm concerned. Peter Costello is acting like a spoiled little boy who didn't receive his share of the candy! He, Costello, should come and visit with me for a while...I could advise him on how to cope with broken promises! Throwing a hissy-fit, two-year-old tantrum doesn't really suit a grown man who's hoping to take over the leadership of the Liberal Party here in this country!
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,19750450,0...
"A showdown looms between Peter Costello and John Howard as they question each other's truthfulness, imploding one of Australia's most effective political partnerships. The Treasurer accoused the Prime Minister of lying yesterday when he gave his version of a 1994 leadership meeting witnessed by form minister Ian McLachlan.'
I have no idea what all the commotion is about! John Howard changed his mind...so what? John Howard said one thing to Peter Costello back in 1994 and didn't go through with what he said he was going to do.
Hell! That happens to me all the time and has done so throughout my life! People saying they're going to do one thing and either do the other or do nothing at all! People are always saying they're going to do one thing and then proceed to either forget they've said it or have had no intentions ever of doing what they said they were going to do in the first place, anyway...so what's the big deal? If I'd held my breath waiting for the things people have said they're going to do to come into fruition, I'd be long gone from this earth by now!
The press media, once again, is pouncing all over this to help fill their blank pages! Prime Minister Howard can stay as long as he likes as leader as far as I'm concerned. Peter Costello is acting like a spoiled little boy who didn't receive his share of the candy! He, Costello, should come and visit with me for a while...I could advise him on how to cope with broken promises! Throwing a hissy-fit, two-year-old tantrum doesn't really suit a grown man who's hoping to take over the leadership of the Liberal Party here in this country!
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,19750450,0...
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Linguine, Ravioli, Saltimbocca, Pancetta, Proscuitto, Costolettine Di Angello con Funghi....
Carbonata Alla Piemontese, Insalata di Pollo E Riso, Ossibuchi Alla Milanese, Caccuicco, Tiella Alla Pugliese, Cappelletti Toscani, Pappa Col Pomodoro, Torta Pasqualina, Puccia Alla Piemontese...Pavarotti, Bocelli, Caruso, Gigli, Corelli, Valletti, Stefano, Puccini Verdi Fellini, Rossellini, Loren, Lollobrigida, Magnani, Mastroianni, Brazzi...
Si...you didn't know I could speak Italian, did you?
The above is in celebration of Italy's win in the World Cup!
Carbonata Alla Piemontese, Insalata di Pollo E Riso, Ossibuchi Alla Milanese, Caccuicco, Tiella Alla Pugliese, Cappelletti Toscani, Pappa Col Pomodoro, Torta Pasqualina, Puccia Alla Piemontese...Pavarotti, Bocelli, Caruso, Gigli, Corelli, Valletti, Stefano, Puccini Verdi Fellini, Rossellini, Loren, Lollobrigida, Magnani, Mastroianni, Brazzi...
Si...you didn't know I could speak Italian, did you?
The above is in celebration of Italy's win in the World Cup!
Time To Recuperate
I'm exhausted! After these past couple of weeks, I need time to recuperate! As I sit writing this, the final moments of the final game in the World Cup are being fought out. I have to admit, I gave up on the soccer when the Socceroos were so unfairly eliminated, I am watching the Cup final between France and Italy (privately hoping Italy wins, even though they did beat the Socceroos...I'm a softie about 'things Italian'...particularly the food!) I decided against setting my alarm clock, choosing the option of waking or not waking in time. As it happened one of my two cats woke me. I hadn't realised he was a soccer fan! I've only had a couple of hours sleep as last night I was up until the wee small hours watching the men's tennis final at Wimbledon, following the women's final the night/morning previously. I entertained guests over a lengthy lunch on Saturday, somehow fitting that in between all my sporting commitments! With the soccer, tennis, rugby league's 'State of Origin' and being the 'hostess with the mostest', this past week has been quite hectic and active! Well, viewing sport can be exceedingly exhausting, you know!
I'm exhausted! After these past couple of weeks, I need time to recuperate! As I sit writing this, the final moments of the final game in the World Cup are being fought out. I have to admit, I gave up on the soccer when the Socceroos were so unfairly eliminated, I am watching the Cup final between France and Italy (privately hoping Italy wins, even though they did beat the Socceroos...I'm a softie about 'things Italian'...particularly the food!) I decided against setting my alarm clock, choosing the option of waking or not waking in time. As it happened one of my two cats woke me. I hadn't realised he was a soccer fan! I've only had a couple of hours sleep as last night I was up until the wee small hours watching the men's tennis final at Wimbledon, following the women's final the night/morning previously. I entertained guests over a lengthy lunch on Saturday, somehow fitting that in between all my sporting commitments! With the soccer, tennis, rugby league's 'State of Origin' and being the 'hostess with the mostest', this past week has been quite hectic and active! Well, viewing sport can be exceedingly exhausting, you know!
Time Softens The Memories of Some...
My favourite Aussie journalist, Andrew Bolt once again makes good sense. I get so sick and tired of all the 'do-gooders/civil libertarians' sprouting forth while wearing their rose-coloured glasses. After the decision was made by five judges of the US Supreme Court, ruling military commissions set up by President Bush to hear charges by detainees, including Australian David Hicks, at Guantanamo Bay were illegal, those wearers of rose-coloured glasses showed how short their memories are...or how selective, perhaps. It's time to refresh their faded memories. A traitor is a traitor is a traitor....
Maybe they should read Andrew Bolt's words:
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,
1968645%255E25717,00.html
My favourite Aussie journalist, Andrew Bolt once again makes good sense. I get so sick and tired of all the 'do-gooders/civil libertarians' sprouting forth while wearing their rose-coloured glasses. After the decision was made by five judges of the US Supreme Court, ruling military commissions set up by President Bush to hear charges by detainees, including Australian David Hicks, at Guantanamo Bay were illegal, those wearers of rose-coloured glasses showed how short their memories are...or how selective, perhaps. It's time to refresh their faded memories. A traitor is a traitor is a traitor....
Maybe they should read Andrew Bolt's words:
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,
1968645%255E25717,00.html
Bad Hair Day!
I've just figured it out! The reason why Kim Jon-il is threatening the West...in particular the States...he wants to get hold of Donald Trump's hairdresser!
What amazes me about guys like Kim and Bin Laden while all their threats are being bandied about they remain hidden. They send their emissaries out to do their talking and dirty work for them while they cower in the background out of view. How anyone can have admiration for a so-called 'leader' who is a protected coward is beyond my belief. Who gave these creatures the right to think they can hold the rest of the world to ransom?
I've just figured it out! The reason why Kim Jon-il is threatening the West...in particular the States...he wants to get hold of Donald Trump's hairdresser!
What amazes me about guys like Kim and Bin Laden while all their threats are being bandied about they remain hidden. They send their emissaries out to do their talking and dirty work for them while they cower in the background out of view. How anyone can have admiration for a so-called 'leader' who is a protected coward is beyond my belief. Who gave these creatures the right to think they can hold the rest of the world to ransom?
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Remove Your Head from the Clouds, Peter Beattie...Or Is It Up Your Nether Regions!
After Tuesday's hostile reaction from the good folk of Gympie and the Mary Valley to Beattie and his sad-sack league of non-gentlemen who accompanied him and who could look no one in the eye, 'Brave-Mouth Beattie' has come out and said he underestimated the immediate social impacts of the Traveston Dam....where has he been the past few months? Well, we know he spent time in Russia and China...but doesn't he know what's going on beneath his nose? Maybe if he shut his mouth for a while and listened to what the people have been saying, he might learn something!
And even more amazing, he admitted on ABC Radio that he anticipated people would be angry, and that they were angry and he thought that to be understandable! So, on the one hand he reckons he underestimated the people and on the other hand, he anticipated their reaction....ummm....
"There are a whole lot of issues that came out of that meeting," said Peter Beattie. "Particularly social issues and support issues that I'm going to have to go away and adress in a better way than we have. Those sort of social implications are happening a lot sooner than I anticipated."
Is this man for real?????? He certainly is proof that there are those who live in their 'ivory towers' having no knowledge or interest in what's going on around them....and he, Peter Beattie, expects people to put their trust in him! He has to be kidding!
Your days are number, Mr Beattie, so you may as well make all the false promises now, while you have your chance.
Oh! What's this I read in today's 'Courier Mail'....you have moved to reassure business you will deliver the country's biggest infrastructure progamme? $10 billion-plus worth of projects over the next four years...Wow! It's wonderful you can make these announcements...particularly during winter when your hot air will warm up these chilly winter nights and mornings!
What about the state of Queensland Health, Mr Beattie? You've not yet fixed that, have you? Or did you anticipate it would just float out of people's minds with your Traveston Dam Travesty??????
It's time you came back down to earth, Peter Beattie...and how about saving some few thousand acres of fertile, productive earth up around the Mary Valley region? Just a thought.....
After Tuesday's hostile reaction from the good folk of Gympie and the Mary Valley to Beattie and his sad-sack league of non-gentlemen who accompanied him and who could look no one in the eye, 'Brave-Mouth Beattie' has come out and said he underestimated the immediate social impacts of the Traveston Dam....where has he been the past few months? Well, we know he spent time in Russia and China...but doesn't he know what's going on beneath his nose? Maybe if he shut his mouth for a while and listened to what the people have been saying, he might learn something!
And even more amazing, he admitted on ABC Radio that he anticipated people would be angry, and that they were angry and he thought that to be understandable! So, on the one hand he reckons he underestimated the people and on the other hand, he anticipated their reaction....ummm....
"There are a whole lot of issues that came out of that meeting," said Peter Beattie. "Particularly social issues and support issues that I'm going to have to go away and adress in a better way than we have. Those sort of social implications are happening a lot sooner than I anticipated."
Is this man for real?????? He certainly is proof that there are those who live in their 'ivory towers' having no knowledge or interest in what's going on around them....and he, Peter Beattie, expects people to put their trust in him! He has to be kidding!
Your days are number, Mr Beattie, so you may as well make all the false promises now, while you have your chance.
Oh! What's this I read in today's 'Courier Mail'....you have moved to reassure business you will deliver the country's biggest infrastructure progamme? $10 billion-plus worth of projects over the next four years...Wow! It's wonderful you can make these announcements...particularly during winter when your hot air will warm up these chilly winter nights and mornings!
What about the state of Queensland Health, Mr Beattie? You've not yet fixed that, have you? Or did you anticipate it would just float out of people's minds with your Traveston Dam Travesty??????
It's time you came back down to earth, Peter Beattie...and how about saving some few thousand acres of fertile, productive earth up around the Mary Valley region? Just a thought.....
Hail To The Heroes!
A well-deserved beer after a well-deserved win by Meninga and his band of Queensland warriors. Go the Mighty Maroons! What a game! What spirit and heart the Maroons showed to come back and win by two points after they had been so unfairly dealt with by the video ref in the second half, not once, not twice but three times! Ah....we sure did stomp on those cockroaches!
I had the good fortune to meet Meninga a few years ago. I cooked him his dinner, actually. He was part of a 'Variety Bash' which had a stop-over in the town I was working and living in at the time. He sure is a fine specimen of a man!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Battle Lines Are Drawn
Beattie made his announcement not long ago in Gympie regarding his proposal for Traveston Dam. How gracious of him...he's decided to make the dam smaller...500 properties instead of 900 will be flooded! And, as an afterthought...if the dam proves not to be big enough upon its completion...around 2011...or so...or thereabouts or thereafter...it's size will be increased at a later date. Well, damn, Mr Beattie...what do the people on those surrounding properties do in the meantime? Can you answer that question? In my way of reckoning, it sure as hell wouldn't make them want to look towards the future and be productive in the meantime! I guess, it's one way the government will be able to snaffle up those remaining properties at a lower price! Geez! I wonder if Mr Beattie would like to live on tenterhooks, the way his announcement today has made these people's lives! Words fail me! There is absolutely nothing logical about today's decision...nothing, naught...zilch!
The battle isn't over, Mr Beattie...it's just begun! You've waved the red flag...don't expect a white flag from those who oppose your folly...'Traveston Travesty'! Damn you and shame on you, Peter Beattie!
Beattie made his announcement not long ago in Gympie regarding his proposal for Traveston Dam. How gracious of him...he's decided to make the dam smaller...500 properties instead of 900 will be flooded! And, as an afterthought...if the dam proves not to be big enough upon its completion...around 2011...or so...or thereabouts or thereafter...it's size will be increased at a later date. Well, damn, Mr Beattie...what do the people on those surrounding properties do in the meantime? Can you answer that question? In my way of reckoning, it sure as hell wouldn't make them want to look towards the future and be productive in the meantime! I guess, it's one way the government will be able to snaffle up those remaining properties at a lower price! Geez! I wonder if Mr Beattie would like to live on tenterhooks, the way his announcement today has made these people's lives! Words fail me! There is absolutely nothing logical about today's decision...nothing, naught...zilch!
The battle isn't over, Mr Beattie...it's just begun! You've waved the red flag...don't expect a white flag from those who oppose your folly...'Traveston Travesty'! Damn you and shame on you, Peter Beattie!
Monday, July 03, 2006
Big Brother Beattie's Lost The Plot!
The latest debacle over the inane, brain-numbing and dumbing 'Big Brother' television show should bring this show to its long-awaited and desired demise. It should be dead and buried, never to be resurrected. However, our illustrious 'white knight', 'man of steel', 'knight in shining armour', 'the pride of all dentists, the world over', Peter Beattie uttered more memorable words yesterday...words that should be engraved in his political tombstone! (Along with those utterances issued forth from his gleaming teeth-framed mouth about the engineers and geologists damning reports over the Traveston Dam travesty...quote: "I don't believe them" End quote!)
Mr Beattie stated the State Government would continue subsidising 'Big Brother'..(it's nice to know where our taxes go, isn't it?). Beattie thinks it's nice to create local television production jobs. Well, Mr Beattie there must be better shows to subsidise...how about subsidising not only the production jobs...but the writers, animators, graphic artists, actors, directors, goffers, editors et al, to enable them to produce shows worth watching and worthy of our time, not brain-dead rot like 'Big Brother'! Please...don't insult me, Mr Beattie.
Beattie went on to say, quote "If you destroy television production in Australia...then all we do is import American crap." Great stuff, Mr Beattie! Unbelievable that these words came out of his mouth...or is it?
If Beattie is proud of crap like 'Big Brother', then it really makes his stance on building dams believable, doesn't it? (Excuse me while I remove my tongue from my cheek!)
The latest debacle over the inane, brain-numbing and dumbing 'Big Brother' television show should bring this show to its long-awaited and desired demise. It should be dead and buried, never to be resurrected. However, our illustrious 'white knight', 'man of steel', 'knight in shining armour', 'the pride of all dentists, the world over', Peter Beattie uttered more memorable words yesterday...words that should be engraved in his political tombstone! (Along with those utterances issued forth from his gleaming teeth-framed mouth about the engineers and geologists damning reports over the Traveston Dam travesty...quote: "I don't believe them" End quote!)
Mr Beattie stated the State Government would continue subsidising 'Big Brother'..(it's nice to know where our taxes go, isn't it?). Beattie thinks it's nice to create local television production jobs. Well, Mr Beattie there must be better shows to subsidise...how about subsidising not only the production jobs...but the writers, animators, graphic artists, actors, directors, goffers, editors et al, to enable them to produce shows worth watching and worthy of our time, not brain-dead rot like 'Big Brother'! Please...don't insult me, Mr Beattie.
Beattie went on to say, quote "If you destroy television production in Australia...then all we do is import American crap." Great stuff, Mr Beattie! Unbelievable that these words came out of his mouth...or is it?
If Beattie is proud of crap like 'Big Brother', then it really makes his stance on building dams believable, doesn't it? (Excuse me while I remove my tongue from my cheek!)
Sunday, July 02, 2006
What Men Want...
I often wonder if they know! Or if they think about it. Do men think? That's a pertinent question!
It's different when younger but as one grows older, compromise slips through the window. It's harder to find the perfect partner, if one is looking, that is! Is there such a thing as 'the perfect partner'? I doubt it very much.
Men should learn how to enhance their good points. I'm sure they must have some! They must learn to reach inside themselves and discover qualities they don't know they have or are afraid to show. It's time men did a bit of self-examination...and I don't mean checking each other out at the trough!
I often wonder if they know! Or if they think about it. Do men think? That's a pertinent question!
It's different when younger but as one grows older, compromise slips through the window. It's harder to find the perfect partner, if one is looking, that is! Is there such a thing as 'the perfect partner'? I doubt it very much.
Men should learn how to enhance their good points. I'm sure they must have some! They must learn to reach inside themselves and discover qualities they don't know they have or are afraid to show. It's time men did a bit of self-examination...and I don't mean checking each other out at the trough!
When The Whistle Blows on a State of Origin Legend...
Legendary State of Origin referee, Barry Gomersall (it's a pity the World Cup Soccer series don't have referees of his quality, knowledge and professionalism!) is battling non-operable prostate cancer. But like the fighter he proved to be during his tenure as a rugby league coach, one who proved his prowess and strength in the face of a battle over and over again, he's not giving up easily. Apparently, Barry Gomersall has had a remarkable turn-around in this greatest battle of all. Instead of gruelling sessions of chemotherapy, he opted to undergo natural therapy that's given him no side effects. Good for him! So many folk 'poo-hoo' natural therapies in preference for the many drugs willingly handed out to them by their doctors.
A number of years ago, I had a greengrocery/healthfood store in Noosa. A young lass of around 20 years of age came in to my store with her mother to purchase goods. Pippa, the daughter, had cancer. Her mother, who was a remarkable woman, had taken control. During their holiday in Noosa, I got to know them quite well. Pippa's mother, who had had a high profile career, gave it all up to concentrate on restoring her daughter's health...by natural foods, therapies etc. The family sold up their Melbourne home to relocate to the Dandenongs where they grew their own produce etc., and drank pure mountain water. With her mother's dedication and strength, Pippa came through her battle with cancer. I wish more people would understand the power and goodness of nature, rather than depend on chemicals produced by drug companies and passed on to them by medical practitioners.
Legendary State of Origin referee, Barry Gomersall (it's a pity the World Cup Soccer series don't have referees of his quality, knowledge and professionalism!) is battling non-operable prostate cancer. But like the fighter he proved to be during his tenure as a rugby league coach, one who proved his prowess and strength in the face of a battle over and over again, he's not giving up easily. Apparently, Barry Gomersall has had a remarkable turn-around in this greatest battle of all. Instead of gruelling sessions of chemotherapy, he opted to undergo natural therapy that's given him no side effects. Good for him! So many folk 'poo-hoo' natural therapies in preference for the many drugs willingly handed out to them by their doctors.
A number of years ago, I had a greengrocery/healthfood store in Noosa. A young lass of around 20 years of age came in to my store with her mother to purchase goods. Pippa, the daughter, had cancer. Her mother, who was a remarkable woman, had taken control. During their holiday in Noosa, I got to know them quite well. Pippa's mother, who had had a high profile career, gave it all up to concentrate on restoring her daughter's health...by natural foods, therapies etc. The family sold up their Melbourne home to relocate to the Dandenongs where they grew their own produce etc., and drank pure mountain water. With her mother's dedication and strength, Pippa came through her battle with cancer. I wish more people would understand the power and goodness of nature, rather than depend on chemicals produced by drug companies and passed on to them by medical practitioners.
Superman Pretender!
Sometime this week, with little or no advance warning, our ego-maniacal premier, Peter 'Media-Tart' Beattie will visit the proposed site of 'Beattie's Folly'. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No...it's 'Super-Beattie'! He'll give no warning of his pending arrival, of course. He doesn't want the rest of Queensland to know about the anti-dam protesters. He doesn't want the rest of Queensland to know of the heartache being experienced by the people of the Mary Valley and its surrounds by the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Hundreds of displaced people with unsurety about their future and the future of their children. Nor does he wish to bring to the attention of the populace how he intends flooding acres and acres of fertile, productive land.
www.couriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19641541-3102,00.html
The above article is worth reading.
Sometime this week, with little or no advance warning, our ego-maniacal premier, Peter 'Media-Tart' Beattie will visit the proposed site of 'Beattie's Folly'. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No...it's 'Super-Beattie'! He'll give no warning of his pending arrival, of course. He doesn't want the rest of Queensland to know about the anti-dam protesters. He doesn't want the rest of Queensland to know of the heartache being experienced by the people of the Mary Valley and its surrounds by the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Hundreds of displaced people with unsurety about their future and the future of their children. Nor does he wish to bring to the attention of the populace how he intends flooding acres and acres of fertile, productive land.
www.couriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19641541-3102,00.html
The above article is worth reading.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Big Brother....Myth or Reality!
Never fear....Big Brother is here!
Compulsory seat belts were the first! Well, maybe not the 'first'...but we remember it well when the wearing of seat belts became compulsory. Yep...that's when the rot started to set in. Inroads into our rights really began. Now, cigarette smokers are banned from society! Oh! Dear! Wicked, wicked people! If I had the money, I would open a restaurant/bar that catered for cigarette and cigar smokers only. Non-smokers would be relegated to the back area, underneath the air-conditioning outlets outside on plastic tables and chairs, near the garbage bins! The restaurant would be decked out with leather, chrome, brass, the best of cutlerly and crockery...pure cotton napkins and tablecloths. Discrimination...yes, of course! Civil liberties...yes...of course!
I am so totally sick of all the rule makers! "He who casts the first stone!"
Never fear....Big Brother is here!
Compulsory seat belts were the first! Well, maybe not the 'first'...but we remember it well when the wearing of seat belts became compulsory. Yep...that's when the rot started to set in. Inroads into our rights really began. Now, cigarette smokers are banned from society! Oh! Dear! Wicked, wicked people! If I had the money, I would open a restaurant/bar that catered for cigarette and cigar smokers only. Non-smokers would be relegated to the back area, underneath the air-conditioning outlets outside on plastic tables and chairs, near the garbage bins! The restaurant would be decked out with leather, chrome, brass, the best of cutlerly and crockery...pure cotton napkins and tablecloths. Discrimination...yes, of course! Civil liberties...yes...of course!
I am so totally sick of all the rule makers! "He who casts the first stone!"
Is There Such a Thing As Paradise?
"Paradise"....'para-dice'...meaning from Lee's Aussie Leesaurus...a sacred dream of perfection.
A place in which no ticks that love to bury their heads in tender areas of my body, dwell. Where no flies, midges, sandflies and flies dare enter.
A place wherein when one says he/she is going to do something, he/she does it. A place where expectations are met. Where love outweighs hate...where tenderness replaces violence...where empathy replaces apathy. A place where respect of each other is mutual. Where cowards do not exist. Where consideration of the feelings of another is of most importantce
Where corruption and deceit are non-existent. Where lies are unknown. Where belief in one's self is allowed to grow and be. A place where respect for each other is a given. Where greedy selfishness is replaced by the true meaning of 'selfishness'. Where no falsehood is allowed. A place where prejudices and assumptions are banned. Where the only games are played in the sports/games arenas. Paradise is where hidden agendas are non-existent.
Where murder, rape, war, abuse, poverty are unknown.
Paradise is where the battle for life, the battle to exist, do not exist.
Paradise is...to be free...to live in a democratic society...to be an individual. Where one has the right to live as an individual.
Paradise is to be able to listen, to learn...to appreciate what the other is saying, thinking or feeling.
Paradise is not to be dictated to or dictate to....
To keep one's true dentity...to perceive reality...where knowledge is gained by fact and not pretention.
Where human life is valued most highly.
Where self-esteem is valued most highly. Where ego is understood.
Where truth is.
Where precious means...precious...and having the ability to recognise it. Where being intelligent is accepted. Where intelligence is recognising stupidity.
Paradise is meeting your soul mate and being able to face the recognition. Paradise is not being frightened of opening yourself to that person. Paradise is not being afraid.
Paradise is to laugh, openly and loudly...not at another, but with another.
Paradise is to remember the past fondly...to use the best of it and be able to toss away the debris. Paradise is to cherish the present and be excited about the future.
Where the impotent have no place...where the concept of 'right' is clear. Where mediocrity has no place. Where morality is not juggled. Where standards are high.
Where the Broncos win...and the Maroons win the 'State of Origin'!
"Paradise"....'para-dice'...meaning from Lee's Aussie Leesaurus...a sacred dream of perfection.
A place in which no ticks that love to bury their heads in tender areas of my body, dwell. Where no flies, midges, sandflies and flies dare enter.
A place wherein when one says he/she is going to do something, he/she does it. A place where expectations are met. Where love outweighs hate...where tenderness replaces violence...where empathy replaces apathy. A place where respect of each other is mutual. Where cowards do not exist. Where consideration of the feelings of another is of most importantce
Where corruption and deceit are non-existent. Where lies are unknown. Where belief in one's self is allowed to grow and be. A place where respect for each other is a given. Where greedy selfishness is replaced by the true meaning of 'selfishness'. Where no falsehood is allowed. A place where prejudices and assumptions are banned. Where the only games are played in the sports/games arenas. Paradise is where hidden agendas are non-existent.
Where murder, rape, war, abuse, poverty are unknown.
Paradise is where the battle for life, the battle to exist, do not exist.
Paradise is...to be free...to live in a democratic society...to be an individual. Where one has the right to live as an individual.
Paradise is to be able to listen, to learn...to appreciate what the other is saying, thinking or feeling.
Paradise is not to be dictated to or dictate to....
To keep one's true dentity...to perceive reality...where knowledge is gained by fact and not pretention.
Where human life is valued most highly.
Where self-esteem is valued most highly. Where ego is understood.
Where truth is.
Where precious means...precious...and having the ability to recognise it. Where being intelligent is accepted. Where intelligence is recognising stupidity.
Paradise is meeting your soul mate and being able to face the recognition. Paradise is not being frightened of opening yourself to that person. Paradise is not being afraid.
Paradise is to laugh, openly and loudly...not at another, but with another.
Paradise is to remember the past fondly...to use the best of it and be able to toss away the debris. Paradise is to cherish the present and be excited about the future.
Where the impotent have no place...where the concept of 'right' is clear. Where mediocrity has no place. Where morality is not juggled. Where standards are high.
Where the Broncos win...and the Maroons win the 'State of Origin'!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Rid Us of Ridiculous Radicals!
A report in today's 'The Australian' claims two of Australia's most radical Islamic Clerics will be leading a conference in July at RMIT University, Melbourne. It's claimed these radicals will be using the conference to recruit followers to their sect! Terrific news, isn't it? These clerics of a fundamentalist sect shouldn't be allowed to remain in this country, let alone conduct and attend the three-day conference! If I had a hidden agenda similar to their not-so-hidden agenda, I'd be booted out without a second thought! What's going on here? Why does our government close its eyes to this? We don't need, and nor do we want these dangerous clowns in this country! Banish them from our shores!
While on the subject of radical Islamics...although the Indonesian Government has arrested and prosecuted more terrorists than any other government in the past four years and the Indonesian police continue to uncover terrorist cells (so it is recorded and reported), their short jail term and early release of Jemaah Islamiah spiritual leader, Abu Bakar Bashir, still rubs raw in the West. He's banned from overseas travel and has had his assets frozen but that won't stop him from preaching and teaching his hate of all things Western in his schools. He needs no assets. His loyal followers will look after him. So, I imagine, it would matter little to him that his 'assets are frozen'. His schools' enrolments, it's reported, have more than doubled since his release a couple of weeks ago. Many Islamics class him as a martyr who symbolises the suffering of Muslims at the hands of the ruling, supreme West. It never ceases to amaze me just how many martyrs Islamics need! They just keep needing and wanting more and more! And I just can't help wondering how much suffering they really do suffer at the hands of the West. I bet there are some in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere who would argue that point!
A report in today's 'The Australian' claims two of Australia's most radical Islamic Clerics will be leading a conference in July at RMIT University, Melbourne. It's claimed these radicals will be using the conference to recruit followers to their sect! Terrific news, isn't it? These clerics of a fundamentalist sect shouldn't be allowed to remain in this country, let alone conduct and attend the three-day conference! If I had a hidden agenda similar to their not-so-hidden agenda, I'd be booted out without a second thought! What's going on here? Why does our government close its eyes to this? We don't need, and nor do we want these dangerous clowns in this country! Banish them from our shores!
While on the subject of radical Islamics...although the Indonesian Government has arrested and prosecuted more terrorists than any other government in the past four years and the Indonesian police continue to uncover terrorist cells (so it is recorded and reported), their short jail term and early release of Jemaah Islamiah spiritual leader, Abu Bakar Bashir, still rubs raw in the West. He's banned from overseas travel and has had his assets frozen but that won't stop him from preaching and teaching his hate of all things Western in his schools. He needs no assets. His loyal followers will look after him. So, I imagine, it would matter little to him that his 'assets are frozen'. His schools' enrolments, it's reported, have more than doubled since his release a couple of weeks ago. Many Islamics class him as a martyr who symbolises the suffering of Muslims at the hands of the ruling, supreme West. It never ceases to amaze me just how many martyrs Islamics need! They just keep needing and wanting more and more! And I just can't help wondering how much suffering they really do suffer at the hands of the West. I bet there are some in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere who would argue that point!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
It's Time To Reconsider Capital Punishment.
The horrific sexual assault and cold-blooded murder of 8 year old Sofia Rodrigez-Urrutia-Shu in the public toilets at a Perth shopping centre proves capital punishment should be re-introduced in this country. No excuses given by the so-called 'do-gooders-civil libertarians' are worth listening to (are they ever worth listening to?). This innocent little girl's 21 year old killer knew exactly what he was doing. He deserves no clemency, no pity. He showed none towards his young victim. He doesn't deserve to live. It's clear-cut...he did the atrocious, despicable, deplorable crime...he has to pay with his life...no question. The little girl's family have to grieve her loss and the horror of her death for the rest of their lives. They, too, are victims. The mongrel who caused this should not be allowed to continue living. An 'eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'....give him the needle or the electric chair...I opt for the chair...a needle is too subtle for him.
The horrific sexual assault and cold-blooded murder of 8 year old Sofia Rodrigez-Urrutia-Shu in the public toilets at a Perth shopping centre proves capital punishment should be re-introduced in this country. No excuses given by the so-called 'do-gooders-civil libertarians' are worth listening to (are they ever worth listening to?). This innocent little girl's 21 year old killer knew exactly what he was doing. He deserves no clemency, no pity. He showed none towards his young victim. He doesn't deserve to live. It's clear-cut...he did the atrocious, despicable, deplorable crime...he has to pay with his life...no question. The little girl's family have to grieve her loss and the horror of her death for the rest of their lives. They, too, are victims. The mongrel who caused this should not be allowed to continue living. An 'eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'....give him the needle or the electric chair...I opt for the chair...a needle is too subtle for him.
Monday, June 26, 2006
The Dream's Not Ended....Just Stalled!
The Socceroos didn't lose the game this morning. It was stolen from them by another referee error. My feeling of deflation at the end of the game was indescribable. It's time video judges were brought into the game as used in Rugby Union and Rugby League games. These kinds of vital mistakes would stop. I've only watched a couple of games and each time similar crucial errors were made by referees. In such important games, at least, like the one this morning, video replay must become considered a necessity. There was too much at stake in this morning's game for this to have occurred! Shame on whomever they are, who make the rules and sit on the 'powers-that-be' seats of this code of football. Hopefully, they will learn from what is happening in this series and not think they are 'untouchable, unapproachable and unchangeable'!
The Socceroos didn't lose the game this morning. It was stolen from them by another referee error. My feeling of deflation at the end of the game was indescribable. It's time video judges were brought into the game as used in Rugby Union and Rugby League games. These kinds of vital mistakes would stop. I've only watched a couple of games and each time similar crucial errors were made by referees. In such important games, at least, like the one this morning, video replay must become considered a necessity. There was too much at stake in this morning's game for this to have occurred! Shame on whomever they are, who make the rules and sit on the 'powers-that-be' seats of this code of football. Hopefully, they will learn from what is happening in this series and not think they are 'untouchable, unapproachable and unchangeable'!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Warm and Fuzzy...
It's a pleasant change to read the news headlines or watch the TV news and witness the happiness of our couple of the moment, Nic and Keith. A bit of 'froth and bubble' is a healthy dose of medicine during these times of trouble and strife. Daily we're hit with trouble, strife, killings and all forms of violence, so it's a pleasant respite to share in their moment of happiness. Big weddings do little for me, in truth...I've catered for too many over the years, I guess, but being the softie at heart that I am...I have to admit my interest in their event. Goodness...I've been known to shed a tear when I was catering for weddings watching the bride and groom exchange their vows in front of the jasmine-covered arbor in the grounds of the restaurant, with romantic music subtly playing in the background, tearing at my heartstrings! I can easily shed a tear over some songs and I don't need a wedding to prompt them!
So, for a couple of days, I'm going to ignore all the bad news and concentrate on the good! Another sleepless night is ahead of me...I'll be up cheering our Socceroos on in their game against Italy during the early hours of Tuesday morning. I know I won't get any sleep before the game commences as I'll be in training! Go the Socceroos...can my feeble heart and nerves stand the pace! I'll sit on my hands so as not to bite my nails!
It's a pleasant change to read the news headlines or watch the TV news and witness the happiness of our couple of the moment, Nic and Keith. A bit of 'froth and bubble' is a healthy dose of medicine during these times of trouble and strife. Daily we're hit with trouble, strife, killings and all forms of violence, so it's a pleasant respite to share in their moment of happiness. Big weddings do little for me, in truth...I've catered for too many over the years, I guess, but being the softie at heart that I am...I have to admit my interest in their event. Goodness...I've been known to shed a tear when I was catering for weddings watching the bride and groom exchange their vows in front of the jasmine-covered arbor in the grounds of the restaurant, with romantic music subtly playing in the background, tearing at my heartstrings! I can easily shed a tear over some songs and I don't need a wedding to prompt them!
So, for a couple of days, I'm going to ignore all the bad news and concentrate on the good! Another sleepless night is ahead of me...I'll be up cheering our Socceroos on in their game against Italy during the early hours of Tuesday morning. I know I won't get any sleep before the game commences as I'll be in training! Go the Socceroos...can my feeble heart and nerves stand the pace! I'll sit on my hands so as not to bite my nails!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Lamb Aftermath & Kiwis!
Fortunately, Tom Cruise didn't turn up for the roast lamb dinner however the aromas must have wafted down the mountain into the valleys below as out of the blue, totally unexpectedly, a friend of mine of many years rang me, making a spur of the moment decision to come up and visit me. Of course, when I mentioned the lamb he was easily tempted...not only because he's originally from New Zealand! So, shortly after the unexpected phone call, he arrived bearing gifts of red wine and a fun night followed! We have a mutual love for country music, so the volume of the stereo was pumped up and on went our dancing shoes. He discounted my blog comments of yesterday...from him I learned the male perspective, which was interesting to say the least. I knew it would cause some controversy, one way or the other! A friendly debate ensued. The unexpected is always the best. Not so, the debris left over from the night before! It looks like Cyclone Larry revisited!
Fortunately, Tom Cruise didn't turn up for the roast lamb dinner however the aromas must have wafted down the mountain into the valleys below as out of the blue, totally unexpectedly, a friend of mine of many years rang me, making a spur of the moment decision to come up and visit me. Of course, when I mentioned the lamb he was easily tempted...not only because he's originally from New Zealand! So, shortly after the unexpected phone call, he arrived bearing gifts of red wine and a fun night followed! We have a mutual love for country music, so the volume of the stereo was pumped up and on went our dancing shoes. He discounted my blog comments of yesterday...from him I learned the male perspective, which was interesting to say the least. I knew it would cause some controversy, one way or the other! A friendly debate ensued. The unexpected is always the best. Not so, the debris left over from the night before! It looks like Cyclone Larry revisited!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Roast Lamb or Tom Cruise?
No competition, in my book! Roast lamb every time. In fact, I think I'd rather choose roast lamb in lieu of men any day! At least, I know what I've got with a leg of lamb and I know it's going to be good! It's consistent and my expectations are met every time! Yes...you could say I'm in the mood for a juicy, golden roasted leg of lamb. Armed with a bundle of fresh herbs picked straight from my garden, the leg awaits to be studded with garlic and rosemary. I will then place it on a bed of rosemary, oregano and marjoram. I'm already swooning at the thought of the delicious, delectable meal that's ahead for me in a few hours time. My mint has died back during these chillier months, but fortunately I still have stocks of sauce I made when it was abundantly and rampantly taking over my vegetable/herb plot. I've booked myself a date with a leg of lamb with its accompanying roast vegetables tonight. Now, if there's a man around who can beat that, speak now or forever hold your piece...whoops, peace!
Farewell, Harriet...
A solemn cloud fell over Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo and elsewhere yesterday with the announcement of the passing of 'Harriet', the 176 year old Giant Galapagos tortoise, believed to be one of three animals Charles Darwin brought back from his trip to the Galapagos Islands way back in 1835. Later, Darwin gave them to a friend headed for Brisbane. Poor old 'Harriet', for 100 of her 176 years she was thought to be a 'Harry'. Thankfully, this error was recognised in time! One would hate to have had gone through life with mistaken gender! 'Harriet' spent the past twenty or so years in Irwin's care...so she would have had a happy life munching on the hibiscus flowers she loved so dearly. Swing low, sweet Harriet...you brought pleasure to many and you were an important part of history.
No Sex, Please, We're Men!
A comment I read somewhere today caught my interest. 'Do some men have trouble reading women writing about sex?' Ummm...interesting thought. Perhaps men believe women haven't the imaginative minds that would enable them to write descriptively about a subject they, men, believe belongs to them, but I beg to differ. Change that...I don't "beg' to differ". I strongly differ. Women are more capable writing about sex than men as women place a higher value on sex than men do. More demonstrative, (and dare I say, sensitive?) women recognise sex as a wonderfully, powerful, erotic sharing of feelings.
What I find even more interesting is we read openly, without embarrassment, about murders, killings and all forms of violence and torture daily, but how often do you see books of erotica on the shelves or coffee tables in your friends' homes? If they do have them, nine out of ten times, they'll be well hidden, out of sight. It would seem, as a generalisation, we have a problem discussing or reading about sex...or discussing that we're reading about sex! Just a thought!
No competition, in my book! Roast lamb every time. In fact, I think I'd rather choose roast lamb in lieu of men any day! At least, I know what I've got with a leg of lamb and I know it's going to be good! It's consistent and my expectations are met every time! Yes...you could say I'm in the mood for a juicy, golden roasted leg of lamb. Armed with a bundle of fresh herbs picked straight from my garden, the leg awaits to be studded with garlic and rosemary. I will then place it on a bed of rosemary, oregano and marjoram. I'm already swooning at the thought of the delicious, delectable meal that's ahead for me in a few hours time. My mint has died back during these chillier months, but fortunately I still have stocks of sauce I made when it was abundantly and rampantly taking over my vegetable/herb plot. I've booked myself a date with a leg of lamb with its accompanying roast vegetables tonight. Now, if there's a man around who can beat that, speak now or forever hold your piece...whoops, peace!
Farewell, Harriet...
A solemn cloud fell over Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo and elsewhere yesterday with the announcement of the passing of 'Harriet', the 176 year old Giant Galapagos tortoise, believed to be one of three animals Charles Darwin brought back from his trip to the Galapagos Islands way back in 1835. Later, Darwin gave them to a friend headed for Brisbane. Poor old 'Harriet', for 100 of her 176 years she was thought to be a 'Harry'. Thankfully, this error was recognised in time! One would hate to have had gone through life with mistaken gender! 'Harriet' spent the past twenty or so years in Irwin's care...so she would have had a happy life munching on the hibiscus flowers she loved so dearly. Swing low, sweet Harriet...you brought pleasure to many and you were an important part of history.
No Sex, Please, We're Men!
A comment I read somewhere today caught my interest. 'Do some men have trouble reading women writing about sex?' Ummm...interesting thought. Perhaps men believe women haven't the imaginative minds that would enable them to write descriptively about a subject they, men, believe belongs to them, but I beg to differ. Change that...I don't "beg' to differ". I strongly differ. Women are more capable writing about sex than men as women place a higher value on sex than men do. More demonstrative, (and dare I say, sensitive?) women recognise sex as a wonderfully, powerful, erotic sharing of feelings.
What I find even more interesting is we read openly, without embarrassment, about murders, killings and all forms of violence and torture daily, but how often do you see books of erotica on the shelves or coffee tables in your friends' homes? If they do have them, nine out of ten times, they'll be well hidden, out of sight. It would seem, as a generalisation, we have a problem discussing or reading about sex...or discussing that we're reading about sex! Just a thought!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Good Onya, Mate!
By the end of the World Cup, I'm going to be exhausted! I've never watched soccer before, other than bits and pieces on the news but I'm now converted and have turned into a screaming mess! If the Socceroos keep going through the way they have so far, I'll be voiceless by the end of the Cup! What a fast, exciting game it is. I now understand why the fans, worldwide, go crazy over the game.
The US coach, Bruce Arena should now eat his words after his team's performance this morning...at the commencement of the World Cup he reckoned the Aussies shouldn't be in it as they were the weakest team! Well, Mr Arena...what happened to your team this morning? I see Ghana won!
These early mornings and late nights won't be the death of me! I can do it! As long as the 'Roos are in the running, I'm there with them! I even joined my neighbours after this morning's game and we celebrated over a glass each of Coruba...who cares if it's still early morning? Not I!
Go Aussies! Three Cheers for the Socceroos!
By the end of the World Cup, I'm going to be exhausted! I've never watched soccer before, other than bits and pieces on the news but I'm now converted and have turned into a screaming mess! If the Socceroos keep going through the way they have so far, I'll be voiceless by the end of the Cup! What a fast, exciting game it is. I now understand why the fans, worldwide, go crazy over the game.
The US coach, Bruce Arena should now eat his words after his team's performance this morning...at the commencement of the World Cup he reckoned the Aussies shouldn't be in it as they were the weakest team! Well, Mr Arena...what happened to your team this morning? I see Ghana won!
These early mornings and late nights won't be the death of me! I can do it! As long as the 'Roos are in the running, I'm there with them! I even joined my neighbours after this morning's game and we celebrated over a glass each of Coruba...who cares if it's still early morning? Not I!
Go Aussies! Three Cheers for the Socceroos!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Assumption Is The Mother of Screw Ups!
How true! Every time, I should take first place in the 'foot in mouth' stakes! Don't you wish sometimes with the things you say or write, that you could pull them back in, like those circled cartoon captions? Before anyone has read or heard them, of course!
Sometimes I have a tremendous ability of spurting out what's in my mind before giving it due thought and consideration. I know if I wait long enough, I'll think better of what I feel like saying at that particular moment and wipe it from my mind..having proved this time and time again, by writing my thoughts down and then deleting them or just tearing up the paper on which they're written. Getting it off my chest or out of my head does help but I must remember at all times to keep these thoughts to myself alone. Read them, chew them up and swallow them! When one demolishes the bridges behind one, one has no choice other than to move on!
My problem is I think too much about everything...I think! Assumptions are a wicked thing and can get one into massive amounts of trouble.
Every issue, belief, attitude or assumption is precisely the issue that stands between you and your relationship to another human being; or between you and yourself.
A wise old Chinaman once said: It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
How profound!
One must always remember the sunlight and the happy days it brings.
How true! Every time, I should take first place in the 'foot in mouth' stakes! Don't you wish sometimes with the things you say or write, that you could pull them back in, like those circled cartoon captions? Before anyone has read or heard them, of course!
Sometimes I have a tremendous ability of spurting out what's in my mind before giving it due thought and consideration. I know if I wait long enough, I'll think better of what I feel like saying at that particular moment and wipe it from my mind..having proved this time and time again, by writing my thoughts down and then deleting them or just tearing up the paper on which they're written. Getting it off my chest or out of my head does help but I must remember at all times to keep these thoughts to myself alone. Read them, chew them up and swallow them! When one demolishes the bridges behind one, one has no choice other than to move on!
My problem is I think too much about everything...I think! Assumptions are a wicked thing and can get one into massive amounts of trouble.
Every issue, belief, attitude or assumption is precisely the issue that stands between you and your relationship to another human being; or between you and yourself.
A wise old Chinaman once said: It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
How profound!
One must always remember the sunlight and the happy days it brings.
Damn Dan Brown Started It With His Damn 'Da Vinci Code'!
Jesus didn't damn Mary...so why should Peter Beattie dam Mary?
Answer that one, Mr Beattie! I wish he'd get off his proverbial upon his return to Queensland, if he ever plans to return to Queensland, that is...and visit the good folk of the Mary Valley. He should see for himself the beauty of this most productive valley. There is no excuse he can devise to explain his most stupid idea since being in power. He can't fix Queensland Health so now he wants to stuff up the Mary Valley...people's lives, homes and livelihoods.
I guess, it could be seen as a ploy to get everyone's mind off the major problems in Queensland Health.
Well, I call your bluff, Mr Beattie...hop in your government car, part-funded by the good people of the Mary Valley, (before many will be forced to go on the dole if you go ahead with your diabolic plan) drive up the highway towards Noosa...you know Noosa, don't you? Sure you do...everyone knows of Noosa...well, instead of posing on Laguna Beach in your board shorts, head a bit further north...you will be amazed by what you see.
Remember, Gympie saved Queensland a few or more years ago....it's your turn to repay the favour. Save the Mary...don't dam the Mary!
Jesus didn't damn Mary...so why should Peter Beattie dam Mary?
Answer that one, Mr Beattie! I wish he'd get off his proverbial upon his return to Queensland, if he ever plans to return to Queensland, that is...and visit the good folk of the Mary Valley. He should see for himself the beauty of this most productive valley. There is no excuse he can devise to explain his most stupid idea since being in power. He can't fix Queensland Health so now he wants to stuff up the Mary Valley...people's lives, homes and livelihoods.
I guess, it could be seen as a ploy to get everyone's mind off the major problems in Queensland Health.
Well, I call your bluff, Mr Beattie...hop in your government car, part-funded by the good people of the Mary Valley, (before many will be forced to go on the dole if you go ahead with your diabolic plan) drive up the highway towards Noosa...you know Noosa, don't you? Sure you do...everyone knows of Noosa...well, instead of posing on Laguna Beach in your board shorts, head a bit further north...you will be amazed by what you see.
Remember, Gympie saved Queensland a few or more years ago....it's your turn to repay the favour. Save the Mary...don't dam the Mary!
Barbarians At Play
I wonder what Iraqi insurgents do during their leisure time...they must have so many wonderful thoughts of events they participated in during their past week on which to reflect. I guess some time is spent reading the Koran to refresh their memory how 'to keep on the right path'.
The slaughter (torture and beheading) of two kidnapped US soldiers by the hands of these devout followers of all things Islamic is once again proof positive of all things evil in this fight against terrorism. Zarqawi's replacement isn't wasting time. Maybe he realises his time is limited and has to squeeze in as many despicable, deplorable acts as he can before he, too, is eliminated.
I wonder what Iraqi insurgents do during their leisure time...they must have so many wonderful thoughts of events they participated in during their past week on which to reflect. I guess some time is spent reading the Koran to refresh their memory how 'to keep on the right path'.
The slaughter (torture and beheading) of two kidnapped US soldiers by the hands of these devout followers of all things Islamic is once again proof positive of all things evil in this fight against terrorism. Zarqawi's replacement isn't wasting time. Maybe he realises his time is limited and has to squeeze in as many despicable, deplorable acts as he can before he, too, is eliminated.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Happiness Is....
I have no idea! I can't remember the last time I was truly happy. Happiness is fleeting. Like gossamer webs glistening with early morning dew before being struck by the harshness of the sun, happiness soon disintegrates when rebuffed by the severity of reality.
Happiness would be a world free from wars, poverty, prejudices, violence, suspicions.
North Korea has warned of its looming launch of a long-range missile. At their missile-testing facility they are presently assembling and fueling the missile with a reported possible range of 6000k. This might make the North Koreans happy and also Iran and Pakistan whom NK supplies but the rest of us aren't impressed by this news. Serious implications threaten. North Korea's ambassador here in Australia didn't instill confidence either when questioned by a reporter about the possibility of the launch. He's obviously a man of a few words..."wait and see." ...was his abrupt reply. Nope...no happiness from that news story.
Little happiness can be gleaned from any of today's headlines, which are not much different from yesterday's, or two days ago, last week's or last year's, for that matter. No doubt tomorrow's will be similar. Sad, isn't it?
I guess it means if a happy moment comes along we should seize it, embrace it and carefully store it away in our memory in preparation for the unhappines to follow, which is guaranteed to come.
Happiness is love...being loved and loving in return. Happiness is recognising and accepting love. Happiness would be a world full of love and understanding, free from hate, distrust, ignorance, apathy, tragedy, depravity, brutality, disease.
Happiness is...........
I have no idea! I can't remember the last time I was truly happy. Happiness is fleeting. Like gossamer webs glistening with early morning dew before being struck by the harshness of the sun, happiness soon disintegrates when rebuffed by the severity of reality.
Happiness would be a world free from wars, poverty, prejudices, violence, suspicions.
North Korea has warned of its looming launch of a long-range missile. At their missile-testing facility they are presently assembling and fueling the missile with a reported possible range of 6000k. This might make the North Koreans happy and also Iran and Pakistan whom NK supplies but the rest of us aren't impressed by this news. Serious implications threaten. North Korea's ambassador here in Australia didn't instill confidence either when questioned by a reporter about the possibility of the launch. He's obviously a man of a few words..."wait and see." ...was his abrupt reply. Nope...no happiness from that news story.
Little happiness can be gleaned from any of today's headlines, which are not much different from yesterday's, or two days ago, last week's or last year's, for that matter. No doubt tomorrow's will be similar. Sad, isn't it?
I guess it means if a happy moment comes along we should seize it, embrace it and carefully store it away in our memory in preparation for the unhappines to follow, which is guaranteed to come.
Happiness is love...being loved and loving in return. Happiness is recognising and accepting love. Happiness would be a world full of love and understanding, free from hate, distrust, ignorance, apathy, tragedy, depravity, brutality, disease.
Happiness is...........
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Still Standing!
World No.1 team Brazil may have won the game in this round, but the Socceroos certainly didn't disgrace themselves. They went down fighting. Look out, Croatia, the 'Roos are on their way! Australia's No.2 on the F Table and that's not shabby! One good thing came from staying up all night (Yep! I've not yet been to bed) is, I was so energised by the game so instead of going to bed, I decided to do housework! It's nice to have it all done before 7.30am!
A Whale of a Time!
Thank goodness the votes at the IWC meeting in the Caribbean went against Japan, a defeat Japan is finding difficult to come to terms with and vitriolic exchanges between our Environmental Minister, Ian Campbell and the head of the Japanese delegation, Joji Morishita ensued. Japan, however, through some loophole/clause in the IWC rules, which is beyond my understanding, intends killing 50 humpback whales next year for 'scientific research'.
Clean-Sweep Over-Kill!
St.George footballer, Shaun Timmins will steer clear of street-sweepers from now on, I'll bet! What started out as a bit of a prank (I'm sure we've all done worse...I know I have...just lucky not to get caught, I guess!), he ended up in handcuffs and had to pay $200.00 in bail! Let's hope the Aussie larrikan spirit isn't obliterated and elimated. Let's not take ourselves too seriously. I'm sure Timmins meant no harm...and could cause no harm to a street-sweeper...well, not the mechanical kind, anyway!
World No.1 team Brazil may have won the game in this round, but the Socceroos certainly didn't disgrace themselves. They went down fighting. Look out, Croatia, the 'Roos are on their way! Australia's No.2 on the F Table and that's not shabby! One good thing came from staying up all night (Yep! I've not yet been to bed) is, I was so energised by the game so instead of going to bed, I decided to do housework! It's nice to have it all done before 7.30am!
A Whale of a Time!
Thank goodness the votes at the IWC meeting in the Caribbean went against Japan, a defeat Japan is finding difficult to come to terms with and vitriolic exchanges between our Environmental Minister, Ian Campbell and the head of the Japanese delegation, Joji Morishita ensued. Japan, however, through some loophole/clause in the IWC rules, which is beyond my understanding, intends killing 50 humpback whales next year for 'scientific research'.
Clean-Sweep Over-Kill!
St.George footballer, Shaun Timmins will steer clear of street-sweepers from now on, I'll bet! What started out as a bit of a prank (I'm sure we've all done worse...I know I have...just lucky not to get caught, I guess!), he ended up in handcuffs and had to pay $200.00 in bail! Let's hope the Aussie larrikan spirit isn't obliterated and elimated. Let's not take ourselves too seriously. I'm sure Timmins meant no harm...and could cause no harm to a street-sweeper...well, not the mechanical kind, anyway!
Awake, Ready And Willing!
Well, I have to do it! It'll be great. It wouldn't be right to do otherwise! It looks like little or no sleep for me tonight! Only two hours to go, then the fun begins!
Even if I tried to go to sleep, I know it wouldn't happen! Tonight's the night! I can sleep tomorrow to catch up. Yes...I'll be here cheering on the Socceroos! World Cup is only once every four years...and as this is the first time in 32 years our blokes have made it to the Cup...what's a sleepless night between patriotic friends? Too much fuss made about sleep, anyway! Go the Socceroos!
Well, I have to do it! It'll be great. It wouldn't be right to do otherwise! It looks like little or no sleep for me tonight! Only two hours to go, then the fun begins!
Even if I tried to go to sleep, I know it wouldn't happen! Tonight's the night! I can sleep tomorrow to catch up. Yes...I'll be here cheering on the Socceroos! World Cup is only once every four years...and as this is the first time in 32 years our blokes have made it to the Cup...what's a sleepless night between patriotic friends? Too much fuss made about sleep, anyway! Go the Socceroos!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Once A Romantic, Always A Romantic...
Although I can say, positively and definitely, I will never marry again, I don't mind a 'love story.' I do think it's kind of cute the Kidman/Urban link-up which is due to become legalised next weekend. Our guitar-strumming country star has to be a better choice than Crazy Clown Cruise. Romance is nice...not enough of it is being spread around in these harsh days. Spread the love, I say...it is Sunday, after all! As someone once said...I don't know on whom to pin the blame...."You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."
Mae West, known for her witticisms as well as her physical attributes and bevy of tanned, muscled, young men flitting in and out of her boudoir, bequeathed this one..."I have found men who didn't know how to kiss. I've always found time to teach them."
Seeing I'm in a romantic mood today...there's nothing quite as nice as a candlelight dinner for two. In my case, it will have to be for three...my two cats and me! Get your butcher to cut you a couple of thick pieces of eye fillet...as in 'Filet Mignon'. Cook steaks to your liking...please don't over-cook! Meanwhile, quickly saute some green prawns and sea scallops with crushed garlic, chopped shallots and/or Italian parsley, a dash of fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the seafood over the steaks. If you like, you could top this with either hollandaise or bernaise sauce, but I think it's nicer just with the oil and natural juices of the seafood.
Make a 'potato bake' using chicken stock as a substitute for cream. Sprinkle crushed garlic and Italian herbs over the layered sliced potato and pour over stock. Bake in the oven. When cooked place potato slices in a pile on the centre of dinner plate and place the fillet steak on top of the potatoes...then the seafood. The potato stack replaces the normal crouton served with Filet Mignon.
Sigh...I guess I'll just have to grab hold of my copy of "Bridges of Madison County", a box of tissues and my day-dreams!
Although I can say, positively and definitely, I will never marry again, I don't mind a 'love story.' I do think it's kind of cute the Kidman/Urban link-up which is due to become legalised next weekend. Our guitar-strumming country star has to be a better choice than Crazy Clown Cruise. Romance is nice...not enough of it is being spread around in these harsh days. Spread the love, I say...it is Sunday, after all! As someone once said...I don't know on whom to pin the blame...."You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."
Mae West, known for her witticisms as well as her physical attributes and bevy of tanned, muscled, young men flitting in and out of her boudoir, bequeathed this one..."I have found men who didn't know how to kiss. I've always found time to teach them."
Seeing I'm in a romantic mood today...there's nothing quite as nice as a candlelight dinner for two. In my case, it will have to be for three...my two cats and me! Get your butcher to cut you a couple of thick pieces of eye fillet...as in 'Filet Mignon'. Cook steaks to your liking...please don't over-cook! Meanwhile, quickly saute some green prawns and sea scallops with crushed garlic, chopped shallots and/or Italian parsley, a dash of fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the seafood over the steaks. If you like, you could top this with either hollandaise or bernaise sauce, but I think it's nicer just with the oil and natural juices of the seafood.
Make a 'potato bake' using chicken stock as a substitute for cream. Sprinkle crushed garlic and Italian herbs over the layered sliced potato and pour over stock. Bake in the oven. When cooked place potato slices in a pile on the centre of dinner plate and place the fillet steak on top of the potatoes...then the seafood. The potato stack replaces the normal crouton served with Filet Mignon.
Sigh...I guess I'll just have to grab hold of my copy of "Bridges of Madison County", a box of tissues and my day-dreams!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Scum of the Earth...
I feel for the family of Dianne Brimble, not only are they still grieving over her sad, unfortunate death but they had to hear the filth that spewed from the mouth of one of the mongrels who treated her life so carelessly and disrespectfully during his interview with police. Silvestri and the seven other 'low-lifes' who played a part in Dianne Brimble's death deserve to be treated with equal contempt and disrespect and thrown into jail for the rest of their lives. Of course, this won't happen. As usual, the victim (already punished by these monsters) and the victim's loved ones will be the ones to be punished for the rest of their lives. No doubt, if this case comes to trial, a well-paid judge will sit on the bench, contemplating whether to purchase the new released Grange Hermitage and peering over his glasses as he gives the eight mongrels a rap over their collective knuckles.
Damn the Damn Dam And Damn the Damn Arrogance!
Why would Beattie care if he is hated by generations if he decides to go ahead with the proposed Traveston Dam? He doesn't give a damn! You can bet your bottom dollar he's ready to hand the reigns of leadership over to Anna Bligh and will call an election soon. He'll be out of there with a healthy pay-out and pension for the rest of his life...why would he give a damn about the dam? He's been told by experts the the proposed site is not suitable for a dam...but, of course, our media-performing Premier Beattie knows better than the skilled engineers...of course he does! He doesn't believe them! He said so on ABC radio for everyone to hear! Unbelievable...yes, it is!
It's funny how the attention has been deflected away from the major problems in Queensland Health since the damn dam proposal hit the news! Damn the dam and shame on you, Peter Beattie!
I feel for the family of Dianne Brimble, not only are they still grieving over her sad, unfortunate death but they had to hear the filth that spewed from the mouth of one of the mongrels who treated her life so carelessly and disrespectfully during his interview with police. Silvestri and the seven other 'low-lifes' who played a part in Dianne Brimble's death deserve to be treated with equal contempt and disrespect and thrown into jail for the rest of their lives. Of course, this won't happen. As usual, the victim (already punished by these monsters) and the victim's loved ones will be the ones to be punished for the rest of their lives. No doubt, if this case comes to trial, a well-paid judge will sit on the bench, contemplating whether to purchase the new released Grange Hermitage and peering over his glasses as he gives the eight mongrels a rap over their collective knuckles.
Damn the Damn Dam And Damn the Damn Arrogance!
Why would Beattie care if he is hated by generations if he decides to go ahead with the proposed Traveston Dam? He doesn't give a damn! You can bet your bottom dollar he's ready to hand the reigns of leadership over to Anna Bligh and will call an election soon. He'll be out of there with a healthy pay-out and pension for the rest of his life...why would he give a damn about the dam? He's been told by experts the the proposed site is not suitable for a dam...but, of course, our media-performing Premier Beattie knows better than the skilled engineers...of course he does! He doesn't believe them! He said so on ABC radio for everyone to hear! Unbelievable...yes, it is!
It's funny how the attention has been deflected away from the major problems in Queensland Health since the damn dam proposal hit the news! Damn the dam and shame on you, Peter Beattie!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Tick! Tick! Tick! Tick...the Time Bomb Is Set!
Hold on a minute! It is fact that Abu Bakar Bashir walks free, isn't it? I'm not imagining it, am I? Did I dream this happened? This creature has the cheek, the audacity to urge the families of the Bali bombing victims who are not Muslims to immediately convert to Islam. Also, he suggests that John Howard and George W. Bush convert to Islam! How dare he! How arrogant and how ridiculous he is! What right does he have to bleat out these despicable spewings? He certainly has a cock-eyed understanding of 'God's will'...perhaps he should go back to school and learn how to be a decent human being!
Bashir should not have been allowed to walk free...a close watch must be kept on this person and the teachings at his schools. His schools, obviously, are breeding grounds for terrorists and hatred against the West...which includes Australia, remember...I'm at a loss to understand how this creature is protected by 'law' and is once again free to inspire acts of terrorism. I shake my head....
Hold on a minute! It is fact that Abu Bakar Bashir walks free, isn't it? I'm not imagining it, am I? Did I dream this happened? This creature has the cheek, the audacity to urge the families of the Bali bombing victims who are not Muslims to immediately convert to Islam. Also, he suggests that John Howard and George W. Bush convert to Islam! How dare he! How arrogant and how ridiculous he is! What right does he have to bleat out these despicable spewings? He certainly has a cock-eyed understanding of 'God's will'...perhaps he should go back to school and learn how to be a decent human being!
Bashir should not have been allowed to walk free...a close watch must be kept on this person and the teachings at his schools. His schools, obviously, are breeding grounds for terrorists and hatred against the West...which includes Australia, remember...I'm at a loss to understand how this creature is protected by 'law' and is once again free to inspire acts of terrorism. I shake my head....
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Enough Is Never Enough...Never Fear...There's Always More To Come!
Don't you just get so fed-up sometimes you want to scream...beat your head against a solid wall. (It doesn't have to be made out of brick...as long as it's harder than your head!). Sally Bowles got it right in 'Cabaret'. When life got her down...she used to go to the train line and scream her lungs out as the train rattled by. No one heard her, so she upset no one but, in doing so, she released her pent-up emotions/frustrations after which she was ready to face life again until the next time things built up so. A release is necessary. Unfortunately, not everyone lives near a brick wall and train line!
Truth or Dare?
Is the truth going to be told regarding the Lucas Heights' leak....I wonder? How much is "a small amount" of radioactive gas? How long is a piece of string? The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation declare there were no "off-site consequences". The same was said that about Maralinga, too, I think!
A Whale of a Time!
Whale-watching season is upon us once more, so it's time to do battle with the Japanese again. The Coral Sea/Tasman Sea/Southern Ocean Battles re-ignite as the Japanese thumb their collective noses at the Australian anti-whaling groups, of which there are many. The Japanese continued arrogance over this matter, is disturbing and very annoying. Even if it's displayed in a quiet, polite manner, it fools no one! Why are they so determined to kill whales? They say it is their tradition and culture...but this is incorrect. Gen. Douglas MacArthur introduced whale meat into their diets after World War ll to supplement their protein intake. If percentages mean anything...the percentage of Japanese people who eat whale meat is minimal. It's reported 86% have never or only very rarely ever eaten it (and then only as children in school-provided lunches!). Personally, I believe the Japanese so-called 'tradition and culture' is used as an excuse for their persistent desire to slaughter whales. The real truth of their 'tradition and culture' is not to lose face over this issue!
Top Tasting!
A 34-year old man has been arrested over the Top Taste tampering. I think fitting punishment for him would be restocking all supermarket shelves, everywhere, within seven days...and for morning, afternoon teas and supper, he should be given Top Taste products to eat. (Those that were removed from the shelves at the time of the scare).
I could go on about other things that are really getting up my nose at the moment...but I won't for now...I've run out of time and bytes!
Go the Maroons! Great game last night. The Maroons restored pride to the side and to Queensland! They barely put a foot wrong! Their effort last night should shut-up the critics for a couple of weeks! Bring on the final game in Melbourne in three weeks...I can hardly wait! The result last night...a 24 point win...is definitely something to scream about...but not for similar reasons as I've pointed out above!
Don't you just get so fed-up sometimes you want to scream...beat your head against a solid wall. (It doesn't have to be made out of brick...as long as it's harder than your head!). Sally Bowles got it right in 'Cabaret'. When life got her down...she used to go to the train line and scream her lungs out as the train rattled by. No one heard her, so she upset no one but, in doing so, she released her pent-up emotions/frustrations after which she was ready to face life again until the next time things built up so. A release is necessary. Unfortunately, not everyone lives near a brick wall and train line!
Truth or Dare?
Is the truth going to be told regarding the Lucas Heights' leak....I wonder? How much is "a small amount" of radioactive gas? How long is a piece of string? The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation declare there were no "off-site consequences". The same was said that about Maralinga, too, I think!
A Whale of a Time!
Whale-watching season is upon us once more, so it's time to do battle with the Japanese again. The Coral Sea/Tasman Sea/Southern Ocean Battles re-ignite as the Japanese thumb their collective noses at the Australian anti-whaling groups, of which there are many. The Japanese continued arrogance over this matter, is disturbing and very annoying. Even if it's displayed in a quiet, polite manner, it fools no one! Why are they so determined to kill whales? They say it is their tradition and culture...but this is incorrect. Gen. Douglas MacArthur introduced whale meat into their diets after World War ll to supplement their protein intake. If percentages mean anything...the percentage of Japanese people who eat whale meat is minimal. It's reported 86% have never or only very rarely ever eaten it (and then only as children in school-provided lunches!). Personally, I believe the Japanese so-called 'tradition and culture' is used as an excuse for their persistent desire to slaughter whales. The real truth of their 'tradition and culture' is not to lose face over this issue!
Top Tasting!
A 34-year old man has been arrested over the Top Taste tampering. I think fitting punishment for him would be restocking all supermarket shelves, everywhere, within seven days...and for morning, afternoon teas and supper, he should be given Top Taste products to eat. (Those that were removed from the shelves at the time of the scare).
I could go on about other things that are really getting up my nose at the moment...but I won't for now...I've run out of time and bytes!
Go the Maroons! Great game last night. The Maroons restored pride to the side and to Queensland! They barely put a foot wrong! Their effort last night should shut-up the critics for a couple of weeks! Bring on the final game in Melbourne in three weeks...I can hardly wait! The result last night...a 24 point win...is definitely something to scream about...but not for similar reasons as I've pointed out above!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Further On The Travesty of Traveston...
If you want to learn more about the thoughts of the folk who are gravely concerned about this proposed dam go to the following site -
http://travestonswamp.info/forum/viewforum.php?f=1
These people need all the 'voices' they can garner to help them in the fight against 'Beattie's Folly'...this dam must not be allowed to go ahead.
If you want to learn more about the thoughts of the folk who are gravely concerned about this proposed dam go to the following site -
http://travestonswamp.info/forum/viewforum.php?f=1
These people need all the 'voices' they can garner to help them in the fight against 'Beattie's Folly'...this dam must not be allowed to go ahead.
Damned If It Be Dammed!
"Beattie's Folly"...the proposed Traveston Dam must be stopped from going ahead. The people have to make a stance against this travesty of the Traveston Dam. Only non-stop 'people-power' is going to win this battle. They must not relent...Beattie and his cohoots are giving no respect for the farmers and others living within that area and its surrounds. Beattie believes he can't lose 'face' over this....I can tell him...he can! It's a face only a mother could love anyway...so who cares if he looses it!
It's so wrong that the government think they can just trample over people this way. They should not be able to do so and lots of noise has to be made...Mr Beattie is deaf in both ears over this one.
"Beattie's Folly"...the proposed Traveston Dam must be stopped from going ahead. The people have to make a stance against this travesty of the Traveston Dam. Only non-stop 'people-power' is going to win this battle. They must not relent...Beattie and his cohoots are giving no respect for the farmers and others living within that area and its surrounds. Beattie believes he can't lose 'face' over this....I can tell him...he can! It's a face only a mother could love anyway...so who cares if he looses it!
It's so wrong that the government think they can just trample over people this way. They should not be able to do so and lots of noise has to be made...Mr Beattie is deaf in both ears over this one.
Put A Sock In It!
For the Socceroos to beat Uruguay in point scoring, capturing them a place in the World Cup, was victory in itself, enabling them entry into the World Cup...the first time since 1974. Yesterday's 3-1 win against Japanese was sweet manna from Heaven, particularly after the word game leading up to the match. Cahill proved his brilliance with his two goals, the first of which coming in the final six minutes, soon to be followed by another and then, just to prove a point, another goal scored by an artful Aloisi...signed, sealed and delivered! Ahh! Yes...the Aussie spirit shines brightly in the hearts of the Socceroos.
Put Another Sock In It!
After a 25 months' jail term, militant Islamic cleric, Abu Bakar Bashir...is about to walk free! The same can't be said for the families, loved ones and friends of the victims of the Bali bombings...they'll never be free from the heartache and the loss caused by despicable acts of terrorism. We're expected to 'respect' the laws of another nation...was any respect shown to the innocents who were slaughtered without a second thought?
Sock It To 'em, Dubya!
Less than a week after the successful strike on Zarqawi, President Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq. Good on ya, Dubya!
For the Socceroos to beat Uruguay in point scoring, capturing them a place in the World Cup, was victory in itself, enabling them entry into the World Cup...the first time since 1974. Yesterday's 3-1 win against Japanese was sweet manna from Heaven, particularly after the word game leading up to the match. Cahill proved his brilliance with his two goals, the first of which coming in the final six minutes, soon to be followed by another and then, just to prove a point, another goal scored by an artful Aloisi...signed, sealed and delivered! Ahh! Yes...the Aussie spirit shines brightly in the hearts of the Socceroos.
Put Another Sock In It!
After a 25 months' jail term, militant Islamic cleric, Abu Bakar Bashir...is about to walk free! The same can't be said for the families, loved ones and friends of the victims of the Bali bombings...they'll never be free from the heartache and the loss caused by despicable acts of terrorism. We're expected to 'respect' the laws of another nation...was any respect shown to the innocents who were slaughtered without a second thought?
Sock It To 'em, Dubya!
Less than a week after the successful strike on Zarqawi, President Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq. Good on ya, Dubya!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Floundering Whale Backflips Into Shallow End!
Poor Kim Beazley's grasping for straws...again!
When will the Labor Party find a new leader, with new ideas of his own...one who doesn't resort to populism politics. Beazley's worn out his welcome. It's time he packed up his marbles and went back home to Western Australia. He's behind the times...doesn't he realise that the day of union power in this country is over and is likely to continue its downhill slide? Unions will never revert to the strength of previous times. These days, only one in five Aussies are members of a union. And, wait for it...last week it was announced unemployment in this country had dropped to a thirty-year low of below 5 per cent...and that was without the 'aid' of unions.
Of course the Australian Workplace Agreement is going to be attacked each and every which way by Labor...but it's time the Labor Party came to the party! Hawke and Keating instigated labour market reforms years ago with EBA's...enterprise bargaining...John Howard is pushing forwards to the future with AWAs...Beazley is going backwards...with no eye to the future! Howabout a bi-partisan approach to this matter!
Business (both employers and employees) has to become more flexible to be able to thrive and to ensure survival when faced with the increasing competition from countries like China and India.
Don't Beazley and the Labor Party realise they need a new broom?
Poor Kim Beazley's grasping for straws...again!
When will the Labor Party find a new leader, with new ideas of his own...one who doesn't resort to populism politics. Beazley's worn out his welcome. It's time he packed up his marbles and went back home to Western Australia. He's behind the times...doesn't he realise that the day of union power in this country is over and is likely to continue its downhill slide? Unions will never revert to the strength of previous times. These days, only one in five Aussies are members of a union. And, wait for it...last week it was announced unemployment in this country had dropped to a thirty-year low of below 5 per cent...and that was without the 'aid' of unions.
Of course the Australian Workplace Agreement is going to be attacked each and every which way by Labor...but it's time the Labor Party came to the party! Hawke and Keating instigated labour market reforms years ago with EBA's...enterprise bargaining...John Howard is pushing forwards to the future with AWAs...Beazley is going backwards...with no eye to the future! Howabout a bi-partisan approach to this matter!
Business (both employers and employees) has to become more flexible to be able to thrive and to ensure survival when faced with the increasing competition from countries like China and India.
Don't Beazley and the Labor Party realise they need a new broom?
Sunday, June 11, 2006
The Spirit of Man...
On 'Sunrise' this morning they showed part of Kochie's (with many others) soul-searching trek along the Kokoda Track. Just watching is an emotional experience so I can imagine how it must have been for those participating in the harrowing, physical-demanding journey. It is beyond one's imaganation, however, how our soldiers during World War 11 survived the horrors of that trail. Many didn't.
In 1987, I, together with ten others, I visited Port Moresby as part of a tourism trade delegation. Our last day spent in Port Moresby was Papua New Guinea's National Memorial Day, 24th July. In 1942, the Japanese had decided to attack by sea. Thankfully, they were intercepted by US air and naval forces in the Coral Sea. Without the help of the US forces during those years, we, as a country, would not be as we are today. Towards the end of '43, US and Australia began offensive operations in the Bougainville area. By August, 1945, with the surrender of the Japanese, most of the island was recovered.
Our hospitable host took our group to the Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery on that July day in 1987. A respectful, sombre silence engulfed our normal jovial, high-spirited selves. Not one amongst us had a dry eye as we broke ranks and strolled singularly, through the well-maintained cemetery of 3821 grave sites, each lost in his or her reverie.
After leaving the cemetery, we were driven up to the Kokoda Inn at the start of the Kokoda Trail. The views along the way to the Inn are spectacular...looking back across the valleys towards Moresby. The colours of the landscape are beyond description. On the way, we stopped. A New Guinea National, decked out in full 'warrior' regalia stood proudly on a knoll. Out we jumped from the Tarago. Even though we were the first tourism delegation to visit Port Moresby, this gentleman already had his own agenda. We could take photos of him...using our own cameras and film. His charge for this privilege...5 kinos each, which he accepted with a wide smile. Continuing on our merry way, one amongst us pointed out our 'warrior' sported a Rolex watch and suggested he probably had his BMW parked behind some trees, out of sight! We finally reached the Inn where we had the toughest steak we'd ever encounted...but it mattered not.
The day remains embedded in my memory and no doubt will remain there for the rest of my life.
On 'Sunrise' this morning they showed part of Kochie's (with many others) soul-searching trek along the Kokoda Track. Just watching is an emotional experience so I can imagine how it must have been for those participating in the harrowing, physical-demanding journey. It is beyond one's imaganation, however, how our soldiers during World War 11 survived the horrors of that trail. Many didn't.
In 1987, I, together with ten others, I visited Port Moresby as part of a tourism trade delegation. Our last day spent in Port Moresby was Papua New Guinea's National Memorial Day, 24th July. In 1942, the Japanese had decided to attack by sea. Thankfully, they were intercepted by US air and naval forces in the Coral Sea. Without the help of the US forces during those years, we, as a country, would not be as we are today. Towards the end of '43, US and Australia began offensive operations in the Bougainville area. By August, 1945, with the surrender of the Japanese, most of the island was recovered.
Our hospitable host took our group to the Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery on that July day in 1987. A respectful, sombre silence engulfed our normal jovial, high-spirited selves. Not one amongst us had a dry eye as we broke ranks and strolled singularly, through the well-maintained cemetery of 3821 grave sites, each lost in his or her reverie.
After leaving the cemetery, we were driven up to the Kokoda Inn at the start of the Kokoda Trail. The views along the way to the Inn are spectacular...looking back across the valleys towards Moresby. The colours of the landscape are beyond description. On the way, we stopped. A New Guinea National, decked out in full 'warrior' regalia stood proudly on a knoll. Out we jumped from the Tarago. Even though we were the first tourism delegation to visit Port Moresby, this gentleman already had his own agenda. We could take photos of him...using our own cameras and film. His charge for this privilege...5 kinos each, which he accepted with a wide smile. Continuing on our merry way, one amongst us pointed out our 'warrior' sported a Rolex watch and suggested he probably had his BMW parked behind some trees, out of sight! We finally reached the Inn where we had the toughest steak we'd ever encounted...but it mattered not.
The day remains embedded in my memory and no doubt will remain there for the rest of my life.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Unders or Overs....It's a Dilemma!
It's crazy some of the little things that can be so annoying! I was at the supermarket yesterday, vainly trying to find the edge of the next plastic bag to tear off the roll in the veggie section. After battling with it for what seemed like half an hour (in fact, it was only a few seconds), I discovered it was an 'under' not an 'over'! Grrrrrrr! Yes...this is of major importance...I'm an 'over'....my toilet paper has to be placed on the holder enabling the paper to flow freely over the 'top'...if I go into a bathroom and find the roll is an 'under', it takes all my effort not to rectify the situation...9.5 times out of 10, I just can't stop myself...I have to change it!
Once I used to say 'at least I'm fortunate, I know what my destiny in life is'...no matter where I was...whether for work or pleasure...far and wide afield...always, it seemed I was the 'chosen one' to replace a used toilet roll! Hundreds could have gone before me finding the task far too difficult to approach...until I entered the inner sanctum. Without fail, I fulfilled my destiny with aplomb. Now, I don't venture as far afield...and as I live alone, that duty is mine and mine alone! Yep...I'm a happy little vegemite, knowing what my position in life is!
It's crazy some of the little things that can be so annoying! I was at the supermarket yesterday, vainly trying to find the edge of the next plastic bag to tear off the roll in the veggie section. After battling with it for what seemed like half an hour (in fact, it was only a few seconds), I discovered it was an 'under' not an 'over'! Grrrrrrr! Yes...this is of major importance...I'm an 'over'....my toilet paper has to be placed on the holder enabling the paper to flow freely over the 'top'...if I go into a bathroom and find the roll is an 'under', it takes all my effort not to rectify the situation...9.5 times out of 10, I just can't stop myself...I have to change it!
Once I used to say 'at least I'm fortunate, I know what my destiny in life is'...no matter where I was...whether for work or pleasure...far and wide afield...always, it seemed I was the 'chosen one' to replace a used toilet roll! Hundreds could have gone before me finding the task far too difficult to approach...until I entered the inner sanctum. Without fail, I fulfilled my destiny with aplomb. Now, I don't venture as far afield...and as I live alone, that duty is mine and mine alone! Yep...I'm a happy little vegemite, knowing what my position in life is!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Good Riddance To Evil Rubbish!
I'm sure those fighting for freedom in Iraq have good reason to celebrate with the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. After much planning by the US forces, aided by allies of al-Zarqawi who betrayed their 'leader', the search narrowed and they closed in on their prey. An evil, violent monster, al-Zarqawi was responsible for the deaths of thousands. He received his just desserts. He was only one cog in the al-Qaeda wheel, albeit a major, senior one. In the nineties, he ran terrorist camps in Afghanistan, funded by the Taliban. It's good news that he is dead, but one wonders who will now replace him, as certainly another will step in to take his place. The fight against terrorism continues...but, thankfully, one of the leaders of these misguided extremists has met his fate...I guess, any day soon we will be fed another video from Bin Laden. This death won't cause a let up in the jihad, as we can bet our bottom dollars there will be deadly reactions...but we can also bet that those fighting for democracy won't lie down, either. Complacency plays no part...there is no part for it....al-Zarqawi was the leader of only one faction. The fight continues.
Our hearts go out to the family of the 34-year old Queensland man killed by a roadside bombing north of Baghdad. A civilian, obviously there to help in some way not yet disclosed, whose death is a continued reminder of the sacrifices given in the fight for freedom. 'Lest we forget'.
I'm sure those fighting for freedom in Iraq have good reason to celebrate with the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. After much planning by the US forces, aided by allies of al-Zarqawi who betrayed their 'leader', the search narrowed and they closed in on their prey. An evil, violent monster, al-Zarqawi was responsible for the deaths of thousands. He received his just desserts. He was only one cog in the al-Qaeda wheel, albeit a major, senior one. In the nineties, he ran terrorist camps in Afghanistan, funded by the Taliban. It's good news that he is dead, but one wonders who will now replace him, as certainly another will step in to take his place. The fight against terrorism continues...but, thankfully, one of the leaders of these misguided extremists has met his fate...I guess, any day soon we will be fed another video from Bin Laden. This death won't cause a let up in the jihad, as we can bet our bottom dollars there will be deadly reactions...but we can also bet that those fighting for democracy won't lie down, either. Complacency plays no part...there is no part for it....al-Zarqawi was the leader of only one faction. The fight continues.
Our hearts go out to the family of the 34-year old Queensland man killed by a roadside bombing north of Baghdad. A civilian, obviously there to help in some way not yet disclosed, whose death is a continued reminder of the sacrifices given in the fight for freedom. 'Lest we forget'.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
You're a Cracker, Lady Macca!
Poor old Paul McCartney sure bit off more than he could chew when he became involved with and married Heather Mills. His kids warned him against her but he was too smitten to heed their warnings. Photos have emerged of Ms Mills in porn/erotic poses taken back in 1988, much to McCartney's dismay, I'm sure. It's sort of six of one, half a dozen of the other when it comes to being honest about what one's done in years of yore, isn't it? The truth always seems to come out eventually...if not by your own hands but by a money-grabbing other, in cases of celebrities, anyway. Another bit of proof that men think with a certain organ of their body and women think with their brain! Ms Mills appears to have used her calculating brain in this instance. It's rumoured she'll walk away with a pay-out of around $200m for her four year marriage to McCartney. Nice work if you can stand it! Lady Macca seems to be the 'calculating woman' personified. I think Sir Macca should just stick to eating his veggies and playing his guitar in future...and perhaps just fantasize over his ex-wife's piccies! Those have to be safer and cheaper options!
Poor old Paul McCartney sure bit off more than he could chew when he became involved with and married Heather Mills. His kids warned him against her but he was too smitten to heed their warnings. Photos have emerged of Ms Mills in porn/erotic poses taken back in 1988, much to McCartney's dismay, I'm sure. It's sort of six of one, half a dozen of the other when it comes to being honest about what one's done in years of yore, isn't it? The truth always seems to come out eventually...if not by your own hands but by a money-grabbing other, in cases of celebrities, anyway. Another bit of proof that men think with a certain organ of their body and women think with their brain! Ms Mills appears to have used her calculating brain in this instance. It's rumoured she'll walk away with a pay-out of around $200m for her four year marriage to McCartney. Nice work if you can stand it! Lady Macca seems to be the 'calculating woman' personified. I think Sir Macca should just stick to eating his veggies and playing his guitar in future...and perhaps just fantasize over his ex-wife's piccies! Those have to be safer and cheaper options!
Red Sails in the Sunset....
At sunset today, I sat on top of the mountain where my brother's ashes were spread. Taking with me a small bottle of lemon squash which I topped up with some vodka, I wondered at the vista beyond, drinking in the awesome beauty of nature. As I watched the clouds change form, turning into familiar shapes, one of a dragon, a favourite nickname my brother called me and another that reminded me of his cocker spaniel, Missy, whom I cared for, for the last five years of her life, I had to smile. The saddest part of today is, I'm the only one who remembered this day. I'm sure his children, now grown-up, wouldn't have remembered the 6th day of June being the day of their father's death eight years ago. Life can be sad, sometimes cruel...oft times uncaring...but amongst all of that, it can be joyous...like moments spent watching the sun set behind the far horizon, in preparation of the night ahead. Soon the stars shall light up the sky, with the moon in its radiance, will rule. Life goes on and with it so must I. Every moment is precious, every minute sacred.
The curtain is slowly descending on the dying day
Proudly the sun bows giving an encore display
Its cloak of many colours whetting our appetite
As it languishes after a spectacle of brightness
How rapidly the hue changes as we gasp in awe
From blue to grey, merging gently into purple
Tinges of pink, flashes of crimson and orange
A pot pourri of colour unable to be recaptured
Birds in flinal flight safely wend their way home
Tools laid to rest as man treads wearily on his way
Home before the departure of the fiery gilded orb
A prelude to darkness encompassing land and sea
The afterglow openly teases as we grasp the remnant
Of what has gone in readiness of what lies ahead
All that was brightly aglow is engulfed in sombre light
A moment's depression witnessing a farewell salute
So soon forgotten as the heavens come magically alive
With sparkling phosphorescence dancing gaily above
Day has gone to rest as the mystery of night unfolds
Lee
At sunset today, I sat on top of the mountain where my brother's ashes were spread. Taking with me a small bottle of lemon squash which I topped up with some vodka, I wondered at the vista beyond, drinking in the awesome beauty of nature. As I watched the clouds change form, turning into familiar shapes, one of a dragon, a favourite nickname my brother called me and another that reminded me of his cocker spaniel, Missy, whom I cared for, for the last five years of her life, I had to smile. The saddest part of today is, I'm the only one who remembered this day. I'm sure his children, now grown-up, wouldn't have remembered the 6th day of June being the day of their father's death eight years ago. Life can be sad, sometimes cruel...oft times uncaring...but amongst all of that, it can be joyous...like moments spent watching the sun set behind the far horizon, in preparation of the night ahead. Soon the stars shall light up the sky, with the moon in its radiance, will rule. Life goes on and with it so must I. Every moment is precious, every minute sacred.
The curtain is slowly descending on the dying day
Proudly the sun bows giving an encore display
Its cloak of many colours whetting our appetite
As it languishes after a spectacle of brightness
How rapidly the hue changes as we gasp in awe
From blue to grey, merging gently into purple
Tinges of pink, flashes of crimson and orange
A pot pourri of colour unable to be recaptured
Birds in flinal flight safely wend their way home
Tools laid to rest as man treads wearily on his way
Home before the departure of the fiery gilded orb
A prelude to darkness encompassing land and sea
The afterglow openly teases as we grasp the remnant
Of what has gone in readiness of what lies ahead
All that was brightly aglow is engulfed in sombre light
A moment's depression witnessing a farewell salute
So soon forgotten as the heavens come magically alive
With sparkling phosphorescence dancing gaily above
Day has gone to rest as the mystery of night unfolds
Lee
Monday, June 05, 2006
A Thousand Thoughts of You...
Last night I stumbled across a documentary on ABC-2...it was about the life of Nat King Cole. The timing was very appropriate and coincidental. Eight years ago today, my only brother passed away after being viciously struck down by cancer. My brother was a huge fan of Cole's. We grew up listening to the music of Nat King Cole. Our mother, a talented pianist, played his songs regularly, her all-time favourite being 'Stardust' written by Hoagy Carmichael. Not once can I recall her not playing 'Stardust' when she tickled the ebony and ivory. The song featured strongly in our lives. Music played a huge part in our lives.
My brother was a complex character. I never thought he wouldn't be around to be part of my life. He is still part of it, of course, spiritually and in memory.
He didn't suffer fools easily....actually, he had no time for them at all, rarely hiding his distaste, more often voicing it. Viewing life in black and white, he spoke his mind, caring little or nought about what others thought. He could be gentle, kind, sensitive and emotive. Equally, he could be abrasive, cruel, unforgiving and caustic. He was a chameleon. A perfectionist, almost bordering on 'obsessive-compulsive' in some ways, he could be very annoying. He had a wicked sense of humour. He read voraciously. His knowledge of all things was vast. He could turn his hand to anything, able to turn a piece of timber into something beautiful.
My brother loved music, particularly good country, but also rock, ballads, some classical and great tenors such as Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras, Lanza, Tauber, McCormack et al . I've witnessed tears flood his eyes while listening to a song. He enjoyed most sports. Rugby League was his favourite, to play in his younger years, and to watch as he grew older. He was a 'man's man'. He had an eye for a good-looking, stylish woman, too. He was a excellent cook, often ringing me for tips and recipes. Animals were always part of his life. He was a strict disciplinarian. He was a paradox. Sometimes I hated him...all times I loved him. Yes...he was very complex...
He was my brother.
Last night I stumbled across a documentary on ABC-2...it was about the life of Nat King Cole. The timing was very appropriate and coincidental. Eight years ago today, my only brother passed away after being viciously struck down by cancer. My brother was a huge fan of Cole's. We grew up listening to the music of Nat King Cole. Our mother, a talented pianist, played his songs regularly, her all-time favourite being 'Stardust' written by Hoagy Carmichael. Not once can I recall her not playing 'Stardust' when she tickled the ebony and ivory. The song featured strongly in our lives. Music played a huge part in our lives.
My brother was a complex character. I never thought he wouldn't be around to be part of my life. He is still part of it, of course, spiritually and in memory.
He didn't suffer fools easily....actually, he had no time for them at all, rarely hiding his distaste, more often voicing it. Viewing life in black and white, he spoke his mind, caring little or nought about what others thought. He could be gentle, kind, sensitive and emotive. Equally, he could be abrasive, cruel, unforgiving and caustic. He was a chameleon. A perfectionist, almost bordering on 'obsessive-compulsive' in some ways, he could be very annoying. He had a wicked sense of humour. He read voraciously. His knowledge of all things was vast. He could turn his hand to anything, able to turn a piece of timber into something beautiful.
My brother loved music, particularly good country, but also rock, ballads, some classical and great tenors such as Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras, Lanza, Tauber, McCormack et al . I've witnessed tears flood his eyes while listening to a song. He enjoyed most sports. Rugby League was his favourite, to play in his younger years, and to watch as he grew older. He was a 'man's man'. He had an eye for a good-looking, stylish woman, too. He was a excellent cook, often ringing me for tips and recipes. Animals were always part of his life. He was a strict disciplinarian. He was a paradox. Sometimes I hated him...all times I loved him. Yes...he was very complex...
He was my brother.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
What Men Don't Talk About....(and why they don't!)
Since time began women, mostly unsuccessfully, have been trying to decode what men say, when they talk, that is. And when a man does talk you'll notice it's mainly about himself. He believes he is not only the centre of his universe, but he honestly believes he is the centre of the whole universe and demands to be treated accordingly. The problem goes further...men don't listen, either. They have a major problem if emotion is brought into the equation. Why are they so scared of emotion, I wonder? Is it because they don't know how to feel? Is it because they feel vulnerable if they allow their emotions to be known? Is it that men are unable to express what they're feeling or just don't want to do so as they see it as a form of weakness? Men have to work hard at being perceptive and sensitive and most, it would seem, can't be bothered trying, whereas these attributes come naturally to women. Women are the 'nurturers', have intuition and know how to use it. Men aren't nurturers and scoff at intuition.
I think there has to be a medium strip where both men and women can meet...on the one hand, a woman wants her man to be the 'strong, silent type', and on the other, she needs and wants him to open up...to talk and express his emotions and feelings. It's a paradox. A nagging woman alienates the man, pushing him further into silence and non-action. Women and men process information differently, but there must be a common ground somewhere...a place where thoughts, emotions and feelings collide....and mutual understanding!
A couple of quotes for you to think about: Women have more imagination than men. They need it to tell men how wonderful they are.
Women have their faults. Men have only two. Everything they say and everything they do.
Men always want to be a woman's first love. Women have a more subtle instinct...they like to be a man's last love.
Since time began women, mostly unsuccessfully, have been trying to decode what men say, when they talk, that is. And when a man does talk you'll notice it's mainly about himself. He believes he is not only the centre of his universe, but he honestly believes he is the centre of the whole universe and demands to be treated accordingly. The problem goes further...men don't listen, either. They have a major problem if emotion is brought into the equation. Why are they so scared of emotion, I wonder? Is it because they don't know how to feel? Is it because they feel vulnerable if they allow their emotions to be known? Is it that men are unable to express what they're feeling or just don't want to do so as they see it as a form of weakness? Men have to work hard at being perceptive and sensitive and most, it would seem, can't be bothered trying, whereas these attributes come naturally to women. Women are the 'nurturers', have intuition and know how to use it. Men aren't nurturers and scoff at intuition.
I think there has to be a medium strip where both men and women can meet...on the one hand, a woman wants her man to be the 'strong, silent type', and on the other, she needs and wants him to open up...to talk and express his emotions and feelings. It's a paradox. A nagging woman alienates the man, pushing him further into silence and non-action. Women and men process information differently, but there must be a common ground somewhere...a place where thoughts, emotions and feelings collide....and mutual understanding!
A couple of quotes for you to think about: Women have more imagination than men. They need it to tell men how wonderful they are.
Women have their faults. Men have only two. Everything they say and everything they do.
Men always want to be a woman's first love. Women have a more subtle instinct...they like to be a man's last love.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Sunday, Bloody Sunday!
Here I sit...all dressed up and no where to go! Well, I did have somewhere to go but at the last minute almost, that was called off! So, instead of wallowing in self-pity, mingled with a bit of anger and casting aside thoughts of 'lonely is the life of an alone-distance runner' (I don't believe in 'lonely', anyway)...I've marinated some green prawns with loads of garlic to prepare later and I've opened a bottle of red! So, stuff the world and those in it...my stereo is cranked up and I'm going to have fun...me and me! Roll on Sunday afternoon! The neighbours won't mind as they're far enough away not to hear.
Again, I refer to Andrew Bolt's column in today's paper. He makes another valid point...'the problem with freedom'...he is always worth reading. Today he's talking about our endless patience with East Timor and its fight for freedom whereas with Iraq, the detractors keep coming and coming and coming! Bolt says in one part - quote - "Who suddenly needs such convincing? I'll tell you. It's the ideologues who hate America so much that they'd rather defend a terrorist than back a democracy. It's the people whose paranoia of America is so great that its slightest slip is seen as a diabolical plot." And quote -"Nothing is forgiven the Americans. Nothing, it often seems, is allowed to justify freedom for Iraq, the country they dared to liberate. But with East Timor we are endlessly patient. We trust them with freedom, even though there is actually far less hope of it sticking there than there is in Iraq. Still, the East Timorese aren't Muslims, are they? And their liberators weren't Americans. Big difference." end quotes. Have a read for yourself...
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/
0,5478,19311628%255E25717,00.html
The lines are not blurred....sometimes it's our own vision that is blurred.
Here I sit...all dressed up and no where to go! Well, I did have somewhere to go but at the last minute almost, that was called off! So, instead of wallowing in self-pity, mingled with a bit of anger and casting aside thoughts of 'lonely is the life of an alone-distance runner' (I don't believe in 'lonely', anyway)...I've marinated some green prawns with loads of garlic to prepare later and I've opened a bottle of red! So, stuff the world and those in it...my stereo is cranked up and I'm going to have fun...me and me! Roll on Sunday afternoon! The neighbours won't mind as they're far enough away not to hear.
Again, I refer to Andrew Bolt's column in today's paper. He makes another valid point...'the problem with freedom'...he is always worth reading. Today he's talking about our endless patience with East Timor and its fight for freedom whereas with Iraq, the detractors keep coming and coming and coming! Bolt says in one part - quote - "Who suddenly needs such convincing? I'll tell you. It's the ideologues who hate America so much that they'd rather defend a terrorist than back a democracy. It's the people whose paranoia of America is so great that its slightest slip is seen as a diabolical plot." And quote -"Nothing is forgiven the Americans. Nothing, it often seems, is allowed to justify freedom for Iraq, the country they dared to liberate. But with East Timor we are endlessly patient. We trust them with freedom, even though there is actually far less hope of it sticking there than there is in Iraq. Still, the East Timorese aren't Muslims, are they? And their liberators weren't Americans. Big difference." end quotes. Have a read for yourself...
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/
0,5478,19311628%255E25717,00.html
The lines are not blurred....sometimes it's our own vision that is blurred.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Here's Cheers in Remembrance to the Simple Life...
I've just been reading another blog site wherein the comments are about the 'bra boys' and gangs around Maroubra, Cronulla, Bondi et al. It caused me to remember back to my halcyon surfing days on the Sunshine Coast, at Alexandra Headlands, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and the Noosa area, including Sunshine Beach...and to the years in the eighties when I lived in Noosa. There were no such things as 'gangs'...the only violence perpetrated perhaps was someone accidently kicking up sand when racing towards the foaming surf! And then the reaction was laughter and maybe a good-humoured flicking of sand back at the offender. We'd hit the sand early morning after a night spent dancing our feet off at one of the local 'record hops' and not leave the beach again until around sunset to get ready for that night's fun. It was all so innocent and all such fun. Drugs and alcohol were not part of the equation...suntans, hipster Jamaican shorts, mid-driff tops and hoping the boy of our dreams danced with us were all we cared about...we were the 'Gidgets' of our generation. It's a pity life has changed so much. I'm glad I had those wonderful times and retain the memories of those fun times where violence and gangs played no part.
I've just been reading another blog site wherein the comments are about the 'bra boys' and gangs around Maroubra, Cronulla, Bondi et al. It caused me to remember back to my halcyon surfing days on the Sunshine Coast, at Alexandra Headlands, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and the Noosa area, including Sunshine Beach...and to the years in the eighties when I lived in Noosa. There were no such things as 'gangs'...the only violence perpetrated perhaps was someone accidently kicking up sand when racing towards the foaming surf! And then the reaction was laughter and maybe a good-humoured flicking of sand back at the offender. We'd hit the sand early morning after a night spent dancing our feet off at one of the local 'record hops' and not leave the beach again until around sunset to get ready for that night's fun. It was all so innocent and all such fun. Drugs and alcohol were not part of the equation...suntans, hipster Jamaican shorts, mid-driff tops and hoping the boy of our dreams danced with us were all we cared about...we were the 'Gidgets' of our generation. It's a pity life has changed so much. I'm glad I had those wonderful times and retain the memories of those fun times where violence and gangs played no part.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
To Dance a Jig and Twirl a Reel.....
With the chill of winter snapping at my toes, I woke early to ready myself for a trip to the Gold Coast. Leaving my car at the home of friends, we jumped into their car and headed off the mountain towards the hectic pace of the coast traffic. A fun morning was spent wishful thinking in interior decorating emporiums. I held my hands clasped tightly in my pockets and off my wallet as we browsed kitchen shops! As usual, my wallet was almost empty so I could only dream on what I'd like to spend my fantasy dollars! I did, however, purchase some parfait spoons and a mini-whisk, so I left somewhat contented but the dreaming lingers longer. On the return trip, as is our wont, we visited a large supermarket. We have a mutual love of all things delectable, tasty and appetizing. Happy to be back up on the Mountain away from the frenzy of the coast, we shared a glass or two of wine over lunch. Our discussion turned to a book I've lent my friends..."A Celtic Childhood" by Bill Watkins. After I'd read the book I was so enthused about it, I did an Internet check on the author. At the time, I decided to write an email to him showing my enthusiasm over his writing. It is a wonderfully, rollicking read. I found myself smiling throughout, frequently laughing out loud at his tales. Imagine my surprise when I received a prompt reply from the author! I'd not expected a reply. Since that time we've exchanged a few emails. He now resides in the States, living a full and interesting life. "A Celtic Childhood" is first of a trilogy by Bill Watkins. Second in the trilogy is "Scotland Is Not for the Squeamish", which is also a worthy read. I'm now eagerly awaiting his third book, "Once And Future Celt" which is still in the hands of Harper Collins awaiting their assessment and publishing. I wish they'd hurry up!
With the chill of winter snapping at my toes, I woke early to ready myself for a trip to the Gold Coast. Leaving my car at the home of friends, we jumped into their car and headed off the mountain towards the hectic pace of the coast traffic. A fun morning was spent wishful thinking in interior decorating emporiums. I held my hands clasped tightly in my pockets and off my wallet as we browsed kitchen shops! As usual, my wallet was almost empty so I could only dream on what I'd like to spend my fantasy dollars! I did, however, purchase some parfait spoons and a mini-whisk, so I left somewhat contented but the dreaming lingers longer. On the return trip, as is our wont, we visited a large supermarket. We have a mutual love of all things delectable, tasty and appetizing. Happy to be back up on the Mountain away from the frenzy of the coast, we shared a glass or two of wine over lunch. Our discussion turned to a book I've lent my friends..."A Celtic Childhood" by Bill Watkins. After I'd read the book I was so enthused about it, I did an Internet check on the author. At the time, I decided to write an email to him showing my enthusiasm over his writing. It is a wonderfully, rollicking read. I found myself smiling throughout, frequently laughing out loud at his tales. Imagine my surprise when I received a prompt reply from the author! I'd not expected a reply. Since that time we've exchanged a few emails. He now resides in the States, living a full and interesting life. "A Celtic Childhood" is first of a trilogy by Bill Watkins. Second in the trilogy is "Scotland Is Not for the Squeamish", which is also a worthy read. I'm now eagerly awaiting his third book, "Once And Future Celt" which is still in the hands of Harper Collins awaiting their assessment and publishing. I wish they'd hurry up!
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