Wow. This evening I recalled that I started this blog a few years ago and it has taken me an hour to recover it from the bowels of the internet. A lot has happened in the last three years and I wished I had written down some of the funny anecdotes, stories, tough times and reflections during that time.
One of my good friends rang me last year and wished me happy birthday - I replied with the first thing that came to mind - 'thanks, I just realised that I am closer to death that to being born' which was only an objective assessment of where I am in the timeline of life. My friend who is normally very level headed took this to be a negative comment and was quick to console me. I was ok and thought that I may have spooked him so revised my realisation to - 'I am closer to retirement than the start of my career'.
The truth is I do feel that I am closer to death due to the fact that the average age of an Australian male is 80.5 years which is the the third highest in the world (only behind Iceland (??) and Switzerland). Aussie girls make it to 84.5. My Dad who turns 84 this year is aiming to beat the family record of 89.
My spin on this is that it is now more important than ever to stop and smell the roses and take stock of yourself, the people most important to you and the people that rely on you. I am also reflecting in what little thing that I have done and/or will do that will make the world just slightly better than when I graduated from University and became a tax paying, law abiding, god fearing (not really - that is another blog topic I think!) adult Aussie bloke. I think these realisations are part of me trying to define what contentment means to me. I am fairly certain that contentment is not a new car, overseas holiday or some other personal gratification - although these things are nice I know deep down that they will not provide me with the satisfaction of a life well lived.
I am really thirsty for a focus in this area of my life and believe that the next few years will be a journey into what form this takes and how I go about doing it. Coaching and/or teaching kids, helping under privileged people or even a new business that leaves a legacy for future generations - a wide spread, but all thoughts that I plan to pursue over the coming months. My small steps start 2015 and I look forward to looking back on this blog with pride (and contentment!).
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
David versus Goliath
David versus Goliath
After the resolutions of the New Year, we all seem to be rushed into the routine of work and rest. My aspirations of a more social existence with the people I am most closest to (apart from the missus and kids) have fallen away for the first three months of 2012. I was most gladened by the initative shown by one of the brethren (equally under the pump and stressed out) to take up the call to make leave for the 'card night' ritual at the factory in Blacknburn. Nothing like a diversion and something to look forward to with good friends.
The night started well - the eight of us chatted like chooks in the hutch, as if we have not seen ourselves for years and thoroughly being at ease. Thats what good friends are for - to fall back to basics with people that know the core of who you are and to be totally comfortable with. I am blessed to have a core of good mates and again I think to myslef that 'we do not do this enough'.
Then the cards and gambling begin.
It is all jovial, however we are all from the same background and money, however small, is relative to the context of competition. We all hate to lose especially to the perenial winner - lets call him 'Goliath' for the sake of anonyminity. He always wins. This is not luck - you can't always be lucky for 25 years. He is a good player, mature beyond his years, careful with his bets and always probing for a weakness in his opponents. Our standing joke is to handover the money at the start of the night to 'Goliath' to save ourselves 4 or 5 hours.
However tonight, 'Goliath' was met by 'David' the risk taker and on the side of the battlers. After a good run at poker, 'David' took on the bank for '21' which was akin to the biblical story of standing up against the odds. Normally this should have ended in a crushing win for Goliath, but occasionally divine intervention (like the day in the red sea over 2000 years ago), God decided that David would have his day in the sun and Goliath was to fall on the battelfield (ie., the card table).
So a history amongst our friends will recall the 'night of the 4 of spades' which dealt the fatal blow to Goliath and recorded the biggest winning hand played amongst us. Why? Only God knows as I should have lost that hand on balance!!
God works in mysterious ways - I know I will pay this small fortune back in time which I will most gladly do.
The Theory of Natural Selecion
'I'd be an Indian here, and live content
To fish and hunt, and paddle my canoe,
And see my children grow, like wild young fawns,
In health and body and peace of mind,
Rich without wealth, and happy without gold'
Alfred Russell Wallace circa 1852
I just recentely had the opportunity to sit for 4 days and read a book cover to cover. First time in a long time I have done that and I really enjoyed it. This was partly due to surgery I just had that neccistated me to sit down - gravity was definetly not my friend for my poor manhood.
The book I read was titled 'Darwin's Armada' by Iain McCalman. I bought it a while ago and it has been sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. If you are into non-fiction adventure, discovery, extreme human endevour and commitment well thisbook comes highy recommended.
The Theory of Natural selection sometimes known as 'Survival of the Fittest' is commonly credited to Charles Darwin via his book titled 'The Origin of Speices' published in 1860. The most ground breaking, controversial and brilliant piece of scientific work in modern times it broke open the world of science to the common people and challeged the church head on via the previously held beliefs of 'creationism'. Today it does not appear to be a big deal, but it was a really big deal in 1860!
The theory was based (amongst a whole lot of other things) on Darwins voyage to the Southern hemisphere between 1831 to 1836 on the 'Beagle' which included a stay on the Galapos Islands off the coast of Chile, which most people would identify as the 'birth' of his theory of evolution. But it is much more complex than that as the book descibed in some detail. Essentially, Darwin was supported by a number of other scientists that travelled to the Southern Hemisphere between the 1840's to 1860's. This area of the world at that time was largely un touched and unexplored. The commitment to reseach, science and thought by these individuals was really incredibe. I was left in awe of Huxley, Hooker and probably most of all Wallace. These blokes were hard core.
This made my ponder '...who in our society is showing the same sought of commitment for essentially not for profit but human advancement in understanding?'. I would not have a clue. Our world is now dominated by celebrity, entertainment and profit that the normal man in the street would not have a clue who is really making an impact in areas of science, human advancement or charity. I certainly do not! There must be people hard core and committed as these guys for the most noble of causes. But I suppose it is boring and does not make the mainstream news which is a shame.
However just as our 1860 counterparts, if you really want to be at the forefront of thinking you need to get involved. The ease of todays communication and connectivity are only as good as the effort individuals put in - nothing comes to you on a plate! So there probably is someone working on the most exciting piece of theory at the moment - unless you look for it, you will never know!
To fish and hunt, and paddle my canoe,
And see my children grow, like wild young fawns,
In health and body and peace of mind,
Rich without wealth, and happy without gold'
Alfred Russell Wallace circa 1852
I just recentely had the opportunity to sit for 4 days and read a book cover to cover. First time in a long time I have done that and I really enjoyed it. This was partly due to surgery I just had that neccistated me to sit down - gravity was definetly not my friend for my poor manhood.
The book I read was titled 'Darwin's Armada' by Iain McCalman. I bought it a while ago and it has been sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. If you are into non-fiction adventure, discovery, extreme human endevour and commitment well thisbook comes highy recommended.
The Theory of Natural selection sometimes known as 'Survival of the Fittest' is commonly credited to Charles Darwin via his book titled 'The Origin of Speices' published in 1860. The most ground breaking, controversial and brilliant piece of scientific work in modern times it broke open the world of science to the common people and challeged the church head on via the previously held beliefs of 'creationism'. Today it does not appear to be a big deal, but it was a really big deal in 1860!
The theory was based (amongst a whole lot of other things) on Darwins voyage to the Southern hemisphere between 1831 to 1836 on the 'Beagle' which included a stay on the Galapos Islands off the coast of Chile, which most people would identify as the 'birth' of his theory of evolution. But it is much more complex than that as the book descibed in some detail. Essentially, Darwin was supported by a number of other scientists that travelled to the Southern Hemisphere between the 1840's to 1860's. This area of the world at that time was largely un touched and unexplored. The commitment to reseach, science and thought by these individuals was really incredibe. I was left in awe of Huxley, Hooker and probably most of all Wallace. These blokes were hard core.
This made my ponder '...who in our society is showing the same sought of commitment for essentially not for profit but human advancement in understanding?'. I would not have a clue. Our world is now dominated by celebrity, entertainment and profit that the normal man in the street would not have a clue who is really making an impact in areas of science, human advancement or charity. I certainly do not! There must be people hard core and committed as these guys for the most noble of causes. But I suppose it is boring and does not make the mainstream news which is a shame.
However just as our 1860 counterparts, if you really want to be at the forefront of thinking you need to get involved. The ease of todays communication and connectivity are only as good as the effort individuals put in - nothing comes to you on a plate! So there probably is someone working on the most exciting piece of theory at the moment - unless you look for it, you will never know!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Cattle versus People
Watched Four corners Tuesday night. They covered the national shame of mandatory detention and how this is a complete failure in every measure. The worst part of it was the physcological damage to detainees and how they are then released into society (either here or if they are returned).
It just occured to me that the last 'big story' 4 corners presented was the live cattle export trade. This issue forced the government to make a knee jerk policy decision that cost us and businesses millions of dollars. We kill and eat meat like crazy, however we react to they way they are butchered more than humans in detention. I would cut the thoat of a cow for a good T bone over torturing another human.
It just occured to me that the last 'big story' 4 corners presented was the live cattle export trade. This issue forced the government to make a knee jerk policy decision that cost us and businesses millions of dollars. We kill and eat meat like crazy, however we react to they way they are butchered more than humans in detention. I would cut the thoat of a cow for a good T bone over torturing another human.
Counselling as a business opportunity
"There is nothing harder than the softness of indifference" Juan Montalvo
As an Australian, I am generally apathetic when it comes to politics. We are the lucky country and when your community is safe, your friends and family have opportunity and you are healthy then life cruises by with the 6 to 10 year change in political colour. However I find politics increasingly getting my attention as I am getting older. Now what started as a general blog on 'thoughts' is becoming a political expression for me. This has started to really raise prominence after I read 'Side Show' by Lindsay Tanner. If you want to get depressed with the state of politics in this country, this is a great read!
The groan this week was the Opposition Leaders remarks regarding the proposed poker machine reforms at a Sydney Leagues club. The issue, he said, is not about regulating to protect problem gamblers but to put more effort (ie., money) into counselling. Are we that stupid?
The PM and her party has not covered themselves with glory when it comes to policy and reforms - the focus group, knee jerk reaction has cost us millions of dollars in poor decision making (ie., home insulation, live beef exports etc). However this statement by Abbot is truly dumb. One Independent Senator said "...it is like rescinding speed limits but give people more money for funerals".
I am not an advocate for a 'nanny state'. I believe people should have their freedoms, be able to make choices and be responsible for their actions. I would like to be able to overtake a truck on the freeway at 105 kph and not get booked for making this judgement. I don't care if someone chooses to have a smoke in a pub. I am ok if someone decides to go swimming at a beach with a white pointer on the prowl. But I do care when someone profits from an others frailties. The poker machine industry is not about entertainment - it is about money and the statistics indicate that $5 billion from the $13 billion annual turnover comes from problem gamblers. What is the cost to the community even after the pokies 'reinvest into the community'. I just find it abhorrent.
If the clubs are relying on pokies profits to the extent argued by the lobbyists then their business model is wrong. And by the way, James Packers comments on this issue would make his old man turn in his grave at his choice of tactics - he is seriously conflicted and has no credibility. Its like me saying that the AFL should get rid of the salary cap such that the 'Pies (and maybe one or two others!) would win every premiership for the next 100 years. Hardly fair, but who gives a shit.
It is now a measure of how mature the electorate is on this issue. It could be the 'Children overboard' issue that split the electorate and got Howard back, however I doubt it. The majority of us are apathetic and unless there are problem gambler voters, then apathy will win the day.
As an Australian, I am generally apathetic when it comes to politics. We are the lucky country and when your community is safe, your friends and family have opportunity and you are healthy then life cruises by with the 6 to 10 year change in political colour. However I find politics increasingly getting my attention as I am getting older. Now what started as a general blog on 'thoughts' is becoming a political expression for me. This has started to really raise prominence after I read 'Side Show' by Lindsay Tanner. If you want to get depressed with the state of politics in this country, this is a great read!
The groan this week was the Opposition Leaders remarks regarding the proposed poker machine reforms at a Sydney Leagues club. The issue, he said, is not about regulating to protect problem gamblers but to put more effort (ie., money) into counselling. Are we that stupid?
The PM and her party has not covered themselves with glory when it comes to policy and reforms - the focus group, knee jerk reaction has cost us millions of dollars in poor decision making (ie., home insulation, live beef exports etc). However this statement by Abbot is truly dumb. One Independent Senator said "...it is like rescinding speed limits but give people more money for funerals".
I am not an advocate for a 'nanny state'. I believe people should have their freedoms, be able to make choices and be responsible for their actions. I would like to be able to overtake a truck on the freeway at 105 kph and not get booked for making this judgement. I don't care if someone chooses to have a smoke in a pub. I am ok if someone decides to go swimming at a beach with a white pointer on the prowl. But I do care when someone profits from an others frailties. The poker machine industry is not about entertainment - it is about money and the statistics indicate that $5 billion from the $13 billion annual turnover comes from problem gamblers. What is the cost to the community even after the pokies 'reinvest into the community'. I just find it abhorrent.
If the clubs are relying on pokies profits to the extent argued by the lobbyists then their business model is wrong. And by the way, James Packers comments on this issue would make his old man turn in his grave at his choice of tactics - he is seriously conflicted and has no credibility. Its like me saying that the AFL should get rid of the salary cap such that the 'Pies (and maybe one or two others!) would win every premiership for the next 100 years. Hardly fair, but who gives a shit.
It is now a measure of how mature the electorate is on this issue. It could be the 'Children overboard' issue that split the electorate and got Howard back, however I doubt it. The majority of us are apathetic and unless there are problem gambler voters, then apathy will win the day.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
When will Bull shitting by illegal?
'...a lie travels half way around the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on' Winston Churchhill
A couple of incidences in the news caught my attention during the past few weeks around the issue of lying. There are many incidences of politicians or personalties being proved wrong however I dont think the punishment fits the crime of lying.
Case No.1 - Andrew Bolt. Blatantly lied about the heritage of some indigenous people in his newspaper column. Was taken to court, lost the case, failed to apologise and I undertsand that his punishment is to write a revised article in the newspaper about the subject. His claim is that the judgement was indictment against free speech. I believe it is indictment of the legal system letting off a bull shit artist.
Case No.2 - Julia Gillard vs Tony Abbot. What ever your opinion about the carbon tax (I am a supporter), the way it has come to being is nothing to be proud of. Full of bullshit. Gillards 'there will never be a Carbon Tax in a parliment I lead' is just as good as Abbots 'if elected, we shall repeal this legislation in the parliment I lead'. To top it off Wayne Swan stating that the Carbon Tax policy is 'labour to the bootstraps' is just contradictory! The greens and the independents made this happen, the major parties lost an opportunity to lead and I believe Rudd lost his chance to be an icon buy listening to the bullshit his advisors were giving at not having the balls to call an election in early 2010 to resolve the issue.
There are a number of other examples, but I have forgotten. I shall update and finish this off later.
A couple of incidences in the news caught my attention during the past few weeks around the issue of lying. There are many incidences of politicians or personalties being proved wrong however I dont think the punishment fits the crime of lying.
Case No.1 - Andrew Bolt. Blatantly lied about the heritage of some indigenous people in his newspaper column. Was taken to court, lost the case, failed to apologise and I undertsand that his punishment is to write a revised article in the newspaper about the subject. His claim is that the judgement was indictment against free speech. I believe it is indictment of the legal system letting off a bull shit artist.
Case No.2 - Julia Gillard vs Tony Abbot. What ever your opinion about the carbon tax (I am a supporter), the way it has come to being is nothing to be proud of. Full of bullshit. Gillards 'there will never be a Carbon Tax in a parliment I lead' is just as good as Abbots 'if elected, we shall repeal this legislation in the parliment I lead'. To top it off Wayne Swan stating that the Carbon Tax policy is 'labour to the bootstraps' is just contradictory! The greens and the independents made this happen, the major parties lost an opportunity to lead and I believe Rudd lost his chance to be an icon buy listening to the bullshit his advisors were giving at not having the balls to call an election in early 2010 to resolve the issue.
There are a number of other examples, but I have forgotten. I shall update and finish this off later.
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