Slightly Fatigued Friday

Fiona Uncategorized

(Image Credit: Wikipedia)

Sorry I’m late. It’s been a busy week.

Monday – doing some much-overdue house-cleaning and tidying up, then collected a friend from the airport.

Tuesday – going to the glorious Hermitage exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, preceded and followed by lots of talk (friend and I haven’t met for two years), then the final class for one of my subjects (friend played quietly in the lab), then dinner.

Wednesday – going to the totally amazing Orry Kelly exhibition at Federation Square, followed by a quick lunch, a consultation hour with students (to my surprise about forty turned up), then off to the airport through peak-hour traffic and a birthday dinner for OH at the airport opposite the terminals. Then goodbye to my friend, and back home.

Thursday – two amazing women from an organisation called Moving Angels arrived to pack the china, glassware etc. because my shoulder is playing up again. While they wrapped and packed with exemplary efficiency and good humour, I culled more of my mother’s books. Because they were finished way earlier than they had expected, they very kindly took the cartons across the road to my house. Afternoon – delivering seven bags of books to the Brotherhood.

Today – marking assignments (to be done by Tuesday). Then OH decided he wanted to move the little refrigerator out of the flat down to the carport. I supervised. Somehow we continued doing flatty things: more book sorting, gathering up all the pictures and remaining ornaments and taking them home, doing the final clearance of the kitchen and discarding things that we don’t need and that are not good enough to be given to other people. Then, the latest cull of books went to the Brotherhood. Finally, visited me mum and now I’m home.

The wonderful PJF has put me in touch with one of his friends who does voluntary work with refugees. Here’s a little bit of his (the friend’s) email:

We would be very happy to accept the goods mentioned. They would be welcome for our refugee house in East Hawthorn. Present occupants (Eritreans) are about to move out and we invite them to take what they need for their move to public housing. The next family (Kurds from Iran) will need the type of goods your friend has to offer. I would be able to collect from her at any time.

So I now have exactly the home I wanted for an everyday dinner service (Royal Crown), glasses, mugs, some cooking equipment, a dozen very good SB sheets, a dozen pillowslips, a dozen towels, mostly new or near new, three doonas, four blankets (all drycleaned) – and maybe some handmade patchwork quilts . . .

Thank you, PJF!

Moi shall now sit back and relax, while you, my friends, ply me with liquids and viands . . .

(Image Credit: We Heart It)

190 thoughts on “Slightly Fatigued Friday”

  2. If it hadn’t been for the unusually high blood pressure readings & all the symptoms I was experiencing at the time pointing towards the old ticker playing up, I wouldn’t have bothered following it up.

    But, looking at that Wiki review of Costochondritis, it is easy to see how people can think the worst & believe they are in the process of experiencing an adverse heart event.

    The Nurofen + is working and the BP levels have gone down to 134/85 tonight from 198/105 yesterday at the hospital. I’ve no idea why it rocketed up like that and it will make my GP think twice about whether to change my medication or dosage.

    We’ll worry about that next week. One thing that I am confident of is a Qld win in the ARL Grand Final, so it shouldn’t put too much strain on my heart or cause too many surges in my blood pressure levels.

    I must confess that I do have a preference for a Cowboys win though! It would be an historic one and a well deserved one also.

    Go the Cowboys! 😉

  4. Good morning Dawn Patrollers.

    Fair enough Lucy!
    http://www.smh.com.au/national/why-lucy-turnbull-doesnt-want-to-be-called-first-lady-20150926-gjvid9.html
    And how much public money does this school, obviously on the bones of its arse, receive?
    http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/education-st-catherines-school-in-war-with-council-residents-over-69m-expansion-20150923-gjsz0e.html
    Abbott whinges about his “death by opinion poll”. Never mind what drove those polls and never mind what his MPs were thinking about him and his methods. Tosser!
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-speaks-out-over-death-by-opinion-poll-20150926-gjvgut.html
    Nice type this deputy mayor!
    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/salim-mehajer-accused-of-threatening-personal-trainers-family-20150926-gjvnu7.html
    A delightful article from Mike Seccombe on the civil war within News Ltd.
    https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2015/09/26/leadership-change-sparks-civil-war-news-corp/14431896002433
    Paul Bongiorno talks about Turnbull’s rise. (You will have to open a new incognito or private browser page for each Saturday Paper article now).
    https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2015/09/26/malcolm-turnbull-class-war-act/14431896002419
    How Coalition governments change the composition of boards over the years. Just like Republicans and court benches.
    http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/coalition-government-appoints-its-political-friends-and-colleagues-to-boards-20150911-gjkifl.html
    Tim Wilson steps up for a shot at school chaplaincy programs.
    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/concern-over-chaplaincy-program-for-gay-and-lesbian-students-20150926-gjvniv.html
    The UN has postponed a visit to Australia in fear of our Border Force laws.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/un-postpones-australian-visit-over-failure-to-guarantee-protection-of-detention-centre-whistleblowers-from-recrimination-20150926-gjvgm2.html
    And by this action the UN indicates how unhappy it was with Abbott.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/doors-open-under-new-pm-as-julie-bishop-attends-un-general-assembly-20150926-gjvgfc.html

  5. Section 2 . . .

    Peter FitzSimons reflects here on the life and amusing times of Mike Gibson who recently committed suicide. He also dubs Cory Bernardi the most pissed off politician in the country’s history.
    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/fitzfiles-head-20150925-gjv2hw.html
    Annabel Crabbe on how university hi jinx can come back and bite one.
    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/piggate-youthful-hijinks-can-come-back-and-bite-you-20150925-gjuvrk.html
    What an indictment on our society!
    http://www.smh.com.au/national/bullied-unhealthy-and-unhappy-a-quarter-of-children-doing-so-much-worse-than-their-peers-20150925-gjuqld.html
    And this!
    http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-finals-2015-violence-reaches-dangerous-threshold-20150926-gjvj0j.html
    VW’s woes increase as Switzerland bans the sale of some models.
    http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/26/volkswagen-emissions-scandal-switzerland-bans-sale-of-some-models
    This contribution from Charles Waterstreet is very well worth reading.
    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/we-can-make-our-own-future-with-our-own-hands-20150925-gjvg13.html
    Some weekend efforts from David Rowe’s Twitter account.



    Mark Knight with a well aimed shot at Freemantle supporters.
    http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/5969f4d8af3301df87b852b6b904e541?width=1024&api_key=zw4msefggf9wdvqswdfuqnr5

  6. Lucy Turnbull – meh!

    Mrs Turnbull can do all the ‘Look at me!’ interviews she likes, but she can’t be ‘First Lady’ because we already have one.

    The title ‘First Lady’ is used for the wife of the head of state. In Australia, that means the representative of the monarch, the Governor-General. not the wife of the PM. This PM’s wife being First Lady nonsense relly ramped up with Jeanette Howard, an attempt to make her seem as important as Laura Bush.

    As proof – Lady Isaacs, in 1912, being described as out first ‘first lady’.
    http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/64040237

    And from 1944 –
    http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/91417915

    If we have to endure an outdated monarchical system then can we please get all the outdated terminology correct?

  8. Miranda Devine doesn’t think Domestic Violence is a real big problem in “naice” areas:

    Miranda Devine: If unsuitable women stopped having kids with feckless men, DV wouldn’t be such a problem
    Some facts, from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics: Domestic violence is worst in the small remote town of Bourke. With its high indigenous population, it has a rate of 4195.6 offences per 100,000 population (in fact, Bourke’s crime rate makes it more dangerous per capita than any country on earth).

    Second place goes to Walgett with a rate of 2,692, then Moree Plains (1824), Glenn Innes (1103.5), Coonamble, Lachlan, Broken Hill, Cobar, Bogan, Dubbo.

    When you get to the welfare-centred outer suburbs of Sydney, you find Campbelltown has a domestic violence crime rate of 628.4 per 100,000, followed by Blacktown at 610.2, Penrith (588.4) and so on. You get the picture.

    Compare those rates to the affluent areas of Sydney; Kuringai has the lowest domestic violence in NSW with 66.1 crimes per 100,000, followed by Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Hornsby, Manly, Willoughby, and so on.

    It’s clear. Welfare traps create the conditions for domestic violence.

    Maybe all those dole bludging Abos and welfare dropouts should just get jobs. There are plenty out there, y’know, in Walgett and Bourke.

    Or else, they could move to Kuringai or Lane Cove, where people are so much more “refained”.

  10. Looks like the appalling Miranda has not read this –

    New action team exposes shocking eastern suburbs domestic violence rate

    The ocean views and high incomes of the eastern suburbs hide a shocking domestic violence epidemic with eight women falling victim every day.
    Experts say they are highly alarmed by the results from a trial of a groundbreaking new multi-agency response to women at serious, imminent risk of domestic violence.
    The figures, obtained by The Sun-Herald, reveal that 1205 eastern suburbs women were referred by police to the Safer Pathways pilot site at Waverley Local Court between September and February.
    Of the eight women referred every day for being at serious risk of violence, two are at immediate risk of being killed.
    “It’s shocking to see such high numbers in such a small area,” said Helen Brereton, executive officer of the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, which runs the Safer Pathways trial sites

    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/new-action-team-exposes-shocking-eastern-suburbs-domestic-violence-rate-20150313-1435s0.html

    Or this –

    Eastern suburbs women urged to seek help as domestic violence rates increase in Australia’s most affluent suburbs
    http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/eastern-suburbs-women-urged-to-seek-help-as-domestic-violence-rates-increase-in-australias-most-affluent-suburbs/story-fngr8h22-1227389978628

    And it’s all happening in Turnbull’s own electorate!!!!!! Not that he cares.

    More about Safer Pathways.

    Safer Pathway team helps domestic violence victims rebuild their lives
    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/safer-pathway-team-helps-domestic-violence-victims-rebuild-their-lives-20150925-gjur38.html

  13. BK

    RE Abbott’s wail over “death by opinion poll”. Had to laugh at his complaints about how difficult reform is now due to the “febrile politics’ . What utter gall or perhaps just a complete lack of self awareness.

    Ah well Tony , as the Romans used to say “Live by the polls. Die by the polls.”

  14. Tony whining about being lied to was so hilarious. The fool lied to us every time he opened his mouth.

  16. The thin end of the wedge – who knows what will be cut next.

    Tonsillectomies are rare these days, doctors just won’t do them unless a child has become chronically ill with ongoing infections. But if one is needed it should be covered. What happens if a family just can’t afford a fee for a necessary operation?

    The bone scans for seniors are necessary. A lot of us oldies take prescribed medication that can cause bone density loss and it is vital this is monitored. You don’t just rock up for a scan because it’s free and you have some spare time. I had one last year because I was taking Prednisone and there is a risk of osteoporosis with that drug. Lucky me, I was OK and don’t need the drug now, but if you take something long term you and your doctor need to know if any nasty side effects are developing. A simple scan can prevent serious problems later.

    Review of Medicare rebate list to shake up ‘outdated and unnecessary’ medical services

    TONSILLECTOMY surgery for kids, scans for lower back pain and bone density tests for seniors face a shake up in the Medicare rebate list under a sweeping review to be announced today

    http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/review-of-medicare-rebate-list-to-shake-up-outdated-and-unnecessary-medical-services/story-fnu4wk27-1227545355303?from=herald%20sun_rss

  23. Armani has designed uniforms

    “In 1991, Giorgio Armani redesigns the Alitalia uniform giving it a non uniform look choosing autumn colors including Olive green for its blazer over masculine shirt and just above knee length skirt.”

  24. Armani designed uniforms for the Italian police. A uniform for Bananas should be a doddle.

    Something like this, perhaps – love the cape!

  27. Scullion and Griggs – not exactly spoilt for choice.

    “Good government”?

    Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles has announced the Country Liberals Party’s line-up for the 2016 election.

    Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion was reselected to run as the party’s candidate for the Senate at the weekend’s party gathering in Palmerston.

    Mr Scullion said his grass-roots approach was the key to good governance.

    Natasha Griggs was selected again for the seat of Solomon, while Tina McFarlane will recontest Labor’s Warren Snowdon for the seat of Lingiari.

    For now though, the CLP’s main focus will be on turning around public opinion, before the NT’s 2016 election.

    Speaking at the party’s central council meeting on Saturday, Adam Giles apologised for infighting in his Government and said while it had had little impact on its ability to function, instability has impacted the public’s perception of the party.

    Mr Giles detailed the Government’s successes, saying it had met 124 of its election commitments.

    He also vowed to win back the Independent seats in Parliament.

    “I apologise to you for the harm this has caused and I promise you we are working hard to do better,” Giles said.

    “A government that spends too much time talking about itself, is a government that is going to struggle with its message.

    “The infighting has had little impact on us delivering good government, but it has had a major impact on the public’s perception of us.”

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-27/clp-announces-2016-federal-election-candidates/6807746

  29. If you have not read Charles Waterstreet’s piece – in BK’s links – then you should. It is excellent.

  30. Don’t let Waffles anywhere near this

    Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates have thrown their weight and resources behind a goal to bring internet access to everyone in the world by 2020.

    The pledge is part of a United Nations effort to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030, a goal set on Friday during a special summit at the global body.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-27/zuckerberg-gates-make-bid-for-universal-internet-access-by-2020/6807516

  31. Madonna King on Bananas before the defenestration. I’m excited!

    We were proud, every time she opened her mouth on the international stage, and in a wildly chaotic world, she was able to remain as calm as she was influential.

    At home, she was loved by her own party’s backbenchers, often their first point of call in a tight electoral campaign because there are few better, when it comes to winning over swinging voters on the ground.

    And Julie Bishop increasingly won over a cynical electorate by seeming to rise above the din of daily politics. She showed class. And dignity.

    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/that-thinking-feeling/twist-of-the-knife-reveals-real-julie-bishop-20150915-gjnjgg.html.html

  32. Madonna King has always been a Liberal cheer-leader. I feel sick after reading that. Too much sugar and syrupy gushing.

    Since when has Bananas ever shown class and dignity?

    Dignity –

    Class –

  33. Leone & Ducky,

    I agree regarding Hugo Boss, but think of the fun mesma could have with those swishy carabinieri cloaks.

  35. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/medicare-review-into-5700-items-on-benefits-schedule-slammed-as-deeply-alarming-by-labor/story-fn59nokw-1227545897067

    Medicare: review into 5700 items on Benefits Schedule slammed as ‘deeply alarming’ by Labor
    The Australian September 27, 2015 12:26PM
    Rosie Lewis Reporter Canberra

    The Turnbull government’s new Medicare review into all 5700 items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule has been slammed as “deeply alarming”, after Health Minister Sussan Ley called on Australians to let her know about any “unnecessary, out-dated or unsafe medical services”.

    Ms Ley officially launched the start of consultations today and said the “long overdue” review was the “first of its kind” since Medicare was established in the 1980s.

    Tonsillectomy surgery for kids, scans for lower back pain and bone density tests for seniors will be among the thousands of items facing a shakeup, according to a report in News Corp Australia papers.

    The review will result in two discussion papers – one for consumers and one for health professionals.

    Bill Shorten took to Twitter to declare: “The leader may have changed but the Liberals plans to destroy #Medicare remain exactly the same.”

    The Opposition Leader also tweeted a new attack ad with a morphed photo of Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott and the slogan “Changing leader changed nothing. The fight to save Medicare continues”.

    The Leader may have changed but the Liberals plans to destroy #Medicare remain exactly the same. pic.twitter.com/Np3FArIMdQ
    — Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) September 26, 2015

    But Ms Ley said it would mean medical services, tests and treatments reflect “contemporary clinical practice”.

    Ms Ley encouraged Australians, including doctors and health professionals, with concerns about a Medicare-funded service or MBS items, rules and regulations to come forward and let the government know about it.

    “Unfortunately the current system is lagging in the last century, with only 3 per cent of all 5700 Medicare items assessed or tested to see whether they actually work, are out-of-date or even harmful,” Ms Ley said.

    “Inefficient and unsafe Medicare services, tests and procedures also cost the nation dearly because they stop taxpayers being able to invest in new, innovative medical treatments and technologies. This is particularly important when Medicare claims are now hitting one million per day.

    “That’s why we want to hear from health professionals and patients about any services, tests or procedures they’ve come across in the Medicare system that are out-of-date, unnecessary or unsafe in certain circumstances.”

    The Australian Medical Association said the government had lost the medical profession’s support in the MBS review, as AMA president Brian Owler tweeted: “Deeply disappointed in government’s attack on integrity of #Medicare and the medical profession to cut health funding and services.”

    Opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King said Labor had “deep concerns” about the announcement.

    “Before the last election the Liberals promised ‘no cuts to health’ but today’s announcement shows that the leader might have changed but nothing has changed when it comes to health,” Ms King said.

    “Malcolm Turnbull’s move could end public funding for thousands of procedures and transfer billions of dollars of costs on to sick Australians and their families.

    “Coming less than a fortnight after his leadership coup, Malcolm Turnbull’s first move in health as Prime Minister should ring alarm bells for patients and across the entire medical profession.”

  36. Madonna King’s gushing looks more love sick teenager than a serious journalist. Up there with Sheridan writing about his bestie ‘Abbo’ .

    Speaking of friends. An article yesterday mentioned a couple of journos who called Abbott a “good friend” . Personally I very much prefer my journos who write on politics not to be mates with pollies. It would certainly help with the objectivity.

  38. I don’t know if the word ‘brains’ fits this mob. Some old blokes, one very old, his wife, his spoil, over-privileged kids, James McGrath, ‘ICAC’ $inodinos, Prissy Chrissy, Scrott, yes, Scrott, some old school friends and Bananas, who Turnbull once described as a cockroach. That’s who Turnbull trusts for advice? Heaven help us.

    PM Malcolm Turnbull’s secret brains trust are his new team but they’re old hands in politics
    http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/pm-malcolm-turnbulls-secret-brains-trust-are-his-new-team-but-theyre-old-hands-in-politics/story-fnii5s3y-1227545526185?sv=57d75659d3f762a46aaa9f3c854c749f

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