How old do you have to be to feel that you’re “past it”?
Should you retire at any particular age, when you’re bored, or when you’re seen as incompetent?
Australia’s government, in a period of widespread staff shortages, wants more people to stay on the job longer. The old “gold watch at 65” tradition is out-dated, we’ve been told.
Prime Minister John Howard is currently 67, and he doesn’t think he’s too old for his job. He thinks Kevin Rudd is a bit too young, and inexperienced to lead us.
The electorate will make a selection later this year, but I wonder if it will be on the basis of age?
A few generations ago, considerable age was a basic requirement of leadership. Throughout Asia, by long tradition, the elderly are revered for their experience and wisdom, and their ancestors are worshipped, but I don’t think I can plead that case with much effect. We’re in a different world now than in the days of our fathers.
I believe that age should be assessed in terms of effectiveness and mental and physical health In any case, you can be sure that I don’t want to go back to work!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The coffee crisis
How far do you have to travel to get a proper cappucino?
How many coffee shops do you know where any of the staff really know how to properly drive the impressive e'spresso machine that stands in all its shiny glory on the front counter?
Are you able, whenever you have the enthusiasm, to buy a coffee that tastes anywhere near as good as it smells?
A Barrista, so I'm told, is someone who has been trained, properly, in the art of this extremely pressure-brewed cup of aromatic indulgence. Real barristas are few and far between around where I Iive.
I hate "Vesuvius coffee" - that mountain of fluffy, cocoa-topped froth that's hiding four inches of scalding , flavourless second-time round "dishwater".
Lately, I've developed great enthusiasm for cappucino. One per day, I'm allowed. I like strong smelling, brave-tasting coffee, topped with thick, creamy froth that's a taste treat on its own, without tons of cocoa and stuff on top. And I like my coffee cooled enough so I can scoff it quickly and, perhaps, sneak in a quick second cup.
I know I'm being fussy - maybe just a bit unreasonable. But if theyr'e prepared to spend a lot of money on one of those machines, why can't they care enough to produce the proper product?
How many coffee shops do you know where any of the staff really know how to properly drive the impressive e'spresso machine that stands in all its shiny glory on the front counter?
Are you able, whenever you have the enthusiasm, to buy a coffee that tastes anywhere near as good as it smells?
A Barrista, so I'm told, is someone who has been trained, properly, in the art of this extremely pressure-brewed cup of aromatic indulgence. Real barristas are few and far between around where I Iive.
I hate "Vesuvius coffee" - that mountain of fluffy, cocoa-topped froth that's hiding four inches of scalding , flavourless second-time round "dishwater".
Lately, I've developed great enthusiasm for cappucino. One per day, I'm allowed. I like strong smelling, brave-tasting coffee, topped with thick, creamy froth that's a taste treat on its own, without tons of cocoa and stuff on top. And I like my coffee cooled enough so I can scoff it quickly and, perhaps, sneak in a quick second cup.
I know I'm being fussy - maybe just a bit unreasonable. But if theyr'e prepared to spend a lot of money on one of those machines, why can't they care enough to produce the proper product?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Rain, rain, rain . . (it's pouring!)
Adelaide and its surrounds are enjoying a deluge. We've had a day and night of steady fall and we're being wondrously near-deafened this evening with the thunder of drops the size of swimming pools (well, almost) hitting our iron roof.
St Kilda are suffering a thrashing from Port Power at the new city slosh-pit (West Lakes Stadium) and, for at least a 100 kilometer radius, farmers are beaming as they plough or seed the paddocks, or as they dig their tractors out of the mud.
It has been many months since we've had so much water around. Even we suburbanites are excited (except for those who've had their homes flooded through blocked gutters or poor drains, of course).
It must goes to show - I should have commented on the situation a month or so ago!
St Kilda are suffering a thrashing from Port Power at the new city slosh-pit (West Lakes Stadium) and, for at least a 100 kilometer radius, farmers are beaming as they plough or seed the paddocks, or as they dig their tractors out of the mud.
It has been many months since we've had so much water around. Even we suburbanites are excited (except for those who've had their homes flooded through blocked gutters or poor drains, of course).
It must goes to show - I should have commented on the situation a month or so ago!
Desert again
Trace elements converted a “90 mile desert to fine productive farmland in the upper South East of South Australia a few generations ago. Farmers between the small towns of Keith and Tintinara have prospered (with the addition of water piped from the river Murray, or bores.
I drove through this area last week on holiday, and saw that much of the land has returned to sandy desert – or a pretty good imitation. It’s a grim reflection of extending drought, and it is repeated in many 0places along our nation’s South-East.
Water’s the big subject, these days, and I thought we had a major advance ahead when the PM proposed his big “Save the Murray Valley” scheme, a month or so ago.
I can’t understand why Victoria hasn’t agreed to join the scheme (as I write), but I can’t help feeling petty politics is involved. Certainly the P.M. is a little peeved on that point
I drove through this area last week on holiday, and saw that much of the land has returned to sandy desert – or a pretty good imitation. It’s a grim reflection of extending drought, and it is repeated in many 0places along our nation’s South-East.
Water’s the big subject, these days, and I thought we had a major advance ahead when the PM proposed his big “Save the Murray Valley” scheme, a month or so ago.
I can’t understand why Victoria hasn’t agreed to join the scheme (as I write), but I can’t help feeling petty politics is involved. Certainly the P.M. is a little peeved on that point
Cheers for Auntie
I learned about another big chunk of Australia’s history last night, courtesy of “Auntie”
It was a story about which I knew only the basics until I watched the story of Mr Curtin and his wartime prime ministership, and I’m impressed with the lesson and immensely re-impressed with the ABC.There are plenty of people who point to the weaknesses of our national broadcaster, and few of us, surely, think it perfect. But if all it did for us was produce drama and documentaries, and news services, we’d still be well served.
In my early working days, in the subs’ room at a smallish daily newspaper, we all listened to every evening session of the ABC radio news. It was then, as now, the authoritative, trustworthy source.
Even now, in retirement, I listen to or watch on TV, at least four ABC news reports each day. It’s a habit I, and many others, can’t break.
However . . . .
I have to admit, however, that “Auntie ABC” is developing some peculiar faults.
Why, for instance, do they announce the telly "News” and then play one or two promotions for other programs?
Why do they (on TV in particular) invest so much time and artistic talent into producing (beautifully) long promotions (we mustn’t say advertisements) for their own forthcoming programs? They’re “preaching to the converted”, surely?
There must be a few other things they do that could arouse complaint but (unlike a recently disgraced politician) I can’t be bothered looking. I reckon we’re getting value for our ”8 cents - a – day”
It was a story about which I knew only the basics until I watched the story of Mr Curtin and his wartime prime ministership, and I’m impressed with the lesson and immensely re-impressed with the ABC.There are plenty of people who point to the weaknesses of our national broadcaster, and few of us, surely, think it perfect. But if all it did for us was produce drama and documentaries, and news services, we’d still be well served.
In my early working days, in the subs’ room at a smallish daily newspaper, we all listened to every evening session of the ABC radio news. It was then, as now, the authoritative, trustworthy source.
Even now, in retirement, I listen to or watch on TV, at least four ABC news reports each day. It’s a habit I, and many others, can’t break.
However . . . .
I have to admit, however, that “Auntie ABC” is developing some peculiar faults.
Why, for instance, do they announce the telly "News” and then play one or two promotions for other programs?
Why do they (on TV in particular) invest so much time and artistic talent into producing (beautifully) long promotions (we mustn’t say advertisements) for their own forthcoming programs? They’re “preaching to the converted”, surely?
There must be a few other things they do that could arouse complaint but (unlike a recently disgraced politician) I can’t be bothered looking. I reckon we’re getting value for our ”8 cents - a – day”
Enjoying the trip
Growing older is one of the more challenging, more interesting parts of life, I reckon.
Just taking note of your changing attitudes and abilities makes it worth hanging around into your 70s!
Some people retreat in the face of ageing. They become quieter, more inward looking. They close themselves off more and more from their surroundings.
Then there are the fighters, those who take up jogging in their 50s, or marathon running. They dye greying hair, rub anti-ageing cream into wrinkles, and even, if they can afford it, engage a Personal Trainer.
The "oldies" I admire are ducking and weaving against the effects of the accumulating years. They accept that their mountain-climbing days (or whatever) are over, but they enjoy the memories as they investigate new interests; they join the "Grey Nomads," (adding to their bank of memories), they join a debating club, or a choir, or become gardening fanatics, or study for a university degree.
Me? . . . . . .I've just started another Blog.
Just taking note of your changing attitudes and abilities makes it worth hanging around into your 70s!
Some people retreat in the face of ageing. They become quieter, more inward looking. They close themselves off more and more from their surroundings.
Then there are the fighters, those who take up jogging in their 50s, or marathon running. They dye greying hair, rub anti-ageing cream into wrinkles, and even, if they can afford it, engage a Personal Trainer.
The "oldies" I admire are ducking and weaving against the effects of the accumulating years. They accept that their mountain-climbing days (or whatever) are over, but they enjoy the memories as they investigate new interests; they join the "Grey Nomads," (adding to their bank of memories), they join a debating club, or a choir, or become gardening fanatics, or study for a university degree.
Me? . . . . . .I've just started another Blog.
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