I don't advocate gambling. I believe that if you have a better use for the money you should spending it on that.
However, I am tired of people saying that people who gamble are one step away from losing everything and becoming homeless. Ok most exercise poor judgement and are to be pittied.
But, I think that all these opinions and feelings should be directed at people who binge drink. Binge drinkers can become alcoholics, lose everything and become homeless just as easily as problem gamblers. In a way they are worse because they can get into a car while drunk kill themselves, whoever is in the car and take out a couple of pedestrians on the way.
If we pittied them, shovelled the guilt on with an industrial sized shovel and stopped telling them how cool it is to drink that might help. I think someone should create an advertisement about how someone who has been drinking for 30 years looks at 50 compared to a light drinker or non drinkers. Maybe an appeal to vanity might reach the girls.
I don't think that the ads showing the seedy side of a night out drinking help. They see that every time they go out and are probably desensitised to it.
Throw away the cocktails and drink the mocktails. Anna
Monday, November 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
On The Infallible Violence Of Northern Ireland
A few days ago half of Northern Ireland donned their pretentious orange robes and marched around celebrating. The other half sighed and pretended not to notice, except for a few 'angry youths'. You see the Protestant side, comprising of the aptly named Orange Order, who obviously wear orange, march once a year to celebrate the Protestant English victories over Catholic Ireland. To the Irish Catholics this is a bit of a sore spot and the day has traditionally became one of violence and rioting - entire communities at war, attacking Orange Marchers and police. The big problem, and let me tell you it is a BIG problem, comes with the route the marchers take. Each year the Orange March takes a route that will take it through VERY Catholic neighbourhoods. Once in the Catholic neighbourhood they sing sectarian songs and have a jolly good time riling the residents. Each year it causes trouble. In the heyday of the Anglo-Irish war, back in the 60's and 70's each time the Orange order moved into a Catholic neighbourhood they would provoke a riot. One of these riots saw 120 Catholic homes burnt to the ground by Protestant mobs. All 120 homes were from the same neighbourhood. The 1st Light Infantry was called in from Liverpool to help police soothe tensions, one soldier recounted it as this: "When we took off from Liverpool there was a faint glow on the horizon. As we drew closer to Belfast we realised that glow was burning buildings. When we touched down it was like a scence from our days in Lebanon. Burnt out cars littered the streets, shop fronts were blown out and everything was destroyed. its was numbing to realise that this was happening in a part of the United Kingdom."
For many a year after, many wise people suggested banning the Orange March to prevent this kind of violence, but the Protestants would have none of it. "It is our right to celebrate our victories." Each year almost without fail the Orange Order marched into a Catholic neighbourhood and each year without fail rioting and affray ensued. Then, in 1998, after English prime Minister Tony Blair and Sinn Fein leader and IRA army council members Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness succededd in bringing peace, the IRA declared a ceasefire. For the first time in nearly forty years there was peace on the streets of Northern Ireland. The nation held its breath when the day of the Orange March came round. On strict orders from the leaders of the IRA no shots were fired, no bombs planted, no riots rioted. But what they lacked in physical violence they made up for in abuse. The songs of the Orange Order were drowned out by Irish nationalists screaming threats and abuse. Each year after that there were many scuffles but never a riot. The IRA it seemed were intent on keeping the peace. But all was not well. The Provisional IRA, the one I mention above had issued a ceasefire, but other factions, the Real IRA and the Original IRA were intent on the destruction of an English presence in Northern Ireland. In 2005 as the Orange Order marched through a catholic neighbourhood they suddenly noticed people on the rooftops to each side. They had walked right into a trap. The Orange Order, still drumming anti-Irish tunes ran for cover as the Catholic mob hurled home-made grenades and firebombs down on them. The police attempted to move in, only to suffer instant casualties. The fighting was so bad that at one stage every officer of West Belfast Police station was in hospital. After hours of heavy fighting the rioting stopped. More recently, only months ago the first soldiers to be killed in over a decade were shot dead outside their barracks. This was followed by a police officer. Unreported in the news three catholic workers were shot dead outside a pub by two UVF soldiers, the Protestant version of the IRA. Also unreported was the protestant UVF man stabbed to death shortly after by an IRA soldier, a revenge killing. Then only a week ago a bomb was located outside a protestant building, it was detonated with no harm done. Then only yesterday, the Orange Order in their infinite wisdom chose to march through Ardoyne, one of the most Nationalistic Catholic neighbourhoods in Belfast. Nine officers were injured, one teenager seriously injured as firebombs rained in from all sides.
But why such violence? Surely after a century of on/off fighting, starting in the 1890's and leading right through to today, they could have come to an agreement? Nope, they can't and nor will they. The Catholic side of Northern Ireland seek a unified Ireland, where they join the Republic of Ireland as an independent country from Britain. The Protestant side of Northern Ireland seek to remain part of Her Majesty's Empire. Both sides are willing to fight and die for their cause. Things have changed however, the corrupt Protestant government which went about gerrymandering to ensure the Catholics couldn't win any elections has been dissolved, the police who were comprised almost totally by Protestants has been reformed to ensure a fairer balance of justice and most importantly, the two sides sat down and talked for the first time ever.
So, the violence will, for the forseeable future continue - not as acts of war but as individual murders and small riots. In 2005 PIRA (Provisional Irish Republican Army) declared that, in conjuntion with the Indepentent International Commitee for Decommissioniong they had put their weaponry 'beyond use'. The Protestant paramilitaries, who said they'd only disarm once the IRA did have not yet disarmed a single weapon. And so, as Gerry Adams once said: "We viewed terrorism as a means to an end, not an end in itself" the IRA disarmed, paving the way for their political wing to take power. And what is the eventual outcome? Every British Prime Minister from 1960-1990 with the exception of that cranky old so and so Margaret Thatcher has recognised that the probable solution and inevitable outcome is a Unified Ireland. An Ireland free from british rule, free to pursue its own culture - for we all know that: "British culture just doesn't fit anybody not British". This would be an Ireland that for the first time in nearly a thousand years would be ruled by the Irish. Imagine that.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Mario’s Family History & Profile
Mario was born 14 June 1968, in the middle of winter. He shares a birthday with a diverse range of characters including Burl Ives, Boy George and Karl Alzheimer (the discoverer of the disease no named after him). June 14 was also the day that Paris fell to the Nazi’s in 1940. It was on this same day – 14 June 1968 – that Salvatore Quasimodo died. He was the only Italian to win the Nobel Prize for literature!
One of his parent’s was born in Italy, and the other was born in Australia, from Irish extraction. Mario’s father grew up in Avezzano in Northern Italy, about two hours from Rome. His mother was born in Dapto, and one of her parents comes from Kangaroo Valley, and her mother was born in Bowral.
Mario’s maternal grandfather grew working on the rail network throughout NSW, laying tracks. He moved from Kangaroo Valley to Oak Flats after getting married, and was one of the original settlers in Oak Flats. His paternal grandfather worked on farms, experiencing country life in Italy. Mario’s father lost his mother during childbirth, when he was only 4 years old. So Mario’s grandfather was responsible for bringing up the children.
When Mario’s father migrated to Australia in 1960, his father (Mario’s grandfather) died five years later. When he came to Australia, he worked in labouring roles in the building industries.
Early in his life, Mario experienced a near drowning experience in the bath, when he was 2 or 3 years old. He is now deaf in one ear, probably as a result of this accident. He also experienced childhood epilepsy, also probably related to the accident in the bath.
When he was legally able to attend school, he had to go to the Para Meadows Special School in Wollongong, which was the only school on the area that had the facilities for children who had some forms of disability, such as epilepsy. Public schools at the time did not have the facilities to handle children with epilepsy or other severe disabilities. Nor were such facilities available in the private school sector.
Mario left school at the age of about 16 years, as soon as he was legally able to. At Para Meadows, the school did not have the same year divisions as is common in other schools. Nor did the school offer public examinations such as the School Certificate. Due to this limited educational opportunities, Mario’s literacy and numeracy levels were not up to scratch, or to the standard levels of the time.
About the same time as Mario left school, his mother’s father died of a massive heart attack, whilst coming home from a wedding. He had Diabetes and was going blind in one eye. If he had survived, he would now be totally blind. His Diabetes came late in life. He had most of his toes removed, and used to tell Mario that the Galah’s had taken them.
A couple of days before he died, Mario was visiting him in Oak Flats Home, and took a photo of him on a chair, and then he died a few days later. The day he died, Mario’s grandfather rang the family, excited about going to the wedding that night, and then he died that night.
When he left school, Mario was employed at Greenacres for less than 6 months, which was all he could stand. Then Mario began TAFE and other training. But it was not until he was 30 that he began to undertake a lot more education courses. Undertaking the TAFE courses improved Mario’s literacy and numeracy skills. The more training he completed, the better he became, and the more able to learn.
Mario has two younger brothers. The second youngest has one son who is now 19 years old, and his youngest brother has a daughter who is about 13. Mario does not have any kids of his own.
Mario’s mother has two sisters, one of whom died many years ago. The sister died from Cancer about a year before Mario’s grandfather. The grandfather took this badly and never really got over his daughter’s death, until he died about a year later.
Mario has gained qualifications in many areas, such as:
· Certificates 2, 3 & 4 in Tourism
· Diploma of Tourism Operation Management
· Certificate 4 in Assessment Workplace Training
· Certificate 4 in Business
· Certificates 2, 3 & 4 in Retail
· Certificate 2 & 3 in Information Technology
He is presently studying:
· Certificate 4 in Web Site Design
· Diploma of Management
· Diploma of Media & Communication
· Advanced Diploma in Tourism Operation Management
· Certificate 4 Hospitality
· BA Undergraduate Degree specialising in Journalism from CQU
Most of Mario’s study has been carried out by distance education, although he has attended some face to face courses. Most of his current study is carried out on-line.
He has been involved in a number of business ventures, in areas such as film production, model management, retail, etc. Mario is currently creating web sites for on-line businesses that he will be a part of.
Mario enjoys country music, having grown up with an interest in country music from his mother’s family. This passion for Country music is shared by his mother, as well as his grandmother and grandfather, and his uncle and aunty and their children.
He remembers his grandfather singing Slim Dusty’s classic “The Pub with No Beer”, and since that time, Slim Dusty remains one of Mario’s favourite singers. Mario has many of Slim’s Albums, CD’s, Posters and other memorabilia. Mario has also attended many of his concerts before Slim’s death in 2003 after a long battle with cancer.
At the time of his death, Slim was working on another concert. He had been sick for many years, but kept performing for his fans. When Mario learnt of his idol’s death, he was distraught, and was throwing things and uncontrollable in his anger and grief. On the day of the funeral, Mario attended the funeral at St Anthony’s church in Sydney, along with his mother. As a State funeral, only invited members of the public and guests were allowed to attend, and Mario had to ring the State Government to ensure that he and his mother could attend.
With regards to Mario’s studies, he is hoping to gain suitable qualifications to gain employment in his choice of industry, in Australia or abroad. Mario is a shy person, who has difficulty in mixing well with people, who describes himself as a loner, who doesn’t have many friends. This is part of the motivation in studying, to be able to mix with others. He also uses the internet to chat on-line in chat rooms, with MSN, Yahoo, Face Book and My Space.
He is also stressing out about his age, and is increasingly concerned about his own mortality and health. The most important concern for Mario now is that, with all his study and other achievements, he wants to “settle down”, with a career, wife and children, and a steady life. The older he gets, he feels his “clock” winding down as it ticks away.
One of his parent’s was born in Italy, and the other was born in Australia, from Irish extraction. Mario’s father grew up in Avezzano in Northern Italy, about two hours from Rome. His mother was born in Dapto, and one of her parents comes from Kangaroo Valley, and her mother was born in Bowral.
Mario’s maternal grandfather grew working on the rail network throughout NSW, laying tracks. He moved from Kangaroo Valley to Oak Flats after getting married, and was one of the original settlers in Oak Flats. His paternal grandfather worked on farms, experiencing country life in Italy. Mario’s father lost his mother during childbirth, when he was only 4 years old. So Mario’s grandfather was responsible for bringing up the children.
When Mario’s father migrated to Australia in 1960, his father (Mario’s grandfather) died five years later. When he came to Australia, he worked in labouring roles in the building industries.
Early in his life, Mario experienced a near drowning experience in the bath, when he was 2 or 3 years old. He is now deaf in one ear, probably as a result of this accident. He also experienced childhood epilepsy, also probably related to the accident in the bath.
When he was legally able to attend school, he had to go to the Para Meadows Special School in Wollongong, which was the only school on the area that had the facilities for children who had some forms of disability, such as epilepsy. Public schools at the time did not have the facilities to handle children with epilepsy or other severe disabilities. Nor were such facilities available in the private school sector.
Mario left school at the age of about 16 years, as soon as he was legally able to. At Para Meadows, the school did not have the same year divisions as is common in other schools. Nor did the school offer public examinations such as the School Certificate. Due to this limited educational opportunities, Mario’s literacy and numeracy levels were not up to scratch, or to the standard levels of the time.
About the same time as Mario left school, his mother’s father died of a massive heart attack, whilst coming home from a wedding. He had Diabetes and was going blind in one eye. If he had survived, he would now be totally blind. His Diabetes came late in life. He had most of his toes removed, and used to tell Mario that the Galah’s had taken them.
A couple of days before he died, Mario was visiting him in Oak Flats Home, and took a photo of him on a chair, and then he died a few days later. The day he died, Mario’s grandfather rang the family, excited about going to the wedding that night, and then he died that night.
When he left school, Mario was employed at Greenacres for less than 6 months, which was all he could stand. Then Mario began TAFE and other training. But it was not until he was 30 that he began to undertake a lot more education courses. Undertaking the TAFE courses improved Mario’s literacy and numeracy skills. The more training he completed, the better he became, and the more able to learn.
Mario has two younger brothers. The second youngest has one son who is now 19 years old, and his youngest brother has a daughter who is about 13. Mario does not have any kids of his own.
Mario’s mother has two sisters, one of whom died many years ago. The sister died from Cancer about a year before Mario’s grandfather. The grandfather took this badly and never really got over his daughter’s death, until he died about a year later.
Mario has gained qualifications in many areas, such as:
· Certificates 2, 3 & 4 in Tourism
· Diploma of Tourism Operation Management
· Certificate 4 in Assessment Workplace Training
· Certificate 4 in Business
· Certificates 2, 3 & 4 in Retail
· Certificate 2 & 3 in Information Technology
He is presently studying:
· Certificate 4 in Web Site Design
· Diploma of Management
· Diploma of Media & Communication
· Advanced Diploma in Tourism Operation Management
· Certificate 4 Hospitality
· BA Undergraduate Degree specialising in Journalism from CQU
Most of Mario’s study has been carried out by distance education, although he has attended some face to face courses. Most of his current study is carried out on-line.
He has been involved in a number of business ventures, in areas such as film production, model management, retail, etc. Mario is currently creating web sites for on-line businesses that he will be a part of.
Mario enjoys country music, having grown up with an interest in country music from his mother’s family. This passion for Country music is shared by his mother, as well as his grandmother and grandfather, and his uncle and aunty and their children.
He remembers his grandfather singing Slim Dusty’s classic “The Pub with No Beer”, and since that time, Slim Dusty remains one of Mario’s favourite singers. Mario has many of Slim’s Albums, CD’s, Posters and other memorabilia. Mario has also attended many of his concerts before Slim’s death in 2003 after a long battle with cancer.
At the time of his death, Slim was working on another concert. He had been sick for many years, but kept performing for his fans. When Mario learnt of his idol’s death, he was distraught, and was throwing things and uncontrollable in his anger and grief. On the day of the funeral, Mario attended the funeral at St Anthony’s church in Sydney, along with his mother. As a State funeral, only invited members of the public and guests were allowed to attend, and Mario had to ring the State Government to ensure that he and his mother could attend.
With regards to Mario’s studies, he is hoping to gain suitable qualifications to gain employment in his choice of industry, in Australia or abroad. Mario is a shy person, who has difficulty in mixing well with people, who describes himself as a loner, who doesn’t have many friends. This is part of the motivation in studying, to be able to mix with others. He also uses the internet to chat on-line in chat rooms, with MSN, Yahoo, Face Book and My Space.
He is also stressing out about his age, and is increasingly concerned about his own mortality and health. The most important concern for Mario now is that, with all his study and other achievements, he wants to “settle down”, with a career, wife and children, and a steady life. The older he gets, he feels his “clock” winding down as it ticks away.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Look Out The Circus Is In Town
Here we go again. Political Finger Pointing at its very best. Wayne Swan has come out with the budget and it is exactly what we all expected. We now owe so much money I expect Large Russian Men to come around and break my knees.
I recently heard Mr. Turnbull say something along the lines of "What did you expect, they're Labor, you voted for them." You see Malcolm Turnbull thinks that Labor are the ones to blame for the thickset Russian knocking at his door. He seems to be ignoring the fact that, unless K-Rudd is a super-villian the likes of which the world has never seen, Labor couldn't possibly be responsible for the GLOBAL Economic Crisis (which due to our overuse of acronyms is now the GEC). You may notice 'global' spelt in capitals. This isn't because I accidentally bumped Caps Lock. It's because everybody in the world owes money, everybody has Burly Russians chasing them around with baseball bats. But Malcolm doesn't want to accept that. If he does it means he can't use it as his platform to get elected to President (we all know it's coming, the Republic of Australia).
And need I point out that the seeds of the GEC were planted a long, long time ago. Long before Kevin '07, and possibly even before Kevin '97.
But what can you do? Malcolm will always point fingers because he is a smarmy, sleazeball rich kid who is used to either getting what he wants or fobbing off the blame to the man-servant.
I will go down on record saying this: "Kevin Rudd will lose the next election, just as we come OUT of recession, and the Liberals will claim it was them who saved us. Then, in a few years time, we will go INTO recession just as RoboRudd gets re-elected, and the liberals will blame poor management by labor."
And how do I know this? Do I have a crystal ball? Tarot cards? Tea Leaves?
Nope. Just a history book. And history, as the saying goes, always repeats itself.
I recently heard Mr. Turnbull say something along the lines of "What did you expect, they're Labor, you voted for them." You see Malcolm Turnbull thinks that Labor are the ones to blame for the thickset Russian knocking at his door. He seems to be ignoring the fact that, unless K-Rudd is a super-villian the likes of which the world has never seen, Labor couldn't possibly be responsible for the GLOBAL Economic Crisis (which due to our overuse of acronyms is now the GEC). You may notice 'global' spelt in capitals. This isn't because I accidentally bumped Caps Lock. It's because everybody in the world owes money, everybody has Burly Russians chasing them around with baseball bats. But Malcolm doesn't want to accept that. If he does it means he can't use it as his platform to get elected to President (we all know it's coming, the Republic of Australia).
And need I point out that the seeds of the GEC were planted a long, long time ago. Long before Kevin '07, and possibly even before Kevin '97.
But what can you do? Malcolm will always point fingers because he is a smarmy, sleazeball rich kid who is used to either getting what he wants or fobbing off the blame to the man-servant.
I will go down on record saying this: "Kevin Rudd will lose the next election, just as we come OUT of recession, and the Liberals will claim it was them who saved us. Then, in a few years time, we will go INTO recession just as RoboRudd gets re-elected, and the liberals will blame poor management by labor."
And how do I know this? Do I have a crystal ball? Tarot cards? Tea Leaves?
Nope. Just a history book. And history, as the saying goes, always repeats itself.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Working in the 21st Century in Financial Services – A Profile
Working in the 21st Century involves a number of characteristics. Employment involves the use of technology, which is constantly changing. Therefore to be working successfully in the 21st Century, a person needs to be able to cope with the technology, and have the flexibility to work with the constant change that we currently experience.
I have chosen to review the career of Les Smith, who works at IMB Ltd. He has been the Branch Manager for Albion Park Branch of the Building Society for the past three years. He demonstrates characteristics of working in the 21st Century, as he currently works in the Financial Industry, although he also undertakes training work as well. Flexibility has been, and continues to be the core of Les’ career.
To work with IMB a person has to possess relevant Financial Industry qualifications such as Certificate 3 in Financial Services, which Les achieved through sponsorship from the IMB. The employer also enabled Les to gain the Certificate IV in Frontline Management. Les also possesses the Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, which he is currently upgrading.
Similarly, Les has gained a number of recognised qualifications over the years, in areas as diverse as Creative Writing to Theology.
Three and a half years ago, when Les obtained the position of Branch Manager, he had not worked in the Financial Industry previously. IMB employed him, not for his experience or knowledge, but for his skills in people management, marketing and organisational ability. They then provided him with the training necessary to fulfil the role of middle management in a Financial Institution.
Previously, Les had 15 year’s experience in the Insurance Industry, which provided some experience which he has been able to translate into his present position. Les rose through the ranks of a major international Insurance Company to become NSW State Manager, based in Wollongong. When his Head Office insisted he return to Sydney for further advancement, Les allowed himself to be Head-hunted in order to remain in Wollongong.
After 3 year’s with his new employer, he was again under pressure to move to Sydney, so he left to start his own Computer Training Business.
For the 10 year’s prior to his appointment by IMB, Les ran his own Computer Training Company in the Albion Park area. It was the skills gained by this experience, as well as his knowledge of the local area that made him attractive to IMB. During the time of running his own business, Les built up an enviable reputation as a relaxed, fun, proficient trainer. He developed all his own training programs, and his notes are renowned for being comprehensive and easy to follow.
In regard to Les’ work habits, he always ensures that he is the first to arrive at his Branch, ensuring that the premises are secure (a major consideration with Financial Institutions), and all computer and other systems are fully operational, ready for his staff to attend to their duties. He places a great emphasis on staff training, and new employees to IMB are often placed temporarily in Albion Park Branch to receive comprehensive training.
Changing careers as Les did in his mid 50’s, has not been without its challenges. The move from being self-employed to being subject to other’s direction was particularly difficult for Les to adjust to. But it is a credit to his flexibility, that he is now acknowledged as one of IMB’s most respected Branch Managers.
The hallmark of Les’ business career has been flexibility. He has been able to move from industry to industry, and use the experiences he has gained in new and innovative ways. He has also always been ready to learn new skills and knowledge, constantly undertaking further training, both formally (such as the Certificate 3 & IV qualifications stated above) and informally, through Internet searching, reading books and similar activities.
This flexibility has been demonstrated by the variety of careers that Les has had. He has been a Teacher with Adult Education organisations, an insurance claims manager, insurance underwriter, marketing manager, trainer, Home loan lender and Personnel Manager.
It is a tribute to Les’ time management skills and stamina that he is able to maintain his computer training business while continuing to successfully work full time for IMB.
Working in the Financial Industry in today’s climate places a number of stresses on an individual. The Global Credit Crisis has caused an intense impact on the Financial Industry in Australia, and all employees working in it. There are unprecedented set of circumstances placing unique difficulties in the path of all Financial Institutions.
Volatility in interest rates makes it extremely difficult for people working in Finance to be able to advise customers on the best courses of action. This affects both the lending and investing side of finance.
One area of increasing conflict is the area of bank fees. It is recognised that financial institutions need to be profitable to continuing to exist, and the stress placed on the cost of financial institutions in acquiring the funds necessary for lending have meant that a number of banks have increased their fees as a means of survival. This has angered their customers, who see huge profits being announced, as well as highly valued employment packages being offered to senior bank executives.
As one of the member based financial institutions, IMB are answerable to their members, who are their customers, rather than answerable to shareholders. As a result, such member based organisations generally speaking, have a lower fee structure than the major banks. IMB have a fee philosophy that it will only impose fees that directly recoup expenses incurred. They do not regard collecting fees as a way of raising capital.
Les has found working with IMB, and changing career later in life has been an interesting, profitable challenge.
I have chosen to review the career of Les Smith, who works at IMB Ltd. He has been the Branch Manager for Albion Park Branch of the Building Society for the past three years. He demonstrates characteristics of working in the 21st Century, as he currently works in the Financial Industry, although he also undertakes training work as well. Flexibility has been, and continues to be the core of Les’ career.
To work with IMB a person has to possess relevant Financial Industry qualifications such as Certificate 3 in Financial Services, which Les achieved through sponsorship from the IMB. The employer also enabled Les to gain the Certificate IV in Frontline Management. Les also possesses the Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, which he is currently upgrading.
Similarly, Les has gained a number of recognised qualifications over the years, in areas as diverse as Creative Writing to Theology.
Three and a half years ago, when Les obtained the position of Branch Manager, he had not worked in the Financial Industry previously. IMB employed him, not for his experience or knowledge, but for his skills in people management, marketing and organisational ability. They then provided him with the training necessary to fulfil the role of middle management in a Financial Institution.
Previously, Les had 15 year’s experience in the Insurance Industry, which provided some experience which he has been able to translate into his present position. Les rose through the ranks of a major international Insurance Company to become NSW State Manager, based in Wollongong. When his Head Office insisted he return to Sydney for further advancement, Les allowed himself to be Head-hunted in order to remain in Wollongong.
After 3 year’s with his new employer, he was again under pressure to move to Sydney, so he left to start his own Computer Training Business.
For the 10 year’s prior to his appointment by IMB, Les ran his own Computer Training Company in the Albion Park area. It was the skills gained by this experience, as well as his knowledge of the local area that made him attractive to IMB. During the time of running his own business, Les built up an enviable reputation as a relaxed, fun, proficient trainer. He developed all his own training programs, and his notes are renowned for being comprehensive and easy to follow.
In regard to Les’ work habits, he always ensures that he is the first to arrive at his Branch, ensuring that the premises are secure (a major consideration with Financial Institutions), and all computer and other systems are fully operational, ready for his staff to attend to their duties. He places a great emphasis on staff training, and new employees to IMB are often placed temporarily in Albion Park Branch to receive comprehensive training.
Changing careers as Les did in his mid 50’s, has not been without its challenges. The move from being self-employed to being subject to other’s direction was particularly difficult for Les to adjust to. But it is a credit to his flexibility, that he is now acknowledged as one of IMB’s most respected Branch Managers.
The hallmark of Les’ business career has been flexibility. He has been able to move from industry to industry, and use the experiences he has gained in new and innovative ways. He has also always been ready to learn new skills and knowledge, constantly undertaking further training, both formally (such as the Certificate 3 & IV qualifications stated above) and informally, through Internet searching, reading books and similar activities.
This flexibility has been demonstrated by the variety of careers that Les has had. He has been a Teacher with Adult Education organisations, an insurance claims manager, insurance underwriter, marketing manager, trainer, Home loan lender and Personnel Manager.
It is a tribute to Les’ time management skills and stamina that he is able to maintain his computer training business while continuing to successfully work full time for IMB.
Working in the Financial Industry in today’s climate places a number of stresses on an individual. The Global Credit Crisis has caused an intense impact on the Financial Industry in Australia, and all employees working in it. There are unprecedented set of circumstances placing unique difficulties in the path of all Financial Institutions.
Volatility in interest rates makes it extremely difficult for people working in Finance to be able to advise customers on the best courses of action. This affects both the lending and investing side of finance.
One area of increasing conflict is the area of bank fees. It is recognised that financial institutions need to be profitable to continuing to exist, and the stress placed on the cost of financial institutions in acquiring the funds necessary for lending have meant that a number of banks have increased their fees as a means of survival. This has angered their customers, who see huge profits being announced, as well as highly valued employment packages being offered to senior bank executives.
As one of the member based financial institutions, IMB are answerable to their members, who are their customers, rather than answerable to shareholders. As a result, such member based organisations generally speaking, have a lower fee structure than the major banks. IMB have a fee philosophy that it will only impose fees that directly recoup expenses incurred. They do not regard collecting fees as a way of raising capital.
Les has found working with IMB, and changing career later in life has been an interesting, profitable challenge.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Baptist Propaganda at Dapto Library
I know this may ruffle a few feathers. If it does, comment on it. Get a discussion going.
Recently, whilst perusing the shelves of the local Den of Books I stumbled upon a little leaflett stuck on the shelf.
"Hmm." Thought I. "I wonder what it is about."
That thought led me to stare unbelievably at the little leaflett in my hands. It was a booklet put out by the Illawarra Baptist somethingorother and it told me I was going to hell. Okay, nothing new there. Next to it was a purple booklet, which turned out to be a comic strip called "The Last Rites". In it, the main character, a good-man and a' church-every-sunday' Catholic dies. He gets the last Rites and goes to heaven, only to be denied a spot because Catholicism is actually Idolatory Goddess worship....
It even has a little picture of the pope:
Here, John is talking to God. Here, God quotes the Bible.
It also says: "Dear God, Thank You for showing me what you think about Catholocism. I also reject it."
If you want to read the entire comic, it can be found online --->here<---
^
Now come on. There is no room in today's society for literature like this. I'm not Catholic, nor ever likely to convert to Catholicism, but this is offensive to me. ME. The person who is almost impossible to offend. This hate literature was spread out over the entire science and also the religion section of the library. I spent half-an-hour picking up all the pamphlets. There are thirty all up. Believe it or not there was even a pamphlett on a motocross magazine... Why? Why do they think motocross riders need converting? Why do they think scientists and Buddhists and Muslims and Jews and anybody who isn't them needs to be converted and saved?
Do they really think that God will prevent any person from heaven because they chose to worship the Deity with a different name. Any god who would do this is not God. In fact any god who would deliberatly send somebody to hell is not a worthy God.
Here's a conundrum: Sociopathic Serial Killers - Born, or gain Sociopathic tendencies. If they are born with this sociopathy or psychopathy then it is reasonable to conclude that god made them this way. If God made them this way, knowing they would turn into serial killers and be sent to hell, then is that a god worthy of worship?
I personally like to think that everybody is worthy of a spot in the next place, should it exist. Eternal punishment for a few earthly mistakes seems a bit harsh.
In the end , i'm just a mug with an opinion. I've shared mine, you share yours.
Sorry if I offend anybody, if I did, well, too late now to help it.
Recently, whilst perusing the shelves of the local Den of Books I stumbled upon a little leaflett stuck on the shelf.
"Hmm." Thought I. "I wonder what it is about."
That thought led me to stare unbelievably at the little leaflett in my hands. It was a booklet put out by the Illawarra Baptist somethingorother and it told me I was going to hell. Okay, nothing new there. Next to it was a purple booklet, which turned out to be a comic strip called "The Last Rites". In it, the main character, a good-man and a' church-every-sunday' Catholic dies. He gets the last Rites and goes to heaven, only to be denied a spot because Catholicism is actually Idolatory Goddess worship....
It even has a little picture of the pope:
Here, John is talking to God. Here, God quotes the Bible.
It also says: "Dear God, Thank You for showing me what you think about Catholocism. I also reject it."
If you want to read the entire comic, it can be found online --->here<---
^
Now come on. There is no room in today's society for literature like this. I'm not Catholic, nor ever likely to convert to Catholicism, but this is offensive to me. ME. The person who is almost impossible to offend. This hate literature was spread out over the entire science and also the religion section of the library. I spent half-an-hour picking up all the pamphlets. There are thirty all up. Believe it or not there was even a pamphlett on a motocross magazine... Why? Why do they think motocross riders need converting? Why do they think scientists and Buddhists and Muslims and Jews and anybody who isn't them needs to be converted and saved?
Do they really think that God will prevent any person from heaven because they chose to worship the Deity with a different name. Any god who would do this is not God. In fact any god who would deliberatly send somebody to hell is not a worthy God.
Here's a conundrum: Sociopathic Serial Killers - Born, or gain Sociopathic tendencies. If they are born with this sociopathy or psychopathy then it is reasonable to conclude that god made them this way. If God made them this way, knowing they would turn into serial killers and be sent to hell, then is that a god worthy of worship?
I personally like to think that everybody is worthy of a spot in the next place, should it exist. Eternal punishment for a few earthly mistakes seems a bit harsh.
In the end , i'm just a mug with an opinion. I've shared mine, you share yours.
Sorry if I offend anybody, if I did, well, too late now to help it.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Why you should keep on smoking!
I bet you’re sick of the non-smokers in your family nagging you to stop smoking. I really feel for you so I’ve compiled a list of all the reasons you should keep on smoking.
Smoking is part of your identity. You’re a smoker now and you will always be a smoker. You are a smoker and that makes you special. It makes you a cool rebel. After all “everyone” smokes and “everyone” can’t be wrong.
You have a reason to spend money on yourself. No one can accuse you of being selfish. You can’t help it. You’re addicted to smoking. Besides it’s your money. You can spend it on whatever you like.
All those little annoying smoking related symptoms like smoker’s cough can really pay off. This gets you lots of sympathy and gives you something to complain about. When someone gets sick of your whinging you can elicit even more sympathy and start whinging about how you’re addicted.
Who needs the biggest loser? Smoking keeps the weight off. It keeps you from putting food in your mouth. You buy less food because smoking is so expensive.
Speaking of money. Smoking gives you the perfect excuse to borrow money. Even if you have half a packet of cigarettes left it’s a built in reason to borrow money. Another bonus is that people who are dumb enough to lend you money for cigarettes know that you won’t pay them back and won’t expect you to because you’re always broke because you smoke.
At work you have an excuse to take more breaks than non-smokers. If your boss is a smoker this is even better. He’s not going to complain about you not pulling your weight because he’s probably outside smoking with you. This is a great time to get inside information, ask for a raise or ask for a promotion. You can also get your rival fired because you have the boss’s ear. You can also gossip about non-smokers.
You can meet and bond with other smokers. If you see someone smoking you can go up to him or her and ask him or her if you can use their lighter. It immediately gives you common ground because you can talk about which cigarette brands are the best, which you prefer, etc. You understand each other. You can both whinge about people who try to stop you from smoking.
Now that I have your attention I can say don’t be a fool, smoking isn’t cool. If you want to stop smoking you can. Lots of people give up smoking many times so there's proof it can be done. If you want it to be permanent don’t label yourself. Don’t call yourself an ex-smoker or even a non-smoker. Don’t talk about when you used to smoke. Forget you ever had a cigarette. If someone offers you a cigarette say "no thanks." Don’t say "I don’t smoke anymore" because they will push you to accept a cigarette. Don’t think or act like you’re making the biggest sacrifice because you’ll talk yourself into feeling deprived and you’ll start smoking again. If smoking is so great why is everyone trying to give it up? Why do people, even smokers themselves, talk about the negative aspects like it makes your breath smell, it’s expensive and it’s bad for your health? No one, not even smokers go on about all the good things about smoking. They may say they like it but then in the same breath they say they want to give it up. People who don’t smoke don’t think that they’re missing out.
I bet you’re sick of the non-smokers in your family nagging you to stop smoking. I really feel for you so I’ve compiled a list of all the reasons you should keep on smoking.
Smoking is part of your identity. You’re a smoker now and you will always be a smoker. You are a smoker and that makes you special. It makes you a cool rebel. After all “everyone” smokes and “everyone” can’t be wrong.
You have a reason to spend money on yourself. No one can accuse you of being selfish. You can’t help it. You’re addicted to smoking. Besides it’s your money. You can spend it on whatever you like.
All those little annoying smoking related symptoms like smoker’s cough can really pay off. This gets you lots of sympathy and gives you something to complain about. When someone gets sick of your whinging you can elicit even more sympathy and start whinging about how you’re addicted.
Who needs the biggest loser? Smoking keeps the weight off. It keeps you from putting food in your mouth. You buy less food because smoking is so expensive.
Speaking of money. Smoking gives you the perfect excuse to borrow money. Even if you have half a packet of cigarettes left it’s a built in reason to borrow money. Another bonus is that people who are dumb enough to lend you money for cigarettes know that you won’t pay them back and won’t expect you to because you’re always broke because you smoke.
At work you have an excuse to take more breaks than non-smokers. If your boss is a smoker this is even better. He’s not going to complain about you not pulling your weight because he’s probably outside smoking with you. This is a great time to get inside information, ask for a raise or ask for a promotion. You can also get your rival fired because you have the boss’s ear. You can also gossip about non-smokers.
You can meet and bond with other smokers. If you see someone smoking you can go up to him or her and ask him or her if you can use their lighter. It immediately gives you common ground because you can talk about which cigarette brands are the best, which you prefer, etc. You understand each other. You can both whinge about people who try to stop you from smoking.
Now that I have your attention I can say don’t be a fool, smoking isn’t cool. If you want to stop smoking you can. Lots of people give up smoking many times so there's proof it can be done. If you want it to be permanent don’t label yourself. Don’t call yourself an ex-smoker or even a non-smoker. Don’t talk about when you used to smoke. Forget you ever had a cigarette. If someone offers you a cigarette say "no thanks." Don’t say "I don’t smoke anymore" because they will push you to accept a cigarette. Don’t think or act like you’re making the biggest sacrifice because you’ll talk yourself into feeling deprived and you’ll start smoking again. If smoking is so great why is everyone trying to give it up? Why do people, even smokers themselves, talk about the negative aspects like it makes your breath smell, it’s expensive and it’s bad for your health? No one, not even smokers go on about all the good things about smoking. They may say they like it but then in the same breath they say they want to give it up. People who don’t smoke don’t think that they’re missing out.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
My Rant
My rant is about the management of 2 Vox FM removing my radio program during the holidays.
The ALP controlled management of the station didn't like the fact we were airing the corruption allegations about their mates on our program.
We didn't say anything that we couldn't back up with proof. But they didn't like it. We had proof on what we were saying on Noreen Hay. We even showed it to them in the months previous.
Yeah far enough we should not have called her miss piggy but we said it in reference to her not going to a function unless there was food provided. We had proof of that too.
All the management are, are ALP hacks. Noreen Hay is the stations major sponsor. MP's should not be allowed to sponsor community radio stations.
Free speech is being stiffled once again.
The ALP controlled management of the station didn't like the fact we were airing the corruption allegations about their mates on our program.
We didn't say anything that we couldn't back up with proof. But they didn't like it. We had proof on what we were saying on Noreen Hay. We even showed it to them in the months previous.
Yeah far enough we should not have called her miss piggy but we said it in reference to her not going to a function unless there was food provided. We had proof of that too.
All the management are, are ALP hacks. Noreen Hay is the stations major sponsor. MP's should not be allowed to sponsor community radio stations.
Free speech is being stiffled once again.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Rees needs to take action in the Illawarra
12 months ago the people of the Illawarra were lobbying the State Government to undertake a number of Infrastructure projects in the Illawarra. Premier Iemma was not impressed with our direct approach, and the Illawarra was ignored.
Now we have new Premier, who recognises the importance of our area, to the extent that he is willing to hold a Cabinet meeting in the area, and have his ministers meet and greet the people. But Rees still needs to take action on the same projects: The Maldon-Dombarton railway link, the F6 extensions both North and South, The Princes Highway upgrade south of Kiama, Wollongong Stadium, etc. With the increase in unemployment, however, the needs have changed character and become even more urgent. Commencement of these projects is imperative to save jobs.
Unemployment nationally is predicted to hit 7%. It is already higher than that in the Illawarra – closer to 8% now. Youth unemployment in the Illawarra is estimated to be close to a staggering 20%. These people need jobs. The closure of the Bonds factory and other downsizing has had a major impact. Traditionally, the Illawarra has relied on blue collar employment, and with so much manufacturing moving off shore, we need major projects to take their place.
We also need the infrastructure these projects will provide. The rail link will create even more employment after its completion due to increased exports and imports flowing through Port Kembla. The improvements in our road system will save lives. And a new grandstand at Wollongong Stadium will generate much needed tourist revenue.
Obviously, we need the government funds for schools, hospitals, police and other services that the rest of the state needs. But we also need to see our tradespeople employed, and meaningful work for our young school and university leavers. It is good to see the NSW Government recognising the importance of the Illawarra. We now need to see the Government doing something.
Now we have new Premier, who recognises the importance of our area, to the extent that he is willing to hold a Cabinet meeting in the area, and have his ministers meet and greet the people. But Rees still needs to take action on the same projects: The Maldon-Dombarton railway link, the F6 extensions both North and South, The Princes Highway upgrade south of Kiama, Wollongong Stadium, etc. With the increase in unemployment, however, the needs have changed character and become even more urgent. Commencement of these projects is imperative to save jobs.
Unemployment nationally is predicted to hit 7%. It is already higher than that in the Illawarra – closer to 8% now. Youth unemployment in the Illawarra is estimated to be close to a staggering 20%. These people need jobs. The closure of the Bonds factory and other downsizing has had a major impact. Traditionally, the Illawarra has relied on blue collar employment, and with so much manufacturing moving off shore, we need major projects to take their place.
We also need the infrastructure these projects will provide. The rail link will create even more employment after its completion due to increased exports and imports flowing through Port Kembla. The improvements in our road system will save lives. And a new grandstand at Wollongong Stadium will generate much needed tourist revenue.
Obviously, we need the government funds for schools, hospitals, police and other services that the rest of the state needs. But we also need to see our tradespeople employed, and meaningful work for our young school and university leavers. It is good to see the NSW Government recognising the importance of the Illawarra. We now need to see the Government doing something.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Only if "your goldfish and it swears bloody murder at you"
“Are you mad?” “Are you cut at me?”
BLAHHHHH!
Ok I’ll calm down for a moment…*makes calm ocean noises and does taichi movements*
Alright…Who else gets mad when someone – friend or partner – CONSTANTLY asks those dreaded questions? I know I generally want to snap after the 5th time saying “I said it was ok, do you WANT me to be cut because I am getting there now.”
I know people have insecurities, I have insecurities but GOD what the hell do you want the other person to say when you ask “have you got the shits with me?” do you want them to lie to you and say “yeah asshole you owe me bribes now?” NO, obviously not, so what are you seeking? Do you even know?....Do you even think about what your objective is because seriously I don’t think you do.
For example; I can understand someone freaking out and asking if the other party is ok in these given situations:
* You feed your goldfish and it swears bloody murder at you - I mean come on it’s a goldfish you’d cry or something, you’d ask if it was ok because you’d be questioning your own sanity already so why not?
* If someone lost a limb - this is an ideal time to say “hey dude are you ok?” however you need to be prepared for the other person may get shitty and say “HOW THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?” due to a severed arm or whatever *shrug*
In any other case I consider the excessive asking of HOW I AM annoying…
Shut up
Phone a friend and ask THEM how I am
Ask the audience even seeing as we’re all being watched on google maps these days - just like the Truman show
Just don’t ask me…not more than twice anyway…lol
Have a great day :)
Nicole Marie Abdilla
BLAHHHHH!
Ok I’ll calm down for a moment…*makes calm ocean noises and does taichi movements*
Alright…Who else gets mad when someone – friend or partner – CONSTANTLY asks those dreaded questions? I know I generally want to snap after the 5th time saying “I said it was ok, do you WANT me to be cut because I am getting there now.”
I know people have insecurities, I have insecurities but GOD what the hell do you want the other person to say when you ask “have you got the shits with me?” do you want them to lie to you and say “yeah asshole you owe me bribes now?” NO, obviously not, so what are you seeking? Do you even know?....Do you even think about what your objective is because seriously I don’t think you do.
For example; I can understand someone freaking out and asking if the other party is ok in these given situations:
* You feed your goldfish and it swears bloody murder at you - I mean come on it’s a goldfish you’d cry or something, you’d ask if it was ok because you’d be questioning your own sanity already so why not?
* If someone lost a limb - this is an ideal time to say “hey dude are you ok?” however you need to be prepared for the other person may get shitty and say “HOW THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?” due to a severed arm or whatever *shrug*
In any other case I consider the excessive asking of HOW I AM annoying…
Shut up
Phone a friend and ask THEM how I am
Ask the audience even seeing as we’re all being watched on google maps these days - just like the Truman show
Just don’t ask me…not more than twice anyway…lol
Have a great day :)
Nicole Marie Abdilla
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
No online support with 3G!
Imagine a company that supplies you with Internet access - you pay $29/mnth for a measly 2GB of data and they DO NOT OFFER ONLINE SUPPORT!
"We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week'. That’s if you can get through the mysterious menus that lead you 'round in circles and eventually tell you to call the number that you just called in the first place. Genius!
The second time ‘round I cheat and go through the sales line (this is a helpful tactic when you just need to speak to someone).
They transfer me to another section. When Diana (from India) answers, naturally, I have to tell her all of my details again. She is very polite and I remind myself to be patient – she just works there.
I explain to her my dilemma – last time I called, a gentleman (Linden, from Indian) told me he would set up auto recharge for me. Yet when I login to check my account, there appears to be no auto recharge set up.
She assures me that if I have set up auto recharge, I will not have to do anything.
Sigh... I remind her that it was not me who set it up, but I asked the sales assistant to set it up for me last time I called.
As expected, it was not set up. I will now have to do that myself.
Ah well, it only took me half an hour and a 10 minute phone call to confirm that.
And best of all, they call this 'Customer Care'. Love it!
"We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week'. That’s if you can get through the mysterious menus that lead you 'round in circles and eventually tell you to call the number that you just called in the first place. Genius!
The second time ‘round I cheat and go through the sales line (this is a helpful tactic when you just need to speak to someone).
They transfer me to another section. When Diana (from India) answers, naturally, I have to tell her all of my details again. She is very polite and I remind myself to be patient – she just works there.
I explain to her my dilemma – last time I called, a gentleman (Linden, from Indian) told me he would set up auto recharge for me. Yet when I login to check my account, there appears to be no auto recharge set up.
She assures me that if I have set up auto recharge, I will not have to do anything.
Sigh... I remind her that it was not me who set it up, but I asked the sales assistant to set it up for me last time I called.
As expected, it was not set up. I will now have to do that myself.
Ah well, it only took me half an hour and a 10 minute phone call to confirm that.
And best of all, they call this 'Customer Care'. Love it!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
TAFE: Educational Institute or Spy Agency?
I am a human being, and as a human being I think I am entitled to some privacy. I think a little bit of privacy is a good thing, for instance, when I am writing an email to somebody. Now, if you happen to be reading this at TAFE, specifically in the library then I want you to do something: Look down, at to bottom right where the time is. Look across a bit to the left and you will see an orange padlock. Put your mouse over it and it will say Vision Client. See below:
Here's a fact, should the librarian want to look at what you are doing they can do it remotely from the information desk; Or as I prefer to call it "Evil HQ". As I was sitting there one day, writing an email I noticed that this "Vision Client" had suddenly turned on, meaning that the librarian was watching my computer, which on its own was a gross invasion of privacy, but what made it worse is that I was writing an email at the time. An email, a personal, private email. Grr! What in gods name gives them the right to spy on my computer when i'm writing a friggin' email? Who does that? It is akin to somebody standing over your shoulder as you write a letter. What if I was writing something private like a love letter or a deep dark personal secret? Granted I wasn't at the time but still, what if? I don't think it is fair to do it. I think it is completely utterly wrong and I am really angry, not just disgruntled like I was with my Political Correctness post but absolutely livid. It is morally unjustifiable and to be quite frank: RUDE!
But never fear, there's always a way around these things and I will find it, and then post it here so you can get around it too, because to me, watching my computer as I write an email is right up there with stalking. As far as I know I commtited no crime. I didn't do anything wrong. If the police tried doing that, watching your computer without a worthy reason, they would be fired for corruption and misuse of resources. So why does TAFE get away with it. Simple, they're a Spy Agency.
If you look real closely it actually says:
Wow. Do I suck at photoshop or what?
Here's a fact, should the librarian want to look at what you are doing they can do it remotely from the information desk; Or as I prefer to call it "Evil HQ". As I was sitting there one day, writing an email I noticed that this "Vision Client" had suddenly turned on, meaning that the librarian was watching my computer, which on its own was a gross invasion of privacy, but what made it worse is that I was writing an email at the time. An email, a personal, private email. Grr! What in gods name gives them the right to spy on my computer when i'm writing a friggin' email? Who does that? It is akin to somebody standing over your shoulder as you write a letter. What if I was writing something private like a love letter or a deep dark personal secret? Granted I wasn't at the time but still, what if? I don't think it is fair to do it. I think it is completely utterly wrong and I am really angry, not just disgruntled like I was with my Political Correctness post but absolutely livid. It is morally unjustifiable and to be quite frank: RUDE!
But never fear, there's always a way around these things and I will find it, and then post it here so you can get around it too, because to me, watching my computer as I write an email is right up there with stalking. As far as I know I commtited no crime. I didn't do anything wrong. If the police tried doing that, watching your computer without a worthy reason, they would be fired for corruption and misuse of resources. So why does TAFE get away with it. Simple, they're a Spy Agency.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Trip to the Dentist
What a day this has been! I had to go to the dentist this morning to have my tooth prepared for a cap. This is the very same tooth that cost me something in the vicinity of $3000 last time I went to a dentist for the joyous experience of root canal surgery. What fun that was!!
I arrive on time for my appointment - never a minute sooner to something I dread so much - to be greeted by the very, very happy assistant dental nurse/receptionist.
"Good morning!" she beams, "Ready for today?"
She is clearly enthusiastic and I muster as much enthusiasm in return as I can manage to say; "Ready as I'll ever be..."
She brings me a tiny little pill (hooray!!) and hands it to me in a plastic gloved hand.
"Take the whole thing at once now!" she jokes, ever so jolly.
I remind myself that I'm sure her enthusiasm is meant to relax me and resolve to be nice.
After a half an hour it is time to get on with the business of torture. I am sat in the dreaded chair surrounded by all manner of terrifying objects – each more sharp and mysterious than the one next to it.
The dentist asks how I am feeling and, perhaps deciding that the medication had kicked in, asks her assistant to get me a drink of juice to boost my sugar levels. This further asserts the notion that I am in this one for the long hall! She asks if I am cold and when I reply in the affirmative I am gently covered with a lovely lamb’s wool blanket.
Perhaps this isn’t so bad after all?
“Ok gorgeous, open up now” the dentist encourages me.
Oh no! It begins!!!
The hydraulic chair is tilted back further and further until I am lying at the interesting angle of about 15 degrees – with my feet above my head.
‘This will be good for my thyroid’ I decide, finding a positive where I can.
In no time at all my mouth is filled with tubes that suck away my saliva before I’ve had a chance to make it and two faces are peering intently into my mouth. I concentrate on the orange light above me, then the white ceiling. I notice the dentist’s blonde hair in the foreground but do not dare to focus on anything close by that might mean I catch a glimpse of one of the horrifying tools.
Drill, drill, sharp, acrid smells, why am I putting myself through this? Drill, drill, She knows what she’s doing, just trust her, just relax…
About ten minutes in I start to relax and think about Leonard Cohen songs. And things around the room seem funny for no reason at all. I suddenly stop worrying that this procedure might hurt.
I don’t even mind the needle! Now I know for sure that the medication has finally worked!
There is a particular discomfort in having the corner of your mouth stretched and pinched by dentists’ tools. In any other situation you would say;
“Excuse me! That’s very uncomfortable, could you please stop doing that?” or something similar, or perhaps more colourful. Isn’t it amazing what we will put up with at the dentist!
As she concentrates on her art she sometimes forgets to ask politely and simply turns my head by force. At other times she leans over me to drill especially deeply into the tooth and I can’t help but think what a strangely physical process this is!
But an hour and a half passes much quicker than I could have imagined and I am free to go!
That is, after I have emptied my bank account of $1300.00. Certainly the most painful part of the whole ordeal!
How to avoid such expensive dentist treatments?
Floss EVERY DAY, brush AT LEAST twice a day.
Boring, but worth it!
I arrive on time for my appointment - never a minute sooner to something I dread so much - to be greeted by the very, very happy assistant dental nurse/receptionist.
"Good morning!" she beams, "Ready for today?"
She is clearly enthusiastic and I muster as much enthusiasm in return as I can manage to say; "Ready as I'll ever be..."
She brings me a tiny little pill (hooray!!) and hands it to me in a plastic gloved hand.
"Take the whole thing at once now!" she jokes, ever so jolly.
I remind myself that I'm sure her enthusiasm is meant to relax me and resolve to be nice.
After a half an hour it is time to get on with the business of torture. I am sat in the dreaded chair surrounded by all manner of terrifying objects – each more sharp and mysterious than the one next to it.
The dentist asks how I am feeling and, perhaps deciding that the medication had kicked in, asks her assistant to get me a drink of juice to boost my sugar levels. This further asserts the notion that I am in this one for the long hall! She asks if I am cold and when I reply in the affirmative I am gently covered with a lovely lamb’s wool blanket.
Perhaps this isn’t so bad after all?
“Ok gorgeous, open up now” the dentist encourages me.
Oh no! It begins!!!
The hydraulic chair is tilted back further and further until I am lying at the interesting angle of about 15 degrees – with my feet above my head.
‘This will be good for my thyroid’ I decide, finding a positive where I can.
In no time at all my mouth is filled with tubes that suck away my saliva before I’ve had a chance to make it and two faces are peering intently into my mouth. I concentrate on the orange light above me, then the white ceiling. I notice the dentist’s blonde hair in the foreground but do not dare to focus on anything close by that might mean I catch a glimpse of one of the horrifying tools.
Drill, drill, sharp, acrid smells, why am I putting myself through this? Drill, drill, She knows what she’s doing, just trust her, just relax…
About ten minutes in I start to relax and think about Leonard Cohen songs. And things around the room seem funny for no reason at all. I suddenly stop worrying that this procedure might hurt.
I don’t even mind the needle! Now I know for sure that the medication has finally worked!
There is a particular discomfort in having the corner of your mouth stretched and pinched by dentists’ tools. In any other situation you would say;
“Excuse me! That’s very uncomfortable, could you please stop doing that?” or something similar, or perhaps more colourful. Isn’t it amazing what we will put up with at the dentist!
As she concentrates on her art she sometimes forgets to ask politely and simply turns my head by force. At other times she leans over me to drill especially deeply into the tooth and I can’t help but think what a strangely physical process this is!
But an hour and a half passes much quicker than I could have imagined and I am free to go!
That is, after I have emptied my bank account of $1300.00. Certainly the most painful part of the whole ordeal!
How to avoid such expensive dentist treatments?
Floss EVERY DAY, brush AT LEAST twice a day.
Boring, but worth it!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Petty Crime in Coniston, NSW
Last week I came out of my friend's flat in Coniston to see that some eejit (for want of an expressive word that isn't really a swear word!) had graffitied his/her tag on the bonnet of my car. It was a horrible feeling - a mild sense of having been violated in some way, not to mention incredibly annoying!
Later that day, after speaking with a neighbour, my friend discovered that almost every car, bin, fence and garage door on that side of the road had also been tagged.
Yes it is Coniston and one expects things like this to happen on occasion. But this happened on a MONDAY NIGHT of all things!!! A rainy Monday night at that!!
With such a mindless attack on so many peoples property, you can imagine quite easily that it was some little bastard/s with nothing better to do on his/her/their way to the train station.
Driving up Gladstone Avenue past West Wollongong TAFE yesterday evening I noticed THREE cars with missing number plates. All 3 still had dirt where the plates had been, suggesting this had been done very recently.
I subsequently went out and purchased non-reversible screws. I figured the $1.50 and 10 minutes it took to put them on was well worth it.
As it suggests in bold text on the packaging;
"Number plate theft is on the rise!"
You bet it is!!!!
[In case you are unsure why this is so, the latest thing in the world of petty crime is to put fake plates on your car, fill it up at a servo then drive off at high speeds and dump the number plates.]
I read an article recently written by a mother, suggesting she had seen a small group of 13 year old boys loitering around her street and mentioned the 'coincidental' petty crimes that were committed later that night. As she commented, "Where do their parents think their 13 year old kids are at that time of night?!! At that age I was asleep in bed! My parents wouldn't have it any other way and neither would I!"
The screws can be purchased at Repco, near 'Video Ezy' in Wollongong.
I strongly recommend getting some ASAP!
Later that day, after speaking with a neighbour, my friend discovered that almost every car, bin, fence and garage door on that side of the road had also been tagged.
Yes it is Coniston and one expects things like this to happen on occasion. But this happened on a MONDAY NIGHT of all things!!! A rainy Monday night at that!!
With such a mindless attack on so many peoples property, you can imagine quite easily that it was some little bastard/s with nothing better to do on his/her/their way to the train station.
Driving up Gladstone Avenue past West Wollongong TAFE yesterday evening I noticed THREE cars with missing number plates. All 3 still had dirt where the plates had been, suggesting this had been done very recently.
I subsequently went out and purchased non-reversible screws. I figured the $1.50 and 10 minutes it took to put them on was well worth it.
As it suggests in bold text on the packaging;
"Number plate theft is on the rise!"
You bet it is!!!!
[In case you are unsure why this is so, the latest thing in the world of petty crime is to put fake plates on your car, fill it up at a servo then drive off at high speeds and dump the number plates.]
I read an article recently written by a mother, suggesting she had seen a small group of 13 year old boys loitering around her street and mentioned the 'coincidental' petty crimes that were committed later that night. As she commented, "Where do their parents think their 13 year old kids are at that time of night?!! At that age I was asleep in bed! My parents wouldn't have it any other way and neither would I!"
The screws can be purchased at Repco, near 'Video Ezy' in Wollongong.
I strongly recommend getting some ASAP!
Trouble posting blogs?
Lets see if this works...
If it does, it means blogs cannot be typed up in Word, copied & pasted into RANT!!
(This one typed in Notepad. Good ole Notepad!!!)
If it does, it means blogs cannot be typed up in Word, copied & pasted into RANT!!
(This one typed in Notepad. Good ole Notepad!!!)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Political Correctness
It is my opinion that the world at the present moment is in turmoil. People everywhere are to afraid to express their opinion in case they are found to be 'politically incorrect'. If somebody doesn't like women having the vote, it is their right to express that opinion, regardless of how much society disagrees. It is their right as a human to have, and express that opinion. Now, before you yell at me for being sexist I don't support this view. I'm all for equal rights for everbody, regardless of what bits they do or don't have.
What about British Home Office Minister, John Denham? He could face charges for using the phrase "nitty gritty", which dates from the slave era. Or what about the Cookie Monster? No longer will children wake up to him screaming "Cooookiiieeess!!!!" Nope. Now he eats carrot. Then you have baa baa black Sheep, who got carted away by the thought police and is now a freak of nature. Now we have a rainbow Sheep because it is trying to promote diversity. Well, to me it is just confusing. How many three year olds will go to a farm and wonder just where all the rainbow sheep are hiding? I'll tell you, they're wearing black jumpers to try and fit in.
There's even talk of dumbing down Christmas celebrations in Sydney this year to let other cultures 'fit in'. Well as much as I hate to say it we are a predominantly Christian nation, therefore we should celebrate Christian celebrations. Other cultures need to assimilate to a degree. They can keep their culture, language, religion, and customs but please don't interfere with ours. Because of PC we are now afraid to do or say anything which might be considered discriminatory or just plain rude. We go through life tip-toeing around. But what we need is to wake up and say what we think, and screw what everbody else thinks.
And, in the final few lines of this I want to share this anecdote: whilst doing the solitare fuelled binge I call research I found a website entitled "Political Correctness: The New Communism". And you know what? I think it is.
What about British Home Office Minister, John Denham? He could face charges for using the phrase "nitty gritty", which dates from the slave era. Or what about the Cookie Monster? No longer will children wake up to him screaming "Cooookiiieeess!!!!" Nope. Now he eats carrot. Then you have baa baa black Sheep, who got carted away by the thought police and is now a freak of nature. Now we have a rainbow Sheep because it is trying to promote diversity. Well, to me it is just confusing. How many three year olds will go to a farm and wonder just where all the rainbow sheep are hiding? I'll tell you, they're wearing black jumpers to try and fit in.
There's even talk of dumbing down Christmas celebrations in Sydney this year to let other cultures 'fit in'. Well as much as I hate to say it we are a predominantly Christian nation, therefore we should celebrate Christian celebrations. Other cultures need to assimilate to a degree. They can keep their culture, language, religion, and customs but please don't interfere with ours. Because of PC we are now afraid to do or say anything which might be considered discriminatory or just plain rude. We go through life tip-toeing around. But what we need is to wake up and say what we think, and screw what everbody else thinks.
And, in the final few lines of this I want to share this anecdote: whilst doing the solitare fuelled binge I call research I found a website entitled "Political Correctness: The New Communism". And you know what? I think it is.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Women Love Cats
“Isn’t it unfair that women love cats? Cats are independent, they don’t listen, they don’t come when you call, they like to stay out all night and when they are at home they like to be left alone to sleep. In other words, every quality that women hate in a man, they love in a cat.” This is Terry Sangster’s amusing observation about women. I recently read this in the Laughter, the best medicine section of the Australian Readers Digest.
While reading this I thought about why women don't like these qualities in a man. Here are my thoughts.
The reason some women don’t like independence in a man is because they like to be needed but it’s probably insecurity. Maybe this is why some women do everything to make a man dependent on them. But, I know a lot of men and I know a lot of women and personally I don’t see why women feel insecure. If they’re honest most men will admit that they need women so what reason do women have to feel insecure. I myself like a little independence in a man. This leaves me free to have hobbies and interests that don’t include walking behind a man with a dustpan and broom while picking up things that he drops on the floor as he wanders around the house, going about his business in blissful oblivion to the mess he’s making. I’m pretty lazy and the more a man can do for himself the less work for me.
The reason women don’t like men who don’t listen is because they don’t like repeating themselves. This is very annoying. If a man listens to what a women is saying this saves time by ensuring that he does what he is being asked first time without stuffing it up. Also, when they listen men hear all sorts of useful information like we’re out of shaving cream or even more importantly we’re out of beer although I’m pretty sure that a man would notice if the beer ran out.
It’s pretty obvious why women don’t like it when men don’t come when they call. If a woman is calling a man it’s usually for an important reason like she has a chore for him to do like taking out the garbage. This is probably why most men don’t come when they’re called. Another reason might be a guilty conscience. Perhaps he has done something wrong and thinks he is being called because he is in trouble. Men are such children.
They like to stay out all night. Maybe they stay out all night to avoid the inevitable. I think that they should bite the bullet and come home. If they are in trouble with their “better half” staying out all night will just make it worse.
When they are at home they like to be left alone to sleep. Unless he is a shift worker or has just been rescued from a bush walk gone wrong he is just being lazy and should be woken up immediately.
I know that men are hard work but I feel that on the whole they have a lot of good qualities and are usually worth the effort although sometimes I would rather have a cat.
“Isn’t it unfair that women love cats? Cats are independent, they don’t listen, they don’t come when you call, they like to stay out all night and when they are at home they like to be left alone to sleep. In other words, every quality that women hate in a man, they love in a cat.” This is Terry Sangster’s amusing observation about women. I recently read this in the Laughter, the best medicine section of the Australian Readers Digest.
While reading this I thought about why women don't like these qualities in a man. Here are my thoughts.
The reason some women don’t like independence in a man is because they like to be needed but it’s probably insecurity. Maybe this is why some women do everything to make a man dependent on them. But, I know a lot of men and I know a lot of women and personally I don’t see why women feel insecure. If they’re honest most men will admit that they need women so what reason do women have to feel insecure. I myself like a little independence in a man. This leaves me free to have hobbies and interests that don’t include walking behind a man with a dustpan and broom while picking up things that he drops on the floor as he wanders around the house, going about his business in blissful oblivion to the mess he’s making. I’m pretty lazy and the more a man can do for himself the less work for me.
The reason women don’t like men who don’t listen is because they don’t like repeating themselves. This is very annoying. If a man listens to what a women is saying this saves time by ensuring that he does what he is being asked first time without stuffing it up. Also, when they listen men hear all sorts of useful information like we’re out of shaving cream or even more importantly we’re out of beer although I’m pretty sure that a man would notice if the beer ran out.
It’s pretty obvious why women don’t like it when men don’t come when they call. If a woman is calling a man it’s usually for an important reason like she has a chore for him to do like taking out the garbage. This is probably why most men don’t come when they’re called. Another reason might be a guilty conscience. Perhaps he has done something wrong and thinks he is being called because he is in trouble. Men are such children.
They like to stay out all night. Maybe they stay out all night to avoid the inevitable. I think that they should bite the bullet and come home. If they are in trouble with their “better half” staying out all night will just make it worse.
When they are at home they like to be left alone to sleep. Unless he is a shift worker or has just been rescued from a bush walk gone wrong he is just being lazy and should be woken up immediately.
I know that men are hard work but I feel that on the whole they have a lot of good qualities and are usually worth the effort although sometimes I would rather have a cat.
Paparazzi
I don’t like how the paparazzi “do whatever it takes” to get “the photo”. Why do they create this adversarial relationship with people who are basically their bread and butter?
I’m sick of the way they justify their harassment of celebrities by saying things like “ Don’t become famous, don’t become a celebrity if you can’t deal with what it’s all about.” “You spend your life promoting yourself" "Another camera shoved in front of you shouldn’t make a difference”.
I think this attitude is unfair. Other people’s jobs are nine to five or shift work yet celebrities are expected to “work” 24/7 every day. In spite of their pay packets do they really deserve to be “at work” all day every day without a break? When they do go on holidays they are still “at work”. They are “on show”.
I also get angry when paparazzi say things like “they like the attention”. I can see their point. Everyone thrives on harassment and negative attention in the form of unflattering, embarrassing or private photos splashed all over magazines and newspapers. They are pampered and spoiled and need adversity to build their characters.
The paparazzi say that their unflattering, embarrassing photos made them famous and keep them in the spotlight. They should get over themselves. If that’s the case then why don’t the people on “Australia’s funniest home videos” become rich and famous? Why don’t they become household names? Even though we take the piss out of celebrities we know that they work hard to get where they are just like anyone else. And besides, the magazines these photos appear in are a cheap and entertaining read that gets discarded in less than a week. The photos the paparazzi take are not going to win any awards, prizes or be found hanging in an art gallery any time soon. If it weren’t for the money they would be photographing sunsets instead of celebrities. If anything the paparazzi should be grateful to celebrities and show them a little respect.
At the end of the day celebrities know what they will have to endure as part of their celebrity. It’s their choice to pursue their dream job. It’s just a shame that human nature being what it is, unflattering, embarrassing and personal photos create an interest in the public and attract “the big bucks” from those using them in magazines, internet and television.
I don’t like how the paparazzi “do whatever it takes” to get “the photo”. Why do they create this adversarial relationship with people who are basically their bread and butter?
I’m sick of the way they justify their harassment of celebrities by saying things like “ Don’t become famous, don’t become a celebrity if you can’t deal with what it’s all about.” “You spend your life promoting yourself" "Another camera shoved in front of you shouldn’t make a difference”.
I think this attitude is unfair. Other people’s jobs are nine to five or shift work yet celebrities are expected to “work” 24/7 every day. In spite of their pay packets do they really deserve to be “at work” all day every day without a break? When they do go on holidays they are still “at work”. They are “on show”.
I also get angry when paparazzi say things like “they like the attention”. I can see their point. Everyone thrives on harassment and negative attention in the form of unflattering, embarrassing or private photos splashed all over magazines and newspapers. They are pampered and spoiled and need adversity to build their characters.
The paparazzi say that their unflattering, embarrassing photos made them famous and keep them in the spotlight. They should get over themselves. If that’s the case then why don’t the people on “Australia’s funniest home videos” become rich and famous? Why don’t they become household names? Even though we take the piss out of celebrities we know that they work hard to get where they are just like anyone else. And besides, the magazines these photos appear in are a cheap and entertaining read that gets discarded in less than a week. The photos the paparazzi take are not going to win any awards, prizes or be found hanging in an art gallery any time soon. If it weren’t for the money they would be photographing sunsets instead of celebrities. If anything the paparazzi should be grateful to celebrities and show them a little respect.
At the end of the day celebrities know what they will have to endure as part of their celebrity. It’s their choice to pursue their dream job. It’s just a shame that human nature being what it is, unflattering, embarrassing and personal photos create an interest in the public and attract “the big bucks” from those using them in magazines, internet and television.
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