tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84472724679843141552024-03-14T14:55:10.867+10:00Philosophy Fun Fitness and FantasyDialogue about what is important and what the world needs more of.....Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.comBlogger389125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-6566660857210096732024-01-02T18:45:00.000+10:002024-01-02T18:45:22.963+10:00We Were Horny Then<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmBDTV0BKXax_8xCAtZ-ZFgjKgId8oNUZ5Ea_vCyTLFAKM40Bn4YEwKbx3XcRY9tEdvOxnPXAoq3QzSgirp2w1GsfDi4th9Kw11UvTS2IQVNlJNcYuFRWb_vvgXjx_RtqnaVZZMuYE9Y6O-9lppi1QlzJxNvKVH1uxPJN8CS9frra5Wvfnr5k2atMsR3K/s5472/IMG_8128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmBDTV0BKXax_8xCAtZ-ZFgjKgId8oNUZ5Ea_vCyTLFAKM40Bn4YEwKbx3XcRY9tEdvOxnPXAoq3QzSgirp2w1GsfDi4th9Kw11UvTS2IQVNlJNcYuFRWb_vvgXjx_RtqnaVZZMuYE9Y6O-9lppi1QlzJxNvKVH1uxPJN8CS9frra5Wvfnr5k2atMsR3K/s320/IMG_8128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Remember the 60’s, flower power
and free love.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> Then</o:p> there was Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll in the 70’s and 80’s.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>It is all a bit dull in 2023, isn’t
it?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At the end of each year, Google
releases various data about the most search or Googled things of the year.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>The 2023 most Googled sex
questions came to my attention and I was a little shocked.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I guess searching for details
about a particular sex position could be expected and in 2023, the question
concerned the speed hump position. But for this to be the number one question surprised me a little. There must be more interesting and
adventurous positions to ask about, or invent.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The 5<sup>th</sup> most popular question
concerned how many dates should occur before sex. Sometimes one date is too
many and one hundred not enough. Is it still 3 dates?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>While first being shocked at the mainly benign
nature of the most popular questions a little reflection had me wondering if the easy access to graphic and unrealistic vision via numerous adult websites is having an impact
on what we already know or think we know.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>Or maybe we are genuinely becoming
more conservative in our teenage sexual explorations and there is less peer
pressure to conform to stereotype.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>But putting all that aside, the
tenth most popular sex questions posed to Google in 2023 particularly surprised me.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>he subject upon which information
was being sort had never entered my consciousness. Further, I am not aware of
it ever entering the consciousness of anyone I know.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I would be interested, at least I
think I would be interested to know if it has ever entered the thoughts of anyone
reading this. (marine biologists excepted)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Then again, is it possible I am the only person who has never wondered, considered or contemplated “How do
fish have sex”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>For those interested, here is the <a href="https://www.mensjournal.com/news/most-googled-sex-questions-of-2023?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=beorawill%2Fmagazine%2FInteresting+Articles" target="_blank">source article</a> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-21791766682737939962024-01-01T14:49:00.005+10:002024-01-04T19:48:36.026+10:00Writers' Write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZAe_4hiwJ92_g_tgTn9PGU3lvvr7uopaaA5Iq-73_Sw91aX-rrG62Han1jJFf4f-KNeECUsTDtLtlP60FDT-cOuCvZltgwqavLdAwZ_sgHbH5xJ3nxUy5zSrB6467vCCF5MZ00Rgc_rX5lOsKsaQil_4hkMPyMg2nkC3O8EwZamfjSFGRe5tfRGIw77n/s4032/Writers%20Write%201%20Jan%2024%20.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZAe_4hiwJ92_g_tgTn9PGU3lvvr7uopaaA5Iq-73_Sw91aX-rrG62Han1jJFf4f-KNeECUsTDtLtlP60FDT-cOuCvZltgwqavLdAwZ_sgHbH5xJ3nxUy5zSrB6467vCCF5MZ00Rgc_rX5lOsKsaQil_4hkMPyMg2nkC3O8EwZamfjSFGRe5tfRGIw77n/s320/Writers%20Write%201%20Jan%2024%20.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>I identify as a cyclist;
therefore, I ride my bike several times a week.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I identify as a runner, and
likewise, I go for a run several times a week.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I identify as a reader of books
and read on an almost daily basis.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I identify as many things, and practice
each on a regular basis as appropriate to what each is.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I identify as a writer, but over
the last 12 months, I have very rarely written.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Writing is an outlet, a recording
of ideas, opinions, events, observations, and conversations.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Regular
writing has many benefits.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When writing regularly, my senses
of observation seem to grow along with the ability to recall and interpret. It
is like a muscle that grows stronger with use.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When writing regularly,
conversations that are seemingly mundane become more interesting because the tendency
is to concentrate and ask questions, to learn because everyone is a teacher.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Diverting for a moment.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I do not like New Year resolutions.
I see no reason why a selected date should be the date to start or stop
something. Often, a New Years Resolution is an excuse to delay an action. What
is the point of saying in August, come 1 January I will do this or that? It is
more correctly called a New Year procrastination.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All year long we do minor versions
of a New Year procrastination. We put off doing something until the first of
the month, next Monday or at a more micro level, until the top of the hour. All
are procrastination facilitators.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I am an expert at facilitating
procrastinations. I will decide to go for a run at 6 am and then waste 12
minutes waiting until 6 am.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I am set on changing this habit
right now, this moment at a day, date and time that is now.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Where was I before this little
diversion?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In 2024, I will discover new
music. We do run the risk of being set in our musical ways and retreating to
the comfort of what we know. I will write about my discoveries.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In 2024, I will read at least 26
books, Now, this is not one book per fortnight, it just happens to be a number
that equals the number of fortnights. I will discuss books in writing too. I
will allocate time each week for focused, uninterrupted reading.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Last year, I delved in to the
world of YouTube creating with my Melbourne Marathon project. I will diversify
and expand my YouTube creativity in 2024. I might even write about it.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The downside of writing, or any
creating is vulnerability. I tend to deal in the real rather than fictional
exposing myself to judgement and criticism. No one likes criticism however, if
I am to express an opinion, I must be open to others doing the same, about me.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When expressing a critical opinion,
I will acknowledge the other side of the argument and always offer a solution.
It is easy to be critical, however a critical opinion is only ever of value if
it includes a solution. Please call me out if I fall short on either front.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Economics has been a long term
interest. I am however moving away from the graphs and data, the science, the
art and the analysis. Instead, I am establishing the “Observational Economist”
This is the looking at the economy by way of observing changes in behaviour, intent,
and mood in real or at least recent time rather than 3 months, 6 months later.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p>Artificial Intelligence (AI) fascinates me. I am determined to learn more about it and to share my findings from the basis of every day use by normal people. Most of the talk around AI seems aimed at big business, big money endeavours. My interest is the everyday applications of this new wonder. I will write about it.</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I am also looking at The Absurd,
and there is an abundance of things to look at. Feel free to offer suggestions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Finally, I will be establishing a
new or alternative platform, although posts will continue here, I will be
transitioning to a new site in the coming weeks.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Welcome to 2024, a year of new
beginnings, new discoveries, connections or re-connections and of thoughtful, meaningful,
and respectful conversations.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I identify as a writer and I write
regularly.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-72550561480770204562023-08-21T15:49:00.004+10:002023-08-22T19:58:44.202+10:00Scrap all funding promised for Women’s Sport announced these past 10 days (keep reading)<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Australia, give yourself a big pat
on the back.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC)
is done and dusted and by any measure it has been the most successful WWC ever.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>Record crowds, ticket sales, sponsorships,
TV ratings, social media engagement, media content, everything has exceeded all
that has gone before it. Well done Australia (and New Zealand)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>And what about <i>our </i>Matildas,
the Australian Women’s Football Team? They have gone deeper in to the
tournament than ever before, become household names and conducted themselves
with absolute professionalism as fierce competitors on the field and with
esteem and respect off the field.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Males, Females and Neutrals are
wearing Matilda merchandise, proudly and with no regard to gender. Boys are
asking what the boy version of a Matilda is called.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Not surprisingly, our retrospectively
opportunistic politicians are clamoring to board the high floating ship.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Cash strapped Governments are
pledging funds for female sports. $50 million here, $100 million there. Ministers,
opposition front benchers and local members alike have suddenly become aware of
the inadequacy of playing facilities and changing rooms.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>It is like they have all just
realised girls and women are not all that inclined to use a urinal. (A typical sporting
club changing rooms will have a urinal and 2, maybe 3 cubicles, more than
adequate for most male teams).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>In the rush to be popular, the Federal
Government and Opposition have made various promises to fund a variety of
activities and infrastructure for Women’s sport.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">My concern is we will suffer the
fate of lots of hot air involving many words, too many speeches, promises and
associated photo opportunities and as the front pages are filled with the next
big thing, nothing will happen.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I propose the Federal Government
and Opposition do the following: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jointly announce all promises and
commitments made in the wake of the WWC are withdrawn</li><li>Announce a bipartisan equal representation
committee with each Leader alternating as Chair. This committee will determine where
funds are most needed and instruct the Department of Sport to allocate project priorities.
The committee has no authority to change the allocation of projects</li><li>The Federal Government and
Opposition will commit to a level of funding in the next budget and for this to
be an annual amount for 15 years indexed to inflation. This means even when the
colour of the Government changes, funding does not.</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I understand mine is a very broad
brushed proposal lacking in detail.<o:p></o:p></p><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I also understand that when one
side of politics want to discredit the other the first line of attack is “we
need more detail.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">But let us be bigger than that and
look at the concept here.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">For the past 16 years, our leaders
across all parties have been unable to work together to deliver stability.
Business has been screaming with frustration for a clear concise energy policy.
The farming fraternity has been wanting a clear, consistent water and climate
policy and industry in general wants stable and consistent tax and employment
policies.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The FIFA Women’s World Cup has
united a nation.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">What if its bigger and more
important legacy in Australia was providing the catalyst to return to some consistent
policy initiatives, securely funded and prioritised for the good of the community
and not for the short term goal of a politician standing for election or
re-election.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">And what if this were to be a new
standard for doing what is best for Australia each time on every issue?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">What is there to lose?<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p></p>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-65798281527274963422022-05-10T22:33:00.002+10:002022-05-10T22:33:27.689+10:00Getting The Band Back Together – Playing Since 1971<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Everything
has a beginning, a middle and an end.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
this story, the beginning takes place in 1971, 51 years ago.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
1971, Michael, Mathew and Peter are members of the Kew Hockey Club Junior
Division. Les is part of the cadet sailing program at Royal Melbourne Yacht
Club while Brett, Colin and Ted are in their first year at Camberwell High
School.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
glue that joins these three diverse groups in 1971 is Ian as a member of the hockey
club, a sailing cadet and in his first year at Camberwell High.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
weekend just past would not have occurred had Ian been a cricketer, a
footballer or a private school student. There would have been a different
beginning.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
gathered at Ted’s on Friday evening for celebratory drinks, a wood fired home
cooked pizza or three, many laughs, exchanges of views, much ribbing and a
sharing of emotions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">That
51 years on, this group of 8 are able to happily, easily and appreciatingly
come together is remarkable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And
how much our conversation has changed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Once
we talked endlessly of the games we played, the parties we attended, the girls
we dated (or who refused to date us) and the cars we drove (or crashed). In our
late teens, we added talk of education, career and relationship choices to our
conversations. Parenting came next and now for most of us, it is
Grandparenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When
once our health related conversation addressed hangover cures, sleep
deprivation mitigation and the odd corked muscle, now it is more about the
ailments being managed, the joints being tendered and the organs being cared
for.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Of
our 8, one has a replaced hip, another is scheduled to acquire a new knee while
two have benefitted from the miracle of cardiac surgery. There has also been a
recent prostrate surgery,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Due
to recent cardiac surgery Ted was unable to join us for the following 2 days.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">No,
that’s not correct. Ted’s physical presence was not with us, but he was most
certainly there.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There
is after all no band without the drummer to keep time, maintain the beat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnDoPUYvRWAm_QOwsoIHesy6U3fUx7lZtcXxeUI38GeuNsa7uaHusq4QQ3Kc_9fWFCRBF6tjx8C0jiOuGhnCg0LFAeCWxgNOTavGcDBDiD14yayg0W3vhvbzhn_1ImG6Elgc-HHH5-H_jVmruIFZuhbas7yc7Iabe858xY5H0CgfN8TFgulJ2WXq9Zw/s1020/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1020" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnDoPUYvRWAm_QOwsoIHesy6U3fUx7lZtcXxeUI38GeuNsa7uaHusq4QQ3Kc_9fWFCRBF6tjx8C0jiOuGhnCg0LFAeCWxgNOTavGcDBDiD14yayg0W3vhvbzhn_1ImG6Elgc-HHH5-H_jVmruIFZuhbas7yc7Iabe858xY5H0CgfN8TFgulJ2WXq9Zw/w640-h486/Capture.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Row - from the left -Brett, Peter, Michael, Mathew. Front Row from the left Les, Ian, Colin. And short one Drummer - next time Ted<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Once
upon a time, 2 days away would have required (at least) 8 cartons of beer, some
litres (and litres) of port and just a few bottles of Clare Valley’s finest,
Taylors being our winery of choice.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This
past weekend, some fine wines were certainly consumed, but in appropriate
quantities properly allowing for their appreciation. Rather than the flagons of
port of past decades, the container was a bottle, sealed by way of a cork not a
screw top. The count of beer cartons came to 3 plus some organic cyder, ginger
beer and even, yes even, some zero alcohol beer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
times have changed.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And
proud of these changes we all should be and we all are.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As
a group we have much to be appreciative of. We all have healthy, educated and
independent children. We all get on well with them too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">To
varying degrees, we have all had some business success and are now in different
phases of winding down our formal working lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
all have much to be grateful for; we all have much to look forward too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Accordingly,
we are all conscious of the choices we make and the potential impact on our
future health and active lifestyles and the quality of friend and family
interactions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
have unconditionally supported each other since 1971, and this support
continues to grow, to strengthen and be ever more important and ever more
valued.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">One
of us chose to abstain from alcohol. Once such a decision would have been
mocked, all but forbidden and hardly accepted but not a negative word was
spoken.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Another
had meticulously planned an alternative diet, fish not red meat, salad not
baked potato, and again, not a negative word was spoken.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">More
so, there was curiosity about what the objective is, what is to be achieved by
such lifestyle choices.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It
is impossible to imagine even 20 years ago, one of us being alcohol free or red
meat minimal during a weekend away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Health,
longevity and active living was a recurring theme of the weekend’s
conversation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
are all committed to supporting the choices each make.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Equally,
we are all selfish enough to hope, to absolutely 100% hope that our choices
ensure that 51 years becomes 71 years and then some.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There
is always a beginning, a middle and an end; may we be in the middle phase right
now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Old
friends are the best friends and may the 8 of us become older and better,
always with the drummer, in person, keeping the beat.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
are grateful, we are appreciative and we are extremely thankful that in 1971,
Ian went sailing in summer, played hockey in winter and started secondary
school at Camberwell High.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZlO3Re3n-7FCEEDwYWwBerlnq7hd4ZIGIZGO8THFxj6CyI0gTmZKS3SApQ7NMV1hBTXmpNkF4euqd_XBImfesEH4Y_Nf4Lz3eg8uGu1k_PMwmMjTMgalXePnl44rATQjHcqGZWZ-8WpjNYRdBbLSIi_spktGknpPtABketJuokHBpEL8b5JL1pR96A/s4032/IMG_6874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZlO3Re3n-7FCEEDwYWwBerlnq7hd4ZIGIZGO8THFxj6CyI0gTmZKS3SApQ7NMV1hBTXmpNkF4euqd_XBImfesEH4Y_Nf4Lz3eg8uGu1k_PMwmMjTMgalXePnl44rATQjHcqGZWZ-8WpjNYRdBbLSIi_spktGknpPtABketJuokHBpEL8b5JL1pR96A/w640-h480/IMG_6874.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extreme Serenity - The scene we woke to on our final morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-39623759074370460752021-09-08T15:45:00.000+10:002021-09-08T15:45:17.507+10:00Scotty Goes to Sydney – The trip itself is not the concern<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you are reading this, I
assume you know about the Australian Prime Minister’s Fathers Day jaunt to
Sydney.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To be clear, I am not too
concerned about the trip itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not overly annoyed he
received permissions and dispensations difficult if not impossible for others
to obtain.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not rampaging about the
cost or the use of a RAAF passenger aircraft.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not even all that concerned
he gets to visit his children in Sydney when I cannot do the same.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am however deeply concerned
about what this simple Canberra to Sydney return may tell us about the Prime
Ministers Office and our security.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For example, the Prime
Minister (or his office) advised the PM intended staying in Sydney and working
from there for the next few weeks. They said he only returned to Canberra on
Sunday in order to Chair the Security Committee meeting on Monday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is the Prime Minister’s office
so shambolic, so incompetent and so disorganised that a scheduled and important
meeting 2 days later was not known to them? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, and it appeared it must be so, we
should all be concerned, as should our international partners and allies at
such a high level of disorganisation and the appearance they are making it all
up as they go</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And amid such chaos, how did
Scott Morrison hope to prepare for such an important meeting.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Australia’s leader may well be
a very clever person however even the best and brightest would prepare in
advance for such a meeting. Afterall, such preparation is one of the reasons
they are the best and brightest. It is a concern that no preparation would be
possible or planned in advance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, it seems we did not
originally have the full set of facts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Following further questioning,
it was revealed the Prime Minister was aware of the upcoming Security Committee
meeting and planned to attend “remotely”. However, for security reasons it was
decided he should head back to Canberra and perform his role in person.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, what had transpired in the less
than 48 hours between departing Canberra and deciding to return to trigger such
security concerns in the communication channels between the PM’s official
residence on Sydney and Government offices in Canberra?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Only a week before, several
attendees at a Security Committee Meeting did so remotely so something must
have changed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What happened between Saturday
morning when the PM departed Canberra and Sunday afternoon when he returned
that resulted in severe security concerns for remote attendees?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Was there a cyber-attack,
computer failure, security breach meaning a secure connection was impossible
all of a sudden or something else more sinister.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If no secure link was possible
between Sydney and Canberra a secure international communication channel would
have been impossible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Would our Government have been
forced to exclude itself from conversations in the event a major international
incident, a military action, major accident or disaster occurred? The only
conclusion is we would have excluded ourselves potentially leaving Australian
citizens unrepresented.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This communications security
issue may be the real reason President Biden did not discuss the Afghanistan
matter with the leader of their most loyal and trusted ally until the
evacuation was complete.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, I am concerned about
the quality and intelligence of those supporting and advising the Prime
Minister.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Prime Minister has been
clear he was not being secretive about his trip.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, all the actions of
his support team clearly “misrepresent” his “lack of secrecy”. Specifically,
the family photo posted to his Instagram account for Father’s Day gave every
impression of creating the illusion he was away from his children on the day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While there has been much criticism,
comment and outrage about the Father’s Day trip, I contend there are far more
important matters that should be exercised that come to light only because of
this trip.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My final observation is, Scott
Morrison gives the appearance of someone confident he is always the smartest
the person in the room. Based on what appears to be the quality and competence
of those who support and advise him, he will surely remain the smartest for the
foreseeable future.</span></p><br /><p></p>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-29104145042222897232021-06-18T15:12:00.000+10:002021-06-18T15:12:05.427+10:00Vaccination Incentive and Respect Individual Decisions<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Early
today, a prominent broadcast journalist <a href="https://twitter.com/leighsales/status/1405464505719525378" target="_blank">tweeted this</a> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Based on current Aust data, your chance of
death here from the AZ vax is 1 in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.9M.</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For context, Australian Geographic puts your
odds of being struck by lightning at
1 in 1.6M. </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">You are more likely to be struck by lightning than to die of the AZ
vax.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Don’t
fear vaccination.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have not verified the accuracy of the details in this tweet
but ask that we assume it is true.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The data also seems to suggest, the chances of
death from AstraZeneca is greater than the chances of death from catching
Covid-19 in Australia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">That aside, what is holding us back from being
vaccinated?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We are being encouraged to get vaccinated so we
can achieve herd immunity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">That’s fine, but for many in the community, the
70 or 80 or 90% needed for herd immunity can be achieved with out “me”
personally risking the vaccine. *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Besides, is it 70%, 80% or what? Either no one
knows or isn’t saying.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There is another group of people who carry
existing health issues making severe consequences of Covid-19 more likely.
Inevitably, they have received very clear advice about this from their GP.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A friend recently shared their GP advice which
was something similar to “You are not someone who would deal well with Covid.
Get vaccinated now”. They did.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For many others, there is no perceived benefit
to being vaccinated. They may desire<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>herd immunity but believe this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can be achieved without them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If I am a fully vaccinated Queensland resident
who was in Melbourne a week or so ago, I would have risked mandatory self-funded
hotel quarantine on return.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How about fully vaccinated person on return only
have to submit to a Covid-19 test and home isolation until a negative test is
recorded. Would that be an incentive for people to vaccinate?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It would be an incentive for me. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Further. many of us would at least like the
option to again travel internationally.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I read that travel is opening between the European
Block Countries for those who are fully vaccinated. <a href="https://skift.com/2021/06/11/europe-further-eases-restrictions-for-cross-border-tourism-this-summer/" target="_blank">This is the report I refer too.</a>. The
fact that the individual is vaccinated combined with community vaccination
rates appears to be the basis for such a decision. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I also read negotiations are progressing to
allow travel between USA and UK based on similar conditions and vaccination
rates. <a href="https://www.ustravel.org/press/us-travel-welcomes-us-uk-move-open-travel-corridor" target="_blank">Click for the article</a> .</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Can we do similar?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Is it past time for the Federal Government to
set some clear targets for allowing international travel to selected countries?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Would we have a greater incentive to vaccinate
if there was a commitment to allow us to travel when we achieve 80% community
vaccination?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Again, it would be an incentive for me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A decision to vaccinate or not to vaccinate is
a personal one and should be respected one way or the other.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Making our own personal decisions does not mean
we should become evangelistic in support of or to justify our own decision. We
cannot really know the reasons or the fears that contribute to another’s decision
to vaccinate or not.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What I do believe is, right now there is a lack
of personal incentive for many to act. I also believe the lack of clear leadership,
mixed messages about the importance to vaccinate and it not being a race is
confusing many.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Let’s have some clarity and lets have some
incentive so fully informed decisions can be made by us all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><i>*By way of full disclosure, I have received my
first AstraZeneca vaccination and will have my second as per my booking. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-1057885335882379172021-05-29T12:24:00.000+10:002021-05-29T12:24:43.293+10:00Honestly Answering Our Own Questions <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
am often asked to talk to someone about being healthy, getting healthy, losing
weight, being more active and generally being less likely to contract heart
disease, diabetes, liver, kidney and other illnesses and conditions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
recent years, I have declined or avoided doing so.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
all know smoking is terrible for you. We also know a balanced diet including
little (if any) processed food, sugar, salt, saturated fats or alcohol promotes
good health.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
all know losing weight involves more activity and better eating.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What
do I have to offer and what can I say?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It
is none of my business how you choose to live or the choices you make.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If
a 35 year old obese Parent unable to fully engage and be active with his
children, it’s his call. Who am I to question the life he chooses or the
example he elects to provide?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It
is not my place to judge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
would never parachute jump, bungy jump or rock climb but do not judge or
criticise those who do. I do not judge the lifestyle, activities pursued or way
of life others choose for themselves.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Likewise,
I refuse to accept the judgements of how I life my life and the choices I make.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">You
do you and I will do me; it’s as simple as that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">So
why am I writing this today?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Over
the past 6 months or so, the number of requests from a concerned brother,
sister, parent, spouse or friend to speak to and help someone they love and
care about have increased massively.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Of
particular concern is the age of the people I am being asked to meet with is
lower than ever. Very many are younger than 40, the majority even.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
case above is real and came from a 33 year old Mother of 2 asking me to meet
with her 35 year old husband. She was seriously concerned his obesity would
prematurely kill him or at best, cause life threatening and lifestyle limiting
heart issues and/or diabetes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My
final motivation to write this was a cardiologist asking me what is the best
way to motivate people to take their health seriously and for younger people to
realise they are not immune to serious disease and the debilitating impact serious
conditions are for the rest of their life, and they die.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Before
I go on, I should address (briefly) why I am being asked to advise or help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As
a mildly overweight, 10 year reformed smoker, moderately active 49 year old, I
underwent quadruple bypass surgery. I had been a heart beat away from a fatal
heart attack.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
did many things correctly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Except
for being overly fond of cheese, ice cream, coke and chocolate, the rest of my
diet was good.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
was not a regular drinker but when I did drink, I tended to binge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My
heart disease genetics also make me vulnerable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">After
surviving surgery and rehabilitating, I transformed to the point of weighing
less than I did at age 25 when I playing 1<sup>st</sup> Division sport. Today,
I am also fitter and healthier than at any time before or in fact, since surgery.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Perhaps
more importantly, I have been totally consistent in the maintenance and
prioritisation of my health.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My
transformation for more than 12 years is why my input is requested.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Now
I have this post in the public domain, instead of refusing to meet with people,
I can simply refer to this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What I do not discuss….</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
will not talk about diet or exercise as a solution. You can get this stuff on
any number of websites, health magazines, influencer Instagram/Ticktock or in
“guru” blogs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If
you want to know your ideal weight range for your height, click here</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If
you want to know the waist circumference to reduce diabetes risk, click here</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
also have zero qualifications to provide any advice what so ever. All I have is
my own experience and my own ideas and what worked for me. My advice is more
about a philosophy and decision-making process. It is not medical and should
not be read in this light.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Further,
be warned, for some, this may appear brutal and/or confronting. If you are not
up to it, stop reading now.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Still here? Let’s go……</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Unhealthy
people tell lies, to themselves. Two of many examples are:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
first occurred at a business function where a colleague on seeing what I had
ordered for dinner commented “I would rather be dead than eat healthy food”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">He
was a 45 year old doting and loving husband and obsessively proud Father of two
primary school aged children.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Who
thinks he was telling the truth, the real truth?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A
second lie I hear is “Fat people are happy people”.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Consider
this “has any person ever transformed from overweight to healthy weight and
regretted it because they used to be happier?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Seriously,
is anyone happy to be out of breath walking up a flight of stairs at normal
pace? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I have also had dozens of people tell me they cannot run or walk because their knees hurt.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Guess
what? My knees would hurt too when I walked or ran while weighing 95 kilograms.
I now run regularly and while many years older and having had knee problems
requiring surgery 30 years ago, I have no issues at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Step
one - STOP LIEING, just stop.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Having
stopped lieing, it’s time to be honest. Ready? If not, stop reading.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It’s
not only time to be honest, it’s time to make and execute decisions based on
your honesty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Answer
the following question. You don’t need to tell anyone your answer or broadcast
it, just answer it HONESTLY.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
question is:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
is most important to you, what matters most?</span></i></b><b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Having
answered this question, consider if your actions and lifestyle are aligned to
what you say is most important to you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If
they are not aligned, your answer is a lie (or less than honest), or
alternatively, you have some changes to make to reflect your answer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Think
back to the wife who was concerned about her 35 year husband and Father of 2
children, her concern for his health, his survival.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
would bet a substantial sum of money his answer to the question “what is most
important to you” would be something like’</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“My family is
most important and to be there to see my children grow and prosper and help them
do so”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This
is what most people say, or a version of it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
brutal truth is:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This is not his honest answer to the
question because his lifestyle and health management in no way reflects what is
important</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Or</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He has some decisions to make and execute.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
recall a conversation with another work colleague and new Father. He was 38
years old and talking about his high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being
overweight and what to do about it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As
a new Father, he was expressing concern about his health and while a little
overawed was equally relishing the responsibility and joy that came with being
a parent and seeing his daughter growing up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It
was a Friday and as the conversation was concluding I casually asked “much on
for the weekend?”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">His
eyes lit up as he described the large pizza he was ordering to go with the 6
pack of beers he was having while watching the football that night.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
expressed surprise given what he had been saying about his health to which he
said something like “but its Friday night and the Broncos are playing”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Taking
a deep breath, I confronted him asking if his new enlarged family is really the
most important or is eating a large pizza more important even if it comes with
high blood pressure. I added, it is perfectly ok if the pizza and beers is more
important, just be honest about it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
conversation quickly concluded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
didn’t care one way of the other and it is not for me to be judgemental. My
only challenge was to him to be honest and act accordingly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">On
the following Monday, he came and thanked me.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
have had many similar conversations and, in all cases, they have been
confronting and sometimes confrontational.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But
here is the thing, applying the idea of being honest with yourself about what
matters most applies to all walks of life. It applies to the work you do, where
you live and the friends you have.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If
you are truly honest with yourself the decisions to execute become clear.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As
part of these “what’s most important to you” conversations I almost always
asked <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“what is most important to me?”.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Interestingly,
this is sometimes asked aggressively, with a tone of smugness or annoyance and
occasionally with genuine interest”.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">So,
what is most important to me;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
am a Father of 2 adult sons both of whom I cherish and adore. I want to see
them develop, be happy and successful as measured by them, not by me or anyone
else. I would love to see them become parents and to be a Grandfather myself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But
this is</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <b>not</b> <b>what
is most important to me</b> <b>but is a bonus outcome of what is most
important.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My
priority is far more selfish and also very simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
love being alive and being mentally and physically active.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Therefore,
what is most important to me is <b>to be alive and mentally and physically
active for as long as possible.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My
objective is to be a centurion and in doing so, on each of my future birthdays,
to be fitter, healthier, stronger, more inquisitive and better informed than
the previous birthday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Given
this is what is most important to me, the decisions I make and execute are
really simple.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But
just because they are simple, doesn’t mean they are easy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">However,
because I seek to be honest about what is important to me, the decisions I make
and what I do are clear.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
have a clear pathway addressing what I eat and drink and the exercise I do. I
have a clear pathway to follow for the books I read, the media I consume and
the travel I embark upon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It
also defines the work I do, the conversations I have, the experiences I seek
and the people in my world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It
also just happens that it is also mutually beneficial for my family and
interaction and support for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
could conclude by saying “good luck”, but I will not.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Luck
has nothing to do with it.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
will conclude with these key points:</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Tell
yourself the truth (Stop lieing)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Be
honest about what matter most to you</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Make
and execute decisions that reflect what is most important to you</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Refuse
to be judge or to judge others.</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If
what you decide and what you execute is not aligned with what you say matters
most, you are either making poor decisions or are not being honest.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Over
and out</span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><br /><p></p>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-29863561572002015142020-07-22T21:09:00.000+10:002020-07-22T21:10:11.485+10:00A Sad Day - An Era That Changed Australia Concludes<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">It seems a little silly to
be sad about the “passing” of an aircraft.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">Today marks the final
flight by a Qantas branded Boeing 747 aircraft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">For my generation, the Boeing
747 changed our lives. It’s capacity, operating efficiency and reliability
reduced the cost of international air travel. Europe was 24 hours away and with
a commitment to saving, affordable. Likewise, the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">For those just 10 years
older, travel to Europe was most likely a sea journey of some weeks duration.
Air travel being far too expensive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">Consider this, Qantas took
delivery of its first Boeing 747 in 1971. Just 10 years prior, the Australian
cricket team travelled to Britain by sea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">The world was changing and
now we could more reasonably observe the change and participate in it too. The
747 literally helped educate, expand our imaginations and remove our sense of isolation. It literally changed Australian society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">My first flight on a 747
was from Melbourne to Christchurch in 1978. Back then, it would more likely have
been referred to as a “Jumbo Jet”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">I was with a tour group of
student teachers from Burwood Teachers College in Melbourne’s East earning my
seat by way of my soon to be qualified then girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">I have very fond memories
of a wonderful 2 weeks touring the North and South Islands, wonderful sights and
experiences and a little party time as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">I have less wonderful
memories of an evening in Christchurch immediately followed by a commitment to
never drink Bundaberg Rum again. 42 years later, this commitment has never been
further away from being broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">I enjoyed further 747
travel experiences in the 4 decades that followed. Perhaps my most spectacular experience was the night approach too and landing at Hong Kong's Kai Tuk International Airport.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv84KaAgTkk/Xxgda-GKGRI/AAAAAAAAARo/iFU45cyDyBAuBf7CZxDm11kB7U1hdNWRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/HK%2B747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="982" height="433" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv84KaAgTkk/Xxgda-GKGRI/AAAAAAAAARo/iFU45cyDyBAuBf7CZxDm11kB7U1hdNWRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/HK%2B747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">However 747 experiences were becoming rare as increasingly, it was
a Boeing Aircraft with a different “7” prefix or a rival manufacturer with an “A”
in its name that was taking me places.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">My final 747 flight was
Brisbane to New York via Las Angeles (and return) in 2015 where the prime
objective was to run the New York City Marathon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">These New York and return
flights were my first by 747 in perhaps 8 years. It might have been sheer
coincidence that they were also the smoothest, most comfortable long-haul economy
flights I can remember. I have never slept longer or more soundly in flight. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">Such was the ease of these flight, I vowed I would return to America and New York in particular before the 747 was retired. Unfortunately, a certain virus has hasten the end of the Qantas 747 some 4 years before originally planned.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">Today’s last flight left
Sydney airport, circled Sydney looking one last time at the Harbour and its
bridge, and at an opera house that was not completed when the first 747 touched
down in Sydney.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">I am not suggesting I shed
a tear at the end of the Qantas 747 era, rather a nod of respect skywards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;">To the Jumbo Jet, the
Boeing 747, thank you for bringing the world closer and for helping make
Australian Society more travelled and diverse. May this last aircraft rest in
peace in the Mojave Desert, California having served us proudly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-5535565215526695792020-07-20T14:17:00.001+10:002020-07-20T14:17:38.074+10:00"They who know the cost of everything, know the value of nothing”. - Talking QInvest 3rd and Final
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest was destined to
end the day integration with QSuper was decided. Looking at it now, it was the
inevitable outcome.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Culturally, operationally
and philosophically, they are polar opposites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Consider this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QSuper is a successful,
well operated Superannuation fund. Its ongoing success depends upon reliably
managing high volume processes and delivering consistent standardised
solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest was a successful,
well operated Personal Financial Planning Practice. It’s ongoing success
depended on reliably consulting with people face to face, getting to know and
understand them and being trusted with their more confidential and personal
information to then produce a unique, tailored financial plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The things that make
QSuper great don’t apply, or largely do not apply to QInvest. Equally, the
reverse applies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Let’s look quickly at some
specifics:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QSuper has a large IT
division keeping about 1000 staff operational. Most of these 1000 deal directly
or indirectly with the day to day transactions of more than 500000 members.
Geographically, there are only 3 locations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The necessary structure of
an IT division required to look after a large number of people and members is
quite different to the more tailored needs of Professional Financial Planning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">As hard as QSuper IT tried
and as committed as they were, QInvest would surely have absorbed time and
expense that far exceeded it overall impact on the QSuper Group. They also had
to consider 9 separate geographical locations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Human Resources and
associated policy was another challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The skill sets and personality
needs that make for excellent QInvest recruits are quite different to those
required for QSuper. Several unfortunate appointments resulted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest was much smaller
and before integration had it’s own HR area. Understandably, this was able to
be far more nimble and responsive than the much larger QSuper HR. This is not a
criticism, but an understandable reality based on size.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I recall a mind numbing
conversation with a Senior QSuper HR Leader. QInvest and QSuper had quite
different maternity leave policies with one being clearly more beneficial than
the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Many months in to
integration, QInvest had been absorbed in to a more cumbersome and less
flexible remuneration and reward process however addressing maternity leave was
progressing at a snail pace or (I suspect) not at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">In discussing the concerns
around this, I was treated to a long rant about the difficulty involved in
deciding what to do with maternity leave. This rant included citing as an
example the problem presented by staff fresh fruit deliveries. QInvest had
fresh fruit delivered monthly whereas QSuper received a delivery 4 weekly. (or
it might have been the other way around)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The fact that these 2
issues were considered comparable staggered me and that each was equally
difficult to resolve was disheartening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Eventually, and after much
damage to morale and the creation of further suspicion and dilution of trust,
the maternity leave question was resolved to the benefit of all. I have no idea
and like most, did not care what the resolution was to the fresh fruit dilemma.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I also believed HR lack of
understanding and lack of appreciation for QInvest differences were reflected
in several senior staff appointments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">In my opinion, the first unfortunate
appointment was the Chief Manager in 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Sure, he came credentialed
and was experienced, enthusiastic, well travelled and determined. His bank
background meant the focus would be on cost rather than value. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">There is a wise saying:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">“They who know the cost of
everything, know the value of nothing”.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">He set about fulfilling
his mantra of delivering more with less. He preached lowering the “cost to
serve” while never seeking to understand just what service was valued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The second unfortunate
appointment (in my opinion) was Head of Advice in 2017. I will refrain from
sharing my opinion and the opinion of others concerning this appointment.
Except to say it was a surprise to see what values seemed to be important to
QSuper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I think I am correct in
saying he departed after about 12 months. I suspect by then QSuper was losing
its appetite to seek a sustainable operating model for QInvest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">There are other factors as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Horizon was a large project
aimed at stripping cost. Many talented committed people worked incredibly hard
to deliver an outcome within a time frame they said was half what was needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Errors were made in the
costings of a key service and base figures were overestimated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Significantly, 6 months
after the start of implementation, the majority of recommendations were
discontinued, re-designed or significantly diluted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I am in no doubt at all
that QSuper had totally honourable and long term intentions for QInvest.
Equally, I do not believe the differences between what is a successful
superannuation fund and a successful Personal Financial Advice business were
ever understood, by either QSuper and QInvest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">With each successful
conclusion of a piece of the integration puzzle, the end of QInvest drew closer
and inevitable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I praised the professional
staff at QInvest in part one and will conclude by doing so again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The ability of the
Financial Advice, Para Planning and Client Support Teams to put aside their own
concerns and pressures and to continue providing a professional, quality
reliable service to clients has been exceptional.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The commitment to clients
has been unparalleled and like so many things, it is perhaps only now as the days
tick away to the end of QInvest, will the absence of a Personal Financial
Advice service be truly and fully appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Finally, to all my former
colleagues at QInvest, thank you for having me as part of your world for 7
years. It will always be a period of time I am proud of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I consider you
granted me a great privilege having me along for the ride.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-21276089709918700052020-07-15T15:04:00.000+10:002020-07-15T15:04:20.302+10:00Talking QInvest Part 2 - Integration
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">This part two of a 3 part
series “talking QInvest”. If you haven’t read part one, here is the <a href="http://philosophyfunandfantasy.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-need-to-talk-about-qinvest-part-one.html" target="_blank">link</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">In Part two, I want to
look at some of the events that perhaps led to the decisions taken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Looking back, the script
for QInvest withdrawing Personal Financial Advice services commenced being
written in November 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">In the 3 years prior to
November 2012, several key changes took place. They included:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Taking
difficult decisions during the GFC including some redundancies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Implementing
a full comprehensive service and a fee component for Personal Financial Advice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Introducing
a service whereby a client could contract for a fee, an ongoing Financial
Advice relationship with an Adviser<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Established
a permanent presence outside of Brisbane<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Having
been jointly owned by QIC and QSuper, sole ownership was assumed by QSuper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Functions
such as Finance/Accounting, Human Resources, Property Management, Education and
Marketing, Legal and later IT were taken over by QSuper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The QInvest I joined was a
nimble organisation capable of having an idea, developing it, making a decision
and either executing or dismissing the idea and moving on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Just short of 50% of
QSuper Members, and by definition QInvests client base, lived in regional
areas. At the end of 2010, QInvest had one full time Adviser and one permanent
office in Townsville and she was the only Adviser north of Chermside in
Brisbane. There was an office and Adviser at Robina on the Gold Coast and
another in Toowoomba operating out of a room adjacent to the food hall at
Toowoomba Town Centre. Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton were serviced on an
adhoc, fly in fly out basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">18 months later, we had
offices established in Cairns (2 Advisers), Townsville (2 then 3), Rockhampton
(2 then 3), Sunshine Coast (2 then 3) and Toowoomba (2 then 3). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Almost from day one,
demand for personal advice in these newly expanded regions exceeded capacity
and it was common (and embarrassing) for clients to have to wait 4 months or
more for an appointment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The establishment of this
Regional presence was an example of QInvest’s ability to make quick and
important decisions and then execute the decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">We were self contained
with our own Human Resources, IT, Strategy, Property, Legal, Education and
Marketing areas and had control of our actions and outcomes. We were all
responsible and accountable for what we did, no excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">This independence was
changing. Now fully owned by QSuper, it was understandable and logical that
services be rolled in to existing and larger areas of QSuper. QInvest HR
dissolved in to QSuper as did Finance, IT and everything else. What was left
was the Personal Advice operation, Advisers, Para Planners and support
professionals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest became another
department of QSuper, another cost centre and challenged to operate in a world
that required a far more <em><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; font-style: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">bureaucratic
approach<b>. </b></span></em><em><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<em><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; font-style: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">More so the differences in the
two entities and the very different worlds and markets each participated in was
never really appreciated or understood. QSuper was by far the larger more
significant business and QInvest now under it’s wing and reliant on it for all
services, </span></em><em><span style="background: white; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<em><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif; font-style: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">QInvest was a very small piece
of the QSuper puzzle.</span></em><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">It became evident that
QSuper was focused more on the cost of QInvest and not the return or value. To
be clear, there is a sound argument that the focus was correct.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QSuper had an experienced
HR department, however there was little understanding of the different skills
and requirements needed for Financial Planning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QSuper had a dedicated
group of IT people, however they struggled to understand, or even remember that
about half our services were delivered outside of Brisbane CBD.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest also needed it’s
own highly tailored software platform. This was difficult for QSuper to
understand or accept and absorbed an inordinate amount of time and effort for
even the most simple change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Perhaps the biggest
difference was QSuper people including Executive Leaders, never really
understood the value of Personal Financial Advice for a Member. I am not being
critical when I suggest all but 2 executive and senior leaders could concisely
articulate to a member in easy to understand language, the benefits of engaging
in the Personal Financial Planning relationship with an Adviser.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">In my opinion, the single
biggest loss was that of the dedicated QInvest seminar and marketing team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The seminar team comprised
all former Financial Advisers. They understood the process of Personal
Financial Advice and could articulate the value of the service. More
importantly, their absolute belief was evident in the passion with which they
spoke and presented to groups of members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">When this team dissolved
in to the QSuper education team, QInvest and by definition Personal Financial
Advice became another box to be ticked as one part of a full QSuper centric
seminar agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">It was always unacceptable
and often embarrassing that wait times for an appointment with an Adviser was
at least 4 months and often over 6 months in every office in the QInvest
network. However, it was no coincidence that in the space of 18 months and the
absorption of the QInvest team in to QSuper, this demand disappeared and Advisers
regularly had spare capacity to meet with clients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Concurrent with this was
the folding of the QInvest call centre in to the broader QSuper phone contact
team. Again, the clear and concise understanding QInvest staff had of Personal
Financial Advice became another script to use when part of the QSuper group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I want to be clear about
something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I am in no way being
critical of the QSuper Education and Seminar team or the QSuper contact centre
teams or Leaders. All were dedicated and committed. Being asked to address and
explain a service in Financial planning that is totally different to a
superannuation fund, and have this service just one of many topics was a big
ask and inevitably, the message would be diluted and distilled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Consider this example. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">A business producing and
retailing a range of computer keyboards each tailored to the user’s individual
hand size, finger length, typing ability and key stroke strength is highly
successful because of the expertise and passion of the people. A one on one
meeting is held with each client to determine what is required, the unique
keyboard is designed, produced and delivered. At regular intervals, the client
meets again with the business to confirm the design still meets their needs and
any changes deemed necessary are executed. For example, arthritis in one hand
may require larger touch keys. Supporting the service is a team of staff you
understand the service and its vale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Now, consider what would
happen if that business was taken over by JB HIFI. I’ will leave that with you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">In Part 3 I will delve in
to a significant personnel appointments, the world that was HORIZON and draw
some conclusions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-47652971535252115602020-07-13T20:22:00.000+10:002020-07-13T20:22:40.138+10:00I need to talk about QInvest - Part One
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest is the Financial
Planning entity owned by QSuper, one of Australia’s largest superannuation
funds, QSuper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest provides personal
financial advice to members of QSuper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I worked for QInvest for
nearly 7 years from October 2010. It was a most rewarding period of my career
and bluntly, the ideals by which QInvest executed its responsibilities makes finding
another employer with similar commitment difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest financial advice
recommendations were based on each individual clients personal goals and
objectives and evidence was collected, expected and retained supporting the
exploration of such goals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">First and foremost, a
strategy was devised, discussed, explained and agreed followed by the selection
of products needed to execute the strategy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">There was no financial
incentive whatsoever to select one product over another. There was no incentive
to complicate a strategy. The size of funds being advised was not relevant to
any individual or collective performance assessment. The number of clients
helped was a key performance indicator together with the quality of the advice
provided. More was not better; better was more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I always considered there
to be a purity about the way QInvest or we executed the craft. This feeling of
ourity was reinforced when following the hearings and subsequent recommendations
of <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The
Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial
Services I</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">On Thursday 2 July it was
announced that QInvest would soon cease to provide comprehensive personal
financial advice. My understanding is this is not a Covid-19 or pandemic driven
decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I have long held the
belief that any organisation is entitled to change direction, re-structure or
cease all or parts of its operations. I have accepted that changes result in different
“people needs” and some may leave, be surplus to requirements or re-deployed.
Change is necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Notwithstanding, it is
difficult to believe QInvest Clients, QSuper members or the financial service
sector is better for not having an organisation such as QInvest provide the
comprehensive services it has since 1974.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest has a right to
feel great pride for what has been achieved over 26 years and more so, for the
way business has been conducted. I am personally proud to be a QInvest alumni. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest implemented an
Advice model and fee structure that allowed proper financial advice to be
provided to clients that needed it but for whom many other providers would not
be interested in delivering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">A 35 year old school
teaching couple about to have their second child is an example I often used to
outline the unique offering of QInvest. Typically, this couple would have low
disposable income, low investable assets and usually quite high debt by way of
their principal place of residence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">They would also benefit
greatly from financial advice covering some or all of risk insurance, education
saving, debt management, estate planning and cash flow planning. The QInvest
model allowed such advice to be provided when many, maybe most alternative
financial planning models would not be able to provide a service for more than
perhaps risk insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">In addition, I was always
proud that the part time cleaner at the rural primary school would receive
exactly the same service, attention to detail and professional thought and
scrutiny of quality as would a Departmental Director, Police Commissioner or
Minister of the Crown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I have worked for several
banks, funds and institutions. I know of many more. All claim to have their
customer, client or member as their sole and primary priority. From my observation
and experience, only QInvest (and QSuper) state such a mantra then assertively
prosecute it – from the bottom up, and back down again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Most of all I am proud to
have been associated with many wonderful QInvest people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I have spoken to several
QInvest Financial Advisers and one Para Planners who were present for the
announcement on Thursday 2 June. All were disappointed and all were accepting
if also frustrated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Advisers in particular
were concerned for the very many clients they worked with year in year out, particularly
those they had helped through the loss of parents, partners and in some cases
children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">They were concerned for
the ongoing diverse financial needs for clients who were disabled or simply
very naive financially. They were concerned for clients who they had worked
with to bring them back from the brink of bankruptcy to again moving forward in
their financial life having ceased systemic credit card mis-use and gambling
habits. Would these people continue to prosper?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">There is a difference
between a member of QSuper and a client of QInvest. A large difference of
incalculable value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">QInvest people, know them as people. They know
their faults, hopes and dreams. They know their fears concerns and weaknesses.
They know their health challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I will always remember
observing an Advice meeting where the client had untreatable terminal lung cancer
and a time frame of 3 to 6 months at best. The comfort and understanding they
expressed to the QInvest Financial Adviser following a very challenging meeting
was as moving as it was sad. They not only knew their family would be taken
care of financially, they understood how and trusted the ongoing assistance
their partner would receive from that QInvest Adviser after they past away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">This is not an isolated
situation. On many occasions QInvest Advisers attended meetings with clients
and their families at home and in hospital knowing there were weeks, sometimes
less to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Other Financial Advisers
do similar but it was the culture of QInvest people to do this. QInvest
Advisers on the whole accepted this was their duty and privilege to help. There
was no tangible incentive to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">And then the impact on
clients became just a little more personal for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Not long after the news of
QInvest’s withdrawal from Comprehensive Advice services became public knowledge,
my messenger on Facebook pinged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The sender was someone I
first met when we were both 14 years of age. It is many years, decades even
since we have had any meaningful contact.. She told me she is a QInvest client
and asked if I knew <i>(name of Adviser).</i> I did not know she was a client
of QInvest or of <i>said Adviser</i> until she told me via messenger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">She had retired quite
recently having done so after working towards that goal with the help of <i>said
Adviser. </i>I was asked if she would still be able to see the Adviser
revealing a review meeting had recently been arranged. Not wanting to say
anything that could be misleading and given I no longer work at QInvest I
suggested she call or e-mail and mention if comfortable she had spoken to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">She called several times
only to have the phone go to message bank and emailed. Distressed she came back
to me and not making any promises, I offered to help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">I messaged the Adviser,
explained what had happened, the distress of the client while acknowledging
comforting her may not be their first priority right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Shortly after, the Adviser
called her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">A measure of the QInvest
culture and a measure of a culture that I am not sure QSuper as its owner understands
is for all <i>said Advisers</i> concern for their own families well being and
their own career, they promptly called the client and prioritised addressing their
needs and fears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">It is not surprising that
an Adviser would be professional and make contact. Equally, it would not be
surprising if they had left the call for a day or until after the weekend. But
no, they called within an hour of hearing of her distress and concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">To be continued<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Part two will be out on
Thursday 16 July 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-84752376449277507742020-06-22T12:47:00.000+10:002020-06-22T20:53:35.459+10:00Thank You Victoria – But Enough is Enough<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Monday 22 June 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>5.50am<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">To start, I will butcher Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
Sound of Music Classic, Maria. At least a small part of it. Messrs Rodger and
Hammerstein, I apologise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">How do you solve a problem like Victoria<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">How do they catch a virus and pin it down<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">How do you find words that mean Victoria<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Careless bunch, out to lunch, gather round<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Many a thing you know you’d like to tell them<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Many a thing they ought to have to hand<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Hugs and kisses are not the way<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">To make this go away<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">How do you make Victoria understand?<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">It gave me nausea writing this dribble so I can only imagine
how you are feeling now and extend my apology accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">However, how about the good Australian State of Victoria,
Australia? *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Victoria, the rest of Australia and perhaps even the
rest of the world appreciate what you are trying to do for us but for the most
part, it is not necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">We already know Covid-19 is a potent and highly infectious
virus. We know it can have devasting effects on those who catch it and even
death. While we appreciate your efforts this last week to ensure the dangers of
Covid-19 remain at the front of our minds, it is really not necessary. Please
stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Further, I live in one of several States that are
reluctant to open its borders to the rest of the country. In recent weeks, many
of us believe this is an un-necessary act of over cautious paranoia. We do not need
your actions this last week providing other States an excuse to keep borders
closed. Besides, I really want to go to Melbourne. We don’t need
this. Victoria, please stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">The rest of the country know you are the head quarters of
the dominant, best managed, best attended, most lucrative football code in the
country. You tell us all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">We also understand Rugby League has taken the initiative and leadership to return football to our fields and
TV screens. Quite rightly, Rugby League’s endeavour and brashness has been
rewarded by positive media attention and new found respect for doing so. Multiple
AFL Covid-19 code breaches may be a way to regain lost media time but it is a
big price to pay for doing so. Victoria, you are being laughed at by all non
AFL devotees. Please stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Also, Victoria, we know you are the intellectual,
sporting, arts, horticulture, education, wine, dining, gambling and “every
other thing” capital of Australia. Accordingly, we understand your recent acts
of stupidity are aimed at making<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
rest of us feel better about ourselves. However, as you are prone
to do, you are over doing it. We don’t need any more of the bigoted, racist,
homophobic, narcissistic displays like we watched on 60 minutes last week. We
have enough in Canberra and our own regions. Keep it to yourself Victoria. Just
stop it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><strong>*</strong>The
writer is a born and breed Victorian and proud to be so. He may reside in
Queensland however Victoria will always be home.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
</div>
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Moving on to other matters Covid – 19.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">The number of new cases is growing alarmingly in some
parts of the world and in some states in America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Brazil seems to be breaking records for new case
numbers day after day as it continues to pursue a more open strategy. As
alarming as it is, only when this is all over or sustainably contained will we
able to asses the merits of differing approaches. In the immediate term, it is
quite frightening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">In America, new daily record infection numbers roll
out for Florida. Again, lets refrain from judging the merits of their strategy.
They locked down late (by comparison) and initially granted exemptions for
Churches. They then opened early and quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Ideally, they will not have to resort to the latest
Presidential Covid- 10 case management strategy. There is little doubt the
President is correct when saying slowing the number of tests being conducted
will reduce the rate of diagnosed infections.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">It is difficult to refrain from wondering about this
as a leadership strategy. Perhaps other challenges could be dealt with by
adopting a similar methodology. Poverty, unemployment, crime rates? I hope not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">It is far from being confirmed but general commentary
and observation including by Pandemic medical experts seems to suggest a few
interesting factors evolving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Close
proximity indoor contact of 15 or more minutes without a facemask is high risk.
For example, the home transmissions in Victoria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Gatherings
indoor complying with 1.5 metre separation, no face mask for no more than 2
hours appear to have a low infection risk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Large
outdoor gatherings in close proximity while wearing a mask, appear to have a
low risk of infection. For example, so far there is no infection spike from the
street rally’s held in Australia or overseas where attendees largely wore
masks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">The above points are purely my observations and
preliminary thoughts based on what I have read, watched and listened too. They
are by no means suggested courses of action and are not based on any
referenceable scientific evidence or data analysis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">And a few things to finish with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">WIRED Magazine was first published in January 1993. Its
founder Kevin Kelly recently turned 68 and offered some lessons on life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Learn how to learn from those you disagree with, or
even offend you. See if you can find truth in what they believe” </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">A most valuable lesson in an era where we are losing
the ability to disagree and debate in a respectable way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">He also said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">“Being able to listen is a superpower. While listening
to someone you love keep asking them “is there more?” until there is no more”. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">And finally, he wrote about “Habit”: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">"The purpose of a habit is to remove that action from
self-negotiation. You no longer expend energy deciding whether to do it. You
just do it. Good habits can range from telling the truth, to flossing.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Finally, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCbQffIER_E&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">National Geographic</a> released a video on 15
May 2020 showing some of the major cities in the world during Isolation/Lockdown.
It includes Sydney, Delhi, Berlin and New York. It is a fascinating and
hopefully unique 7 minute snap shot of a point in world history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;"><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Stay safe, debate with respect, talk and listen and
remain inquisitive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #595959; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-52473870378919144322020-06-15T15:22:00.002+10:002020-06-15T15:22:44.934+10:00Kneeling, TV Shows Past and Uncertanty
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">15 June 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.34pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Uncertainty abounds, or so it seems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I felt conflicted today. Will I write a
weekly update?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">So much is uncertain and I felt I had
nothing to add that would positively advance the many debates underway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Anger and outrage dominate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Do I discuss AFL and Rugby League
players and officials uniting before a game to bend on one knee in support of indigenous
and marginalised teammates? If I attempt to do so and take a balanced approach,
I would fail. I could not find even a mildly alternative to this being a calm,
considered, united and peaceful show of support that inconvenienced no one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Is the counter argument that the action
is “politicising sport”? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If this is credible, we would have to
accept that sport no longer receives public funds to develop infrastructure
because such funds are provided with a political intent. Be it a new stadium in
Townsville, North Queensland or a new Grandstand in Geelong, Victoria, funds
are provided with a political benefit in mind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Surely it is all political or it is not
political, we can’t pick and choose, logically at least?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And then there is Fawlty Towers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My first reaction to withdrawing access
to the “Don’t mention the war” Fawlty Tower episode was to question if we are
going to far. Maybe I can write about that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">On reflection, my initial response
lacked sufficient thought. While I am not yet supporting the episodes
withdrawal, I do now see there is a legitimate debate to be had around this and
similar matters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I can jump to a conclusion based purely
on my personal circumstances, experience and unconscious bias or I can consider
and research if there is another view.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have a much valued friend and former
work colleague born to German Parents. He has German Christian and surnames. I
need to talk to him to understand if the “war” episode of Fawlty Towers is
offensive or was the reason for teasing, insult and mockery when growing up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have other friends and associates born
in Germany. It is only fair that I talk to them before deciding a position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And then there is the statue, building
and street name and monument debate, but I am not going there today. Except for
one example.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In Brisbane, there are several inner city
main streets named Boundary Street. I recently discovered these were actual
boundaries past which local indigenous <span style="background: white; color: #0a1633;">Jagera and Turrbalpeople were unable to pass. The street are reminders of a forgone separist policy and I am reminded of this every time I cross or use Boundary Street in West End or Spring Hill. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am inclined to think the history of
these streets should<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be taught widely including
in tourism literature so we all know of this unfortunate time in our European
history. Then again, I need to first discover what the decedent’s of the <span style="background: white; color: #0a1633;">Jagera and Turrbal</span> people feel
about this before determining an informed and balanced view.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I revealed
my conflicted state at the start of this post and it is now obvious I decided
to write.<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> It was being sent a "tweet" that motivated me in to action.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is a
most brilliantly written thread in that it literally cannot be argued against
or disputed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Here is
the thread and in my opinion is a great reminder of a better way and well worth
reading NB you don’t need to be a twitter user to read it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/timminchin/status/1272342923003092992" target="_blank">Click here to access it.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I will
conclude today with words from an American tennis icon and Presidential Medal
of Freedom recipient Arthur Ashe writing about “change”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Most
people resist change, even when it promises to be for the better. But change
will come, and if you acknowledge this simple and indisputable fact of life,
and understand that you must adjust to all change, then you will have a head
start.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Stay
positive, informed, considerate and safe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #0a1633; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Colin
Morley<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-31105568933302669052020-06-08T16:44:00.000+10:002020-06-08T16:44:13.274+10:00Perhaps a Week We Had to Have
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Monday 8 June 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.39 am<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I write this morning with a sense of
confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My weekly observation of these Pandemic
times is usually approached with a mildly playful intent and the idea of being
at least a little amusing even if the only person amused is me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">At the very least, if raising a
so-called issue I seek to provide two sides to an argument or present some form
of solution, as fanciful as that solution may at times seem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is difficult if not insulting or
disrespectful to seek to amuse this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In recent days British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson lavished praise on his own Governments handling of the pandemic. If
success is having only 597 out of every 1 million of his constituents die, he
is correct and a success. Afterall, of countries with populations in excess of
1 million, only Belgium with 828 has a higher fatality rate. (source <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a>)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The Twitter President is being equally,
if not more effusive about his management of the pandemic. And while he is less
inclined these days to discuss matters Covid-19, his actions keep him shining
brightly in the spot light as he continues building a legacy that will amaze
and enthral the future students of American Contemporary History.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The BlackLivesMatter cause has been
advocated by millions of people across the United States, day in day out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Some and only some public gatherings
have resulted in ugly clashes between advocates and others with alternate view
or enforcement personnel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In reality, the majority of gatherings
have been calm, peaceful and passed without incident. Some have been quite
moving such as this event in Colorado a few days ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Sadly, media coverage highlights the
violent and the ugly and the message is lost or <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">confused. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There seems a need to take one side or
the opposite side with little room in between.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Both extremes see it in their interest to
highlight the ugly and distasteful. If a media outlet is inclined towards
supporting the BlackLivesMatter advocates, they want to draw attention to the
oppressive behaviour of the Police. If a Media outlet is seeking to support
those who are against the event taking place, they will see benefit in
highlighting the behaviour of those attending the gathering and shift blame to
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This <a href="https://twitter.com/COTimesRecorder/status/1266815884737249280" target="_blank">event in Colorado</a> received scant
coverage, as did other large peaceful gathering in Las Angles and other Cities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There were large gatherings of Advocates
in Australia over the weekend too. All were peaceful. There was a conflict at a
Sydney railway station as the crowd dispersed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We also wake this morning to hear of
mass gatherings in cities across Europe, peaceful gatherings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My feelings about these gatherings are
confused. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In a time where we should be mindful
mass gatherings are conduits for spreading the Covid-19 virus, I question if
these events should be occurring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In a time where 30% of Australian Prison
inmates are of an Indigenous background when only 3% of our population is
Indigenous, I question why such gatherings have not occurred more often in
larger numbers, pandemic or no pandemic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have spoken to people who attended events
in Brisbane and Sydney. I asked about the mood and if it felt like it might erupt
at any moment. In both cases they reported feeling safe and at no time felt
anyone was seeking combative confrontations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have deliberately used the words
“advocates”, “events” and “gatherings” rather than “protesters” and “protests”.
My reason for doing so is the significant number of attendees who do not
identify as protesters or people who attend protests. These are people who have
publicly joined a cause for the first time ever to demonstrate concern and try
to better understand an issue largely confined to a world very foreign to
theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What I am not confused about is believing
the issue of Indigenous incarceration rates should exist only as a case study
now discuss as having been long resolved. We could have been, should be,
looking back a decade or so with a sense of collective national pride at having
identified, accepted and solved this matter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Between 1987 and 1991, a Royal
Commission was conducted in to Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and concluded by
making 339 recommendations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Other than some basic research, I have
not yet looked extensively at the recommendations; my comments are therefore
based on recent reading and media commentary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My understanding is the vast majority of
the 339 recommendations remain unactioned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Both sides of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Australian mainstream politics are largely
united when discussing this issue. They extoll the need to “work harder to
resolve the issues” or “involve all parties in finding workable solutions” or
my favourite “we all agree we need to do more”.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I know the Royal Commission concluded
nearly 30 years ago, but I suggest the “hard work involving all parties” has
already been done and a good place to start is the 339 recommendations the
majority of which remain unactioned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But hey, the Rugby League has nearly
completed its second post shutdown round, the AFL returns on Thursday, a draft
international cricket calendar has been announced, club hockey is scheduled to
start in July as is cycling and an argument rages between the Melbourne and
Victorian Racing Clubs as to when the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups should be
held. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">One wonders just what our priorities
are. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Mind you, the Queen’s Birthday Honours list
has just been released. Congratulations to all recipients. It is a diverse
group of awardees, isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Too conclude with some short comments: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am not sure what I will read this
week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Maybe we should all read, or re-read <i>To
Kill a Mockingbird</i> by Harper Lee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The Post Reports</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> Podcast from the Washington Post
provides a look in to the goings on in America. While it probably takes an anti
Trump lean, it is not necessarily pro Democrat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For more general political analysis, I
again mention <i>Democracy Sausage</i> from the Australian National University
as informative an diverse twice weekly podcasting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For sporting content, during the last
week I have enjoyed the interviews with Isa Guha, Chris Scott, Karrie Webb and
Daniel Ricciardo from The Howie Games Podcast. Not only is Isa Guha a former
test cricketer and a respected broadcaster she also has Neuro Science degree
and just happens to be married to a rock star.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Stay strong, seek first to understand
and lets all support and look after others while also looking ourselves. </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-42337721117576199222020-06-02T05:01:00.000+10:002020-06-02T05:01:42.560+10:00Essentialism, Remembering and a dash of Utopia
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Tuesday 2 June 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 3</span>.50 am<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I will start with a question:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Is <i>Blinking </i>the plural of <i>Winking?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I receive much feedback pointing out grammatical
and punctuation errors and bluntly, in just about every case the feedback is
valid. Therefore, I assume this will be an easily answered question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Moving on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The Covid-19 related restrictions of
recent months have identified who are the essential workers in our communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The butchers, bakes, cleaners, sanitary
staff, nurses, Doctors, teachers, child care, delivery and warehouse teams,
front and back facing supermarket employees and others have not only proven to
be essential but have been officially declared so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">With the odd exception, these are hardly
the best paid, most secure or most respected roles in our community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As we start the slow journey out of
isolation, it is essential we act to remember their essentiality and entrench
an appropriate reward structure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is time they are wrapped together as
a group and a minimum pay and reward structure is put in place. After all,
being deemed ‘essential’, also meant they were most at risk of infection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We need to ensure the essential roles
are remunerated accordingly and are entrenched as secure, respected professions
that are valued and aspired too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And we need to act quickly as it is all
to easy to forget and neglect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Remember, few of us were looking for a
lawyer, an investment banker and dare I say, a financial planner during
isolation. We did however want our pasta and toilet paper packed on to a truck
at the warehouse, delivered to the supermarket, stacked on shelves and checked
out at the counter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And while we are talking about memory
retention…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What else will we remember to do as
restrictions progressively lift?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Cooking at home has increased. As well
as being economically beneficial, home prepared meals will most likely be a
healthier way of eating too. Will we remember this or fall back to a take away,
convenience orientated packaged food habit?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There has been an increase in families
walking, cycling and even running together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Everything about this has personal and
collective benefits. I hope we remember to maintain the habits of recent weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My last of many similar examples is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">From all reports, the behaviour and
courtesy displayed when meeting by Zoom and equivalent media is far better,
more respectful, less domineering, less aggressive and more inclusive than many
face to face meetings. Profit and people would benefit by remembering and
maintaining such an approach and attitude. Then again, maybe it is simply
practicing common respect and decency in our dealings.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In line with today’s theme, I provide
this quote from Dutch Commentator <em><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">José Been</span></em></span><em><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> </span></em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><strong>That old
cliché is really true. It’s not about travelling to faraway places or having
the busiest of jobs to boast your status. It is the small things I already had
so close to home that matter most. That is what I came to realise in these past
months.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In looking for a book to indulge in this
coming week, I reference the following sentence from a writer not known to me:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Every
milestone of civilisation – from the end of slavery to the beginning of
democracy – was once considered a utopian fantasy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This has
prompted me to read <b>Utopia for Realists</b> by Rutger Bregman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And to
conclude with a thought:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Opportunity generally is somewhere at the
intersection of where nobody else is looking and change. (Amy Zelman –
Global Futurist)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-87136468087618126022020-05-31T16:39:00.001+10:002020-05-31T16:39:49.720+10:00Space – Race – Surely we can do better this time around
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It’s Sunday, May 31 2020.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It proved an interesting morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">After waking for a music special starting
at 4am, I then watched the Space X Falcon 9 rocket launch a pair of American astronauts
in to space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Like many children of the 1960’s I was a
little obsessed with the Space program and closely followed the Gemini and Apollo
missions culminating in the moon landings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In the minds of the broader U.S and
world communities, the finals years of the 1960’s were the halcyon days of
human space flight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The Space X launch today was being ‘billed’
as a return to those Halcyon days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">To the days when engineers, designers
and scientists were hailed as heroes, the calmness of Mission Control Operators
exhalated with the true stars being the Astronauts. As they all were today too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We are sending American’s in to space at
the end of the 2020’s, as we were at the end of the 1960’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Similarly, now, as at the
end of the 1960’s, American Cities are subject to the anger and frustration expressed
by way of protests turning in violent and destructive riots by people who feel
deprived, oppressed and persecuted based on their race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am not there, and cannot
pretend to understand the feelings of the protestors or the feelings of those
being protested about or against. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am a white male of a mildly
privileged background who has never been subjected to real or perceived
oppression, deprivation or persecution and cannot pretend to understand the
feelings of the protestors or the feelings of those being protested about or against.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have never wanted for
educational, business, social or transactional opportunities and as such,
cannot pretend to understand how those that feel denied such opportunities feel, or how those perceived to have denied them such opportunities
feel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I can imagine or pretend to imagine how it feels, but I can not know how it feels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is too simplistic to
blame the situation unfolding on the streets of American cities on the current
federal administration. It is not four years in the making. It is the product
of decades of policy and funding failure by Federal, State and Municipal administrators of both
red and blue colours. Let’s call it a purple problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">America made history when successfully launching
Astronaut Alan Sheppard in to Space aboard a Mercury – Redstone Rocket on 1 May
1961.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This was the first major step towards
landing an Astronaut on the moon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Today, Astronauts’ <span style="background: white; color: black;">Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley</span> became
the first to be launched in to space aboard the Space X Falcon 9 rocket
developed for commercial purposes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This is the
first major step towards achieving the Space X objective of sending humans to
Mars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Personally,
as a space junkie, I hope this is achieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">More importantly,
as a member of the society of the world, I hope the Americans' we land on Mars leave from a country that is united in all its people. I hope the
country they depart from is one where fairness is such a given it is never
discussed and where opportunities in education, employment, medical treatment
and human decency are overtly equal for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And may the
rest of the world have followed the example.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And
selfishly, I hope I am here to see it, all of it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Who wants
to watch with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Colin
Morley</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">PS – Usual Covid
-19 Blog Post will be out on 2 June this week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-29360043606931000912020-05-25T16:43:00.001+10:002020-05-25T17:06:24.150+10:00Border Disputes, German Engineering and Saved by Football<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Monday 25 May 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>8.20 am</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is a
debate evolving in Australia concerning the continued closing of state borders.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Put simply,
all Australian States and Territories closed borders as part of their Covid-19
infection containment strategy accept Victoria and New South Wales. Australian
Capital territory has since re-opened its border but all others remain closed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My focus is
on Queensland<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Taking a safety
first approach to closing the border was perfectly understandable. At the time,
we had little understanding of the likely numbers of infections or resulting deaths.
The medical advice was sound and the State Government took decisive action.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was
understood and accepted that businesses and their employees would be severely
affected and all were encouraged to utilise financial support programs established
federally.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The growing
argument to open the border is based primarily on economic needs. Queensland is
a largely tourist based economy and school holidays loom. Tour operators, accommodation
owners, restaurateurs, café and bar proprietors and all associated businesses
need tourism and need the borders to open in order to re-establish themselves. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In my
opinion, the economy is not the reason we should open the border.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I believe the
border should be open because on balance, it is safe to do so.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Social
distancing requirements apply equally in all States and various levels of crowd
restrictions are also in place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It makes
little difference if there is 1.5 metres separating two locals as if separating
a visitor from Cairns and one from Canberra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">New
infection rates range from very low to zero and the reality is, this will
likely be the case for many, many months to come.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I believe it
is time to re-open the Queensland Border because on balance, it is safe to do
so. It just so happens, the economy will benefit and that
a very good thing too.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>How Good Is
Germany?<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We all
respect German engineering and precision so it was of little surprise to see
both qualities applied by a café owner to ensure a safe dining experience. Is
it possible the initiative at Café Rothe in Schwerin, Germany will generate a shortage
of pool noodles? (Photo lifted from Insider.com – here is the <a href="https://www.insider.com/german-cafe-pool-noodles-social-distance-2020-5" target="_blank">original report</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEKv3HYI5p0/XstnS7igNmI/AAAAAAAAAQM/YAwNQh-ua109w8MmnqjcdROJ5Gkt_rjMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/German%2BCafe%2Bre-opening.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1274" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEKv3HYI5p0/XstnS7igNmI/AAAAAAAAAQM/YAwNQh-ua109w8MmnqjcdROJ5Gkt_rjMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/German%2BCafe%2Bre-opening.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>Football
(Soccer) saves the internet *<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Internet
traffic typically increases by about 3% month on month. As the various versions
of isolation and lockdown kicked in across the world, internet traffic
increased 30% in March alone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Up to 30% of
all internet traffic passes through more than 275000 servers in 136 countries
operated by an organisation called Akamai based in Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As might be
expected, Akamai are constantly looking forward at likely spikes in traffic and adjusting
capacity accordingly. However, the had no way of predicting the Covid-19
shutdown and resulting increases.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">However, they
did foresee a traffic spike due to the European Football Championships which of
course, did not go ahead and expanded their capacity accordingly.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So when we successfully
complete another Zoom meeting or download that must see episode, we should also
thank the world game <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">*Source The
Hustle Daily Newsletter 1 May 2020. The Hustle is interesting, often amusing and occasionally eclectic daily reading. If interested, here is a link to subscribe <a href="https://thehustle.co/?ref=7ad36b3fbc">https://thehustle.co/?ref=7ad36b3fbc</a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As for
Podcasts, I have enjoyed the first 2 episodes of the latest series of the <b><i>The
Greatest Season That Was </i></b>as it explores the 40 years of impact of
Australian Rules Football in the United States.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My reading
this week will be a little different.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thanks to a
list curated by Author, Writer, Speaker James Clear, I am going to read one of
the “great speeches of all time” each day. Here is the <a href="https://jamesclear.com/great-speeches" target="_blank">the article</a> containing the links to the speeches.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And I
conclude with a couple of thoughts.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Alarm clocks
are perhaps the only device that annoy equally when they work as when they do
not<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For
something that is 70% water, us humans have very poor fire resistance.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Stay safe,
remain diligent and helpful and, thank you for the feedback last week.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-9376606803822865022020-05-18T14:27:00.000+10:002020-05-18T14:27:41.437+10:00The Other, Less Discussed Pandemic
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Monday 18 May
2010<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.50am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Covid-19 is awful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is highly contagious, debilitating
for many, and lives are lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There is no sustainable medical cure and
no vaccine. It is non-discriminatory. Covid-19 infects royalty as it does the disadvantaged.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is a pandemic the likes of which we haven’t
seen since the Spanish Flu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There is a clear pathway for those
impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The pathway includes triage followed by
a decision as to the need for hospitalisation, intensive care or home
quarantine all backed up by a regime of testing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For those who cannot work, Jobkeeper is
allowing a semblance of financial normality while support and relief options
are in place in the hope businesses may recover, re-open and resume employment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Be it medical or economic initiatives,
all are in place with overall united support from all points of the political
compass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Then there is what I am calling the other
pandemic, one that has been inflicting hardship, pain and death throughout our
communities for years counted in decades. This pandemic has also united all
points of our political compass be it by way of apathy and inaction cloaked in
the camouflage of occasional outbreaks of targeted, strategically timed
statements and speeches, public appearances and photo opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am talking Domestic Abuse and I am
referring to it as a pandemic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Domestic Abuse has many, if not all of
the Covid-19 characteristics. First and foremost, it strikes without
discrimination. If impacts all races, religions and all social, religious, educational,
economic and geographical demographics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Domestic Abuse victims also recover at
home essentially in isolation, in hospitals including intensive care as need be
and victims may also lose their life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Just like Covid-19.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Our political leaders and media
commentators have expressed concern at the impact isolation is having on
Domestic Abuse. They are even suggesting addressing the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What rubbish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">No victim is feeling any more fearful
now than they were in January. What is needed now, was needed before Covid-19.
The only difference is increased opportunity for abuse by perpetrators already
inclined to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If only our politicians were as quick and
decisive in responce to the Domestic Abuse pandemic as to the Covid-19
challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My isolation allows time to consider this
and much more too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">First of all, we can all see the impacts
of Covid-19. The number of cases, fatalities and tests are broadcast pretty
much every hour of every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Politicians hold press briefings daily
and answer questions about the pandemic. In fact, they dismiss any non Covid-19
related questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Politicians, like everyone else,
understand and feel the economic impact of businesses being shuttered and incomes
being reduced. There is also an easy response. Provide money and support to
people and businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">However, our politicians do not, and
largely cannot understand Domestic Abuse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The overwhelming majority of politicians
are men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">'Us' Men fall in to two categories when
considering Domestic Abuse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The first category are those men who
perform acts of Domestic Abuse. I have read numerous reports and studies that
suggest a staggering one in eight of us men commit acts of Domestic Abuse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The second category are those men who do
not and have not committed acts of Domestic Abuse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The fundamental problem is, those men in
the first category certainly do not want to address the issue so stay silent
and;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Those in the second category simply do
not understand how anyone could commit such atrocities. Worse still, the second
category routinely argue the abused should just leave, walk away, remove
themselves from the situation, take control, protect themselves and other
similar rhetoric.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Logically, I will know a male who is a
Domestic Abuser. I do not know who they are but on the basis of the numbers, I
must know someone who is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Logically, I will also know women who
are victims of Domestic Abuse. In several cases, I know who they are and in two
cases, I have had conversations, sad, terrifying conversations with them about
this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In all the cases I have personal
knowledge of, the victims share common traits and qualities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">They are all highly educated and overtly
intelligent. They are all superb communicators, verbally and written. They are
all highly successful in their chosen careers and are all strong and independent.
They are also all now in second or subsequent loving, supporting and successful
relationships and are all Mothers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Likewise, the two I have spoken to, all
express the fear and helplessness they felt causing an inability to leave, the financial
and social control imposed upon them and a real concern for their life and the
lives of their children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is understandable that so little
changes in the providing of support pathways for Domestic Abuse victims when
the policy and decisions makers are dominated by men like me who cannot
understand or even imagine the true impact and challenges faced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We quite rightly unlock funds to
implement Jobkeeper and Business support programs to help us through the
economic and societal impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is way past time we unlocked funds to
provide a safe physical pathway for Domestic Abuse victims and made these
widely known by way of an ongoing multi media advertising campaign. The objective
being that everyone knows what action they can take to be provided support and
help, the number to call, the email address or direct message to use, even a
safe or code word to use to a Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Community Care
Professional or Police Officer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is also past time to fund financial
support programs so victims can transition to independent lives knowing they
are not trapped in a dangerous living arrangement due to a lack of financial
resources.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I would argue the primary differences
between the Pandemic of Covid-19 and the Pandemic of domestic abuse is there is
a readily available medical and financial treatment for victims of the later,
perhaps even calling it a vaccine of sorts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A final point if I may. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Whenever I write about Domestic Abuse or
dysfunctional behaviour towards women, I receive many comments and messages
mostly of a critical and almost abusive nature. Many also follow a similar
theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When commenting or messaging I provide
the following information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Be assured, I do know there are also
male victims of Domestic Violence. Like you, I also know these are in the
significant, hugely significant minority. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Similarly, like you, I know that domestic
violence related deaths of Women are frightening and are of numbers in
Australia that far outweigh the current fatality threat of Covid-19 in this
country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Finally, be they positive, supportive or
otherwise, I long ago determined I would not publish comments that are
submitted on the blog. Notwithstanding, I do read and appreciate the
engagement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Given the seriousness of todays musings,
I will leave the frivolity of a book and podcast discussions for another week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Stay safe, stay diligent and keep caring
for each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-35627276393844173002020-05-11T20:11:00.000+10:002020-05-11T20:15:05.241+10:00Sometimes the F Bomb is Appropriate<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Monday 11 May
2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.42am<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let’s begin today with something to
think about in the form of a quote from Austrian neurologist psychiatrist as
well as a Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Between stimulus and
response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Today, I find myself battling the urge
to be angry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There is a difference between annoyed
and being angered by something or someone. Anger is a little like hatred, it
has a greater negative impact of the portrayer of the emotion than the
recipient of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Even my annoyance levels have changed
over time. I now aim for mildly annoying which is much easier to dismiss than
the real thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So why is today the day where anger
threatens?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let’s look at the bunch of sportspeople who
contravened quarantine in Adelaide. In doing so they may have threatened the
immediate future of their sport and the employment of thousands of people, but
that is not what is potentially angering me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">They may also have set a disgraceful
example as to how to act and behave safely which if followed by others, could
lead to Covid 19 infections. This may be stupidity or even arrogance but it
doesn’t anger me as such.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What has the potential to trigger my
anger is the excuse being offered on their behalf that they are young men and
may not have understood the rules that were to apply to them – all 16 of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">FFS – what if we said to all 18 to 23-year-old
males, “its ok, you are young and don’t understand”? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What if we said, “you may be adults and
carry the legal responsibility that goes along with that but hey, we won’t hold
you accountable for the accident you caused because you had too much alcohol
before driving”?.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Just because these Men can run a bit
better than most and kick and catch a ball does not remove their personal
responsibility to society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To suggest an 18 to 23 year old is
incapable of accepting responsibility for themselves and others is ludicrous.
To understand young Men accepting and understanding responsibility, have a chat
to a Vietnam Veteran. After all, in many cases they were drafted against their
wishes and sent to fight a war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were only 19 (on average). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And today, a 19 year old is deemed
incapable to understanding 14 day quarantine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I will instead choose to be disappointed
and to remember there are many highly capable and responsible people under the
age of 23.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But that’s not all, the British
Government announced mandatory quarantine for anyone flying in to the United
Kingdom from all countries except Northern Ireland. It has only taken the death
of 30000 residents to have them do what many other countries have had in place
for a month or more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But, to offset this, they are replacing
the “Stay at Home” instruction with the suggestion that people should “Stay
Alert”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">WTF are they staying alert to? “Excuse
me Officer, you might want to investigate the child over there with a running
nose”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What does it mean? It seems they don’t
really know but it is a nice slogan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But is it worth anger? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, I will remind myself that many
countries are adopting vastly different approaches when protecting their
residents. The approach in Australia and New Zealand are reasonably similar and
entirely different to Sweden. The USA and UK are adopting different strategies
also. I will remind myself that it is only in retrospect we will know what
actually worked best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Moving on:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My coffee bean delivery finally arrived.
A big thank you to everyone who made contact and offered to drop off an
emergency supply of beans to tide me over – to both of you, thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nick Earls is an Author I enjoy, despite
rarely reading fiction <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Through following him on Twitter, I
picked up he was appearing on a Podcast and listened accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was a funny and interesting discussion
about the challenges facing authors seeking an audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I have since listened to an episode of
the same Podcast where the conversation is with both Jane Harper and Karina
Kilmore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The Podcast is <i>The First Time </i>hosted
by authors’ <span style="background: white; color: #303030;">Katherine Collette and
Kate Mildenhall and I highly recommend it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #303030; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I enjoyed
last week’s book. It certainly talked about the trials and tribulations of a
not very talented or fast endurance runner however, what I found most
interesting was the relationship between the Author’s career evolution as a
writer to his running. I have an interest in running and writing and suspect
the book would be hard to enjoy if neither is an interest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #303030; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I have a
number of things on my agenda this coming week so will not commit to reading
something new.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">May we all remain diligent, safe, healthy and caring, and
even more as a we start to open up schools and businesses. Finally, may you
enjoy your coffee while wisely using the space between stimulus and response.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Colin Morley</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">PS - On a personal note, my thoughts are with life long friend and habitual rascal Ted S as he undergoes serious surgery tomorrow. See you soon in Melbourne as we plan another Eildon reunion.</span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-84704297396266540542020-05-04T10:19:00.004+10:002020-05-04T10:24:31.026+10:00Living in a Ghost Town, Mojo Chasing, Pasta and Plastic – another week in isolation<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Monday 4 May 2020 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.27am<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let’s cast our mind back a few weeks to
a time when shopping became a sport as the competition for a packet of lasagne
sheets, jar of <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">pasta source or roll of toilet paper was as intense as any we see
in our professional sporting codes.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Remember the Prime Minister and other
Leaders begging, almost lecturing us to “cease and desist” stock piling goods?
We were told “Panic Buying is stupid”.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We produce more food than we consume,
exporting the excess. Likewise, evidence was provided confirming our local
toilet paper manufacturing more than meets our needs.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">All of this is true. So why are some
supermarket shelves still empty now the panic buying has long passed?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What we do not have, and what threatens
our food supply chain is packaging. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We have an almost total reliance on
international supplies for the packaging in to which our locally produced foods
is placed. The tin for the can of fruit and the resins that make the plastic
for our milk containers all come from overseas, mainly China. All our plastic
packaging is reliant on overseas supply chains.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Highly sophisticated, “just in time”
based warehousing and supermarket delivery systems mean only 30 days supplies
of goods are in the system at any one time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The real threat to running out of basic
produce was not our ability to produce food or make toilet paper. It was and is
the reliance on disrupted international supplies of the packaging that make our
produce supermarket ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Maybe stockpiling was not as silly as it
seemed?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">More importantly, maybe we can look at
alternatives to plastic as our packaging of preference?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Important as our national food supply
chain may be, there is something else causing me significantly more concern.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I have finally succumbed, it’s got me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After 4, or is it 6 weeks of being
overtly cautious, I am forced to concede to forces seemingly outside my
control.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Despite meticulous planning, conscious foresight
and diligent self education to live my best and safest life in isolation, I
have still been struck down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I have fallen victim to that mildly
annoying, hardly hideous and almost irrelevant syndrome of all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I have that common affliction of the
mildly privileged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I have a first world problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I have run out of coffee beans.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A change in my supplier’s delivery
arrangements means the time between order and receipt is longer than usual, all
exacerbated by it being a public holiday where I live.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Do I risk all, break isolation and seek
out an alternative bean? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Do I go without?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yes, a first world problem bathed in
irrelevance.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Moving on:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What about those Rolling Stones? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Pandemic inspiration sees their first
original music release since 2012 and in many countries raced to the top of the
streaming charts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">If you want to do yourself a favour,
here is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNNPNweSbp8" target="_blank">Living in a Ghost Town</a> from the Rolling Stones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Just a warning, if you have adverse
reactions to strobe like images, I am not sure the video will appeal. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And to the world of literature:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This week, I will be reading <i><span style="background: white; color: black;">What I Talk About
When I Talk About Running</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black;"> a memoir by <i>Haruki Murakami </i>translated by
Philip Gabriel.</span> This book comes to me with both a high recommendation
and a clear assurance it is much more than a repetitive dialogue about one person’s
long distance running endeavours. Further, I am told an interest in running is
not required to enjoy and take something meaningful from the book.</span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">If that doesn’t seem appealing, and I understand why it may
not, I suggest <i>Ghost Empire</i> by <i>Richard Fidler. </i>The book covers
the 1000 year story of Constantinople and is one of the best, most compelling
books I read in 2018.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A quick comment about last weeks (fortnights) book, the <i>Once
While Travelling</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- <i>The Lonely
Planet Story</i>. It is a generally engaging read although I felt it maybe 50
or so pages too long. The interesting learnings are “do the work” and “if you
wait until everything is ready, you will never be ready”.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My podcast recommendation for the week is <i>“The Mojo Radio
Show”.</i></span><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This is a weekly podcast hosted by Gary Bertwistle</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> who
among other things was a 2018 Australian of the Year finalist. Each episode is
centred around a long form interview preceded and followed by some fun banter. <span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.themojoradioshow.com/" target="_blank">The Mojo Radio Show</a> describes itself as follows:</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We interview todays leading lights in every area of our
lives.... health, fitness, creativity, wellness, strategy, brand, performance,
and management. If it’s helping us towards our dreams and a better life... we
will cover it for you.</span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is a weekly must listen of mine and one that requires
concentrated listening. It may also take a couple of episodes to get the rhythm
of the pod and it is worth looking at their past shows too.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And a thought to contemplate.</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><em>We typically want our fiction to be believable and our non fiction to be unbelievable *</em></span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Stay happy, stay safe, remain supportive of others and accept the
support of others, and enjoy your coffee while you can</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Colin
Morley</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">*Quoted from The Hustle </span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-2946368030759936642020-04-27T11:00:00.002+10:002020-04-27T11:00:50.034+10:00Covid Driven Uncertainty, a Latte Artist and a new interpretation of a classic hit
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 27
April 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.22am<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems an
almost “nothing type of a week” as we become set in our
new Covid 19 self-isolation routines.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That aside,
it has also been societally revealing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We, as in
Australian’s, have a certain “self image” we imagine defines us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We like to
portray as a nation of sun loving, beach going, laid back, relaxed, sports mad,
successful, rebellious, anti-establishment lovable (responsible) rebels.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will cope
with what ever comes our way, stare down danger, wrestle challenges and then go
for lunch.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you ask
us, he will offer enthusiastic opinions backed by indisputable proof that we
have the best beaches, biggest rocks, produce the worlds best wines, seafood, beef,
wool, surf boards, ugg boots and board shorts. And as for sports people, there
is no dispute. Same for our musicians, writers and actors, including those born
in New Zealand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We roll with
the punches, laugh at adversity and take a “no problem, she’ll be right”
approach.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Except we don’t,
do we?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, I am
not diminishing by any means the hardship many are facing right now and will further
face for many months if not years to come.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What has
become evident is just how “us” Australians’ really do value certainty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We even
value “fake” certainty. Some sports have announced actual dates for resumption
of competition. They are being applauded for doing so because players, coaches,
broadcasters and supporters are desperate for certainty. They also say they don’t know if these dates are
achievable.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Commentators are going nuts demanding other sports make similar announcements
of resumption dates, even if they don’t happen.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We also seek certainty as to seeing a movie, sitting at a café or having a BBQ.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thing most certain about this point in our history is there are no
certainties. Much of what we took to be for ever more, will no longer be. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Australianism we need to tap in to is that of innovation, creativeness, our
ability to be calm in a crisis and our nature to support those most vulnerable.
If we can maintain these quality, in time <em>She will be right. </em>In the meantime, embrace uncertainty as the new normal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To matters more serious.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Melbourne
considers itself to be the Coffee Culture capital of Australia (if not the
world).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Similarly, Melbourne
has appointed itself the “Latte Art” capital of Australia.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, imagine
how thrilled I was to receive a message from one of Melbourne pre-eminent “Latte
Artists” recommending a Podcast and providing written support for it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The recommended
podcast is <i>“Girl Taken”</i> produced by BBC Radio 4<i>.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Latte
Artists words of recommendation are:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do
the podcasts you listen to start to merge in to each other so you can’t define
one from the other easily? Girl Taken will remain with you.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amazing
true account of a charismatic English ex-soldier putting his trust in a refugee
and the twists and turns that journey takes him. Unforgettable”.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have
listened to 9 of the 10 episodes of<i> Girl Taken </i>and confirm it as a quite
gripping and moving story. The two story telling protagonists are the accidental represent the perfect skill and
personality alignment of a the journalist's determination
to get a story and the desire and dogged determination of the ex soldier to achieve a
compassionate and decent outcome. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
surprised I was not already aware of the story. Some of the middle episodes seem to labour
a little with some of the road side chatter but it ultimately does enhance the
story.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still have
about 150 pages to read from last weeks book, <i>Once While Travelling – The Lonely
Planet Story. </i>As such, I may not get to start a new book this week. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, if
you are interested in a little history about the discovery of our continent, a
book I enjoyed last year is <i>The Great Race by David Hill. </i>This is a most
informative, interesting and easy to read story about the race between the
English and the French to complete the map of Australia. Irrespective of this
being a genre you read, I am sure it will be enjoyed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week I discovered a re-worked version of the Midnight Oil hit <em>Beds are Burning </em>performed and recorded by<em> Julia Stone. </em>It is a very different, almost haunting interpretation with a thought provoking film clip. I am interested to hear what you think about it. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WnisEbdpN0" target="_blank">Beds are Burning by Julia Stone</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And new
words are creeping in to our vernacular including “Zumped, used as follows in a
conversation between 2 teenagers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teenager 1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why are you so upset?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teenager 2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve just been “Zumped”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ist Teenager<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Don’t you mean dumped?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
Teenager<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No, it happened on Zoom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And a
thought to ponder:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just think,
in 25 years time, our leaders will be the products of home schooling, where the
teachers were day drinkers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay safe,
stay healthy, stay flexible; continue to support and assist others, smile, read
and listen.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-62698896392078042322020-04-20T12:36:00.001+10:002020-04-20T12:36:33.988+10:00Making Teachers Redundant - Or Not
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Monday 20 April 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.45 am<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What a wonderful opportunity presents
itself today as the Queensland school year re-commences and the majority of
students become engaged in parent assisted home schooling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Much has been made about the disadvantages
home schooled students will encounter but in just about every conversation I
have had with a teacher about teaching, a consistent theme emerges. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It seems that Parents are constantly
providing critical feedback to schools as to the short comings of teachers,
methods adopted and the resultant less than expected results achieved by their
child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My little Sally says she is not allowed
to contribute, young Daniel is destined to be a mathematics genius and Asif is
interested in Australian history if only it was explained correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Teaching seems to one of those things
about which we all claim and to know better than the professional
teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Therefore, an unexpected side benefit of
isolation and home schooling will be the opportunity for us parents to prove
once and foe all just how superior we are as teachers and for our children to
achieve results far better than ever before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What a unique and wonderful opportunity
it is for all us “non teachers”.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Alternatively, we may get to understand
just how difficult effective teaching is and how skilled and dedicated our
teachers are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I suggest it will be the later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And what about driving at the moment, at
least on those rare occasions we are allowed to venture out in our cars?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Free flowing, clutter free and no delays
or hold ups.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">However, has anyone else noticed how the
driving experience is also resembling the shopping centre car park?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Just like when we enter a car park and
lose all semblance of sensible driving because we perceive there are no rules,
the roads appear like that right now. On my last 2 driving ventures, I have
seen 3 drivers completely ignore red lights. And, I am not talking that
doubtful period when you might argue it was an amber light, I am talking
straight through a stale red light of 10 or more seconds duration.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We seem to have also forgotten how to
negotiate roundabouts. Again, I have witnessed 3 separate occasions where
emergency braking by drivers already in the roundabout has been required to
prevent accidents. Admittedly, on 2 of these occasions I was running or cycling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It seems the lack of traffic is making
us less inclined to concentrate on the job at hand.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">On to other things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am very pleased with last week’s
reading choice, <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The Oarsmen by Scott Patterson</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">. addressed a significant historical
story about the sporting activities of the Australian Forces in London in 1919
while waiting repatriation to Australia. Specifically, it traced the formation
of and competition history of the Rowing Team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Interestingly, it discusses the need for
both physical and mental recovery for the returning soldiers and in what seems
timely in 2020, some impacts from the Spanish Flu pandemic of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I cannot recommend it highly enough and
am a little embarrassed I have only just read a book gifted to me for Christmas
2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And for this coming week, I will be
seeking some new and diverse post Covid 19 travel motivation by reading <i>Once
While Travelling – The Lonely Planet Story </i>which I am told addresses the
evolution of Lonely Planet travel guides from a single hand written and much
copied travel diary to what it became in its heyday. Who hasn’t bought, begged,
borrowed or stolen a Lonely Planet Travel Guide. (I have 6 – all bought by me)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As for Podcasts, one of my secret
pleasures this last 18 months or so has been to listen to “<i>Chat 10, Looks 3</i>”.
I say “secret” because chances are it is a podcast aimed more at Women than
Men. It is hosted by Annabelle Crabb and Leigh Sales. They are totally free of
their “ABC Persona”, are self-deprecating, teasing of each other and often
hilarious. It also comes as a shock to hear the occasional F Bomb. The podcast has
nothing to do with the ABC and does not appear on the ABC feed. It is also not
about politics.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Take care, be kind, stay healthy. Be
grateful for our teachers (and tell them so) and drive safely</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And a thought to finish:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It’s sad to think that if you actually
bullet proof, you are most likely to live your entire life not knowing you are.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-70596781318255658342020-04-15T13:05:00.002+10:002020-04-15T13:05:36.434+10:00To Be Fair To The President - And we always should be
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The President of the United States has
been criticised for disbanding the Pandemic Response Team in the Federal
Security Office. Further, when asked about this, he has criticised and been
quite disparaging of the reporter putting the question. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The clear inference is the removal of
the Pandemic Response team was a targeted action resulting in a valuable
resource no longer being available to be lead the fight against Covid 19.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am not one to defend the President. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I do however believe that criticism and
praise should be fair and balanced and wanted to know if in fact this was a targeted
action. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is beyond question that he did away
with the Pandemic Response Team. It is also reported this was conducted contrary to advice from his
medical policy advisers</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I do however question this was a targeted
action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">From what I can determine, this was
merely one of many decisions to abolish or rearrange areas of responsibility
previously considered valuable in the defence of the USA against non-military
threats such as disease and public health. For example:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
Administration also did away with a specialist China based unit with specific
responsibility for monitoring disease outbreaks in that country. The last staff
were withdrawn at the end of 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Also
abolished was a scientific unit tasked with the responsibility of monitoring
the evolution of animal-based viruses that may have the capacity to transfer to
humans.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
providing of school meals is a significant operation in America and in far too
many cases, are the difference between children being hungry or not. In 2012
amid growing concerns about childhood obesity and early adult onset of heart diseas,
respiratory problems and diabetes, a healthy schools meals programme was implemented and
then mandated. The improvement in student physical and mental health,
concentration, learning capacity and general wellbeing measured over the
following 6 years was outstanding. This programme was cancelled by the new Administration
and school meals returned to being breakfast of pancakes and syrup followed by
hotdogs for lunch.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There are very many examples but I will provide
just one more in order to ensure a variety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A
US$30 billion Regional Development fund had been operating with huge success
over several decades. Many innovations progressed after received loans on
attractive terms and many new businesses were established and went on to be successful.
Towns and communities prospered and in some cases were revived as employment
opportunities grew. In addition, the Regional Development Fund was one of very
few Government programs returning a real return on funds invested.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">One
notable achievement was the invention and bringing to market of the retractable
syringe. This product is credited with preventing thousands of health care
workers suffering needle prick injury and for preventing needle sharing among
intravenous illicit drug users. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">While this
programme has not been abolished as such, its administration has been moved and
the concern is, large corporation will now receive funding previously meant for
Regionally based innovators. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I am inclined to declare the criticism of
the President for targeting the disbanding of the Pandemic Response Team as
being unfair. I do so on the basis this is just one of many, very many, often
science based Federal Government operations that were summarily disbanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Further, to say the USA would be doing a
better job of restricting and ultimately eliminating Covid 19 if the Pandemic
Response Team still existed cannot be proven. To do so, we would have to have
such a comparison and we can never have that. We will only ever know how it has
been dealt with without a specialist Pandemic Response Team.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And there is more to consider when assessing
the fairness of the criticism of the President.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Through the work of military
intelligence, the Federal Administration was first made aware of the outbreak
of a serious illness in Wuhan in mid to late December, and certainly before
Christmas 2019. On 3 January 2020, a letter requesting a meeting or at least a
phone call to discuss the concern this presented was sent to The President. A
phone call took place on 17 January 2020. To be fair, the President had more
pressing health related issues on his mind and was more interested (reportedly)
in discussing the ban on flavoured vaping products.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The President’s first public response to
Covid 19 took place on 31 January 2020.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">One final point in defence of the
timeline adopted by the White House. We need to respect that a Leader with
immense responsibilities bestowed upon them has many and multiple demands on
their time and any number of priorities to juggle. During this period, several golf games were already scheduled as
were some campaign rallies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ultimately, we will never know if the
response time would have been any different if indeed the team tasked with
monitoring the evolution of diseases that jump form animals to humans had been
left in place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We also will never know if things would
have been any different if the team based in China responsible for identifying
outbreaks of disease in China had still been operative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How can we know when we have nothing to
compare too. Criticism should be fair and it should be evidenced.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And then there is the criticism of the President’s
public commentary on the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The President has been widely condemned for
initially at least, playing down the potential threat of Covid 19. This was most
notable when he said there are only 15 cases in America and likely to be zero
or near zero by the end of the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Again, I ask if such criticism is fair?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The President does not claim to have
high level medical qualifications. He does however, have access to the best
minds in the country if not the world. It can only be assumed his comments
followed extensive briefings from his key specialist advisers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">He often provides commentary on matters
scientific and it should be assumed he does so after close and detailed
consultation with specialist, highly qualified advisers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It could be assumed that the specialists
he based the comments about there being zero or near zero Covid 19 cases by the end of the
week are equal in calibre, scientific standing and qualification as the advisers
he relies upon when talking about climate science.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have no reason to challenge the
possibility that the advisers relied upon when suggesting zero or near zero
cases by the end of the week hold the equivalent level of qualification and
acknowledged expertise in their field, as the climate advisers do in theirs </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Criticism should always be fair and
should also be evidence based.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I will leave the reader to decide in
this case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-33865450242063765742020-04-13T17:05:00.001+10:002020-04-13T17:05:46.574+10:00How are we behaving in isolation
Monday 13 April 2020 6.12am<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the
spirit of Charles Dickens:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is the
best of times</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is the
worst of times</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hear
daily of extraordinary human endeavours as we go about addressing Covid 19 and
limiting its damage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We here of
health care professionals, cleaners, delivery drivers and warehouse personnel
performing outstanding feats to support the community at large.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hear of
acts of kindness and compassion by supermarket employees, assisting the aged
and incapacitated, the mothers with children and providing special hours to
support essential service workers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In times of
stress and challenge, the best in people inevitably prevails.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is the
best of times.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also hear
of medical professionals being abused physically and verbally as demands are
made to prioritise their case or the case of one of their family ahead of those
already in the queue or those with more severe or desperate needs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hear and
see reports of supermarket staff being assaulted by customers not wanting to
line up or not being able to obtain the goods they want at the moment they want
it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is the
worst of times.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We see what
certainly appears to be the vast majority adhere to the isolation at home
request, but then large groups of people accumulate at the parkland at Nudgee Beach
on Good Friday afternoon, all haven arrived by car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This tendency
to divide in to the extremes of the spectrum is being reflected in how we are
responding to the issues, stresses and challenges Covid 19 presents. While most
are overtly kind, appreciative and considerate, others insist on being angry or
entitled.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While
staying safe, lets all commit to being patient with, supportive and
appreciative of and helpful towards those tasked with providing the essential
services.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It can be
the best of times, always.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Moving on to
Podcasts.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do
Carrie Bradshaw’s Laptop, Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, The Bee Gees Silver Suits
and 30 of the original Muppets have in common?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They are all
“Lost at The Smithsonian”. Well, not lost exactly but currently not on display.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, their
stories and many more are told In the <i>Lost at the Smithsonian Podcast </i>presented
by c</span><span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">omedian and pop culture fanatic Aasif Mandvi. I suggest you start from
season one and enjoy interesting looks at pop culture history including
interviews with those who were there, or have studied the subject somewhat
obsessively.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">As
for books, I am going to read <i>The Orsmen by Scott Patterson. </i>ThIs is a
true story and is billed as “<i>The remarkable story of the men who rowed from
the Great War to peace.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">I
confess to having made little progress on last weeks Podcast but will do so this
week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">And
one final thought:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">“Imagine
the look on the face of the first person who heard a parrot speak”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">Stay
safe, take care and be kind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">Colin Morley</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447272467984314155.post-37652184154607995802020-04-06T18:08:00.001+10:002020-04-06T18:09:40.121+10:00Feeling Uncomfortable With a Common Comparison<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Monday 6
April 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>06.20 am (started) 5.54pm
(concluded)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am
becoming a little uncomfortable with some of the rhetoric being used by
politicians, opinion makers and reporters around the efforts to contain the
spread of Coronavirus.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is
regularly being referred to as “fighting a war” or “being at war”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The US
President seems to like the idea that he is a War time President presiding over
a War Cabinet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I know
several veterans of the Vietnam War and a little of their ordeal during and
subsequent to their period of service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I know of
many more and their stories. I know Sons and Daughters of Vietnam veterans and
challenges they faced and witnessed their Parents face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I knew
servicemen from the Second World War and the Great War and while I did not hear
of their ordeals first hand, I have read much about horrors, terrors, tragedy
and death including in New Guinea, The Pacific and Western Front Campaigns. I
also have met several Prisoners of War held captive in Singapore.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I cannot
help but feel we are insulting the military veterans of our conflicts and their
families by drawing an analogy of Coronavirus with their experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Moving on to
books and Podcasts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last week’s
Podcast was ok and there are further episodes to come to complete the series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For this week,
I am adding a Podcast that was sent through and highly recommended. It is <i>Escaping
NXIVM</i> and is about a woman’s battle to bring down a cult. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am also
going to recommend one I listened to some time ago titled The Alice Fraser
Trilogy. It is very funny and also interesting. Alice is also Australian.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As for
books, I have not quite finished <i>The Birth of Melbourne.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This week’s
suggestion is motivated by the despair being experienced in a City that fascinates
me and of which I can’t wait to return. It is called <i>Here is New York, </i>authored
by E.B White. It was first published in 1949 and chronicles a snap shot in time
of an evolving City. It is also only 56 pages and will allow me to catch up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Stay safe,
stay happy, keep being supportive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Colin Morley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06362305831861302419noreply@blogger.com0