Punch on: Open thread 06/12/2011

nossy says:

08:39am | 06/12/11

@nihonin   beautifully put nihonin

ibast says:

09:01am | 06/12/11

Gotta say after travelling the world, Australia would be high on the list.  Security, diversity, tollerance.  There’s not many places like in the world.

I’d just be living closer to the city and beaches than I am now.

Seanr says:

09:24am | 06/12/11

Nicely put nihonin. I’m with you life’s pretty good for me too.

Wilma J Craig says:

10:25am | 06/12/11

Right on! nihonin!
Please see that article entitled ” Don’t Cry for me, Australia” in today’s Punch. That young Carlos could do with some of you intelligent advice!
We live in the best country in the world. yes, we moan & groan & whinge but at the end of the day we can climb into our beds knowing we & ours are safe, fed & reasonably happy. Yes, things are not always good but then how do we recognise all the good things if there aren’t the odd bad things going on to remind us?
Like you I get laughs, opposing ideals & frustrations from those who contribute to The Punch. How unbelieveabl boring it would be if all we ever wrote or read was “Politically Correct” claptrap?. Yes I can be patronising, dictatorial, antagonistic, argumentative but isn’t that what this whole ” Living” thing is about?
What do we want to do? Lock ourselves away in one of those ghastly child-free sort of cages so many stupid, brain-dead men & women do when, starting at the young age of 55, they enter those appaling Retirement Villages?
We have all seen them. Quiet as the Grave, not a laugh, not a cry, not a scream of fun. Heaven forbid that any child should dare to come in & play.
It is no wonder they are called ” God’s Waiting Room” for all the inmates are simply there waiting to die.

marley says:

06:21am | 06/12/11

@Erick - thought you might be interested in this series of articles from Canada.  Here’s the first one, with links to the others.  It seems the problem is a widespread one.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/failing-boys/part-1-failing-boys-and-the-powder-keg-of-sexual-politics/article1758791/page1/

Erick says:

07:20am | 06/12/11

Thank you, Marley, I will have a look at that.

I get the impression that this problem is widespread in the developed world, and exists for the same reasons that are described in the article at my link. Sadly, it is usually ignored for political reasons.

That’s yet another reason we need a strong men’s rights lobby, and more coverage of men’s issues in the media.

Adam Diver says:

08:13am | 06/12/11

It was an excellent article Erick, with some very surprising statistics.

As soon as you start social engineering away inequalities, with legislation or self-interest groups, you will inevitably lead to an inequality the other way. Survival instincts alone would tell you that an office for the status of women, will never come to a conclusion that the balance is about right, hence having no reason to exist. They will find, twist, manufacture and exaggerate any data or anecdote that gives them a purpose to continue thier role.

Moral of my story, you can’t create equality by creating systems of adversity to achieve it. Removal of differences is the only way to achieve equality.

SimonFromLakemba says:

08:40am | 06/12/11

Having just come through the school system its pretty easy to see where the system fails boys.

If a boy plays up in class they get sent out/detention etc, a girl does the same thing they get chance after chance. It seems teachers have this attitude of boys are a lost cause, just dismiss them, where girls they tend to cotton wool them.

Budz says:

08:44am | 06/12/11

@Erick - Meditation you say. How long have you been doing it for and how long do you meditate each time? Also what type of meditation do you do? I’ve read numerous articles which talk about the scientifically proven benefits of meditation, and I definitely think it’s something I should invest my time into.
What benefits have you found so far?

Elphaba says:

09:32am | 06/12/11

@Budz, just to weigh in on the meditation thing, I haven’t done a lot of it but I do find yoga wonderfully beneficial.  You can get a beginners DVD and start there.  I do it 4-5 times a week and it’s great.  I find the movements and breathing very mind-clearing.

Erick says:

09:51am | 06/12/11

@Budz - I’m not a very good person to talk to about the results of meditation, because I’m so slack at it. That’s why I mentioned going to a monastery - the only times I get serious about it are on Buddhist retreats where there are organised sessions and no distractions.

I do try to do a bit of mindfulness meditation each day, though. And there’s a systematic relaxing meditation that’s very effective at getting me to sleep.

As for my results at retreats, they vary quite a bit. I’ve experienced some quite interesting states of consciousness, and some deep relaxations as well as heightening of awareness. I usually return in a calmer, more peaceful and alert state - though this might just be due to the healthy country lifestyle!

Come to think of it, I do actually use the techniques I’ve learned nearly every day, though not in formal sitting sessions. Mindfulness meditation is good for times when I have to wait for something. A spot of lovingkindness helps to deal with road rage during my hour-long commute. And so on.

I’m not what you’d call a very good practitioner, but I’d recommend some Buddhist meditation. Lessons are usually quite cheap ($5 to $15 at the real places), and there’s little to lose except your Self.

Michael says:

11:31am | 06/12/11

Agree with Erick on the Buddhist meditation. That last line “nothing to lose but your self”  nirvana

acotrel says:

06:46am | 06/12/11

@Mahrat
‘We should be the inventors of things, the developers of things.  That we aren’t is a stupidity we cannot afford to indulge in forever. ‘

You are not just a pretty face !  I know what we had, and no longer have
in the scientific/engineering world - there may be no way back !

Shane From Melbourne says:

08:22am | 06/12/11

We do invent lots of things- but they usually go overseas for funding, development and manufacture. Australian investors are risk adverse and only interested in easy profit like mining and banking, certainly not something that they have to compete in.

Ben C says:

10:18am | 06/12/11

I would throw in government attitude towards invention and innovation as being another reason why inventors fund and sell their inventions overseas. Successive governments have failed to support research and development undertaken by private enterprise - the majority of funding for such activities is reserved for the CSIRO and the universities. Unless you work in one of those organisations, or you are a multinational company with a massive budget set aside for R&D (think 3M), then good luck with getting any assistance.

TheRealDave says:

11:01am | 06/12/11

I know people foam at the mouth at even the mere mention of the countries name but - Israel is starting to reap the benefits of investing into technology. If they can do it why can’t we? And we don’t have bearded nutters lobbing rockets at us with gay abandon…..and we have a bit more space to play around with.

Pleasure O'Reilly says:

06:26am | 06/12/11

Congratulations Nossy, livin’ the dream. See 419eater to have some fun with that.

I hate flying, but would probably not hate it so much if I had the money to fly top class. I would revisit Sardinia, Croatia, New York and London (but only for Camden market) probably not Thailand, and NO cruises. I always return to Australia aware that I live in the best country in the world so feel
very lucky.  Also, time machine to 50s/60s to higher standard of presentation, like the hosties in the pic, please.

jay-ded says:

06:46am | 06/12/11

Hahahaha.  The email I received stated similar except it was for over 200 million - oh and I had to send $800 with my name, banking, address and telephone details so that they could name me as the beneficiary.  I didn’t have to share 50 - 50 though.

Is there anyone really that dumb to fall for something as obvious as that?  Not to mention the spelling and grammar being atrocious.

Mahhrat says:

07:13am | 06/12/11

BAhAHAH!! Nice work, Noss!

I got an email from “Gmail” yesterday too, telling me about how my subscriber info was out of date and could I please send them my password.

Elphaba says:

09:21am | 06/12/11

I had one the other day from a lovely Russian lady wanting to “get to know me better”.

Have a look at this from ‘Cracked’ (from my favourite article contributor, John Cheese) - you’ll need a while to read it, but it is priceless:

http://www.cracked.com/article_16234_having-fun-with-419-scammers.html

John Smythe says:

09:40am | 06/12/11

Let’s see now…I’ve wont the UK Lottery several times over, been offered similar “opportunities” and the like. And I sit here waiting for my 6 numbers to come in….

jay-ded, apparently there is. I think Australia is losing 20million a year in scams like this. Last I read, some time ago now, there was an Aussie who got duped…and went, bugger it…and joined em! Got his cut, but ended up being caught.

will post my ideas a bit later…

ausspud says:

12:10pm | 06/12/11

Nah jay-ded you cant trust banks,but for a small fee i’ll happily hold on to it for you

jay-ded says:

01:31pm | 06/12/11

There’s something seriously wrong with that ausspud.  Where would you hold it?  Under the bed?

nossy says:

08:43am | 06/12/11

@NESLIHAN KUROSAWA   you sound as though you are very happy and contended NESLIHAN - good luck to you!

Tim says:

09:04am | 06/12/11

“The only rule I have, is that they must apply a bit of logic, none of this “opinions because thats how I feel” BS. “
“foil to the mark steyns and andrew bolts of the world?”

Logic? Andrew Bolt?
*Brain Explosion.*

muff says:

09:09am | 06/12/11

You think Bolt is a decent opinion writer?
The man is a moron.
and you are his pupil.

SimonFromLakemba says:

09:17am | 06/12/11

Im with Tim on that one, Logic with Andrew Bolt, made me laugh.

I find Michelle grattan a good read, swings to the left but not a fan girl at all.

For the most part I vary everything up, ill read Huffington Post and then ill swing over the Fox news to check things out.

What I have found is that SMH has very good opinion articles from both sides with pretty comments section below.

Adam Diver says:

10:06am | 06/12/11

yeah, yeah andrew bolt is a moron, thats why he is the most read colomnist in the country. Obviously the masses are just morons who cower at your intellectual superiority and moral enlightenment, no doubt and follow along with Lord Bolt’s thoughts.

I question how much you guys even read of Bolt, his assertions are usually backed by sources, and most of his post follow a logical sequence. His worse crimes would no doubt be his cherry-picking or confirmational bias he uses when arguing a case, but seing how you guys got stuck at logic I shall assume its a mater of principle rather than substance that is the source of your dislike.

Feel free to prove me wrong, but again I am more interested to find some decent opinion writers with a left perspective.

SimonFromLakemba says:

10:20am | 06/12/11

Personally, I view Botls blog everyday to see what he has copied and pasted from other writers who suit his view.

He is the most read because the same people comment over and over again, all I need to do to generate 20 replies is post something supporting a left view on there.

Tim says:

10:43am | 06/12/11

Adam Diver,
I read Bolt pretty much every day.

I agree with a lot of what he says sometimes but there can be no doubt as you say, that he likes to cherry pick data to suit his own argument.
Yes his posts are usually well written, but to completely ignore or sometimes deliberately omit data and points that don’t suit your agenda is not logical.

I usually read Crikey as well for my fix of crazy left wing opinions.
Sometimes they have some good stuff, but sometimes (a lot of the time) it’s way out there.

John Smythe says:

11:03am | 06/12/11

Tim : but to completely ignore or sometimes deliberately omit data and points that don’t suit your agenda is not logical.

Add to that, take the most sensational angle you can to drum up hits and you’ve nailed a lot of the articles here too

Adam Diver says:

11:20am | 06/12/11

@ Tim, I thought Crikey would be a good place to get a left balance on things, but its just off the scale. Vitriolic, pointless and devoid of fact, and thats just the articles .

“but to completely ignore or sometimes deliberately omit data and points that don’t suit your agenda is not logical.”

I give the benefit of the doubt, he is prosecuting a case, its not his responsibility to provide the defence as well, but thats why I am looking for a counter-balance to the right perspective. Regardless, I doubt any opinion writer is going to present both sides of an issue, at least not convincingly.

I am beginning to think that “left” and “right” are not so much moral positions, but ways of thinking, and as such you will always naturally accept one viewpoint over the other, because that viewpoint is contrived from a similar way of thinking.

Anyway I shall add Michelle Gratten to my list of opinions worth reading, any other suggestions people? Slim pickings so far.

bicuspid says:

09:31pm | 06/12/11

I’d have a look at Grog’s Gamut. A clever read but certainly left of centre.  Should meet your criteria.
http://grogsgamut.blogspot.com/

Tim says:

09:37am | 06/12/11

TimB,
why is this a surprise?
In Australia we have heaps of people living in million dollar homes whilst still receiving welfare.
They’re called pensioners.

James1 says:

10:37am | 06/12/11

Michelle Bachman has been a welfare recipient.  After that I find it impossible to be surprised by people who should know better working the system.

TimB says:

11:07am | 06/12/11

Did you see the end of the story Tim?

How many pensioners are also regularly jetsetting around the world?

Jade says:

10:34am | 06/12/11

Wouldn’t that then make you a pirate

Anubis says:

10:44am | 06/12/11

@ Bonestar - don’t forget the Japanes “scientific” whaling fleet

Bonestar says:

11:44am | 06/12/11

Jade, i wouldn’t bother trying to steal anything just blow some shit up more like an overly intoxicated non religious terrorist.

Anubis, i’ll get them and i’ll get the greenpeace guys aswell

John Smythe says:

12:05pm | 06/12/11

????and i’ll get the greenpeace guys aswell

yes! It was a disgrace what they did. And allowing such an expensive yacht (no doubt built from donations?) be wasted like that.

They won’t get a cent from me for their eco-terrorist ways.

ausspud says:

12:36pm | 06/12/11

Can I come too,although you can keep your margaritas i’ll just have beer or scotch(or maybe both).

marley says:

12:45pm | 06/12/11

@JohnSmythe - to be fair, that wasn’t Greenpeace, that was Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherd group.  Much worse than Greenpeace.

nossy says:

09:48am | 06/12/11

@Elphaba   I smell dollars here Elphaba - and big ones too!

Elphaba says:

10:05am | 06/12/11

@nossy, no doubt, they will be appearing on ACA/60mins in a few weeks. 

It’s disgraceful.  Remorseful?  Yeah right.  And the father should be ashamed.  Waste of oxygen, the lot of them.

fairsfair says:

09:13am | 06/12/11

I agree Watcher, but I genuinely wonder if the same childish cr*p would not manifest itself in some other way if the Libs had the job? As much as some people hated John Howard, I long for the days pre 2007 where even if you couldn’t agree with their politic, you could still respect them as a politician.

I have no respect for any of them in 2011. More than anything, it is sad.

SimonFromLakemba says:

09:13am | 06/12/11

Same as you watcher, slowly watching the Labor party shoot itself in the foot, quiet depressing.

The Age had a good article yesterday saying what does Labor stand for anymore? Labor has appeared to shift to the right, with the Liberals going further right and now the Greens going pretty far left, so that leaves the middle where id say most people who vote are.

Tim says:

09:41am | 06/12/11

Why do people have to preface their comments with things like:
“I am a Labor voter”

It doesn’t add anything to your comment.

John Smythe says:

09:58am | 06/12/11

Fairs :
I long for the days pre 2007 where even if you couldn’t agree with their politic, you could still respect them as a politician. I have no respect for any of them in 2011. More than anything, it is sad.

Agree 400%. And this is what gets my goat about some “reporting” on politics and people who are just sheeple about their preferred party. As you say….it really is just plain sad.

fairsfair says:

10:05am | 06/12/11

Tim, do you think that is just Watcher’s way of confirming that he is not happy? It certainly ties in with his following point.

Its like somebody complaining about the cost of Tofu, without confirming that they are a vegetarian. I guess it attempts to stop the deluge of “why dont’ you just eat a steak” comments, but then again this is the cynical old Punch. Highly doubt anyone will take him for his word anyway. He is no doubt some liberal stooge just pretending?

I’ll do the same. I voted for Kevin07 - but the past few years of Australian politics has ruined the Labor Brand for me. I am not sure if I will ever be able to vote for the party again, even though I am not entirely happy with the Tony Abbott lead Coalition. In this instance, I don’t think “better the devil you know” applies.

NicoleG says:

10:17am | 06/12/11

And it doesn’t detract from it either Tim. All it says is that he voted Labor and is really unhappy with them. Now if he had not stipulated that, I have no doubt he would have been hammered for being a Liberal voter. It’s an opinion, so you can word it how you *ken want to.

Tim says:

10:51am | 06/12/11

To me it does detract from the comment.

Far too often you see someone say:
“I usually vote Labor/Liberal” shortly before beginning a rant bagging out the particular party that they say they usually support.

More often than not, they’ve never voted for that party in their life and only preface it because they believe that it makes the comment more believable.

Now I don’t know if this applies to Watcher or not, but I think it detracts from his general comment. Maybe I’m just too cynical.

SimonFromLakemba says:

12:00pm | 06/12/11

@Tim

I think you are too cynical, judging from this posts and others.

That’s the problem with the Punch, everyone is pigeon-holed before they even get into the gist of their argument.

If you agree with the left all of a sudden you are a tree hugging, late set etc etc.

I thought Watchers opinion was rather valid and well put forward.

Tim says:

12:27pm | 06/12/11

Simon,
I actually agreed with Watchers point, but I’m just sick of seeing people post that they vote Labor before going on an anti-Labor rant or Liberal before they go on an anti-Liberal rant.
It’s become an obvious ploy of the partisan.

NicoleG says:

12:39pm | 06/12/11

I’m with Simon. You’re far too cynical.

How-bout this one and it’s true - I vote Nationals and I can’t stand Luke Hartsuker, because he’s absolutely useless.

fairsfair says:

01:58pm | 06/12/11

This was a genuine post that reflected a view that really, a lot of people share. It doesn’t matter what side of the fence people sit, a lot would agree with Watcher. Above all of that, he is expressing his disillusionment with a party he did at one time (and likely still) identifies with and support.

Great topic of conversation, but now we are sitting here discussing his choice of words because a constantly professing fence sitter/swinging voter has taken issue with it. Seems to be the obvious ploy of the moderate - pick the shit out of what anyone says in an effort to prove just how “in the middle” you are. It is cynical and really shuts down debate. You’re a crack up, a good bloke - but in terms of politcal views you can be quite cutting sometimes and it is not conducive to good conversation. 

Back on topic - I do wonder who is the source of the leaks. If it is KRudd he must surely realise that he will not be leader again. No party is going to back somone who is doing that to them I would follow that up with the public would also not support it - but then again, I am shocked at the crap we as a nation tollerate. If it is not him, do you think it is via one of his staff (essentially him)? You are right Watcher - this is childish crap and once again, instead of speculating on policy and parliamentary debate, we are all focussing on the who the taddle tail is. Schoolyard stuff really.

Tim says:

02:57pm | 06/12/11

Fairsfair,
I’m hardly a moderate, just not a supporter of any of the jokes of political parties we have.
With regards to Rudd, If you’d talked to some of these people you’d have no problems believing that they freely leak a lot of information about other members.
Usually it’s about members of the other party but occasionally it will be one of their own. There’s no such thing as loyalty.
And don’t count Ruddy out just yet. There’s still a base of support for him but without a factional shift against Julia, he will find it tough to come back.

Erick says:

03:08pm | 06/12/11

Over 18 years, I always voted for independents and small parties, and gave my preferences to Labor. 1996 was the year I broke this tradition, and started giving my preferences to the Coalition instead.

I’ve been anti-ALP ever since, and I don’t see any reason to change that.

TimB says:

09:34am | 06/12/11

Haven’t they already done that Simon?

The issue with Belmore is that, wedged between the train line and houses as it is, there’s only so much room for upgrading- i.e. not enough for the big games which is a real shame.

I’m looking forward to them playing some of their smaller games back there though. (Even though I live much closer to Olympic Park these days).

Of course with money being no object you could just knock the whole thing down and start again- This time use all that extra space outside the field &  have the ground orientate east-west instead of north-south as it does currently.

SimonFromLakemba says:

10:23am | 06/12/11

Only done the players areas - gym, pool, new wing etc.

I mean build it up to hold 20,000 and bring games back.

Correct, its wedged in between train line, homes and a strange curved road, but it can be built up or extended, there is a huge park right next to it, would be a good opportunity to make it into a real sports park.

Ben C says:

10:34am | 06/12/11

@ TimB

They won’t do east-west because of the fact that each team will have the sun directly in their eyes for half a game each, creating an unfair advantage for the other team. North-south eliminates this problem by having the sun shining at either side of the players, so that their vision isn’t completely disrupted for an entire 40 minute period.

TimB says:

11:02am | 06/12/11

I’m kicking myself that I never really considered that Ben.

Are all the football grounds built that way? Or are the heights of the grandstands (Like at big grounds such as ANZ) enough to eliminate the problem? Maybe that’s all they would need.

You’re only talking about the late afternoon sun really, so you just need to deal with the western side. Or just play at night .

ibast says:

12:26pm | 06/12/11

I wouldn’t be taking my money anywhere near Canterbury Leagues.  Money seems to mysteriously disappear around that place.

TimB says:

12:40pm | 06/12/11

Stop putting it in the pokies then ibast .

ausspud says:

12:43pm | 06/12/11

Yes,and have a special building for the riot squad or the Middle Eastern crime squad.

Ben C says:

01:04pm | 06/12/11

@ TimB

As far as I’m aware, all sports grounds are north-south in orientation, with slight deviations in some - I know Parramatta Stadium deviates slightly so that it’s NNE-SSW. In winter, the grandstands at ANZ and SFS will do just enough, but they need the floodlights on to provide sufficient lighting. But yes, it would only be the setting sun in afternoon games.

During the summer, though, is another story - cricket pitches must run north-south to secure the safety of batsmen, bowlers and keepers - you wouldn’t want to face a medium-fast bowler bowling at 125kph while staring directly at the sun. Imagine what would happen if it was James Pattinson or Patrick Cummins charging in.

TimB says:

01:38pm | 06/12/11

Interesting Ben. The things one learns on the Punch.

Seems bloody obvious in hindsight, still can’t believe I never thought of the issue before .

Ben C says:

02:20pm | 06/12/11

I’ll have to add a disclaimer, TimB - it only really applies to built stadia. If you just do a Google Maps serch of any NRL ground, you’ll see that it’s north-south, or NNE-SSW (although Centrebet Stadium Penrith is pretty much NE-SW).

Go to your local park, and council will most likely have just set the field any way they could fit it. I remember when I played soccer a couple of years back, our home ground was east-west. Because we played late afternoon games, whenever we won the toss, we’d be facing the sun in the first half, because the glare was worse in the second.

SimonFromLakemba says:

02:22pm | 06/12/11

@Ausspud

Thanks for the racist remark, always needed on the punch.

Hate to break it to you, Sutherland shire has more crime then Canterbury.

nihonin says:

10:07am | 06/12/11

Not that I know anything about you Michael, but what the hell I’d vote for you just to get rid of the current lot in government.

Mark G says:

10:10am | 06/12/11

A PM doesn’t have unlimited resources. Thats why bleeding heart left wing policies dont work.

Michael says:

10:23am | 06/12/11

I know MarkG, i would use my unlimited resources to become the PM at which point i would use the limited commonwealth resources and save my own until i was dumped by the electorate

Then i would retreat to my island paradise, protected by my sexy army of glamazons armed with lasers and bikinis and glittery coconut lotion, might not give them lasers though might just be feminine charm and bikinis and lotion, incase they wise up and realise they don’t need me.

I’m a righty MarkG, there is another michael who is a lefty though.

neo says:

11:18am | 06/12/11

UK is still in Europe, even if it is an island off the coast.

And winter is best spent in Europe.

Mark G says:

11:22am | 06/12/11

If you had unlimited resources why would you re-home them. Just buy them all and put them in a pet sanctuary.

Jade says:

12:47pm | 06/12/11

@ Mark G, I wouldn’t keep them all because I wouldn’t have the time to give each animal the love and attention it needed…

@ Neo, I could alternate hahaha

jay-ded says:

12:34pm | 06/12/11

How does Mr Burns put it?  “I’d trade it all for a little more.”

SimonFromLakembas says:

11:57am | 06/12/11

You watch recruits? seems anybody can get in now ( no disrespect to you )

As I don’t know what you do now, bit hard to say where you should go from here.

Find something you enjoy and go that angle, seems to work for some people.

Elphaba says:

12:02pm | 06/12/11

Can you go work for a competitor?  Sometimes the environment is the problem, not the day to day.

Take my job for instance - for all intents, it’s just glorified data entry, but I LOVE where I work.  That’s why I only apply for jobs that are a step up, rather than a step sideways.

Shenanigans says:

12:20pm | 06/12/11

fairs, its not all about aerobic fitness, its about being able to push yourself and not pass out then carry on with a written lesson. as with the military, they said nothing can prepare you for training, but a minimal level of fitness can help slightly, I’m assuming its a similar circumstance for the police.

maybe its time for a sea change fairs? who knows what opportunity’s await on the horizon

ausspud says:

12:51pm | 06/12/11

Dont cry fairs.
What about ASIO or Defence analyst.
There are heaps of options out there for you.

Michael says:

01:07pm | 06/12/11

Fairs, Customs might be similar work, possibly less demanding physically, it could be worth a look.

Observer says:

01:09pm | 06/12/11

fairsfair,

Sort out your heart issues and find out for sure what is going on.
Once you have tackled that issue then work on what you need to do to improve fitness.
Keep at the fitness, it will improve - some people take longer.
Don’t give up, knuckle down harder.

fairsfair says:

01:43pm | 06/12/11

Well the Dr thinks the heart murmer is the issue with the aerobic fitness. Clearly it is the reason why it just not happening for me. Four months and no major improvement is very frustrating. I’m talking .2 of a level of the beep test. I was hoping to have gone up two full levels at this stage.  Given that I have been training at a similar level to the academy (time wise and intensity in comparison to my current fitness level) with a trainer who has been through it - you would think *some* improvement would have taken place. The Dr has advised that even if it is confirmed there is nothing I can do about it because it has not caused me trouble to this point in life. This all started because I nearly pass out every time I have to do stationary boxing drills with the pads high. It is like my heart stops working as soon as it has to pump blood “uphill”.

The Dr was not confident when I told her about the Police and explained what I had been doing for the past four months, so I am not feeling that good about things.

This morning I was advised that the girl I replaced over a year ago is returning. I have been complaining about not having enough work for months, but they have created a position for her. The penny has dropped today as my direct manager (thinks the sun shines out of this girl’s *rse) has been hoarding work and complaining to his Manager that he needs more assistance. It makes me look very bad at my job and is infuriating as I have been asking daily for more workload. It seems as though I have been hired at a permanent level, but my direct manager really has only viewed me as a temp. So when she returns I will slip to #3 from #2 in the group (no change in pay, but my responsibilities will drop from the crap they are already at). I love the job, love the company, it is just this one man and his obession with this girl.Why do companies hire back people who leave? Plus, it directly affects me and he had personally told all members of the group except me and I found out this morning in our group meeting. I’m sure the look on my face was priceless.

What a gutless pr*ck. I don’t want to work with someone who treats me like a child and doesn’t have enough respect for me to even be honest.

Elphaba says:

02:08pm | 06/12/11

@Fairs, I sympathise with the ‘comapny hiring back people who leave’ issue.  We had a guy walk out 3 months ago - he frequently called in sick, would sleep at his desk, and refused to do his fair share of work.  It culminated in him walking out and texting he manager from home, that he wasn’t coming back in.

He was supposed to be back this week (an agreed break between him an management was coming to an end).  He’s now delayed it until next month.  Meanwhile, we have an awesome temp who deserves to be here, and his job is in jeopardy because management insist on holding the job for the dead weight.

I don’t get it.

fairsfair says:

02:22pm | 06/12/11

Its a joke. Plus, she has hosed them once before. I was unaware until it had all happened… but she wanted to return in February (five months after departing), they created a job for her at that time (outside of our group), but at the last minute, she decided to stay where she was. So she mucked them around at that time, and they are still taking her back.

I would love a Manager’s perspective. WTF is with it. It does not suggest that she has any loyalty at all. Plus, she is studying (which they will resume paying for) and then just up stumps and go at the end of her degree. I honestly don’t understand how this (and also your organisations situation) is good business practice?

I am ropeable!

TimB says:

02:35pm | 06/12/11

Goddamn that’s terible Fairs. Wasn’t this the job you were all excited about taking last year?

Sucks how quickly things can turn to shit :( .

Try and hang in there, you’re due for a run of good stuff. Incidently we just got another rate drop so thats a small bright point…

Elphaba says:

03:17pm | 06/12/11

@fairs, I know - I’m obviously missing some crucial point of understanding. In the meantime, it’s becoming clearer that I’m not management material, because I wouldn’t put up with this shit.

The whole point of this bloke being off for 3 months was that he could get his life in order, and come back and help us out for the Christmas period (our busiest).  Instead, he’s now not coming back until January, 2 people (myself and another) have holidays, and today, our team leader went to the hospital with his wife to have their first baby (totally unavoidable, but this is where the lazy bloke could have helped out by being an extra set of hands).

But they keep holding this guy’s job.  None of us want to work with him.  An 18 yr old fresh out of school couldn’t be worse at this point - it boggles my mind.  I’m wondering whether he’ll hose them (as you so eoloquently put it) and push for more time off after January.

Surely at some point, after you’ve performance managed them and coddled them and done all the stuff on HR’s ‘Touchy Feely’ checklist, that you have grounds to boot them.  I want to keep the temp.  He’s a star.  And he wants to be here.  Surely the solution is obvious…

neo says:

03:18pm | 06/12/11

The heart thing could be from your training, as it sounds like you’ve been pushing yourself hard. Optimal level of exercise is reaching about 85% of your full potential. Many “trainers” seem to think pushing people to their limit is the way to go, but this is not only bad for your heart, it is also bad for your fitness and weight loss/gain.

Ah, hang in there for now, but start looking at what’s out there, this way you will know your options at least. I’ve been considering Federal Police or ASIS lately, myself. So sick and tired of desk jobs.

fairsfair says:

03:30pm | 06/12/11

@Michael - thanks for the suggestion. I might look into that - I had totally forgotten about them truth be told.

Thanks for the sentiment guys. I feel used in my professional life and like such a failure in my personal life. Its a horrible feeling.

Seanr says:

03:49pm | 06/12/11

Bad luck there ff, hope all goes well with the heart issue.

As a manager I will say what your boss did is pretty gutless, should always tell someone to their face and definitely make sure they don’t find out at group meetings, very bad form.

neo says:

04:34pm | 06/12/11

fairs,

We all go through times like these, something doesn’t go our way and we start looking at other aspects of our lives and try to find faults. Spend more time with your close ones, read a few self improvement books, pick up a new tv show, keep yourself busy, you’ll be fine Years from now, you will look back at this situation and realise just how insignificant a thing it was to upset you.

Without the downs in our lives, the ups would seem insignificant. Live your life one day at a time, pay special attention to the small things that make you happy, appreciate your friends. Life is way too short to spend your time in sadness, every breath of fresh air is something to be cherished. It only gets better from here on in.

marley says:

04:44pm | 06/12/11

@fairs - sorry to hear about your troubles. Re the work situation - don’t let it get you down.  This sort of thing happens - at least you don’t have a whole lot invested in the organization, and can look at other options if things don’t improve. 

As for the police thing, what interested you about becoming a cop?  If it was the investigative side of things, look at similar options, some of which have already been suggested - Customs, ASIO, etc.  Lots of government agencies have some sort of intel or investigative arm that might be worth investigating. 

While I don’t know if the situation here is comparable, a kiwi friend of mine left the NZP and took a job as an anti-fraud investigator with their Immigration service - spends her time running down people smugglers and fake passport manufacturers.  Lots of legwork, not much chance of violence, and regular hours. She loves it.

nossy says:

04:45pm | 06/12/11

@fairsfair ohh dear FF - only just saw your post - not good but please remain positive. Look at the bright side - you can now make changes that will enhance your capabilities and deliver you a less stressful and happier life - I wish you well in that indeed FF!

Michael says:

01:04pm | 06/12/11

I saw a quote the other day saying you can’t multiply wealth by dividing it, true story.

Mark G says:

03:05pm | 06/12/11

Posted this at 1:23 and the Punch team posted a blog about it at 1:30. It would appear that I was thinking a similar thing to the Punch team about News.com’s findings.

neo says:

03:20pm | 06/12/11

Tough life in this country, with all the clean water and fresh food and all…

fairsfair says:

02:17pm | 06/12/11

I agree. I respect people’s decision to smoke. It is afterall, a risk. We all make split second risky decisions on a daily basis, some of which are prolonged. This is simply one of them. Survival for all of us is just an arsey balance of common sense, educated decision making and straight up luck. There would not be a single person on earth that does not have a vice detrimental to their own health, yet with the amount of criticism leveled at those on the gaspers - you’d swear this country was a collection of individuals as pure as the driven snow.

So I totally agree. We are NEVER going to get people to stop smoking. Why not place the onus of its control back on the Tobacco Companies. People are aware of the risks, but continue to smoke. Let them live their bloody lives in peace.

neo says:

03:24pm | 06/12/11

It’s funny how anti smoking some people have gotten. I was puffing away on a Davidoff waiting for the lights to change the other day, and this girl next to me turned around and gave me a full dirty…. Like, wtf, we’re outside, the exhausts from the cars will do you more harm than my ciggy. Some people…

SimonFromLakemba says:

02:26pm | 06/12/11

Sounds like Afghanistan, should go and check it out.

Anubis says:

02:47pm | 06/12/11

@ aussoud

1) Agree
2) Do you really want that much nagging and earbashing/
3) Fair enough
4) Agree
5) Agree
6) Agree
7) Only if shared (with the old jackal headed one of course)
8) Too good for them - the middle of the sahara would be more fitting - total overlaoad of climate for them

neo says:

03:31pm | 06/12/11

Import more eastern european babes, hotties are in surplus over there and in shortage here.

F off with rock music, it would be boring if that’s all there was.

Agree with no reality TV though.

jay-ded says:

01:52pm | 06/12/11

Blowin raspberries at you Tim. 

John Smythe says:

02:58pm | 06/12/11

Shen, unless the Torymaester sens you a little email, high chance is the crappy software ate it.

She often blocks my posts if I use a nickname for a certain commentor that someone else came up with, and others have already used that same day in the same thread.

Viva Le Censorship!

neo says:

03:35pm | 06/12/11

Definitely the soft, I’ve lost about 10 comments today, ranging from long, controversial stories about drug taking in Singapore, to short positive comments cheering people up.

Bad software, bad, bad software. Make this place a forum already. phpBB or some ish.

neo says:

04:38pm | 06/12/11

Tell me about it! I spend my days staring at the screen at work, to only come home and stare at the screen some more, albeit, doing things I enjoy. My eyes used to get dry, but I think I trained them to the point of being able to stare at the screen 24/7.

Them glasses seem like a good idea, I just don’t know if they work. Let us know if you buy a pair.