That heading's quite wrong, actually.
I don't dislike the actual elections at all, but I really do hate, detest, despise and begrudge the election lead-up periods, which seem to get longer and more banal every four years, or however long it takes.
The main trouble is that, at our age (and I assume no-0ne under 60 reads this blog) we all know pretty much what's ahead. That's apart from the results, I mean.
We're not surprised by the tricky stuff within Parliament, we expect big arguments to follow small happenings, and we all expect train loads of puffing and panting from the politicians, their propper-uppers and the "expert" commentators.
There is, though, something significantly different in this year's extended march to "the only poll that matters" . . . . We have the contenders seemingly in agreement with most of the major policies and proposals of the current Government!
Finally, I had intended to tell you how many days we had to go before the big vote.
But I didn't know when you were going to read this, so you'll have to work it out yourself.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Antiques eternal!
I live in an infinite world of televised antique shows, and that's all the fault of a fancy new TV recording machine we bought a few months ago.
Great machines these recorders. Ours can store 150 hours of program and, already, there's only about 35 hours left.
The trouble is, you see, that we're (she is) recording more than we have time to watch. I forsee that we'll have to stop watching live TV soon, so we can watch the recordings, so we can record more of the programs we haven't time to watch live - if you see what I mean.
Biggest challenge is a half-hour UK antiques show, broadcast seven evenings each week. I imagine this as a permanent impossible challenge. They're going to keep on showing this program for ever I reckon, and despite our best efforts that line of recorded shows gets longer and longer.
Can we buy a bigger hard drive, or must we buy an extra recorder?
Great machines these recorders. Ours can store 150 hours of program and, already, there's only about 35 hours left.
The trouble is, you see, that we're (she is) recording more than we have time to watch. I forsee that we'll have to stop watching live TV soon, so we can watch the recordings, so we can record more of the programs we haven't time to watch live - if you see what I mean.
Biggest challenge is a half-hour UK antiques show, broadcast seven evenings each week. I imagine this as a permanent impossible challenge. They're going to keep on showing this program for ever I reckon, and despite our best efforts that line of recorded shows gets longer and longer.
Can we buy a bigger hard drive, or must we buy an extra recorder?
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Dreamtime drama
My dreams are becoming more and more impressive as I get further and further away from my youth, and it’s an interesting process.
For about six months in to the round-Oz. tour that marked our third and final retirement my nightly dream (nightmare) was of guilt and panic. I was failing at work, couldn’t finish jobs my father had set me, was worried and panicked when I woke, and always slipped straight back into the same scene immediately after my “comfort break”.
That wasn’t fun, until I was able to convince my inner-self that these were all symptoms of some sense of guilt over my journey from work to holiday lifestyle.
Well, we’re settled now and our only real responsibilities are being friendly to our neighbors, and fulfilling our grandparental duties.
No nightmares now, but plenty of busy adventure dreams. I scale mountains, manage big companies, investigate crimes, enter great lotteries, and generally show great skill in areas where I’ve never had any interest or ability! Interestingly, I never dream about my real working days, former sports, past or present hobbies.
There is, however inevitable anti-climax in all this dream pattern . . . . . My nightly adventure reaches the absolute instant prior to me becoming a hero, and then I wake, and another crisis is avoided.
Isn’t nature wonderful?
For about six months in to the round-Oz. tour that marked our third and final retirement my nightly dream (nightmare) was of guilt and panic. I was failing at work, couldn’t finish jobs my father had set me, was worried and panicked when I woke, and always slipped straight back into the same scene immediately after my “comfort break”.
That wasn’t fun, until I was able to convince my inner-self that these were all symptoms of some sense of guilt over my journey from work to holiday lifestyle.
Well, we’re settled now and our only real responsibilities are being friendly to our neighbors, and fulfilling our grandparental duties.
No nightmares now, but plenty of busy adventure dreams. I scale mountains, manage big companies, investigate crimes, enter great lotteries, and generally show great skill in areas where I’ve never had any interest or ability! Interestingly, I never dream about my real working days, former sports, past or present hobbies.
There is, however inevitable anti-climax in all this dream pattern . . . . . My nightly adventure reaches the absolute instant prior to me becoming a hero, and then I wake, and another crisis is avoided.
Isn’t nature wonderful?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Shoot the messengers?
I sometimes wonder if we'd be better off if there was no such thing as national or international news. I'd have been tempted to include "local news" if I hadn't spent most of my working life in a country newspaper.
Would we all be better off, I wonder, if we didn't know about kidnaps in Portugal, tribal and religous warfare in Africa and even rapes and road deaths in our own community?
I had a friend who thought this way, about 20 years ago. He, with as much fanfare as he could afford, launched a "good news" newspaper. It lasted two or three issues, attracted very, very few advertisements and had to be given away.
The truth is, of course, that we can't stop bad news spreading, any more than we have been able to stop bad things happening!
There's been tragedy and suffering since the World began, and if more of us read and hear about more of it, these days, then that's surely because there are so many more of us around the place than a century or so ago. On the same theory, we must believe that there's much more charity, compassion and justice happening because of population growth.
It's comforting, at bad-news times, to remember that "good" news doesn't score well with big headlines.
There's no point in "shooting the messengers" though. They're giving us (more or less) what we want.
Would we all be better off, I wonder, if we didn't know about kidnaps in Portugal, tribal and religous warfare in Africa and even rapes and road deaths in our own community?
I had a friend who thought this way, about 20 years ago. He, with as much fanfare as he could afford, launched a "good news" newspaper. It lasted two or three issues, attracted very, very few advertisements and had to be given away.
The truth is, of course, that we can't stop bad news spreading, any more than we have been able to stop bad things happening!
There's been tragedy and suffering since the World began, and if more of us read and hear about more of it, these days, then that's surely because there are so many more of us around the place than a century or so ago. On the same theory, we must believe that there's much more charity, compassion and justice happening because of population growth.
It's comforting, at bad-news times, to remember that "good" news doesn't score well with big headlines.
There's no point in "shooting the messengers" though. They're giving us (more or less) what we want.
Milkers' dream
A decent bit of rain turns dusty yellow/brown into lovely green really fast.
This hillside, up north from Adelaide, is a new bit of heaven for one returning resident and calf.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Golden Autumn
We're having a wonderful Autumn around where I live.
We've had one deliriously wet week of rain for a start, plus a few healthy showers since, and it has been marvellous to hear hear people talking about something other than "the drought."
Quite apart from the rain (more of which we need within a few week, please, Hughie) the winds have become more gentle, and the sun more friendly. The nights, coming so much much earlier, have the chill that invites more blankets and closer cuddling (where applicable, of course).
Autumn's the time for leaves, from red to golden in a hundred shades. It's the time for touring in whatever hills are available, to inspect the color show from trees that, soon, are bare and awaiting Spring.
Drought's gone at our place, for now, and so are the buckets of water saved from shower and washing to pour on our garden. With that task put aside, though, there is no rest for our community's keen gardeners. Bags and bags of fertilisers, mulch, planting soil, plus sundry chemicals, build up in sheds and cul de sacs. New plants and seedlings come almost in procession, every day.
All this time I'm sure I sense a chorus from all of the garden shops - "Thank you, God, for Autumn", I hear them cry!
We've had one deliriously wet week of rain for a start, plus a few healthy showers since, and it has been marvellous to hear hear people talking about something other than "the drought."
Quite apart from the rain (more of which we need within a few week, please, Hughie) the winds have become more gentle, and the sun more friendly. The nights, coming so much much earlier, have the chill that invites more blankets and closer cuddling (where applicable, of course).
Autumn's the time for leaves, from red to golden in a hundred shades. It's the time for touring in whatever hills are available, to inspect the color show from trees that, soon, are bare and awaiting Spring.
Drought's gone at our place, for now, and so are the buckets of water saved from shower and washing to pour on our garden. With that task put aside, though, there is no rest for our community's keen gardeners. Bags and bags of fertilisers, mulch, planting soil, plus sundry chemicals, build up in sheds and cul de sacs. New plants and seedlings come almost in procession, every day.
All this time I'm sure I sense a chorus from all of the garden shops - "Thank you, God, for Autumn", I hear them cry!
It's on again
It must be very frustrating being in opposition at budget time during election year. I certainly can’t help feeling more than a little sorry for Messrs Rudd and Co. after the Federal Treasurer’s recent presentation.
There are, no doubt, anomalies and failings in Mr Costello’s budget, but there are enough “sweeties” included to have made a very good impression.
But there’s plenty of time yet before we all go to vote. There’s plenty of time left for campaigning, and many, many babies yet to be kissed along the trail.
I do hope there’s plenty of entertainment along the way, too. After all, the election and the electioneering are costing us all quite a lot. I’ve often wondered, bearing in mind the number of committed party supporters, just how much is spent per “swinger”.
You and I might well dread the coming onslaught of brochures, and the adverts and interviews on telly, radio and in the newspapers. We might even get a little tired of the barrage of Press commentaries and opinions, and discussion of the weekly polls. But we should remember that there’s a great army happily financing new homes and cars from in writing, designing and presenting the stuff!
Still, it’s going to be nice and peaceful after the voting’s done.
There are, no doubt, anomalies and failings in Mr Costello’s budget, but there are enough “sweeties” included to have made a very good impression.
But there’s plenty of time yet before we all go to vote. There’s plenty of time left for campaigning, and many, many babies yet to be kissed along the trail.
I do hope there’s plenty of entertainment along the way, too. After all, the election and the electioneering are costing us all quite a lot. I’ve often wondered, bearing in mind the number of committed party supporters, just how much is spent per “swinger”.
You and I might well dread the coming onslaught of brochures, and the adverts and interviews on telly, radio and in the newspapers. We might even get a little tired of the barrage of Press commentaries and opinions, and discussion of the weekly polls. But we should remember that there’s a great army happily financing new homes and cars from in writing, designing and presenting the stuff!
Still, it’s going to be nice and peaceful after the voting’s done.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Solving the problem
The designers of the clever software that drives this blog gave me a solution which, at first thought, might have solved the problem I'm discussing (see next item which was written and published earlier).
Right at the beginning of things I could have specified that subsequent articles in this publication appeared directly under the one before - a simple answer, you'd have thought. This particular train of thought would have been an easier read, at least. But think about it - you'd be going half Chinese, still reading left to right, but steadily working your way up the page!
You now know why these contributions of mine to your store of wisdom are generally rather concise.
It's all a matter of making things easier for you, and nothing to do with the fact that I can't think backwards!
Right at the beginning of things I could have specified that subsequent articles in this publication appeared directly under the one before - a simple answer, you'd have thought. This particular train of thought would have been an easier read, at least. But think about it - you'd be going half Chinese, still reading left to right, but steadily working your way up the page!
You now know why these contributions of mine to your store of wisdom are generally rather concise.
It's all a matter of making things easier for you, and nothing to do with the fact that I can't think backwards!
(My apologies to the Google people for making fun from their very, very clever program)
Looking forward, backward
All my friends know I'm very much a forward-thinking sort of bloke. They all know I like looking ahead with confidence, anticipating rapid solutions to problems, and expecting lottery wins (4 tickets in a new car, drawn next week).
It's all mostly a matter of determination and optimism. "Start at the beginning, go right through the middle, and stop when you get to the end" is the basic plan for most projects, but that's a bit of a problem with blogs.
Blogs proceed both forward and backwards, you see. It's a matter of having two opposite solutions for a problem that flips over, but doesn't go away. Now, don't you go away, because it's all very easy to explain - I think.
You'll have noted that this posting was at the top of the page when it was new, but will move steadily down as I gain more inspiration. Now that's all very traditional for you readers and, under normal circumstances, causes me no problems either.
But, what happens when I want to set out a continuing series, like when I finish one item and after publishing it, publish a follow-up?
You're right! The addendum appears on top of the original sample of literary genius and that makes nonsense of logical progression.
"What next?" you must be asking.
NB: There are no points for working out where to look.
It's all mostly a matter of determination and optimism. "Start at the beginning, go right through the middle, and stop when you get to the end" is the basic plan for most projects, but that's a bit of a problem with blogs.
Blogs proceed both forward and backwards, you see. It's a matter of having two opposite solutions for a problem that flips over, but doesn't go away. Now, don't you go away, because it's all very easy to explain - I think.
You'll have noted that this posting was at the top of the page when it was new, but will move steadily down as I gain more inspiration. Now that's all very traditional for you readers and, under normal circumstances, causes me no problems either.
But, what happens when I want to set out a continuing series, like when I finish one item and after publishing it, publish a follow-up?
You're right! The addendum appears on top of the original sample of literary genius and that makes nonsense of logical progression.
"What next?" you must be asking.
NB: There are no points for working out where to look.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Mixed blessings
Tiny tots can be a mixed blessing for elderly grandparents at this time of the year. Just one of the little darlings with a solitary sniffle can put a brace of oldies out of commission for a week or so, as we’ve all known, for ages.
It’s nice to know where your next dose of the common cold is lurking, but we all know that avoiding that “wog” is very near impossible
How can we refuse baby-sitting duties when busy mums need to go out? How can we visit, even for a few minutes without a quick hug or two, at least?
The fact is that we really should try and resist the charms of sniffley littlies, because what makes them miserable is a lot worse for most of us. I write this with conviction and sadness, being at this time deep in the dreaded cycle of coughs, sweats, headaches and sodden handkerchiefs – all just a few days after the last grand parental visit.
There’s not much comfort, of course, in remembering that ignoring “the wog” until it hits us has been the habit of almost all of us for a lifetime. We’ve all been guilty, many times, of “soldiering on” when suffering, and thus spreading discomfort though our workmates and sporting teams.
Prevention might well be better than cure, but the theory seems seldom proved in my experience.
Better for us and others, then, that we submit, and stay home when we’re caught. Hot lemon drinks, lots of hot tea, rest and sympathy help a bit, and there are those who claim that the occasional tot of brandy is good for the morale.
More important still, for those of us who are no longer in the first flush of youth, is to make sure we’ve all had our ‘flu injection!
It’s nice to know where your next dose of the common cold is lurking, but we all know that avoiding that “wog” is very near impossible
How can we refuse baby-sitting duties when busy mums need to go out? How can we visit, even for a few minutes without a quick hug or two, at least?
The fact is that we really should try and resist the charms of sniffley littlies, because what makes them miserable is a lot worse for most of us. I write this with conviction and sadness, being at this time deep in the dreaded cycle of coughs, sweats, headaches and sodden handkerchiefs – all just a few days after the last grand parental visit.
There’s not much comfort, of course, in remembering that ignoring “the wog” until it hits us has been the habit of almost all of us for a lifetime. We’ve all been guilty, many times, of “soldiering on” when suffering, and thus spreading discomfort though our workmates and sporting teams.
Prevention might well be better than cure, but the theory seems seldom proved in my experience.
Better for us and others, then, that we submit, and stay home when we’re caught. Hot lemon drinks, lots of hot tea, rest and sympathy help a bit, and there are those who claim that the occasional tot of brandy is good for the morale.
More important still, for those of us who are no longer in the first flush of youth, is to make sure we’ve all had our ‘flu injection!
Friday, May 4, 2007
The mini music box mystery
Why do people buy iPODS? Why do so many people spend several hundred dollars on a tiny box that is designed, simply, to encourage you to spend lots more money?
It's not that I'm against clever little gadgets, mind you. I love clever gadgets large and small, to the extent that our house has so many gadgets that an iPOD is just about the only gadget we don't have.
I can see the benefit of downloading music from the internet. If I could be bothered I'd do it on my PC and listen to it there, or "burn" a disc.
I don't want to work, or walk down the street with little plugs in ears (my heading aids actually make that impossible), and so I'm happy with the home radio and car radio I already own.
In truth, I'm sorry for people who buy these mini music players. Not only do they have to buy or otherwise download music, but they have to keep spending.
This particular burst of passion was inspired by a department store brochure inserted in this mornings paper. They were offering as Mum's day gifts, iPODs at up to $380, plus nearly two pages of iPOD accessories. F'rinstance: Four kinds of iPOD docks (to add decent speakers and things like clocks and radios), power packs so you can plug your pod in, pod-holding arm bands for joggers, hi-fi earphones to replace the standard issue, plus a number of items whose purpose I couldn't understand.
Message to my family : My birthday's coming up, I know - Chocolate would be nice.
It's not that I'm against clever little gadgets, mind you. I love clever gadgets large and small, to the extent that our house has so many gadgets that an iPOD is just about the only gadget we don't have.
I can see the benefit of downloading music from the internet. If I could be bothered I'd do it on my PC and listen to it there, or "burn" a disc.
I don't want to work, or walk down the street with little plugs in ears (my heading aids actually make that impossible), and so I'm happy with the home radio and car radio I already own.
In truth, I'm sorry for people who buy these mini music players. Not only do they have to buy or otherwise download music, but they have to keep spending.
This particular burst of passion was inspired by a department store brochure inserted in this mornings paper. They were offering as Mum's day gifts, iPODs at up to $380, plus nearly two pages of iPOD accessories. F'rinstance: Four kinds of iPOD docks (to add decent speakers and things like clocks and radios), power packs so you can plug your pod in, pod-holding arm bands for joggers, hi-fi earphones to replace the standard issue, plus a number of items whose purpose I couldn't understand.
Message to my family : My birthday's coming up, I know - Chocolate would be nice.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
No more books?
Books are doomed, so they say. I read that on the Internet this morning, so it must be right!
No, it's not that totally drastic - the people concerned say we'll still have the actual "stories", the verse, the histories and the great prose, but we won't have any need for the actual "book" because all the words (and the pictures, I presume) are going to be on the Internet!
The Google company, expanding like an exploding star, wants to put all of the World's books on the net, and they're competing with another big concern for the right to do it, so we're told.
It's certainly bold thinking from Google - No need for libraries any more,no book shops, no school books (the youngsters can read on their PC - if they can break from their computer game).
I suppose we'll have to have a couple of PCs in the lounge, a couple in the bedroom, perhaps one in the "smallest room", so we can read without unnecessary interruption.
What a lot of "twaddle" that idea is.
Years and years ago, when computers were first introduced into business, "experts" told us we were heading toward the "Paperless Office". A world without books is just as likely.
I can't imagine any satisfaction from reading novels on my PC screen (complete with Google adverts down the sides) and, to be fair, I don't expect the brilliant Google people expect that to be the future rule, entirely.
But it's a horrible thought!
No, it's not that totally drastic - the people concerned say we'll still have the actual "stories", the verse, the histories and the great prose, but we won't have any need for the actual "book" because all the words (and the pictures, I presume) are going to be on the Internet!
The Google company, expanding like an exploding star, wants to put all of the World's books on the net, and they're competing with another big concern for the right to do it, so we're told.
It's certainly bold thinking from Google - No need for libraries any more,no book shops, no school books (the youngsters can read on their PC - if they can break from their computer game).
I suppose we'll have to have a couple of PCs in the lounge, a couple in the bedroom, perhaps one in the "smallest room", so we can read without unnecessary interruption.
What a lot of "twaddle" that idea is.
Years and years ago, when computers were first introduced into business, "experts" told us we were heading toward the "Paperless Office". A world without books is just as likely.
I can't imagine any satisfaction from reading novels on my PC screen (complete with Google adverts down the sides) and, to be fair, I don't expect the brilliant Google people expect that to be the future rule, entirely.
But it's a horrible thought!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
What then?
How would you feel if you woke to the realisation that there was nothing - not a single thing - more that you wanted?
Whatever your dreams, your enthusiasms, you discover your every wish has been granted. global warming has stopped, peace reigns world-wide, all whales and trees have been saved,
You have the lot - good health, nice house, life partner of your dreams, loving, healthy family, good friends, financial security, nice car, great garden, flat screen telly, hi-fi, new mobile telephone, new PC running "Vista", even a guarantee of happy eternity in the hereafter.
And so, if all that were to come about, what would you do with the rest of your life?
Whatever your dreams, your enthusiasms, you discover your every wish has been granted. global warming has stopped, peace reigns world-wide, all whales and trees have been saved,
You have the lot - good health, nice house, life partner of your dreams, loving, healthy family, good friends, financial security, nice car, great garden, flat screen telly, hi-fi, new mobile telephone, new PC running "Vista", even a guarantee of happy eternity in the hereafter.
And so, if all that were to come about, what would you do with the rest of your life?
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