a sacking offence

This really needs to be fact-checked but: I seem to remember a rather old photo in The West showing Ms Spasojevic posing with a group of politicians. She is the attractive young blonde woman brightening a photo of boring male politicians.

After many years of hard work, Ms Spasojevic is now an older woman.

Surely getting older is reason enough to sack any woman.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters." ... Boris Johnson

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Not intended for Publication

Hello Letters Editor & Crew,

Thank you! for your efforts selecting the brilliant letters (mine) and rejecting the rubbish (also mine :-)

In particular: Thank you for finding the Mad excerpt to go with my letter about the movie/musical Grease (20 Nov).

It made sense of my letter. It also reassured me that my memory was close enough to accurate!

... Nick

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

slut-faming

The Arts Minister says that the musical Grease reflected the different attitudes of the 1950s and 1970s.

When the movie was released -- in the 1970s -- it was satirised in Mad Magazine. The magazine was able to identify the key message: To catch a boy a girl needs to dress like a slut.

The message is wrapped in cheerful song-and-dance numbers to hide the insult to women.

Come the 2020s and attitudes have not changed. There are still some people who can see past the colourful bubble-gum wrapping to the show's demeaning attitude to women's role in society.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

e-West not the best

There has been some discussion of the "e" version of The West. I decided that I should give it a go. Move with the times.

I gave e-news several weeks' evaluation. Putting both "e" and paper versions through their paces as a daily paper... Unfortunately the e-paper has failed.

It just frightens the budgie.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Question authority. Don't expect to like the answer." ... per Ginger Meggs

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Friends and maaaates

We can all understand that Government Ministers are not Ministers 24/7.

Can the Premier now tell us at what times Ministers are "off duty". That will allow us to deliver our gifts out-of-hours. When the gifts will not need to be declared as bribes.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Question authority. Don't expect to like the answer." ... per Ginger Meggs

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Ours are bigger

Too many people are confused by the spelling of AUKUS.

Listen to the pronunciation. It's orchis, from the Greek.

What we're saying  is, Look out World: we have big orchis Down Under.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Question authority. Don't expect to like the answer." ... per Ginger Meggs

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Who is that fellow?

Biden is introduced to ScoMo. Or is that Scotty from Marketing?

Our forgettable PM hides behind several names.

Biden at least used a polite option.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===


As Conan says: What does not kill you
does not kill you

if only

I've been reading a science fiction book. It describes worlds run by politicians who are capable, honest and dedicated to improving their worlds.

The book is not really SF. It is ridiculously unbelievable fantasy.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===


As Conan says: What does not kill you
does not kill you

In response to the AUKUS treaty, China threatens Australia.

"There used to be no grudges between China and Australia."

Wow. Imagine how much more nasty they will be now, with an actual perceived grudge.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===


As Conan says: What does not kill you
does not kill you

Death doesn't bargain / Kerrilyn Kenyon

Death doesn't bargain

(Deadman's Cross #2)

by Kerrilyn Kenyon

fantasy, romance

copyright 2018

read a bit in September 2021

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

It's one of those books which is really a second chapter...

No explanation of what went before. No introduction to the characters. Straight into the action... killing demons, apparently.

The main characters seem to have good intentions. They fight to protect Earth from demons -- and to save the souls of friends (friends I've never read about before) from a very literal Hell.

I didn't read much of the book. There are too many unknowns to really enjoy the reading.

But from the little that I did read... it seems to be readable. Violent but enjoyable.

The cover is honest enough to inform us that the book is set in the "Dark-Hunter world".

Read other Dark-Hunter books, read this series' #1... If you then want to read this book... then I suspect that it will be very enjoyable. A standard entry in a continuing series... but not to be read as a standalone.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Question authority. Don't expect to like the answer." ... per Ginger Meggs

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Keep an eye on those balls

Congratulations to the WA premier for getting the AFL grand final to WA. He will have won a heap of footy fan votes for himself.

Now he needs to insist on the full pre-game parade of all players through the city centre.

If we are not closely watching the players, they will be at pubs, clubs and parties. And then bang! the hard border covid bubble is a waste of time.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Question authority. Don't expect to like the answer." ... per Ginger Meggs

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

premier shows true colours

we all love our wa premier, for his tough stance on border protection.

i have had my first covid immunisation.

now the premier has decided that money and votes are more important than our health. football money and votes, that is.

perhaps i won't bother with my second covid jab. all of a sudden it all seems to be rather pointless.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

One, be a good person; two, have fun; three, be happy; four, show respect and be respected; and then number five was, if you can play tennis after that, it's an added bonus."... Ash Barty's first coach
   

painful similarities

For years we have laughed at the idea that US politics is controlled by a small clique of powerbrokers.

Now The West has revealed that a similar clique rules WA Liberal politics.

All we need to complete the comparison is to know that each and every member of "The Clan" is a rich and influential paedophile.

Now should we stop laughing?

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Question authority. Don't expect to like the answer." ... per Ginger Meggs

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

You Want corona-fries with that?

50,000 people are willing to travel and queue to get into the Perth stadium. Where they will spend hours sitting or standing or queuing for food or toilets. And occasionally cheering or booing at the game of football.

The government could rent a few of the "concession stands" -- and offer coronavirus immunisation. Choose your preferred brand, from a menu of two. Pre-order with your combined travel and game entry tickets.

If it turns out that the game is a super-spreader event, at least all the close contacts will have been immunised.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

One joy scatters a hundred griefs" ... Chinese proverb

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Goodbye common sense

What a clever government we have.

They have thrown money at people who may want to build a house. They have also simplified the approvals process for major developments. That is, made it easier to build massive new buildings. Of course the end result of all this is that builders and tradies are too busy inflating their prices to... actually build. So no houses are being built.

Now the government is paying travel agents. The payments will go to tourists (ha ha) as an encouragement for the tourists to see a lot more of our state. These would be the tourists who are... not coming to our state because our government likes to close our borders.

Other than covid-infected tourists... what resource is so scarce that it limits both development and our lifestyle? Water, of course.

So our government is pushing hard to develop "a hydrogen economy" What a pity that a hydrogen economy requires unlimited supplies of... you guessed it... water.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

One joy scatters a hundred griefs" ... Chinese proverb

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

A sweet profit

Here's an interesting business idea:

I received a letter saying that it was time to renew my business name. Yes, renewal was almost due.

The letter was from a business called Registry. Cost for three years, $199.

A couple of weeks later I get a similar reminder from ASIC, the government agency which manages business name registration. I paid ASIC... their fee: $88.

If I'd been an unthinking accounts clerk I could have paid Registry. I'm sure they would have renewed the name registration for me. At a quick profit to them of $ (199-88)... Sweeeeet !

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

One joy scatters a hundred griefs" ... Chinese proverb

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Enemies in the East

Gemma Tognini wonders (8 Jul) what has happened to our long-ago sense of Australian national unity.

A former WA Premier decided that public hatred of other states would gain him extra GST and, therefore, extra votes. That Premier has long faded into obscurity. So has his party.

Now Mcgowan tries the same tactic, painting other states as "the enemy" because they do not follow his lead on defence against covid.

What next, McGowan? Force Eastern Staters to wear a big E when they go out in public?

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

One joy scatters a hundred griefs" ... Chinese proverb

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

un declared bias

Our daily paper is having an attack of righteous indignation against "men only" clubs.

oh dear. So Kerry Stokes -- owner and opinion-enforcer for the paper -- has been rejected for membership of the Weld Club? A media empire hath no fury like a rich and otherwise influential millionnaire spurned.

Today's piece of anti-Weld nonsense has a number of otherwise sensible people uttering threats.

Company directors must be required to declare their membership -- or otherwise -- of gender-based organisations. Otherwise -- according to the bias of the paper -- otherwise these members cannot be trusted to set standards for equality within their own organisations.

Only the men-only Weld Club is named. Poor Kerry, so sad to be ignored.

Yet there is an unfortunate lack of honesty in the attack article.

Several of the attackers fail to declare their own memberships.

If I am not mistaken, several of the attackers are female.Members of the half of humanity which is female. (or similar.)This leads to an impression of bias. And yet... the obvious bias is undeclared. Which brings the entire article into question.

Well, okay: that last sentence is nonsense. because the entire article -- the entire series of anti-Weld articles -- is rubbish. Just one example of the danger of all local media being controlled by one person. by one person. With an agenda of his own. An agenda which replaces "news" with "opinion". Really!

Yes! the one daily paper does not have "news" There are many pages headlined "opinion". As though this is "a good thing" in a daily paper.

A good thing?

Good grief.

If only we had a daily NEWS paper :-(

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

VAD is not for the survivors

I have a lot of sympathy for Despene Sattler (The West, 3 July). As I see it, it is far harder to watch someone die than it it to be the person dying.

Of course my own terminal cancer is, so far, painless. I may yet change my mind.

Unfortunately Despene's experience has taught her nothing about euthanasia.

The key point is that "VAD" is for the terminally ill patient. If it were for the living then it would be "murder".

Despene writes that Howard Sattler had always been careful of his appearance. even to the end, he insisted on careful grooming. So how did he feel when so-called friends were too embarrassed to visit the physical hulk that he had become.

Perhaps he would rather be dead. Rather relax into a peaceful death. Allow aquaintances to remember him as he always wished to be seen.

His wife suffered through his death. Do you think he did not know this? do you think that he enjoyed knowing that his wife suffered more -- in a different way -- as he was dying and suffering.

And yet his widow sees it as a positive that Howard's passing was "peaceful" and natural. I'm sorry, but "peaceful" is highly unlikely.

Several pages on, the Premier displays even less understanding of death and VAD.

The Premier brags of the more than one hundred deliberate obtacles to a voluntary and peaceful death. What he means, is that the law does everything it possibly can to prevent euthanasia.

Peaceful? voluntary? individual choice? Not a bloody hope.

Not under the Premier's dictatorial definition of "voluntary".

Starting with the requirement for several doctors -- sworn to save lives -- having to agree to kill people. As if.

Bugger me, Premier. Do you really support VAD? If you do then I could -- and have -- written rules which would work. Which would allow euthanasia to be a choice. With protection against misuse. wIth no need for doctors to moonlight as murderers.

Or would you rather pat yourself on the back. Until the next election changes your claimed position.

If my cancer does lead me to want euthanasia, I hope I have the strength to die in screaming agony on the steps of Parliament house. Of course, that would be the same day that the Premier would be absent, proudly announcing another "efficiency cut" to hospital budgets.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

Premier sacrifices pawns

It's all very nice to ask why it took so long for NSW to enter covid lockdown. As a WA resident I have a more important question. Why did it take our Premier so long to close our borders to NSW?

It was clear to everyone that NSW was a covid hotspot. Yet we continued to welcome incoming passengers. Until we were finally forced into the inevitable WA lockdown.

Was our Premier hoping for a photo opportunity at the football?

Perhaps the final lockdown timing is punishment against country students. I mean, how dare their parents vote for people who are not in the Labor party.

Or are the people of WA being played as pawns in the Premier's political games against other state Premiers.

Why did the Premier not close the NSW border when the risk was obvious to everyone? Medical advice, or political point-scoring?

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere ... Chinese proverb

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Well done The West

Congratulations to The West for so quickly and effectively destroying Basil's hopes  for a unique brand for Perth.

Thanks to the front page tick-a-box we now have the standard selection of hugely expensive suggestions for imitating other cities.

There's the New Zealand cultural centre copy. The Melbourne Markets copy. Which is at least a change from the usual concrete-on-Yarra suggestion.

We definitely need a steel-and-concrete collapsible cable car through Kings Park. Such an essential "unique" feature of every European city which is... built on the edge of mountains.

Meanwhile... the next page describes WA's amazing wildflowers. Which are already unique. Remember "The Wildflower State"? But who gives a shit about "unique", or "Western Australian". Or even Perth.

It's so much better if we build concrete copies of other cities.

"Brand Perth, City of Over-priced Imitation."

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere ... Chinese proverb

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Helping the Homeless

The nice people of our state want every person to live in a fully-featured family home.

The government cries poor. It's far more important to build my-name-here railway stations on a line to the under-used airport. Meanwhile, people sleep in their cars.

The Salvation Army provides practical help: paying for the car licence. What! would you rather families slept on the footpath in the City?

The government suffocates on bullshit and bureaucracy. The Salvation Army provides real help.

Thank God for The Salvos.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

"When the going gets tough, the smart get going" ... per Ginger Meggs"

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Abreast with Politics

Parliament open to breastfeed (June,2)

Let's be clear here. This is babies we're talking about? Right?

After all, this is politicians we're talking about. Only in-house breastfeeding the babies, right?

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

ain't young love grand

Congratulations to Enzo Leone. In only 38 years of marriage he has been able to play the field. To test and taste and compare. To state with the certainty of experience that his eternally naturally beautiful wife is superior to the artificially enhanced alternatives.

My own forty-plus years has left me with with little experience of the artificially-enhanced alternatives.

Perhaps Enzo should take the time to look beyond the surface appearances.

He may be surprised to find some very attractive people. Attractive, alluring and, dare I say it, excellent companions in a less-prejudiced world view.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

political popularity

Jenna Clarke (in The West 26 May) seems to believe that voters should punish a politician for being a ratbag. Well first, there's the politician and there's the party. Sure, we sell the polly on personality. Some voters, though, may support the party.

Then there's the problem itself. Assault on a female sex worker, apparently. You know, stuff that generates a call for empathy training. A quick cover-up because, really, who cares.

Voters are not idiots. They -- we -- understand:

The only politician with empathy, is the one who has yet to be caught.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

Do Your Job

Health Minister,

You are the best person to do your job. Alternatives are equally politicians. You at least have the experience. And some knowledge.

You said, We know we have to do better. Again, "we" as though you can still avoid all responsibility.

Tell yout PR protectors to STFU. Just admit that there are real problems. Problems that will not disappear when you put the name of a dead child in front of a key ED process. Not only useless -- but sick.

Try this: Clearly state one real thing that you can do. Something that will make a real difference. then fight tooth and nail to get it done.

How about, minimum professional ED staff up by one, 24 hours per day. Then make it happen.

Remind your political parasite colleagues that Health is more visible to voters than any my-name-here railway station to an under-used airport.

It's your responsibility. Do your best. Honestly admit, there are problems. And yes they are your problems -- because you are the person in charge.

Now take charge. Take responsibility. Do your best. Do your job.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

Economic Reality, Really?

The recent federal budget aims to get Australia back to where we were, as quickly as possible.

Why?

Perhaps it's time that we accept: the world has changed. We will never be free of covid19 -- or its successors. Travel may be open but it will never be free. The world has changed and -- so far -- Australia has survived. In some cases we have actually thrived.

Take advantage of the new situation. We need a successful economy. Growth has destroyed more than it has saved. There are better economic models.

Set Australia's economic model to success. To quality of life.

We have a golden opportunity.

It's time to put the past behind us.

Grasp the opportunities of the new future. We need an economy which works. An economic model which will succeed. For all of us. In the important matters. Quality of life, rather than meaningless growth and ultimate destruction.

Now is the ideal time to set a new -- a better -- direction for Australia's future success.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

et tu Roger

Speaking of eye contact... Has any "ordinary voter" ever tried to make eye contact with a government Minister? To actually *speak* to our political servants?

Impossible isn't it.

It's far easier to attack overworked doctors and nurses. It's so easy to undermine a nurse's reputation. To say that... it's not up to us to crucify ED staff. Because Roger "Mark Antony" Cook is an honourable man. Isn't he.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

"No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery"

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Laptop? Lap Dancing? In Whose Endo?

Politicians are still fighting over a laptop which -- allegedly -- contains material which could "ruin [former politicians'] careers forever" (Dumped Labor MP..." 14 May).

We're talking about politicians here. The people who run -- or ran -- our state. On our behalf. With our permission.

Are they deviates? idiots? criminals? So far all we have is innuendo. Whatever the "material" -- the voting public has a right to know.

Because (a) we need to know how former politicians may have damaged our lives. And (b) because actions of former politicians are a good guide to actions of current and future politicians. We need to know. Because we need to be warned.

Oh, and (c) If the "material" is meaningless then we -- voters -- need to be reassured. And former politicians need to have the innuendos removed.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

"No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery"

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

No Better Alternative

Okay, the Health Minister gave a heartfelt but meaningless apology. Followed by blatant political denials of blame.

But it's no use sacking him. He's doing his best -- as a political manager of a major health service. And the only replacements would also be politicians.

When a politician -- a government politician -- admits that health is understaffed. And that medical staff are overworked... Then, perhaps, we can see some real improvements.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

"No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery"

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Crown Fool

A public servant in charge of casino regulation. For years he's good friends with senior crown casino employees. He didn't think that these friendships would lead him to go easier on the casino.

Really? Is the man a complete fool?

Perhaps he's right. Perhaps all of his decisions were free of personal bias. Since his agency failed to follow up possible criminal links, perhaps there were, in fact, no decisions which could be affected by bias.

Rubbish.

Failing to follow up suggestions of criminal involvement?  Okay, yesterday's paper told us that the agency had no knowledge of how to regulate a casino. Perhaps the lack of action was due to incompetence.

Yet there is an obvious perception: Personal friendships will ead to personal bias.

And this man never considered this to be a problem.

Good grief.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

No apology. Just a cover-up.

What a pathetic excuse for an apology. We let your girl down, 13 May

Oh, sorry, "we"? What happened to the man in charge? "We have a system which is under pressure." What happened to the man who sets the budget? The man who accepted short-staffing in an emergency department?

Recommendation 10: Uncovered sick leave of medical staff. Which Minister approved -- or enforced -- a medical budget which was plainly inadequate?

"We're told that cultural isues were not a factor." So why raise it in the so-called apology? Well, that's obvious: let's play the reverse race card and distract people from the real problems in the health system.

The Minister began with an apology. He then turned it to pure PR spin.

Oh, I'm so sorry, he sobs. But more importantly -- for the Minister: It was not my fault.

Whatever happened to taking responsibility?

If Health Minister Roger Cook is not willing to take responsibility for his own department... get someone better.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs
   

aged care profits

My grandmother, from the North of England, would say, Where there's muck there's brass. For non-Geordies that means, Where there's something unsavoury, there's money to be made.

We can look at the state of aged care and see proof of the corollary. Where there's brass there's muck.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

Not just Blak and Whyt

At last, an article by Rangi Hirini which is worth reading to the end (Show takes reality too far, 10 May).

A step away from Hirini's standard Blak-blaming-Whyt approach. A clearly written opinion on the commercialisation of DV, domestic violence.

In her final paragraph Hirini suggests a simple change which could be an effective tool against the general acceptance of DV, "the least it (the show, MAFS) could do is to call out the abusive behaviour".

A simple, practical -- and positive -- suggestion. Thank you.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

voting "reform"

Thank you Ben Harvey for your article on Agenda Driven by Egotists.

well said and absolutely correct.

Including the comparison of the upper houses at the national and state levels. If the system is good for one then it's pure hypocrisy to say that it is bad for the other.

... Nick

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

happy divorcees?

Basil Zempilas writes, Money doesn't buy happiness. Are Bill and Melinda Gates (currently being divorced) the embodiment of that phrase?

Sorry, Basil, you've made a false assumption. You assume that Melinda and Bill are no longer happy. All we know -- all they have said -- is that they now wish to develop themselves apart.

Were they happy as a couple? We don't know. Will each be happy separated, with a billion dollars each? Well, why not!

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

Trolls and other Hate Groups

The wife of a Hillsong pastor says that social media is not good for her soul. Some Christians, she writes, are "anything but kind, gracious or loving." She takes aim at online trolls (The West, 7 May)

This from the wife of a pastor having an affair. While preaching hellfire and damnation against all who do not obey the Hillsong interpretation of the Christian bible. Okay, I'm just guessing that Hillsong follow the standard religious approach of offering eternal damnation to unbelievers.

Go to Hell is nasty from an anonymous online troll. It's just as bad when it's from a Christian. Glass houses, anyone?

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

More than the Individual

Anne Aly's article offers sensible ideas on, How to tame extremists, The West 7 May.

The article looks at individuals. The overall thrust is, to help potential extremists to feel that they are a part of Australia. Of Australian society.

We also need to consider groups of people. Groups where extermism can breed by cross-fertilisation.

Okay, this may be a silly example: there has been an Irish Club in Perth for as long as I can remember. The Irish are notoriously extreme. Perhaps it is time to rename the club, to the Australian Irish Club.

We all need to remember that we are Australian. That we all live in Australia. That we choose to live in Australia with, I hope, some shared Australian values.

Add Australian to group names. It may help with acceptance and understanding. From both inside and out. The same idea as presented by Anne Aly. At the broader social level.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

Call me Nostradamus

Let me predict the result of a search for a Perth brand.

Every survey, every interview, every expert panel will praise Perth's openness. It's friendly locals, access to beautiful beaches and wide countryside. Peace, safety, parks and perfect weather will be praised.

A committee will be formed, to include Perth's richest and most influential powerbrokers. Plus a token environmental expert.

A report will be written. The report will recommend a concrete foreshore, similar to Melbourne. A gigantic monorail across Kings Park. Several new glass and steel hotels so that the tourists who love the indoor life will be tempted by an indoor holiday in Perth.

A market plan for Perth is a good idea, it's been tried vefore. Several times.

Please send my $360,000 consultancy fee by registered post.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

He spilt the milk himself

Various Australian cricket professionals are "stuck" in India.

Michael Slater, for example, is sobbing into his enormous pay-packet as a now-ex-commentator. There's blood on the PM's hands, he screams.

Idiot.

It's fourteen months -- since March 2020 -- since the world realised that international travel has become dangerous.

It's a week since more sensible -- less greedy -- cricketers fled from India. They saw the disaster unfolding around them. Put health above money. Left India. What was Slater thinking then?

Yes, those cricketers went via Qatar -- attempting to cheat Australia quarantine rules. They could have stayed two weeks -- just fourteen days -- in Qatar and no-one would have cared.

Slater couldd have left India. Stayed two weeks in Qatar -- or any other country which is willing to take people from India. He didn't. How slow is he?

And now it's worse. Because other cricketers cheated the system. That is not Slater's fault. It's the fault of other people who stayed too long in their hunt for money. Then bypassed restrictions. Highlighted their me-first attitude. And forced the rules to be tightened.

Fourteen months of worldwide warning. Several months of a worsening disaster in India. Slater made the obvious decision -- far too late.

What? You've finally jumped off that cliff? And *now* you want us to catch you?

Sorry, too late. Forget it.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

Not so shoddy

This is my blog for ranting. Time for a more positive note: following the ranting of other people...

The letters page of the daily paper has  had a series of attacks on Australia Post. A consistent theme has been to detail specific instances where a letter has taken a long time to reach its destination. Anecdotal evidence which is taken to imply a universal truth. I'm sure there's a word for that type of argument but who cares.

One letter suggests that a stagecoach would have been faster :-)

Here are my own anecdotes:

A parcel from "The Eastern States" arrived in little more than a week. Excellent !

A letter posted in Kununurra on Anzac Day. Arrived in Perth on Friday. That is -- the letter was delivered on the fourth working day after it was posted.

I doubt that a stagecoach could beat that.

I am constantly amazed at the excellent letter -- and postal -- service provided by Australia Post.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

My old world never changes

It's great to read that the Old Bugger of Beverley is still remembering the glory days of his youth, as he raises poison pen to... keyboard... in a fresh attack on the same old set of his political enemies (History shows the way, 5 May).

Happily hiding in Beverley, barely affected by city lockdowns, the old codger lingers on. Happily unaware that the world has changed.

He remembers the immediate aftermath of the Great War, when the many weeks of sea voyage provided a natural barrier to incoming infections. None of this rubbish about, hop on a plane and spread your disease within days, oh no. Nothing has changed. Nothing will ever change. Not as far as that old bloke is concerned.

Bring back the good old days, he cries. The good old days, when we were all caring and sharing. When a quantine station, no matter where it was, was well away from Beverley...

Oh, wait, that's what the old man wants. Put Australia at risk, any risk. While he lives in splendid isolation in Beverley.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

There are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters... Boris Johnson
   

Skills Shortage

In The West of 3 May, Melanie Macfarlane writes that we -- Australia -- should encourage overseas students to stay on in Australia. Finish their studies and then stay on -- to save us from a skills shortage.

Who is Mel M? No idea. A founder member of an association which is not found by google.  Representing international students, anyway. No surprise.

Mel suggests that international students should come to Australia. Study, complete their studies. Then stay on -- and work -- in Australia.

This will provide a whole lot of keen and qualified people who want to work in Australia. Skills shortage sorted.

Here's a better idea:

Encourage Australians to study. To study health care, hospitality, tourism -- and any other areas that Mel suggests have a skills shortage.

Encourage Australians -- already living in Australia -- to study. Increase the number of qualified people who are already Australian citizens. Who are already entitled to live and work in Australia.

Skills shortage solved.

Plus... a decrease in Australian unemployment.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

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"No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery"

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Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)

Greens miss the point

The Greens party will try to shame businesses into returning JobKeeper payments where -- as it turned out -- the business did not need it.

No.

The government offered money. Businesses applied, matched the criteria, were given the money.

The businesses would have been failing their owners if they did not apply for the money. Having -- legally -- received the money, they would be failing their owners if they returned the money.

Sure, a business could return the money. But there is no need. No requirement. Not even a moral obligation.

If there is a fault -- it is with the government. They predicted the future... put forward preventative measures... supported businesses according to expectations.

The prediction of the future was faulty. As are most predictions of the future.

The government did its best. It's best was not entirely necessary. But the deed has been done.

The government paid a heap of money -- in an attempt to protect the future. The future did not need so much protection. Businesses made a windfall gain -- by fulfilling all government requirements.

If businesses hand back money it's a donation. It is not a requirement.

It has been expensive. It worked in part. In parts it... did not fail... but was unnecessary.

End of story.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

===

"No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery"

===

Dying for you to read my blog, at https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com/ :-)