My Three Rs: May 2021

Friday 28 May 2021

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

Wednesday 26 May 2021

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

Monday 24 May 2021

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

Wednesday 19 May 2021

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

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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/ :-)

Friday 14 May 2021

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

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"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

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"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/ :-)

Thursday 13 May 2021

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

Tuesday 11 May 2021

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

Monday 10 May 2021

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.

Sunday 9 May 2021

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

Friday 7 May 2021

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!

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?

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.

Thursday 6 May 2021

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.

Wednesday 5 May 2021

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.

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.

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.

Monday 3 May 2021

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"

===

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

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"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/ :-)

Saturday 1 May 2021

Market reality

Here's the cafe profit model as practised in WA:

Borrow a lot of money.
Lease premises at whatever ridiculously high rate is asked
Hire a manager
Pass all management responsibility to the manager
Tell the manager to hire foreign tourists. They are unqualified but very very cheap
Advertise on social media
Watch the market grow as the government spends a heap of public money bringing tourists to the state
Brag about the huge profits that you are making

Then the tourists stop arriving.

Your profits drop.

You know nothing about the cafe business, you can no longer afford to pay a manager. There are no foreign tourists to employ

So what can you do?

Well, it's no use getting off your backside and actually working in your cafe. I mean, you know nothing about working in a cafe. And it would interrupt your leisure time

So what do you do?

You refuse to pay rent. After all, the rent is far too high... for current market conditions
You demand that the government brings back the tourists. What's a little coronaRisk when you are losing money?
You demand that the government adopts an isolation policy which puts more people at risk of covid -- but will put more money into your own pocket.
You put out your hand for more government subsidies
You have your demands published in the daily paper. "Government urged to do more to help out business", The West 1 May

Is it time to change your business model? To a model which suits the actual market? As it actually is?

Oh no, that's far too hard.

Go for business as usual. Demand government support. Cling on to the old model as long as you can

Till you fail.

When you fail you will, most likely, bring down other people as well.

No worries.

Now go out and borrow some more money. Invest it all in another business where you know nothing. After all... it looks sort of good right now.

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/ :-)

glass upper house

Poor Mark McGowan.

He's really upset because one person has been voted into parliament from a country region. It's so unfair! sobs the premier. It must be undemocratic :-(

Every other politician is in his own party. Oh goody! democracy in action! he cries.

I win -- it's good. I lose -- shock, horror, the system must be immediately changed.

What a hypocrite.

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"

===

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

mixed skill sets

Failing betting schemes. Ponzi scams. I feel sorry for the people who are ripped off by family members. And by people who claim to be friends.

Who are these people who lose money in ultimately unsuccessful get-rich-quick schemes?

They are people with a lot of money. People who own and manage major organisations.

People who have never heard, "If it seems to be too good to be true -- then it is probably not true."

And we trust these people to run major organisations. Weird, eh.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
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We are here and it is now. After that, everything tends towards guesswork... Didactylos in Small Gods