HERE COME THE DRUMS!

KENNY

2007-11-21T11:48:00.000+10:00

ANGRY OF MAYFAIR

2007-11-21T11:43:00.001+10:00

KENNY EVERETT --ELTON JOHN!

2007-11-21T11:40:00.000+10:00

KENNY EVERETT -- BARBRA STREISAND

2007-11-21T11:39:00.001+10:00

KENNEY EVERETT DOES MICK JAGGER

2007-11-21T11:34:00.002+10:00

Notice the theme in each of this clips??

Two of my favourite things

2007-11-21T11:34:00.001+10:00

The only time I have seen a funny cross-dresser

KENNY EVERETT

2007-11-21T11:25:00.000+10:00

This has always made me crack up!

Women trying to be funny

2007-11-21T11:01:00.000+10:00

Kath and Kim...Magda Szubanski....this clip..does working hard to look nauseating constitute comedy?

SO U WANNA BUY A GHOST??

2007-11-19T16:59:00.000+10:00

GEORGE "THE ANIMAL" STEELE

2007-11-19T16:54:00.000+10:00

THE ULTIMATE WRESTLER......the last 60 seconds of this clip are the best!
Rules of evidence and substantive law are relevant-torts, breach of contract.

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-19T16:53:00.000+10:00

I WANNA BE SEDATED

2007-08-30T18:07:00.001+10:00

This clips is worth watching multiplpe times--a lot of interesting characters and stories happening in the background.

Its also worth watching how inactive the band is.....

RAMOOONES!!!!!!!

MOJO!!!!

2007-08-30T17:52:00.000+10:00

MOJO NIXON actually arranged a toll-free number in the eighties so ELVIS could contact him.

Mojo has to be one of the funniest performers in history....and I love his HILLBILLY music style

MOJO NIXON

2007-08-30T17:48:00.000+10:00

Featuring a young Winona Ryder....this song always made me laugh when I was a teenager as I thought Debbie Gibson was a babe!

4 years as a law student.

2007-08-13T15:33:00.000+10:00

1 song seems to sum it up: OVERKILL by MEN AT WORK.

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know I'll be alright
Perhaps it's just imagination

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation

At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variation
It nullifies the night from overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Come back another day

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know I'll be alright
It's just overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away

Ghosts appear and fade away......

Why do people say "Hi, how's it all going?" when they refuse to accept the discomfort of the answer they receive?

TRULY FRIGHTENING

2007-07-02T17:21:00.000+10:00

The return of an old ancient evil

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

2007-07-02T17:13:00.001+10:00

I always love hearing this song..and the video is so quirky it really appeals to me.

Love the unique dancing too....

Lets have more cool music like this and less of the FREAKING SPICE GIRLS who are reportedly reforming after self-destructing in the late 90's.

NOT YET SCREENED IN AUSTRALIA

2007-06-18T16:51:00.000+10:00

From "EVOLUTION OF THE DALEKS!!!!"

MY FAVOURITE SONG OF 1987

2007-06-17T20:33:00.000+10:00

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AT MY PLACE

2007-06-17T20:30:00.000+10:00

Charter of the United Nations

COOLEST BAND IN THE GALAXY

2007-06-14T21:39:00.000+10:00

http://www.myspace.com/crossonmusic

DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

Safety first

2007-06-09T17:26:00.000+10:00

His parents must be so proud

2007-06-09T17:02:00.000+10:00

Rather disturbing...I would say he needs to go in the army but that would create its own problems

(BAD LANGUAGE FEATURED)

STILL SO COOL!

2007-06-09T16:43:00.000+10:00

They don't do dance routines like THAT anymore!!

RIK MAYALL---YEAH!

2007-06-09T16:41:00.000+10:00

THE GREAT ONE MEL BROOKS

2007-06-09T16:39:00.001+10:00

JAMES REYNE

2007-06-09T16:24:00.001+10:00

Last night I saw the above Aussie Rock icon perform...he can still play, but after fifteen years out of the limelight is still as INCOHERENT as ever!!!

(WHY do women get implants?? Do they actually think they look real/appealing....non-freakish??)

THOSE AMAZING ITALIANS

2007-05-16T14:10:00.000+10:00

One of my fondest memories is growing up in an area once called LITTLE ITALY (Burwood in Sydney) and enjoying the entertaining passionate ways of Italians!!!

This post is dedicated to Tina....

david tennant in drag

2007-05-11T19:29:00.000+10:00

DAVID TENNANT AGAIN

2007-05-11T19:25:00.000+10:00

OCH AYE!!

2007-05-11T19:05:00.000+10:00

This one is dedicated to my sister..who thinks David Tennant is hot!

Last of The Time Lords

2007-05-07T19:56:00.000+10:00

From the upcoming Series Three

BEDSIDE MANNER

2007-05-06T12:47:00.001+10:00

Gives me a warm feeling inside

2007-05-06T12:34:00.000+10:00

The joys of male humour in all its glory

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER CINEMA

2007-05-06T10:45:00.002+10:00

MOVIES FOR BUSY PEOPLE PART TWO

2007-05-06T10:45:00.001+10:00

MOVIES FOR BUSY PEOPLE PART ONE

2007-05-06T10:43:00.000+10:00

CRACKED ME UP!!!!

CHARDONNAY SOCIALISM

2007-05-05T12:54:00.000+10:00

From WIKIPEDIA:

"Chardonnay socialist is a derogatory Australasian term used to describe those on the political left with comfortable middle-class (or better) incomes, tertiary education, and a taste for the finer things in life.

I have earlier discussed the difference between talk and action.

The Internet now provides fantastic opportunities for those who:

* Want to appear as activists without making any sacrifices of time, effort or money
* Want to tell others what they should be doing without doing it themselves
* Want a nice prepackaged view on global and social issues without needing to actually become informed.

Interested in seeing Chardonnay Socialism in action? Check out:

http://www.getup.org.au/
This website is ostensibly Australian, but is merely a front organisation for an American lobby group. (www.avaaz.org)

They send out vitiolic emails of a few paragraphs defining a particular 'social issue' for their followers, closing it with an email petition to sign. They don't define the issues in any depth, nor provide links to impartial sources so their members can obtain further information.

THE RESULT- members accept unquestioningly the party-line (a very chardonnay socialist trait) sign the petition, then forward it to their friends demanding they do the same.

Personally I believe anyone should, before expressing any viewpoint, try to ensure it is a relatively informed one.

This is especially true when, as groups such as the above make sweeping demands for action impacting on others lives. I wonder for example how many people now demanding PAUL WOLFOWITZ's sacking had even heard of him prior to their AVAAZ telling them he was evil and needed to lose his job? (I hadn't..but at least have checked a few impartial sources to try and learn the issues)

Next time a Chardonnay Socialist starts lecturing you abou social issues, or how the government should be spending more money on something....ask them how much THEY THEMSELVES devote to charity and related causes.

Ask particularly about time, effort and money.

Most will get very angry at that point...or start boasting of token endeavours..

I still cringe when I think of LIVE AID in the 1980's...multimillionaire BOB GELDOF screaming obscenities demanding viewers donate more money...Even LIVE AID a couple of years back raised less money than if each performer (who dined lavishly backstage) had pledged 1% of their income.

How truly bizarre and incongruent to have people (mostly Baby Boomers) who are wealtheir than I am ...telling me I should be doing more to help the needy...when we have sponsored a child consistently for over a decade (small contribution,,,and the first time I have publicly mentioned it )...I wonder if they themselves have even done that, or have reserved their money for their overseas holidays.

Thankfully I know of many people who use their time and money to help others...without needing to highlight it to others.

An angry post I know...but one motivated by the offensiveness of such heartless self-indulgent behaviour.

Meanwhile I know many people who, instead of trying to look good, simply get on and put the work in where it counts...on both sides of the political fence.

Want to make a change in a needy world?...or merely promote your own reputation? Decide and take appropriate action...

I SAW THE PET SHOP BOYS LIVE!!!!

2007-04-16T19:37:00.000+10:00

V FESTIVAL,,,international event...on the Gold Coast....bit over a week ago!

PET SHOP BOYS were amazing...though the mega-gay dancers having epileptic fits and dressing up as gold sequinned cowboys got a bit much!!!

An AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!!!!

(Why do almost all my favourite bands and performers of all time have at least one gay member??!!!) hmmmmm...

NUMA NUMA!!!!!

2007-04-15T20:59:00.000+10:00

No this is not me after some weight gain....though still enjoy doing dumb stuff like this!!

(I wanna see Carla dance to this....)

OH HAPPY DAY PART 3

2007-03-22T23:45:00.000+10:00

Suze and I both saw the movie Meg Ryan is talking about..."In The Cut"--both of us thought it was rubbish.

Portrays humanity in the worst light--that of mediocrity and self-absorption.

Since when is meaningless, unloving sex between deficient people poetic?

At least in THE PIANO Campion disguised the same theme, of self-absorbed people misusing each other....by distracting the audience with scenic photography and a classical soundtrack...

Humanity was created beautiful....yet has become flawed....anything which seeks to portray our race as intrinsically capable of nothing more than mediocrity and self-indulgence is evil and offensive and should be rejected.

...and yes..I do mean EVIL....

The seductive, avoidant, smug 'niceness' of Meg Ryan was seen through by Parkinson and the auidence (thankfully)...for once some truth and REALITY won out...

OH HAPPY DAY PART TWO

2007-03-22T16:46:00.000+10:00

A woman who has made a career from acting the traditional "helpless ditzy incompetent" finds for the first time that it doesn't always work in real life...

Questions:
1) Why can't she walk steps easily?
2) Why does she kiss the men on the cheek but deny the women even basic courtesy? Is it because the women are more REAL than her?
3) Why does she keep talking about Jane Campion whenever she can't answer a question?

SO refreshing to not have interviewers fawning over her...GAME, SET and MATCH----PARKINSON!!!

OH HAPPY DAY!!!

2007-03-22T16:32:00.000+10:00

I have always liked Michael Parkinson..here he joins the Pantheon Of Whoo-Yeah Legends by showing up Meg Ryan!!!!

TV SHOWS I HAVE GOT HOOKED ON THIS YEAR

2007-03-03T20:56:00.000+10:00

THE SOPRANOS- (which Suze refuses to watch with me due to the frequent bad language.)

I watched the first two series in their entirety within a period of two weeks...then got bored with it.

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS- Originally just was curious due to once hearing it promoted homosexuality which boggled my mind. On holidays in early February this year the kids and I found Spongebob on Pay-Tv--now we are hooked. (and no I can't see any homosexual themes--though there is some public nudity involving a starfish and a sea- sponge!!)

HEROES- Anyone who knows me knows that I have lived my whole life dreaming for a TV show like this one.

BOSTON LEGAL- ALAN SHORE WHOO YEAH!!!! WILLIAM SHATNER WILL NEVER DIE!!!

Insights on life (or my life anyway!!)

2007-02-17T11:53:00.000+10:00

1. I ate a McDonalds LEAN BEEF burger today--tasted foul...and I dropped some lettuce and sauce on my shorts..staining them.

2. It is truly exhausting singing along loudly with I WANNA BE SEDATED by the Ramones.

3. My lecturer is an obnoxious lazy self-important blowhard.

4. I truly have no enthusiasm nor interest for my law studies left.

5. I believe that GONE DADDY GONE by the Violent Femmes is the only rock song in history which features a XYLOPHONE as the lead instrument!

6. I contacted my first ever law firm for a job....hope it leads to something as all but three of the 20 lawyers and partners are my age or younger!!! A nice change from the menopause-fest of Queensland Health!!

Cracks me up every time!!

2007-02-10T20:40:00.000+10:00

"Trying to referee a George Steele match is like being trapped in a steel cage with a rabid St. Bernard"

- legendary referee Al Vass.

George's finest hour was truly his role in the Johnny Depp movie ED WOOD.....check it out...a very bizarre film...

MUSIC IS LIFE

2007-02-02T22:16:00.000+10:00

Here are some songs that I REAAAAAALLLLY LIKE:

U Can't Touch This- MC Hammer
Superfreak- Rick James (see above)
WASSUPP- Da Muttz (also see above)
Heart-Pet Shop Boys
Khe Sanh- Cold Chisel
Amazing Grace- John Newton
Amazing Love-Charles Wesley
Hey Stupid-Alice Cooper (good anti-drug message)
My Humps- Black-eyed Peas
Two Tribes-Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Toot toot Tootsie goodbye- Al Jolson
Angels- Robbie Williams (despite the bizarre lyrics)
True Faith- New Order
Touched by the Hand of God- New Order
Louie Louie- Iggy Pop
No Fun-Iggy Pop
Etudiants Poils-Au-Dents- Renaud (FRENCH PUNK!!!!!!)
Monster in My Pants-Fred Schneider
Debbie- The b-52's
Good Stuff- The b-52's

UNIVERSITY LECTURERS

2007-01-30T20:24:00.000+10:00

Surely it should be a precondition before one is allowed to be a University lecturer that one be able to speak English coherently????

My Happy Canadian

2007-01-29T20:23:00.000+10:00

Carla The Cool Canadian.

Having been feeling majorly uninspired with the whole blog thing (as previously discussed) I grudgingly reaccessed it tonight (as a means of avoiding watching a particularly painful EQUITY lecture) and found THREE unmoderated comments from the cool Canadian Carla person!

HOORAY!

So I temporarily feel that someone cares about this blog! (temporarily)

So with nothing else to write I thought I would write about Carla. Hopefully she will enjoy what I write rather than take offence...I think she will.

THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT CARLA

1) She has the cool Betty Boo thing happening- petite of frame she has big cool hair and wide eyes that see all (except when she is intoxicated....heehee) All she needs now are like totally huge 70's boots!

2) She has this way of unfolding her train of thought like I do....in that she gradually thinks of something...then something else...then another third thing which follows in logical progression...then she realises how she is sounding and hesitates...wondering if people can follow her..but thinking they can....so she continues in smaller....paragraphs...reminiscent of a haiku.

3) She is the first person I have encountered from North America who can spell BEHAVIOUR (note the U!)

4) She introduced me to this cool drink with vodka in it which is driving me mad trying to remember what it was called and what was in it besides vodka. It WAS BRIGHT BLUE!!!

5) She is hella candid in the way she speaks...rare gift in my experience.

6) She didn't ridicule me for referring to myself as "The Law Dude" when she is like total Law Queen.

7) She and I collaborate on assignments like a muthafunster!

8) She can express her views on issues without getting offended at anothers different perspective-an ALMOST NON EXISTENT quality!!!

9) She cracks me up by having photos of her drinking out of impossibly huge glasses!!!

10) - 1000) to come later.

And because she requested it...here is some rasslin' beefcake!!! WHOO!!!

My Hero: George "The Animal " Steele.

"Trying to referee a George Steele match is like being trapped in a steel cage with a rabid St. Bernard"- legendary referee Al Vass.

Stupid Anglo GOLD COAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-15T14:47:00.000+10:00

6th largest city in the country.....and I can't even get my hands on a FRESH BAGEL!!!!!

I have checked two supermarkets and Baker's Delight without success!!!

NOT HAPPY!!!! Furschlugginer goyim schmendricks!!!

THIS BLOG

2006-11-05T12:43:00.000+10:00

I'm getting tired of this blog.

My wife don't like it.

Noone else seems to read it....

Maybe I'll just go watch DOCTOR WHO instead!

DADA

2006-11-01T10:42:00.000+10:00

IDI AMIN was a dictator in the African nation of Uganda when I was a small child. He was responsible for the violent deaths of millions of people. I was scared he was going to come and get me when I was little-one of the drawbacks of being an advanced reader was that I read anything that was left around the house even when it was inappropriate for my young eyes....

Amin's son is now trying to redeem his father's name.

This man was so crazy I could not help but laugh at some of the following:

* He liked to be called BIG DADDY
* He once wrote to Queen Elizabeth with the words "Hey Liz, Come over and see what a REAL MAN looks like!!"

In a world which portrays George Bush as more evil than Saddam Hussein, who doubts that millions of Jews were killed under Nazism (sorry....who were killed AT THE HANDS OF THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT) I guess even BIG DADDY will be soon portrayed as misunderstood...

Make sure you check out my link at the bottom of the page to WATOTO, a welfare organisation helping the hundreds of thousands of Ugandan children left without parents by the ravages of warfare and the AIDS epidemic...

We support WATOTO--you definitely should too....

WHOOO....YEAH!!!!!

2006-09-28T13:54:00.000+10:00

Let me introduce you to the two patron saints of this weblog...whose catch cries "WHOOOO!" and "Ooooh YEAH!" have been a source of amusement to me for years....

RIC FLAIR and the "Macho Man" RANDY SAVAGE!!!

One of my fondest teen memories was going to the Wrestling at the Sydney Entertainment Centre with my sister, laughing ourselves silly at the twelve year old behind us screaming abuse at the wrestlers...

"Macho Man" Randy Savage--- sounds like a feature attraction at the Sydney MARDI GRAS!!!!

One for the Baby Boomers

2006-09-28T13:18:00.000+10:00

MY GENERATION
The Who
Released 1966

People try to put us d-down (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
Just because we get around (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-cold (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
I hope I die before I get old (Talkin' 'bout my generation)

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby

Why don't you all f-fade away (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
And don't try to dig what we all s-s-say (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
I'm not trying to cause a big s-s-sensation (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
I'm just talkin' 'bout my g-g-g-generation (Talkin' 'bout my generation

Truly a manifesto for the idealism and reforming spirit of the self-titled "Baby Boomer" (bwahahaha--sorry just can't use that term with a straight face!!) generation...

Just imagine it being played loudly on the stereo of a 60 year old woman with bleached hair and bo-tox??!!

Hey, and by the way....WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE between a TEENAGER and a BABY-BOOMER???

The TEENAGER eventually BECOMES AN ADULT!!!!!!!!!!!

I am living in a poorly-scripted SOAP OPERA!!!!

2006-09-28T13:03:00.000+10:00

Just found out after missing a tutorial last week due to other commitments, that I have actually needlessly missed 2 weeks as it was changed to Monday. So I am starting the semester off badly for this subject. (Not to mention the furschlugginer University hasn't placed last week's lecture on Video streaming yet..and the first week consisted of the Coordinator poncing around talking off the top of his head and finishing after 45 minutes!!!

PLUS I wrecked my neck yesterday hoisting my daughter onto my shoulders at DREAMWORLD (am I getting old or is she!!??) so I missed my GLOBALISATION tute and spent the evening lying in bed reading comics almost unable to move...

HOLY ZARKING PHOTON as Ford Prefect used to say.

When Uni is over I am going to have the hugest celebration....and it is very likely intoxication will be involved....

CARLA goes back to Canada soon-does she realise how much I will miss her (though I have barely made use of the time she has been here!!??) Some people with such little effort or contact make such a lasting impact on one's life...

ANN came for dinner this week...another one of the above mentioned people....

THE NEXT TWO WEEKS ON DOCTOR WHO!!!!

2006-09-26T20:40:00.000+10:00

Daleks AND Cybermen......

Whoooooooooooooo....YEAAAH!!!!!

I LUUURVE ROLLERCOASTERS!!!!!

2006-09-19T20:17:00.000+10:00

This is me with my two sons last weekend at DREAMWORLD. I was shrieking and laughing at the top of my lungs the whole time.....my older son and his friends had a great time celebrating his eighth birthday...

Feminism is naive--we are designed differently!

2006-09-18T21:07:00.000+10:00

A New Week

2006-09-01T17:09:00.000+10:00

What a stressful week!

Work has been busy, I am still trying to recover from exams...and I was awaiting legal action for that last post! I guess I am lucky I am this blog's only reader!

I have been encountering a lot of hassles with formatting this--seem unable to shift my profile from the bottom of the page. I was going to cease the blog, then decided if I actually try something new and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS I may be able to fix it.

After spending a bunch of time building a list of good links I seem to have again deleted it! GRRRRR!

Hey check out this link--I have always loved impersonations--this one by Kevin Spacey (star of two cool movies THE USUAL SUSPECTS and K-PAX)

http://newsfly.org/media/kevin.spacey.htm

Not endorsed by Queensland Health

2006-08-27T22:11:00.000+10:00

(DISCLAIMER: the picture to the left is from www.health.qld.gov.au) and is used without permission. This page is written from a purely personal perspective as a concerned citizen of the State of Queensland. No affiliation between the content of this post and the activities of Queensland Health Officers is asserted )

QUEENSLAND HEALTH was exposed sometime ago in the media for 2 things

1) Having many excellent clinicians who are innovative in making the best of underresourcing

2) Having a cabal of 'managers' who in many cases were inept and/or corrupt.

Now that these two factors have been brought to light (traditionally the second group have been praised for the efforts of the first group) the spin-doctoring has begun.

Now much self-congratulation by the managers occurs, with claims being made such as "Together we are rebuilding Queensland Health." Those who have run the services into the ground have become its saviours it seems (a MESSIAH complex??)

This, combined with unbelievably bad sloganeering ("Our staff are our greatest resource" with warm hugs all around) paints a clear image in the minds of those that hear them. This image is reproduced below:

A Gross Way to Die

2006-08-27T21:00:00.000+10:00

I have a fascination for urban legends. Even now that we have the INternet, people still fall for made-up "factual stories" which are little more than legends.

I have today included a link to THE reference site for urban legends. (www.snopes.com) A broad ange of stories...some fascinating, others educational... macabre, amusing, even chilling (I can't access the site after dark or I end up freaking myself out!) it is a site you HAVE to check out.

Keep it on your FAVOURITES list to refer to next time you receive a forwarded email marked as urgent with a bizarre story included...odds are the story will be listed on SNOPES!

In the meatime check out the story about the cabbage and bean man----YEEUCH!!! http://darwinawards.com/legends

Leanne goes for a drive...

2006-08-24T16:05:00.000+10:00

WHO NEEDS THE FACTS??

2006-08-19T12:15:00.000+10:00

Who needs to be educated or intelligent when you can just look good in a frock and have your opinions (based on what?) accepted as gospel. I am sure these celebrities are still congratulating each other on what a massive contribution to global peace they have created.

Kidman condemns Hamas, Hezbollah
From correspondents in Los Angeles
August 17, 2006 08:51am

NICOLE Kidman has made a public stand against terrorism.

The actress, joined by 84 other high-profile Hollywood stars, directors, studio bosses and media moguls, has taken out a powerfully-worded full page advertisement in today's Los Angeles Times newspaper.

It specifically targets "terrorist organisations" such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine.

"We the undersigned are pained and devastated by the civilian casualties in Israel and Lebanon caused by terrorist actions initiated by terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas," the ad reads.

"If we do not succeed in stopping terrorism around the world, chaos will rule and innocent people will continue to die.

"We need to support democratic societies and stop terrorism at all costs."

A who's who of Hollywood heavyweights joined Kidman on the ad.

The actors listed included: Michael Douglas, Dennis Hopper, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Danny De Vito, Don Johnson, James Woods, Kelly Preston, Patricia Heaton and William Hurt.
Directors Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Michael Mann, Dick Donner and Sam Raimi also signed their names.

Other Hollywood powerplayers supporting the ad included Sumner Redstone, the chairman and majority owner of Paramount Pictures, and billionaire mogul, Haim Saban.

Proof Cats Are Evil

2006-08-19T12:06:00.000+10:00

If they're not taking on the form of HITLER (see earlier post) they're manifesting weird powers like this!!!!

FREE AT LAST FREE AT LAST

2006-08-19T11:56:00.000+10:00

Well not exactly free..but another set of Uni exams are now over.

SEVENTEEN SUBJECTS DOWN ...SEVEN TO GO!!!

It was with both sadness and joy that I celebrated with my special friend Carla...now finished and preparing to fly back to Canada in a couple of months...didn't we have nice drinkies that night?!

The formatting on this blog is driving me crazy (hence the weird layout) but I am hoping my talented friend can help me repair it...

CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING YOUR DEGREE CARLA!!!

FRIENDSHIP

2006-08-17T20:32:00.000+10:00

I am 36 years old but the concept of friendship is still one I do not fully understand. Mind you I get the impression most people have a simplistic view of it also.

I have had many people in my life I have called friends. Some I have considered close friends, and have told them that I love them as such. Some I have not had any real contact with in years.

What is a friend?

As someone who has never been the centre of any social circle, I think friendship involves the connection of the essence of two people. Some of the attributes you have as a person are shared with another..they see that and are delighted at the common nature you share.

I treasure the times I have had when I have a REAL conversation with someone. Not small talk, not chat....but real communication. In the last few months I have experienced this with a few people I knew as a child (Hi to Anna and Athena!) and more recently with my sister...and with my friend Carla who is soon to return to Canada.

I feel frustrated yet again with the shallowness of our world..we chat and 'act friendly and social' with people we feel no oneness with ..and are hesitant to express to another our true feelings for them in a realistic, down-to-earth way.

I am grateful for the recent opportunity to spend time with my intelligent beautiful sister...and with my amazing friend from the north Carla. All niceties aside, it means so much that you are in my life...and I hope we will make the appropriate efforts to maintain contact. You are both worth it...

BABYHEADED DOOM AND GLOOMERS

2006-08-15T09:26:00.000+10:00

Seen last night:

An advertisement for butter, in which a couple of senior citizens boast about how they are "ploughing through their kids inheritance" while they cruise along on what looks like a motorised tricycle.

An advertisement for......butter.

This boast was made twice in the ad just in case we missed it the first time...actually my wife and I were taken aback at the sort of mindset which would develop such a self-indulgent item. All that was missing was references to "How wild we were in the sixties!"

Seems there are quite a lot of grey-haired adolescents out there..just don't break a hip falling off your tricycle okay?

YET AGAIN PART 2 + DISTURBED PRIORITIES.

2006-08-11T11:24:00.000+10:00

http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/DennisPrager/2006/08/08/jews_shot_in_seattle,_left_angry_at_mel_gibson

Some people worry more about hurt feelings than murder.

(This article's use of the word "liberal"-opposite meaning to that used in Australia--think Labor Party voters.)

EXCERPT: On July 28, 2006, a Muslim entered the building of the Seattle Jewish Federation and shot every Jew he saw, murdering one woman and wounding five others.
On the same day, Mel Gibson was arrested on DUI charges and while intoxicated let loose with anti-Semitic invective at the Jewish police officer who arrested him.

Question: Which story has most troubled the Left?

So, the real question is: Why? Why has the shooting and murder of Jews elicited less angst from the Left than the anti-Semitic statements made by Mel Gibson when drunk?

YET AGAIN

2006-08-11T10:59:00.000+10:00

32 Muslims arrested in London yesterday, with almost as many more under surveillance, having allegedly been involved in a plan to blow up ten planes mid-air.

No doubt we will hear Australian Muslims claiming these were just the lunatic fringe.

Seems to me they are actually more true to the faith than the supposed moderates---Mohammed killed innocent people (including children)--the entire population of the City of Mecca was murdered by him and his followers.

He also married a nine year old girl by the way.(google search if you don't believe me)

I don't seem to remember any accounts of Buddha, Jesus Christ, or Abraham killing anyone.

KALI MERA to my Greek friends.

2006-08-11T10:35:00.000+10:00

Now that I live on the Gold Coast, where almost everyone is Anglo, I miss my home suburb of Burwood. once known as Little Greece, then Little Italy.....the area has always been very culturally diverse.

Here are a few reasons I like Greek people and their culture: (please excuse any stereotypes)

1) When you enter Athens by bus there are huge signs over the Motorway saying "WELCOME TO ATHENS" with the Greek equivalent in smaller letters underneath!! Blew my MIND!!

2) Anna, Vicki, their Mum and Athena are four fabulous Greek women I know. A lot of Greek women are named after goddesses-quite appropriate really.

3) Given my conservative English background, where people have normal simple names like "James Smith" or "David Jones" I love when you meet a Greek woman for example and she will say "Call me Dina"...when you ask what her name is she'll say (excuse the probably incorrect spelling:

AGOSTINA DEMETROPOLOPOLOS!!!

WOW !! A Party in your mouth just to say it!!! Hey, let's have fun--whack on a few extra syllables....maybe they started out with short Anglo-style names but it comes out with all the extra syllables after a few glasses of OUZO...

4) It is one thing for a woman to be topless on the beach..it is quite another for her to walk into a beachside cafe on the Island of Crete in that state to buy a drink while I am sitting there quietly, aged sixteen, eating a plate of souvlakia. An experience of some impact at the time.

5) Real Greek Souvlakia is more addictive than heroin.

6) My sister and I used to entertain ourselves checking out houses bought by Greek people and renovated....next thing you know an otherwise boring 3 bedroom brick-and-tyle has a HUGE staircase on the outside, Corinthian columns on either side of the front door which are almost as wide as the house and half the garden has been concreted.

A Greek friend of my sister saw one of these houses which also had a huge portico which extended almost to the front fence. He got out of his car, knocked on the door and shook the guy's hand for a job well done.

7) The most easygoing relaxed Greek guy will instantly become an unstoppable killing machine if he hears someone disrespect his mother.

8) SOUVLAKIA MMMMM--35 drachmas (plus bread) when I was there in 1986.

9) If you visit a Greek house, make sure you fast for a couple of hours beforehand--trust me on this one..

10) Greek Easter- a period during which all my Greek Uni friends started out all grumpy, lethargic and jealous of our lunch....by the end they are lying around holding their stomachs vowing never to eat anything of any kind again.

11) Not one of the 911 hijackers was Greek.

12) Jennifer Aniston, who I find very irritating, is only part-Greek-there's your explanation.

13) I scored major points age nine with my school principal for knowing heaps about Greek mythology...I didn't mention to him that I was freaking out at night worrying that Medusa the Gorgon was going to come and get me!

14) George Donikian is Greek (as he liked to tell people at every opportunity) but I haven't seen him on TV in over ten years so I am happy.

ACHIEVING LASTING CHANGE PART 4

2006-08-08T20:14:00.000+10:00

Seen this week:

AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS WEBSITE- Multiple pious statements of their commitment to diversity, seemingly evidenced by site prominently featuring content for the Gay /Lesbian/ Bi/ Transgender community.

Why then was the only mention of people who go to church, a larger part of the population, to be found in a highly manipulative "survey" on "God and Government?" Leading questions, selective and subjective definitions of concepts which people were asked to then vote for or against--no depth was seemingly too low to descend to.

(LEADING QUESTIONS= Questions suggesting the desired answer to the person being questioned, prompting them towards a certain 'correct' answer. Its use here shows that they are interested, not in learning people's genuine beliefs on the issues, but in having them comply with the party line...a common lack of respect of the individual in left-wing settings. )

The survey portrays people who go to Church as a threat in need of statutory regulation and control. Hardly a true reflection of genuine acceptance and tolerance.

Those who trumpet their commitment to diversity are generally the most bigoted, small-minded and prejudging. By refusing to admit there are some things in life with which they are uncomfortable, they are limited in their capacity to coexist with diverse perspectives.

Ever tried to rationally discuss an issue with such people? If they disagree with you they will either shout you down, become patronising or go off in a sulk...rather than being able to genuinely take on and consider the claims of a different perspective..even SHOCK HORROR...LEARNING from it!!

Don't talk about being committed to diversity.
Don't boast about it....

JUST DO IT!

Actions speak louder than words.

I tried my first glass of Guinness last week.

2006-08-07T20:32:00.000+10:00

As you can see I had some reservations about trying my first glass of GUINNESS!

Thankfully it tasted better than it looked..I might even have a few next St Patricks Day..in memory of my Irish Great Grandparents of course...

Mmmmmmm...

I very much miss the weird ads Guinness used to have in the late 1980's..."I Like to Watch"....

Who says Law School is Boring??!

2006-08-03T20:48:00.000+10:00

Extract from this week's "Law of Evidence" lecture transcript, by Professor D.F, who is known, and appreciated, for his one-liners in the midst of high-standard lectures:

" Expert evidence was given for the defence by Dr S, a psychiatrist who had never examined C, to the effect that C suffered from alcohol dependence and polysubstance abuse, an anti-social personality disorder and a “borderline personality disorder”. That combination of talents probably qualified him as “Tasmanian of the Year”

I keep cracking up laughing as I read this!

This from the lecturer who has also in the past said:

"Provocation is no longer a defence against a charge of murder, so if you find your wife in bed with another man you cannot shoot your wife, the man, or his seeing-eye dog!"

NAZI FELINES

2006-08-03T20:33:00.000+10:00

www.catsthatlooklikehitler.com Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the mincing diminutive Germanic fascist with a love of dressing up in butch militaristic uniforms has cats that look like him.

I guess the advantage is that a Hitler cat does not need to be taken to the vet for an operation, as he/she is already nonfunctional in that department.

I abhor violence to animals, so I am glad I never had a cat that looked like Hitler. I would have spent much of my time tormenting it. Then again we only had electric ovens.

I read recently that Auschwitz is a major tourist attraction, and even has a McDonalds nearby. I expect the German government consider building the camp to have been a profitable investment...

UNI HOLIDAYS in twelve days!!!

2006-08-03T18:25:00.000+10:00

Many DVD's will be watched--here are some examples of my all-time favourites...

My Favourite Poem

2006-08-01T22:46:00.000+10:00

I hate bad poetry.

On a few occasions I have experienced a sensation of having something inside that needs to be expressed. I am subsequently stunned by what flows from my hands.

Here is a poem I wrote some years ago. I recently forwarded it to many people in my office as I was feeling frustrated with the manipulative, deceitful and passive -aggressive behaviour I was observing. One person replied "Thank you your poem was very meaningful".... quite clearly she missed the point given the spirit in which it was sent:

Just Imagine
Stuart, 1999

Just Imagine for a second
That we were honest with each other
And we said without hesitation how we feel
Unafraid to be authentic
Not hiding behind pretensions
Saying, doing and being that which is real

Could we stand to let our Selves
See the blazing light of day
Unprotected by the images we portray
Of who and what we’d like to be
To impress those around that see
Images that are little more than clay

Would this honesty leave us weak
Or would it give us what we seek,
Promoting closer ties with those around.
The sensitivities we possess
No longer seen as some weakness
But giving insight into humanity’s common ground

Would it scare me if I knew you
Or frighten you if you could see
The aspects that give me my life and being?

Or would the natural genuine way
We self-expressed at work and play,
Be experienced as something beautiful and freeing.

Just imagine for a second
We banished harshness from our tongues,
And simply said directly how we felt
Reconciling with those we’d fought,
Speaking words with greater thought
Discouragement and cold bitterness to melt

Just imagine that a man
Put his heart into a poem,
Seeing ways in which he was in need of striving.
Hoping that these words when read,
Would transform others’ hearts and head
With a thirst to be more human not just surviving.

Since writing this I have felt challenged to be authentic in how I live. This means I now express emotions even when embarrassing...and mostly people respond in some unexpected and beautiful ways.

Imagine what could happen if we actually told people, even acquaintances, how much we enjoy knowing them...

I must need to start speaking more clearly.

2006-08-01T22:25:00.000+10:00

I have been told in the past that I sometimes mumble. I suspect it is becoming a problem, in that people are misinterpreting what I say.

This was evident today during an otherwise friendly conversation with an acquaintance. I mentioned that I was studying Law...apparently I did not say this clearly because judging from his reaction what he heard me say was:

" I AM A SERIAL CHILD MURDERER AND RAPIST
PLEASE TREAT ME WITH THE CONTEMPT THAT I DESERVE!!!"

..things went downhill from there...he was suddenly too busy to talk with me.

I was surprised by how much this threw me. I am used to little jokes being made about my studies, including the backhanded compliment that I am "too moral a person to become a lawyer!"

I found the sudden shift from "Hey you seem like a decent enough guy" to "All lawyers are bastards and you are one-in-training" to be very unsettling.

Ultimately I love my studies and look forward to completing the degree...but the ignorance, bigotry and simplistic thinking of many in this world gets to me at times. I look forward to being a credit to the profession.

THIS IS ME ON THE RIGHT ONCE I GET FIT

2006-07-31T20:26:00.000+10:00

BWAHAHAHA!!

2006-07-31T19:44:00.000+10:00

I am looking forward to Uni holidays so I can get back to exercising again...

It staggers me that the media and our government make all the fuss about "childhood obesity."

I think if you look at the parents and they are overweight, perhaps you should not be stigmatising the child, telling them to get out and exercise.

As someone who is overweight, and who within my limited time as full-time worker, part-time law student makes tangible efforts to address it, it seems only fair to accept responsibility for my life choices. The alternative, to criticise or complain about the consequences, to me is unacceptable and irresponsible.

Thankfully my kids are active, and do not often eat junk food, so perhaps their future is more positive than mine in body terms...!!!

ACHIEVING LASTING CHANGE PART 3

2006-07-31T19:22:00.000+10:00

While misguided dillpickles engaged in street violence in Australia, thankfully enough intelligent people exist who actually made the effort to engage in constructive action.

Much to my surprise (I am quite happy to have been wrong) the United Nations managed to persuade the Israeli Government to hold off on further aerial assaults for the next two days. Having just killed twenty four or so CHILDREN in the last assaults perhaps some degree of humanity has entered their perspective.

As one who loves the Jewish people I am saddened by the actions of the Israeli government over many years. They have reason to fear their neighbours.....but provocation and antagonism seems to be used even when diplomacy would yield greater benefits.

Having survived millennia of persecution....most noticeably at the hands of the German people and their government (neither of whom have YET shown genuine remorse)...I had hoped they would rise above the barbarism of their persecutors. Sadly they appear to be seeking to outdo them.

I find it harder to argue with people's anti-semitic views when they start to talk about Israel.

I hope Israel will one day find the SHALOM it seeks.

My ancestry

2006-07-30T13:10:00.000+10:00

I love this photo---my great great grandparents and their children. It was taken in 1900 in premises on George Street, Sydney.

My Great grandmother Jane Briton is the top left at the back.
Beside her are her sister Margaret and brother William--I have been fortunate to have contact with descendants of both Margaret and William.

Genealogy is an area one is either passionate or apathetic about...so many genealogists I have met say their family think their interest strange...some even undermine their efforts out of concern for finding out "family secrets."

I would hate to think that my children's grandchilden may not even know each other...

ACHIEVING LASTING CHANGE PART 2

2006-07-29T18:43:00.000+10:00

Imagine if the party branches of Labor, Liberal, Greens , Democrats, Family First and other Australian political parties combined to issue a joint statement condemning the current conflict in Lebanon and Israel. It is unlikely they would encounter much difficulty in reaching consensus on the broad issues....

Imagine if private citizens contacted a group of their friends and did the same.

Imagine if those who knew people living in Australia with Israeli or Lebanese origins (and we have a large number of the latter category in my home of inner-western Sydney!) rang and visited them to offer some degree of support and encouragement.

Imagine if Australians, of Lebanese and Israeli origins, met together to transcend what is happening in the countries they or their parents left, and instead met together to address the conflict as a common problem affecting them both indirectly.

Do you think it would achieve more on a range of levels than if we all just congregated in the street and screamed epithets at our elected officials.

For God's sake can we please just F..ing GROW UP!!! (and I say this in sadness and desperation not anger...we need to wake up and stop being so shallow and insincere.)

ACHIEVING LASTING CHANGE

2006-07-29T18:21:00.000+10:00

POP QUIZ:

You are, like many people in Australia, distressed by the current bloodshed between Israel and Lebanon. You desperately hope it will end quickly, but realise it is symptomatic of entrenched difficulties and tensions spanning generations. Do you:

A) Lobby the Israeli and Lebanese governments expressing these emotions and pleading that they work towards tangible peace.
B) Research the causes of the current situation to help you find ways in which you, as an individual, may potentially be able to have a positive impact
C) Based on the above, express your feelings to your local government representatives, asking they, as part of the world community, seek to communicate such concerns to the above governments.
D) Join with others to pray/meditate/positively affirm for a peaceful positive resolution.

Each of which take time, thought, a proper consideration of the issues and effort!

OR

..do you do as one hundred 'geniuses' did today, which is to mob the Australian Prime Minister's car, in an obviously intimidating way (which in most other countries would result in you being SHOT incidentally!) to "demand an immediate ceasefire!"

Along with this goes yelling abuse at police, physically tussling with police and denigrating Australia as "undemocratic" for the police's containment of what was a violent, dangerous situation in a public place.

Again the issue of form or substance--taking action to achieve real change, at personal expense of time and effort, or simply impulsively and angrily confronting the nearest party available.

Demanding a ceasefire from the Australian Prime Minister--real intelligent!!

But, perhaps the goal is merely to acquire cosmetic benefit--being able to brag to your friends how committed you are to peace, as evidenced by your determination to spend an afternoon venting anger and hatred in public..(notice the irony here?) They will be impressed by how willing you are to take action, not realising the action taken is ignorant, pointless and unlikely to achieve any real benefit.

I hope to see people actually be strategic in their actions...rather than simply yelling abuse at the nearest Australian politician. It is not our government's job to wave magic wands over the Middle East after all.

Praying for some hope in all this...my thoughts are with my fellow Australians with relatives still in Lebanon and Israel.
Stu

EXAMS IN TWO WEEKS!

2006-07-28T16:33:00.000+10:00

WEIRDNESS

2006-07-28T10:57:00.000+10:00

Cindy Sheehan is an American mother whose son, like many other soldiers in history, was killed in combat. I can't imagine, as a parent, anything worse...but isn't it a fairly standard occupational hazard? This is why I never want my children in the military.

Seems this lady is handling her grief in blame terms...with the associated escalating psychological deterioration..

I saw this article today--she has apparently, with a group of Hollywood celebrities, declared she is on a "hunger strike..."

"When I was on a layover in Madrid on my way to Venice, Italy yesterday, the closest thing I could find to a smoothie to get a little protein was a coffee with vanilla ice cream in it... Traveling for 22 hours is very taxing under normal circumstances--but then again, when have we had normal circumstances since the 2000 and 2004 successful coup attempts that have brought BushCo into power?

I traveled from Venice to the frontier of Italy to the province of Udine which is right at the foot of the pre-Alps. I am here for a huge youth festival which includes many elements of social justice and peace work. It is beautiful and the air feels different from other places that I have travelled. It is strangely soft and gentle as is the natural light. However, there is not a Jamba Juice on every corner, so blended juice drinks with protein powder are impossible to find.

Smoothies. Coffee. Vanilla Ice Cream. How much weight does she plan on gaining during this deprivation campaign?"

Italian travel....cafe culture 'fasting'- Seems like the ultimate triumph of form over substance...

SADDAMN INSANE

2006-07-28T10:08:00.000+10:00

"YOU!!

I said One Lamb Kebab with extra Tabouleh and Homous!!"

STEPHEN KING

2006-07-28T09:35:00.000+10:00

"People want to know why I do this, why I write such gross stuff.
I like to tell them I have the heart of a small boy...
and I keep it in a jar on my desk."
Stephen King

Saw this quote by accident..gave me a chuckle.

Anyone genuinely familiar with King's work knows that horror is only a small component of his writing.

"On Writing" should be required reading /listening (I'm into Audiobooks as my job involves a lot of driving) for anyone interested in understanding the world of an author.

RUNNING OF THE BULLS

2006-07-28T09:16:00.000+10:00

Be not Led into Evil by the HOFF!

2006-07-27T20:43:00.001+10:00

http://www.esquilax.com/baywatch/

Article extract:

"He has even less musical talent than John Tesh... His television shows are unwatchable... and yet He's one of the world's most popular stars... how has He done it?

I submit David Hasselhoff is the AntiChrist... And I have the proof

How can one explain the phenomenal global success of one of this country's least talented individuals? There are only three ways.

1) Mr. Hasselhoff actually is talented, but this goes unnoticed in his own country.
2) Mr. Hasselhoff has sold his soul to Satan in return for global success.
3) David Hasselhoff is the AntiChrist.

I vote for the latter -- and perhaps, after seeing the facts involved, the rest of the world will agree.

The Facts First, the obvious. Add a little beard and a couple of horns -- David Hasselhoff looks like the Devil, doesn't he? "

This may upset many people....but I can be silent no longer!

GENERATIONS

2006-07-27T20:27:00.000+10:00

Why do people call themselves "Baby Boomers?"

Why fixate on when someone was born instead of who and what they are as a person?

I only hear the terms "Generation X" and "Generation Y" used by the self-denoted "Baby Boomers." I don't know any of my peers who would class themselves in this way...I'd be embarrassed to!

In my workplace it is practically a Selection Criterion on any management jobs which become available! ("If you are not BB, please tick here!")

If the "Peace, Love and Tolerance Generation" genuinely seeks "that the world will be as one" to quote John Lennon ( who sang of "no possessions" yet died with $270 million!!) might I humbly suggest that they stop squeezing people into such ridiculous little categories...

PLAY 80'S STYLE VIDEOGAMES ONLINE

2006-07-27T20:24:00.000+10:00

HOW FREAKING COOL IS THIS??????

http://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/arcade.htm

My personal recommendation is JOUST---very funny game where you are basically flying on the back of an ostrich!!!

DISCLAIMER!

2006-07-27T18:44:00.000+10:00

Love this...adapted from one of the albums by American band "The Offspring."

Ladies and gentlemen!
Welcome to the disclaimer That's right, the disclaimer.
This American apple pie institution
Known as parental discretion
Will cleanse any sense of innuendo or sarcasm
From the lyrics that might actually make you think
And will also insult your intelligence at the same time
So protect your family.
This website contains explicit depictions
Of things which are real.
These real things are commonly known as life.
So, if it sounds sarcastic, don't take it seriously.
If it sounds dangerous, Do not try this at home or at all.
And if it offends you, just don't listen to it !!

I WON A ZORRO PACK!!!

2006-07-26T18:12:00.000+10:00

MONTEZUMAS - the best Mexican on the Gold Coast in my opinion. I recommend the Chicken Enchiladas, Chorizo Enchiladas and of course the SANGRIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I have no financial or other interest in this restaurant, other than a passion for their food!
www.montezumas.com.au)

At my last visit, given my passion for free stuff, I was very excited at the prospect of winning the LEGEND OF ZORRO promotional competition. I found out today that I WON!!

MY PRIZE: ZORRO T-shirt, cap, backpack and DVD!!!

For all I know the movie will be dead boring--but the merchandise looks kewl.

(THIS BLOG ENTRY looks like rubbish--but I am having trouble with the formatting.!!!!)

Canada: Australia of The North.

2006-07-26T17:28:00.000+10:00

During my studies I have met a large number of Canadians. I have appreciated the opportunity of learning about their country and way of life.

If I was forced to leave Australia permanently I would most likely move to Canada. Why?

* Like Aussies, they are quieter than the Americans.
* Like Aussies, they are louder than the English.
* Like Aussies, they are less opinionated and more flexible in their views than these nations.
* Canada is a huge country with a small population like Australia.
* My cousin Bob (once removed) lives on Vancouver Island.
* Carla is going back there soon.
* They have a cooler accent than the Aussies.
* My wife wants to go skiing every winter- where I live currently the snow is about 1500 kilometres away!
* Their government has a better and more impressive website than the Australian government.
See for yourself:

CANADA http://www.canada.gc.ca/main_e.html
AUSTRALIA http://www.australia.gov.au

....but we do, I believe, still whip the Canadians in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games...though both flog the "eggs and chip for dinner" British EVERY TIME!!!!

Individual, Social and National Wellbeing

2006-07-25T20:33:00.000+10:00

" We offer no affront - on the contrary we have nothing but the warmest human compassion - toward those whom fate has compelled to live upon the bounty of the State, when we say that the greatest element in a strong people is a fierce independence of spirit. This is the only real freedom, and it has as its corollary a brave acceptance of unclouded individual responsibility. The moment a man seeks moral and intellectual refuge in the emotions of a crowd, he ceases to be a human being and becomes a cipher...

The idea entertained by many people that, in a well-constituted world, we shall all live on the State is the quintessence of madness, for what is the State but us? We collectively must provide what we individually receive.

The great vice of democracy - a vice which is exacting a bitter retribution from it at this moment - is that for a generation we have been busy getting ourselves on to the list of beneficiaries and removing ourselves from the list of contributors, as if somewhere there was somebody else's wealth and somebody else's effort on which we could thrive.

To discourage ambition, to envy success, to have achieved superiority, to distrust independent thought, to sneer at and impute false motives to public service - these are the maladies of modern democracy, and of Australian democracy in particular. Yet ambition, effort, thinking, and readiness to serve are not only the design and objectives of self-government but are the essential conditions of its success."

Sir Robert Menzies, Australian Prime Minister in The Forgotten People.

Man, I want to go to SPAIN!!

2006-07-25T17:56:00.000+10:00

Like a lot of people with British heritage, I have a lot of European ancestors.

My great great grandmother was Spanish. I love the language (I can even sing DE COLORES in Spanish) and seriously want to travel there one day.

Any country which has traditions involving such things as running away from bulls and throwing tomatoes at each other has won me!!

To seek Justice and to Love Mercy

2006-07-24T20:53:00.000+10:00

How to respond to issues of justice in our world today???

In my life I have heard so many words spoken.

I have had arguments, proposing solutions to issues, demanding redress for injustices the continued existence of which I could not tolerate.

I have grappled with issues for most of my life which, it seems, the majority of people consider unimportant. I have changed and rechanged my opinions, and in reflecting on that fact questioned whether I am misguided, naive.....even deficient.

My brother, Murray, was born with a severe physical disability. His intellect, personality and spirit remain unaffected, His body places him in a situation of significant dependency upon others. He is an inspiration to me in his tenacity to live as much of LIFE as he can.

As a young child I saw people stare at him...at US...in public. Children sometimes laughed and pointed. Elderly Catholic ladies would cross themselves as we passed, and I saw mothers pull their children close, seemingly to protect them from contamination.

I could not understand why. He was my brother, we loved each other and enjoyed each other's company.

A " keen sense of justice" to quote a family friend led me to a career in the welfare sector. There I saw human beings at their very best and very worst. I witnessed realities one cannot discuss in a social setting.

Now thirteen years later I have seen the hypocrisy of champagne socialists, who self-righteously declare their commitment to justice and sharing, from within their frantically-protected affluence.

I have ALSO been saddened and frustrated by my nation's (Australia's) "tall poppy syndrome" whereby many assume anyone successful does not deserve it.

What can we then aspire to..if we fail to help those in need except in our words, while discouraging each other from reaching for the stars to fulfill their potential? A recipe for mediocrity and discouragement.

As a kid I was called Mr Chatterbox. I am tired of talking now.

I do not want to impress anyone--with these words...my intellect...or anything else about me.
Similarly I am not interested in grand sounding "deep and meaningful" conversations which have little substance, only massaging the ego of those participating in them.

I refuse to worship celebrities, particularly billionaires who parade others' giving as their own, marketing themselves and developing quasi-religious personality cults. ---------->

I crave reality.....people truly knowing themselves and each other. Thankfully I have been fortunate to meet people carrying a spark of authenticity, standing out in sharp contrast from those around them.

I hesitate to get into huge discussions about the 'big issues' as I used to. Some family members and friends consider this a positive step. I am finding that though I stop talking about the many issues that I see hurting my nation and my race...these issues do not go away.

I cannot ignore human suffering. I am human too.

My "keen sense of justice," it appears, remains. I must it seems find ways to use it constructively without merely adding my own plaintitive voice to the clamour of such voices around the world.

When I speak...my prayer is that my words will both MEAN something AND ACHIEVE something.

Watch this space.

LES CYBERHOMMES DANS LA PARIS!

2006-07-23T21:26:00.000+10:00

BURGERS A GO GO

2006-07-23T15:09:00.000+10:00

I could seriously murder one of these burgers about now.

(Hi to Rod by the way--I don't care what your wife says, you are far slimmer and fitter than this jolly gentleman!!)

DR WHO THE NEW SERIES

2006-07-23T14:58:00.000+10:00

"Doctor Who" is the longest running science fiction television series in history, having debuted in November 1963 on the day John F Kennedy was killed.

After sixteen years off-screen the new series has re-won the imagination of many like myself who loved it as a kid, but now find the old, low-budget episodes a bit tacky to watch.

My favourites enemies of all time, THE CYBERMEN, return in a few episodes within the next few weeks.

A lot of people ridicule "DOCTOR WHO" but the countless television episodes, books and audio series have a lot to capture your interest.

Who is the Doctor?

A member of the nobility of an alien society who renounced the privilege and power of his complacent peers, seeking to use his immense intellect and access to advanced technology to fight injustice throughout time and space.

Check it out--ABC Saturday nights at 7:30pm