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and now for something completely different
Today was my last day working for the little country newspaper I have been at for quite some time. I cant be bothered going in to details about that, but lets just say that I am a rare breed of journalist who, now wait for it, is actually ethical- oh my! who would of thought hey? that ol’ chestnut- ethics!
I believe ethics, accountability and basic journalistic integrity are important and what should constitute EVERY journalist’s role and the company I was working for saw things a bit differently.
Instead of trying to push a rather large turd up a very big conservative hill of crap, I decided to leave… nuff said.
I have other things in the pipeline and until then, there is this other big event happening at the moment- a little sporting event in the Mother land called the olympics and if one was to watch the Australian free to air coverage of the games on Channel nine, well, one would think all that we give a toss about is black line fever!
Until my new things in the pipeline eventuate, Im waiting for seek to post the job of body waxer for the Australian men’s swim team.
Somebody has to do it, right? and I think it may as well be me!
Snake charmers….
Ok… soap box time folks!
Today I really want to talk about something that has been shitting me for quite some time and I’m talking about, well, there is not going to be any nice way to say this, so here goes;
effing mung-beaners, new age deadshits, goddess worshippers et al. who believe that cancer and other diseases are our bodies’ way of telling us that there is *something* wrong or missing..
OK then, allow me to elaborate, here are just some of the words of wisdom I have come across over the past few months-
Apparently, cancer is in fact cureable and its really only the big, bad ugly wolves in the Medical industry who are keeping us sick and not telling us this- shhheeesh!
You can read all about and watch the great little piece of emotive, subjective propaganda here:
Obviously these ‘snake oil’ merchants believe in their product or rather ethos so much that they have a pretty hefty disclaimer on their website which states;
“maxAwareness Pty. Ltd. is not responsible for the results of your decisions resulting from the use of the information, including, but not limited to, your choosing to seek or not to seek professional medical care, or from choosing or not choosing specific treatment based on the information”
and,
“Viewers should exercise their own care, skill and diligence with respect to the reliance and use of any information contained in the film. Viewers should not act or refrain from acting in the film without first taking appropriate professional advice in respect of their own particular circumstances.The film and the views and statements expressed in the film are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.”
What a load of complete and utter bullshit and people are willingly believing this crap… come on maxAwareness Pty.Ltd. if you believe so vehemently in your ethos, then why do you still insist that people seek ‘professional’ medical help in relation to their cancer/s.
For every person who does manage to survive cancer of some sort due to changing their diet, positive thinking, not under-going stock standard chemo or radiation there are many, many more who try just as hard and still die.
I find the malaise afforded by these do-gooding mung beaners, who I would also like to point out seem to also love a good conspiracy theory too! are playing with peoples emotions and I do not understand why they cant accept that both western, new age, traditional and modern health practices can and do go hand in hand.
Simply saying that someone with a radical and aggressive form of cancer just need to change to an alkaline diet because cancer cells cant live in an alkaline environment might be right, but the person also needs other forms of medical help and really what is wrong with that?
As I have previously stated about a year ago, I have been living with a herniated disc which has at times been fucking painful and you know what, I tried natural rememdies, but then I realised that I needed pharmaceuticals and the technology that modern medicine has give the modern world.
No amount of positive thinking or being ‘zen’ was going to make my disc one day decide to magically ‘pop’ back into place and stop my pain and NO, my disc did not pop out because I was not bought a pony as a little girl and therefore I built up a wall of anger and malaise towards the matriarchal figure in my life and my L5/S1 disc popped out as that was my body telling me to get in touch with that subverted and respressed memory and feeling…
hmmmm, do you see where I am going here?
Illness is illness, cancer is sad, heartbreaking and these things happen to people who are good, bad, fat, ugly, christian, muslim, vegans, school teachers etc. etc.
I definitely believe in the power of positive thinking and of course eating chemical-free food and trying to just live a good, healthy and happy life.
I know many people who have done that and you know what? they have still become sick and some have died even.
I believe in using everything at your disposal, for eff’s sake, I have in regards to my back, in order to make yourself better if forced with a medical emergency but what I am sick of is the condescending nature of many of these alternative medicine believers an practitioners.
I would love to be a fly on the wall if they ever happen to be told they have advanced cancer and need treatment for that….
I wonder and until then, keep your subjective and radical opinions, beliefs and snake oil to yourself.
MY, HOW THE TIME DOES FLY BY!
Only yesterday I checked my email to find a lovely letter from Aunty Meredith informing me that the ballot was open and this means one good thing….
Festival season is not that far away.
Yay! triple yay… *happy skips like a little lamb, whilst singing tra la la la!*
Im so happy, as I just love festival season and summer and getting to experience new music and making new friends and laughing and basically, just having a great time.
I absolutely love Meredith and can not wait to hear what the other additions to the bill will be.
So far Aunty has announced old school 80s pub rockers, The Sunnyboys and electro, indie, Canadian, waifette, Grimes.
In true Meredith style, the two could not be further apart musically, but that my friends is one of the things that makes Meredith very, very unique.
The dirty old alt rockers that are featured in the above clip from Meredith, Graveyard Train, were probably my stand out act from the summer that has just gone.
I saw them at Meredith and then had the pleasure to see them a few more times at the Woodford Folk Festival, where the ‘word’ most certainly got about as to how damn! fun and down right snarly and nasty they were to see live.
Watching Graveyard Train live was like rolling around in the mud and hay with the boy your Mum and Dad told you not to see on an erie full moon night.
Sounding just a little bit country and tiny bit soundtrack to the movie ‘Psycho’, I hope the Melbourne lads make it to the festys again this summer.
Its cold right now, but the summer haze of festy fun is starting to warm the fire in my musical belly with just the mere thought of what is in store in a few months time.
In the words of Big Kev,
“I’m excited!”
Never mind the bollocks
Im not going to trudge through endless amounts of statistics from the last census- Im really not that enthralled by stats, but it is interesting that there has been substantial evidence to support that it sucks to live on the Sunshine Coast if you happen to be between the ages of 18 and 35.
I moved away when I was 30 and in all honesty, I miss my friends and my Mum dearly, but it is pretty much them that keeps me going back.
I love the beach when it is nice and warm and not too humid, but at the moment, if you are my age, its a hard place to live and find a substantial way of life and jobs.
From the Sunshine Coast Mayor “Census data showed a “disturbing” dearth of people aged 18-35 on the Coast, which council hoped to address by adding diversity and resilience to the economy”
Gee, I wonder why there are no young people on the coast? Im sure Clive Palmer will make the Sunshine Coast more appealing to young people!
In all honesty, its such a shame that such a beautiful place is now so conservative and full of families and retirees. I remember when the Sunshine Coast was a great place to be. There was a lot more work and lots of events and places to go out.
Its a pity that this paradise is really only designed for the grey-haired brigade.
Post with 2 notes
blatant mid 30’s pathetic drool fest!
Sad, yes, I KNOW, I KNOW!
I know many other women share my opinions and are silently very sad at the moment with the thought of no more Dr Patrick gracing the celluloid for about another 10 months in Offspring… *insert BIG sad face, totes, reeeeeeeeal, BIG SAD FACE*
Stuff you ‘Mc Dreamy’ and the others of your ilk!
Even though I have never watched ER or Greys or any of those other Doctor-type, drama- type shows with apparent cute men in them, Offspring is actually a very good show. It is funny and has a leading lady in it who is my age and yes! like many other women in Australia, I wish I had her stylish and eclectic clothing flair and a quirky, but oh so cutesy pie family and honestly, I will feel a sadness and void on Wednesday nights now for some time.
Lamenting, the great soothsayer, Mr N. Dynamite, ‘goooshhhh!’ How pathetic does that sound?
The great characters, even if some are a little tiresome and annoying at times, (Geraldine, Jimmy) are all balanced quite perfectly by Nina, the brilliant Dr. Martin Clegg (honestly, if Patrick were not so yummy, I would watch this show if only for Martin and his, well, for just being him) and the fabulous surrounds of my favourite Melbourne suburb, good ol’ Fitzroy. However, just one side note when talking of Fitzroy- just where do they cart all of the hipsters off to when they are shooting? is it like the Sydney Olympics and what they did with the homeless? they ship them off to Richmond and let them return when Fitzroy is allowed to return back to normal?
I so swear, I have not seen one pair of ultra skinny black jeans, with canvas shoes attached at the bottom and a nice full sleeve tattoo rounded off for good measure; not one I tell you, not one, not even at the Union Hotel!
But, I digress and back to faaaar more important things, FFS!
Just like the cherry on top of an ice-cream, the gooey choc centre in a magnum, realising that Katy Perry really does have cellulite, the best thing about Offspring is Patrick.
DID I MENTION HIM YET?
If not, let me remind you;
Despite the intense brooding throughout the entire season, Dr Patrick lets a ripper smile unveil a full set of pearly whites to cap off what was a bit of a vomit fest of syrupy sweetness in the final episode of season three.
Now, I like rom-coms and chick flicks, really I do, but the finale was a bit sugary sweet towards the end and personally, I was expected an immense cliff hanger that would leave me agonising for some time. But, it didn’t happen. Everything worked out too effing nice and sweet and well, just too damned effing movie like and well, life is just not like that, really, is it?
However, despite all of this, if my heart of stone were to crumble and lets face it, one look at Dr Patrick in real life and that probably would happen, I too (now I am telling you this in secret) would actually melt and giggle in glee like a little girl if a scene like that was to play out in my own real life and it is what most of us gals want, even if we pretend we dont. Its a guilty pleasure being hopeless romantics and wishing for the same in our own life. It was sweet and corny and romantic, but not in a Bold and the Beautiful way, it was just great and Im so happy, really I am, for Nina and Patrick.
Ahhhhhhh! so loving, so nice, so beautiful …. *reaches for bucket to vomit into*
Man + v-neck = tasty!
Now, I can’t say that there may not be anymore posts of this type ever again. I don’t have a crystal ball and I can not see into the future and tell if Ryan Gosling’s bare chest may happen to release a movie later in the year. What I can say though, is that just like a good book is celebrated and a new tune, beauty too must be celebrated. I know Matt Le Nevez (Dr Patrick) is a NIDA trained actor, so that means that he can actually ‘act’ but at the moment, its purely physical and I am celebrating his brooding, good looks and I am willing to say that, because I too am weak and merely a poor female with wants and dreams and desires and well, you know!
‘Can do’ Newman!
So, the new premier in Queensland is currently set to slash a LOT of public sector jobs in the good ol’ sunshine state… you can read it here:
So far in Queensland there is a very conservative element running throughout the state and in my home town there is a more conservative, right aligned council in place and as a result a heap of jobs are being slashed there too.
I understand that there are many public sector workers who exploit the so called cushy nature of working in that system, however slashing jobs to make up for debt left by the previous government/council is not the answer.
The same thing is happening down here in Victoria with the Liberal government slashing LOTS of jobs just the same.
I dont understand why people’s jobs are the first thing to go when government’s need to make budget cuts or find ways to save money.
I know that down here in Victoria there is a huge amount of revenue being lost in the production of a de-salinisation plant in the Gippsland region. Yes, it was commissioned by the previous Labor government, but continuing it when it is clearly not needed, is wasting a lot of money and there are many more examples.
Now, back to Queensland. I for one think it is deplorable that jobs are being lost and I personally think that every state asset should be sold off before that is the first line of measure.
Looking at where I am from, the Sunshine Coast, the council would be one of the largest employers in the area and to take away much needed jobs from a region where it is already frightfully hard to stay employed is just not right.
Or if this is to continue and nothing is invested into creating new jobs and sustaining those that are already there, then the coast may as well just become the largest retirement village in Australia- a walk around the region will show that it is not too far off from being the permanent reality.
Young people, do not enter!
Only the orange hue and leathered faces of retirees who spend all day at the beach in their speedos and onesies shall be the permanent face of the region.
I can just hear my fave letter to the editor writer at the Sunshine Coast Daily, the amazing, Jeff Cass from Tewantin, salivating at the idea of more of his kind proliferating in the region.
Or maybe, mining magnate and number two dick wad behind that female behemoth from Western Australia, Clive Palmer, if he does in fact run in the federal election for the seat of Fairfax, maybe with all of his billions he might be able to fix the job issue on the coast…
I’m thinking of moving back to the region or even Brisbane, but as a journalist (another area where heaps of jobs have/are being cut) and someone who has worked in the public sector before in local government, I am very scared at my prospects of finding decent work.
Who knows what the future will hold!
ALTRUISTIC AUSTRALIAN?
Last night the above documentary screened on ABC 2 and it has moved me profoundly.
It is just so moving to know that there are people out there in the world who actually do so much for others and do so selflessly.
The ‘English’ neurosurgeon in the film, Henry Marsh said throughout the film, “What are we if we don’t try and help others….nothing…..nothing at all.”
I honestly believe that is such a beautiful way to live life.
Whilst watching the documentary last night, I was so angry and ashamed of the injustice of wealth, health and access to care that prevails throughout most of the world.
So many people struggle and dont have access to things which I in my life in Australia, take for granted.
I have always wanted a career where I ‘help’ in more than a capacity such as just sponsoring a child and unlike Igor or Henry, I don’t have a hands on job where I can physically help. If I were a Doctor or Nurse or had other needed skills, I would make it my priority to be doing that.
I have often felt a great sense of malaise towards many Doctors who seem to work towards monetary gains, rather than what in my opinion is the true reason behind their careers, which is to help and to help even those who can least afford it.
Both of the neurosurgeons in the film epitomise the essence of what it means to help and sacrifice in order to help others and this is also a definition of ‘altruism’.
Today I was wondering, how on earth I can help, just by me being ‘Australian’? We truly are just so lucky, just so lucky and movies such as this, highlight that and I almost feel guilty to be so lucky when others are not.
Sometimes life is just not fair and I dont understand why so many have to suffer, when so many have the capacity and ability to be compassionate, are rich and have the resources to help others.
Im a journalist and today, one of the largest media organisations announced that they will be sacking 1900 people and basically with a lot of other things that have happened in print media; its not really a great time to be a journalist in Australia.
Add to this also, that the richest woman in Australia- billionaire mining magnate with a soul that Im sure is black, is set to take a board seat on the aforementioned media empire and is their largest shareholder…. im questioning, as I did 10 years ago, the very industry I work in.
It is so important to help others but for so many, the bottom line and exploiting others for ones own gain is more important. I agree whole-heartedly with Henry Marsh’s sentiments about helping others and by being so lucky to be Australian, I feel it is my duty.
Im not sure what I can do, or how I can do it or when I can do it… but I will make sure I find something to do or be part of this year that actively helps others.
I wanted to be at teacher once and I did volunteer adult literacy and numeracy tutoring about 10 years ago, which I loved and I understand to some extent, just how much one can get back by helping others.
The above film shows just how lucky we in the western world, even the poorest people are still so lucky, especially us here in Australia. The movie also gives great ‘hope’ for mankind when you realise that there are some truly amazing people out there who inspire others.
effffing winter!
yep, that’s right, it’s winter and you know what? it’s a lot of hard work.
Where I am currently living it’s cold and gets down to about zero each night and usually reaches a top of about 10 degrees and most mornings when I am going to work, my car is covered in a severe frost.
Im relying on a fire place for my warmth and heating is a MAJOR issue.
As a born and bred Queenslander, well, heating really isn’t that much of a major issue. It does get cold in Qld, there most definitely will be nights where it is very cold and where I used to live in the hinterland, it would feel very cold at night. This is mainly because Qld houses are ultimately designed to expel heat and I lived in a huge ‘Queenslander’ with exposed beams, polished floor boards, glass doors everywhere- basically, there was nooooo way it was ever going to be warm in winter! but hey, it was beeautiful in summer!
What I have come to realise is that heating is a huge issue for a vast proportion of Australians and as of July 1, the new carbon tax will be applied and the cost of electricity will ultimately go up, which it already has done so over the last couple of years.
Also, over the past two weeks, recipients of government payments such as pensions, newstart and students, all received a lump sum payment up to $250 from the government as a ‘clean energy’ payment. A bit of robbing Peter to pay Paul, but the payment was to soften the blow of rising electricity costs.
All my years living in Queensland, I never lived anywhere with A/C and only have one friend who actually owns an A/C. Hot and humid weather can be bearable without cooling or rather, just relying on fans, however, there is no way that one can live in a cold environment without some form of heating.
Just last week I spent $150 buying one cubic metre of redgum firewood, which honestly could last me only a month and that is being very conservative!
What this has led me to believe is that if I was buying or building a house in any environment, making it energy efficient should be more of a priority than the amount of bedrooms for example.
If I was to be living permanently in a cold environment, I would be investing as much as possible into the most sustainable and energy efficient form of heating that was available.
Energy costs are only going to go up and up and becoming less reliant on fosil fuels or maximising existing fuels, (such as solar or using the heat from a fire place to heat water for showers) should be one of the most important aspects of home living.
In an ideal world and if I were building, I would expect to use at least 25% of my total budget towards energy efficient heating and cooling.
Passive building design, as much solar paneling as possible, exceptional insulation and central ‘solar’ hydronic heating are in my opinion the most ‘green’ solutions and to do this would be out of this world expensive initially, but in the long, long, looooong end, worth every penny.
OR,
Instead of all that, one could just go and live in the sub-tropics where heating is not a major concern…….
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