Up early this morning about five, the reason being I slept through the heat of the day most of yesterday. Er and I had a clubless weekend but a few JW's helped to soften the blow.
Our unreliable forecasters have predicted the end of this unusual weather pattern of eternal blistering heat which has killed off and delayed planting in the garden, today a partly cloudy day with possible showers, same as yesterday which failed to materialise apart from a cooling shower in the Bathroom, however the rest of the week indicates thunderstorms and possible flooding in low lying areas - be about right.
There has been a heap of changes on my P C over the W/end and it appears things are moving smoothly.
Our Air con works well in most areas until it reaches my office(the spare bedroom) Where a standard fan blows air from a metre or so away through my right ear making me more conscious of the tingling Tinnitus in the left ear.
Although My old Ship the The KGV Assoc has been wound up the U/k branch continued until this year after a lot of palaver, one of our members from Ballina Aust who never paid his dues was given a warm welcome, I shall not mention names of deserters from the ship in Sydney who were welcomed to the U/K branch, It is little wonder they did not communicate with us in Sydney too often. despite any Wartime heroics a few of those blokes were definitely up themselves and unfriendly and in complete contrast with their last chairman,Commodore Bill Kelly whom I communicate with and will do so until everything fizzles out.
I am reminded of a post I wrote comparing the antics of our more relaxed association in Australia with those in the U/K.
A re-run of an old post from 2005.
Thursday, 8 December 2005
FOR MY RELATIVES FRIENDS AND OLD SHIPMATES OVERSEAS HAVE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
PLEASE feel free to comment, get it off your chest before the year runs out, about anything you wish to say. NO DELETIONS UNLESS THEY ARE OBSCENE.
VEST: I would like to say hello to my OLD shipmates of the HMS King George V assoc in the U/K to whom I will send a new JLS pen to replace their misplaced one ; should they comment here. We of the assoc in Australia have recently returned from a hilarious holiday in Coffs Harbour, going wild and enjoying life to the full, (Read your news letter)My beautiful Lady and myself are sailing down to Tasmania mid Jan, those of you who haven't yet lost their marbles will remember our ship going there Jan-8-46, and the great reception we had from the locals.
Reading your news letters really has me wondering what your domestic lives entail, as your assoc annual meanderings appear to be in need of a vitality boost, your several minor adventures were mostly centred around boring venues; unctuous church services and retiring to your beds at 9PM, "How Frightfully Exciting". It also seems that, our Assoc in the UK is lacking in leadership, or is it that the 'Lord of the Manor come Village Squire Kowtowing Syndrome' is still prevalent among you. "I say, you old English chappies" "Do you have to have a senior officer not of our ships company to lead you". BTW if the rude old Chancre bosun I spoke to over a year ago is still around, please would you say "Thank you" for the 'J L Spencer book you asked for free gratis that I sent you.
In the wash up I feel you old guys in the U/K need a push in the right direction, but never mind; not long to go now; pray hard, I recommend you click on to , www.afterlifecommunicationresearch.com For your next annual vacation. (just kidding) vest, http://www.dailygaggle.blogspot.com/.
There were no comments from these dreary old shipmates in the U/K.
Monday, 29 March 2010
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Blog Changes
You may have noticed, my blog has had a bit of a facelift and also now shows http://www.dailygaggle.com as the URL (Uniform Resource Locator), instead of http://dailygaggle.blogspot.com
There was however, a disturbing Google issue with the loss of most comments for about twelve hours! There is also a continuing Google issue with the search not working properly. Hopefully, however, what with the new domain name, it is just because I have to wait for Googlebot to reindex it.
For anyone else thinking of using their own domain name, you will find the official, but rather cryptic Google instructions at: http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/topic.py?hl=en&topic=12451
I also highly recommend Portal Domains http://www.portaldomains.com/ for their fantastic support with this. I originally registered my domain name with them several years ago, and upon sending a support request for the DNS (Domain Name System) changes for this, they responded within 6 minutes to tell me that the DNS changes were complete. Amazing service!
There was however, a disturbing Google issue with the loss of most comments for about twelve hours! There is also a continuing Google issue with the search not working properly. Hopefully, however, what with the new domain name, it is just because I have to wait for Googlebot to reindex it.
For anyone else thinking of using their own domain name, you will find the official, but rather cryptic Google instructions at: http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/topic.py?hl=en&topic=12451
I also highly recommend Portal Domains http://www.portaldomains.com/ for their fantastic support with this. I originally registered my domain name with them several years ago, and upon sending a support request for the DNS (Domain Name System) changes for this, they responded within 6 minutes to tell me that the DNS changes were complete. Amazing service!
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Post Number 622 Completes Five Years of Blogging
How many people out there will remember my first post, coming up now.
Introduction to Daily Gaggle March 23 2005.
Good morning to you all on this wet and windy day on the Central Coast of N S W Australia.
This blog is not intended for the overheated super educated persons, whose main intent is to impress us with their glossary of alternate words and expressions which tend to become meaningless to normal average people. I will not be impressed by inane one word stupid comments. You may use clear precise philistinic grammar. but keep it readable, for the masses. Overdone obscene statements may be deleted.
Well, the rules remain the same but not the weather pattern, in fact the highest midday temp this past eight days peaked at 37C averaging out at 35.5C, Remember this is nearly a month into Autumn (Fall).
Looking back over posts in the archives, some would qualify for a re-run, I may do this when experiencing a bout of idleness which is happening only too often, this problem comes with age but I am thankful for my good mobility and faculties, when I see those associates of my era wobbling around with a not too with it expression.
As for five years of blogging, friends and foes have come and gone, the few remaining regular long standing visitors (Commenter's)remain the soul of the blog. Sadly all was going well with the Nth American blog scene until I racked up an army of Gun Loving dissidents opposed to my Anti Gun stand, The Status Quo remains.
Over the past few months it has been a sort of revealing exercise with unknown relatives alive and deceased plus friends from half a century back popping up from nowhere. This has spurred on my son David to search deeper into family records, with surprising results, particularly one piece of family records produced by my newly acquired beautiful niece which has opened the inevitable Can of Worms, although many people have laid claim to my status many times in a derogatory manner, they may well be correct if that morsel of black and white print is given a public airing, but of course I shall deny it.
And for relatives who are now thinking that I am a right thingy ( must not use that word until confirmed) For not joining 'Face book' I apologise if any offence caused. and for those relatives who take the time and effort to communicate one way or another thank you. and for some of my Oz rello's who only communicate around Birthdays and festive hand out periods, more regular calls may prevent me lapsing into 'Old Timers' and forgetting all together. And for our prodigal 'S', we love you still and hope you are happy in your surroundings where ever you are and who ever you are with, There is no need to communicate or return home as we are at present in a state of Peace and tranquility..
My best regards to everyone. LJB, aka Vest.
v
Introduction to Daily Gaggle March 23 2005.
Good morning to you all on this wet and windy day on the Central Coast of N S W Australia.
This blog is not intended for the overheated super educated persons, whose main intent is to impress us with their glossary of alternate words and expressions which tend to become meaningless to normal average people. I will not be impressed by inane one word stupid comments. You may use clear precise philistinic grammar. but keep it readable, for the masses. Overdone obscene statements may be deleted.
Well, the rules remain the same but not the weather pattern, in fact the highest midday temp this past eight days peaked at 37C averaging out at 35.5C, Remember this is nearly a month into Autumn (Fall).
Looking back over posts in the archives, some would qualify for a re-run, I may do this when experiencing a bout of idleness which is happening only too often, this problem comes with age but I am thankful for my good mobility and faculties, when I see those associates of my era wobbling around with a not too with it expression.
As for five years of blogging, friends and foes have come and gone, the few remaining regular long standing visitors (Commenter's)remain the soul of the blog. Sadly all was going well with the Nth American blog scene until I racked up an army of Gun Loving dissidents opposed to my Anti Gun stand, The Status Quo remains.
Over the past few months it has been a sort of revealing exercise with unknown relatives alive and deceased plus friends from half a century back popping up from nowhere. This has spurred on my son David to search deeper into family records, with surprising results, particularly one piece of family records produced by my newly acquired beautiful niece which has opened the inevitable Can of Worms, although many people have laid claim to my status many times in a derogatory manner, they may well be correct if that morsel of black and white print is given a public airing, but of course I shall deny it.
And for relatives who are now thinking that I am a right thingy ( must not use that word until confirmed) For not joining 'Face book' I apologise if any offence caused. and for those relatives who take the time and effort to communicate one way or another thank you. and for some of my Oz rello's who only communicate around Birthdays and festive hand out periods, more regular calls may prevent me lapsing into 'Old Timers' and forgetting all together. And for our prodigal 'S', we love you still and hope you are happy in your surroundings where ever you are and who ever you are with, There is no need to communicate or return home as we are at present in a state of Peace and tranquility..
My best regards to everyone. LJB, aka Vest.
v
Saturday, 20 March 2010
This is a true account of my connection with David Bingham.
WE first met aboard ship where I had a brief Acquaintance with him, while being his instructor. David was a clever dick; knew every thing - cocky little sod, after I threatened him with a week in the slammer for insolence he quietened down,he was disliked by his classmates and myself in particular.
I having left the Royal Navy in 1966, about five years after flying into Hong Kong with Lt/Cdr R,T. a former antagonist in the Portland spy saga, then more than a decade had passed since the initial meeting with D B, before I did a cold call at David Binghams residence, seeing me he slammed the door on me. In another attempt to call a little later my senior management gave me an item for display to Mrs Bingham who apparently was a major spendthrift and she agreed to the arrangement. Unfortunately I was set up to do the delivery which found his nibs answering the door bell again. I was halfway in saying "This is yours nothing to pay" when D B said, "Stuff it up your ass you effing peasant". To my knowledge the item was never delivered or collected. However, at the time I did notice he was showing a degree of nervousness after I mentioned his present problem will soon see you doing time in the slammer. the incident was recorded and I personally mentioned the matter to a retired officer friend and of course my senior management, the time date was approx late 1970.
I later received official info from management not to go near or contact D B. there was a definite ring about it being a bit dodgy.
Early in 1971, I was bombarded with advice suggesting Australia was the best thing for my family, later my family and I decided to migrate to Australia, and we arrived Aug 4 1971. It was early in 1972 when I received a letter and press cuttings from Mr F---h my ex boos in Portsmouth England, with ref to D B's arrest for espionage.
I sent a letter of thanks but did not comment.
It was in 70's when writing to my Bro in law's - son in law who was a screw at the prison in Bisley, while there I sent D B a congratulatory message while serving his 21 years for espionage.
After early release D B was resettled in the midlands with a change of identity but was unfortunately killed in a road accident a little later.
David Bingham, Naval Spy.
Sub-Lieutenant David Bingham served, as a weapons electronics officer, aboard HMS Rothesay, a modified Type 12 Anti-Air Frigate, F107 commisioned on 23rd April 1960. David Bingham was aged 31 and was married with four children. Maureen Bingham, his wife, was a comfort shopper, a so-called 'shopoholic'. In addition to that she was also addicted to gambling. Sub-Lt Bingham's salary was not sufficiently high to finance his wifes' shopping and betting expeditions and this lack of finance almost certainly motivated Maureen to knock on the door of the Russian Embassy during a trip to London and offer the services of her husband to the KGB.
Whilst at the embassy she met with Russian Consular Officials who invited her to return sometime later to a Tea-Party under the cover of researching a book on "housewives of the world."
It was later disclosed that her husband, Sub-Lt Bingham, was ignorant of the methods used by his wife to secure further funding for her indulgences fired by her peculiar personality traits.
Maureen Bingham had photographed pages from an exercise book used by her husband for notes and deliberately induced 'camera shake' to ensure that the photographic content of the resultant prints were illegible. She was well aware that the 'intelligence' that she was supplying to the Russians was of no use at all and boasted later that she was 'taking them for a ride'.
The debts mounted as Maureen Bingham pursued her self-indulgent and excessive shopping. This expenditure coupled with the gambling debts led to her selling the family car without the knowledge of the Hire Purchase company who had financed purchase. This excessive behaviour led to subsequent arranged meetings with the Russian Naval Attache, Lory Turifmovich resulting in the Binghams receiving GBP 2800 for photographs left in a dead letter box.
Maureen Bingham later stated that David had never wanted to pursue this course and had gone along with her activities because there was no other choice, fearing for the safety of their four children.
Sub-Lt Bingham was terrified of what the eventual outcome of these actions would be, especially aware of the confidence trick being performed on the Russians by his wife.
It was obvious to David Bingham that the Russians knew that the photos supplied by Maureen were of no use whatsoever, but being aware of his position, he would be of use to them in the future. This fact was seen during the resultant court hearing at Bingham's trial, for espionage, when the court was told that one document supplied by Bingham was 'almost beyond price'.
Eventually Bingham was called to a meeting with the Russian handlers. The meeting took place in some woods. David Bingham had taken his son, Karl, with him and during the meeting Bingham told the Russians that he "had had enough" and that he "didn't care, not having a life". At this point a Russian placed a gun to Bingham's head and asked "What about your children's lives?"
On his return, and wishing to protect his children, Bingham approached a senior Officer and informed him of the spying activities. Unfortunately with David Bingham being of good character the officer refused to believe what he was hearing and David Bingham was forced to go and tell the Police. Sub-Lt Bingham was immediately arrested and thence formerly charged.
In 1972 the story of his treachery was printed in the newspapers and was described as 'being beyond belief'. Bingham himself was descibed as "the most despicable traitor in the history of post-war espionage". The defence counsel called the case "a story of almost incredible folly" whilst the court saw that David Bingham's confession read like "a badly written spy-novel - a lurid melodrama of secret assignations, signals that involved leaving empty packets of cigarettes in rural telephone boxes and posting church notices to addresses in Kensington".
At the time of the trial the Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath had authorised the expulsion of 105 Soviet diplomats and officials from Great Britain for espionage.
At Winchester Crown Court, David Bingham confessed to photographing naval documents and as a result was sentenced to imprisonment, a total of 126 years on 12 counts, to run concurrently, a sentence of 21 years.
After her husband's trial Maureen Bingham returned to the Russian embassy, with the Press, and declared that "it was all my fault" and that "the Russians were always very concerned about myself and our four children. They treated us better than the Royal Navy ever did".
Maureen Bingham was subsequently arrested and charged with offences under the Official Secrets Act. She was psychologically examined and the subsequent report stated that she was a pathological liar.
Maureen Bingham was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
During her trial the judge described her as "having opened the door" to her husband's spying activities. He went on to state that she was "a lady of almost disastrous loquacity".
With both parents serving gaol sentences the children were placed in care, moved between children's homes and foster parents for the rest of their childhood. David Bingham had secured his children's security at least. After serving only seven years of the original twenty one year sentence David Bingham was released from gaol.
He quietly settled down and rebuilt his life, changing his name to Brough and remarrying. Bingham (or Brough) ran a small hotel in Bournemouth, Sussex and also became the vice-president of the local Conservative Club. The members were probably unaware that he had previously spied for the Russians. He also opened an alternative healing centre in Stratford offering therapies at GBP 20 a session.
In February 1997 Bingham/Brough lost control of the car that he was driving, in Stratford-upon-Avon, crashing into a tree. Bingham/Brough died as a result of the accident, along with his dog, who was also present in the car. The crash occurred during severe gales which were sweeping the country. He was 56.
I having left the Royal Navy in 1966, about five years after flying into Hong Kong with Lt/Cdr R,T. a former antagonist in the Portland spy saga, then more than a decade had passed since the initial meeting with D B, before I did a cold call at David Binghams residence, seeing me he slammed the door on me. In another attempt to call a little later my senior management gave me an item for display to Mrs Bingham who apparently was a major spendthrift and she agreed to the arrangement. Unfortunately I was set up to do the delivery which found his nibs answering the door bell again. I was halfway in saying "This is yours nothing to pay" when D B said, "Stuff it up your ass you effing peasant". To my knowledge the item was never delivered or collected. However, at the time I did notice he was showing a degree of nervousness after I mentioned his present problem will soon see you doing time in the slammer. the incident was recorded and I personally mentioned the matter to a retired officer friend and of course my senior management, the time date was approx late 1970.
I later received official info from management not to go near or contact D B. there was a definite ring about it being a bit dodgy.
Early in 1971, I was bombarded with advice suggesting Australia was the best thing for my family, later my family and I decided to migrate to Australia, and we arrived Aug 4 1971. It was early in 1972 when I received a letter and press cuttings from Mr F---h my ex boos in Portsmouth England, with ref to D B's arrest for espionage.
I sent a letter of thanks but did not comment.
It was in 70's when writing to my Bro in law's - son in law who was a screw at the prison in Bisley, while there I sent D B a congratulatory message while serving his 21 years for espionage.
After early release D B was resettled in the midlands with a change of identity but was unfortunately killed in a road accident a little later.
David Bingham, Naval Spy.
Sub-Lieutenant David Bingham served, as a weapons electronics officer, aboard HMS Rothesay, a modified Type 12 Anti-Air Frigate, F107 commisioned on 23rd April 1960. David Bingham was aged 31 and was married with four children. Maureen Bingham, his wife, was a comfort shopper, a so-called 'shopoholic'. In addition to that she was also addicted to gambling. Sub-Lt Bingham's salary was not sufficiently high to finance his wifes' shopping and betting expeditions and this lack of finance almost certainly motivated Maureen to knock on the door of the Russian Embassy during a trip to London and offer the services of her husband to the KGB.
Whilst at the embassy she met with Russian Consular Officials who invited her to return sometime later to a Tea-Party under the cover of researching a book on "housewives of the world."
It was later disclosed that her husband, Sub-Lt Bingham, was ignorant of the methods used by his wife to secure further funding for her indulgences fired by her peculiar personality traits.
Maureen Bingham had photographed pages from an exercise book used by her husband for notes and deliberately induced 'camera shake' to ensure that the photographic content of the resultant prints were illegible. She was well aware that the 'intelligence' that she was supplying to the Russians was of no use at all and boasted later that she was 'taking them for a ride'.
The debts mounted as Maureen Bingham pursued her self-indulgent and excessive shopping. This expenditure coupled with the gambling debts led to her selling the family car without the knowledge of the Hire Purchase company who had financed purchase. This excessive behaviour led to subsequent arranged meetings with the Russian Naval Attache, Lory Turifmovich resulting in the Binghams receiving GBP 2800 for photographs left in a dead letter box.
Maureen Bingham later stated that David had never wanted to pursue this course and had gone along with her activities because there was no other choice, fearing for the safety of their four children.
Sub-Lt Bingham was terrified of what the eventual outcome of these actions would be, especially aware of the confidence trick being performed on the Russians by his wife.
It was obvious to David Bingham that the Russians knew that the photos supplied by Maureen were of no use whatsoever, but being aware of his position, he would be of use to them in the future. This fact was seen during the resultant court hearing at Bingham's trial, for espionage, when the court was told that one document supplied by Bingham was 'almost beyond price'.
Eventually Bingham was called to a meeting with the Russian handlers. The meeting took place in some woods. David Bingham had taken his son, Karl, with him and during the meeting Bingham told the Russians that he "had had enough" and that he "didn't care, not having a life". At this point a Russian placed a gun to Bingham's head and asked "What about your children's lives?"
On his return, and wishing to protect his children, Bingham approached a senior Officer and informed him of the spying activities. Unfortunately with David Bingham being of good character the officer refused to believe what he was hearing and David Bingham was forced to go and tell the Police. Sub-Lt Bingham was immediately arrested and thence formerly charged.
In 1972 the story of his treachery was printed in the newspapers and was described as 'being beyond belief'. Bingham himself was descibed as "the most despicable traitor in the history of post-war espionage". The defence counsel called the case "a story of almost incredible folly" whilst the court saw that David Bingham's confession read like "a badly written spy-novel - a lurid melodrama of secret assignations, signals that involved leaving empty packets of cigarettes in rural telephone boxes and posting church notices to addresses in Kensington".
At the time of the trial the Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath had authorised the expulsion of 105 Soviet diplomats and officials from Great Britain for espionage.
At Winchester Crown Court, David Bingham confessed to photographing naval documents and as a result was sentenced to imprisonment, a total of 126 years on 12 counts, to run concurrently, a sentence of 21 years.
After her husband's trial Maureen Bingham returned to the Russian embassy, with the Press, and declared that "it was all my fault" and that "the Russians were always very concerned about myself and our four children. They treated us better than the Royal Navy ever did".
Maureen Bingham was subsequently arrested and charged with offences under the Official Secrets Act. She was psychologically examined and the subsequent report stated that she was a pathological liar.
Maureen Bingham was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
During her trial the judge described her as "having opened the door" to her husband's spying activities. He went on to state that she was "a lady of almost disastrous loquacity".
With both parents serving gaol sentences the children were placed in care, moved between children's homes and foster parents for the rest of their childhood. David Bingham had secured his children's security at least. After serving only seven years of the original twenty one year sentence David Bingham was released from gaol.
He quietly settled down and rebuilt his life, changing his name to Brough and remarrying. Bingham (or Brough) ran a small hotel in Bournemouth, Sussex and also became the vice-president of the local Conservative Club. The members were probably unaware that he had previously spied for the Russians. He also opened an alternative healing centre in Stratford offering therapies at GBP 20 a session.
In February 1997 Bingham/Brough lost control of the car that he was driving, in Stratford-upon-Avon, crashing into a tree. Bingham/Brough died as a result of the accident, along with his dog, who was also present in the car. The crash occurred during severe gales which were sweeping the country. He was 56.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
No Excuses, Migrants Must obey the Law
NEW and existing migrants from all ethnic backgrounds will have to "demonstrate a unified commitment to Australia" under new state laws, after changes were approved at a State Cabinet meeting yesterday.
Until now the Community Relations and Principles of Multiculturalism Act stated all institutions and people had to "respect and make provision for the culture, language and religion of others".
Community Relations Commission chairman Stepan Kerkyasharian said the law change would create a new definition of multiculturalism.
"We're not telling people to change their religion - we're not telling people to all look the same," he said.
"There are some things where we have to be all the same. Those things are the way we obey the law and the way we demonstrate our commitment to Australia.
"What this [change] does, it says that while we accept that Australians have different languages, backgrounds, they may speak different languages at home, they may have different religions.
"As Australians we all have a commitment to this country."
He said the laws of Australia would now be recognised above people's cultural backgrounds.
And I might add, not before time.
Until now the Community Relations and Principles of Multiculturalism Act stated all institutions and people had to "respect and make provision for the culture, language and religion of others".
Community Relations Commission chairman Stepan Kerkyasharian said the law change would create a new definition of multiculturalism.
"We're not telling people to change their religion - we're not telling people to all look the same," he said.
"There are some things where we have to be all the same. Those things are the way we obey the law and the way we demonstrate our commitment to Australia.
"What this [change] does, it says that while we accept that Australians have different languages, backgrounds, they may speak different languages at home, they may have different religions.
"As Australians we all have a commitment to this country."
He said the laws of Australia would now be recognised above people's cultural backgrounds.
And I might add, not before time.
Friday, 12 March 2010
Facebook Spies!!!. ASIO hiring via Facebook.
ASIO hiring via Facebook? What are these? AUSTRALIA'S top spy agency has turned to the social networking giant Facebook to find new staff in its latest online recruitment campaign.
Some Facebook users with links to Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra have been seeing ASIO job advertisements in the past two weeks.
ASIO's quietly launched online recruiting drive is part of a broader campaign the agency said was aimed at "both passive and active job-seekers".
"We are seeking candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and social-networking sites provide access to a wide audience who may not otherwise consider ASIO as an employer," an ASIO spokeswoman said.
"We have used demographic filters on the site, simply because these roles are based in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra."
The Facebook ad shows an ASIO logo accompanied by the caption: "What would it take for you to click on this ad? A snap decision? An inquisitive mind? Click for info on becoming a Surveillance Officer.
Some Facebook users with links to Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra have been seeing ASIO job advertisements in the past two weeks.
ASIO's quietly launched online recruiting drive is part of a broader campaign the agency said was aimed at "both passive and active job-seekers".
"We are seeking candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and social-networking sites provide access to a wide audience who may not otherwise consider ASIO as an employer," an ASIO spokeswoman said.
"We have used demographic filters on the site, simply because these roles are based in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra."
The Facebook ad shows an ASIO logo accompanied by the caption: "What would it take for you to click on this ad? A snap decision? An inquisitive mind? Click for info on becoming a Surveillance Officer.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Sent in By Frank Cooke my friend from 'Barnardo's U/K.
IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOUR LIFE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED, DO AS I AM DOING AND SEND IT ON.
George Carlin's Views on Ageing
Do you realise that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about ageing that you think in fractions.
'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .... . You become21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40.... Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out non essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'
2. Keep only cheerful friends.. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin's Views on Ageing
Do you realise that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about ageing that you think in fractions.
'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .... . You become21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40.... Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out non essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'
2. Keep only cheerful friends.. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Found after Lost in Time
IT seems long lost relatives and friends are coming out of the woodwork en masse.
Firstly a couple of months back a younger brother who I never met but sadly deceased, also his daughter my beautiful new niece Bronwyn, whom I am hoping to meet soon, however this will depend on me being able to travel to the U/K with a clean bill of health.
The new arrival on the scene is a lady named Sharina who rediscovered me by typing in her fathers name on Google and subsequently arriving at my recent post dated 11-1-2010. Where I had posted information and pics going back over half a century.
At Sunday, 7 March 2010 10:07:00 PM AEDT, Sharina Abdul Karim said...
Dear Sir,
Just at random typed my late father's name while surfing the internet and what an honour.....an article about my father and photos !!
Let me introduce myself. My name is Sharina Abdul Karim, 60 years old,widow (married to a Dutchman) living in The Netherlands since 1991.I left Malaysia in 1979 to work for Malaysia tourist promotion board in Paris and was not home when my father past.I am one of his 18 children in which 3 has sadly passed.Two of the 3 children who used to stay with you are still in JB. The oldest is Sarah, the second Fatimah or Baby has passed and Zahorah is the one in the wedding picture.
Please keep in contact with me for my father's memory.
I thank you, your article do justice!!
Monday, 8 March 2010 3:14:00 AM AEDT
Vest said...
Hello Sharina. What a lovely surprise to hear from you. My wife Rosemary 75 was delighted too, she would remember you as a five year old there were a lot of Brothers and sisters around 1953. It was at your sister Zahorar's wedding in 1960,I had my Photo taken with the bride and groom, She was very beautiful, and you were a budding eleven year old and pretty too if I remember correctly.
Sharina. You should be very proud of your dear father, we loved him as a good friend and he has always been revered by us for all time. I still have some of his letters, such beautiful handwriting, and this morning early my wife showed me the broach your father gave her in 1954, her initials RJB in gold letters..
Today we have been busy, Rosemary had day surgery in the local hospital, and all is well.
For the past hour or so my server has been down, so I shall copy and return soon.
It is now late in the day, so I shall return in the near future. Vest.
Firstly a couple of months back a younger brother who I never met but sadly deceased, also his daughter my beautiful new niece Bronwyn, whom I am hoping to meet soon, however this will depend on me being able to travel to the U/K with a clean bill of health.
The new arrival on the scene is a lady named Sharina who rediscovered me by typing in her fathers name on Google and subsequently arriving at my recent post dated 11-1-2010. Where I had posted information and pics going back over half a century.
At Sunday, 7 March 2010 10:07:00 PM AEDT, Sharina Abdul Karim said...
Dear Sir,
Just at random typed my late father's name while surfing the internet and what an honour.....an article about my father and photos !!
Let me introduce myself. My name is Sharina Abdul Karim, 60 years old,widow (married to a Dutchman) living in The Netherlands since 1991.I left Malaysia in 1979 to work for Malaysia tourist promotion board in Paris and was not home when my father past.I am one of his 18 children in which 3 has sadly passed.Two of the 3 children who used to stay with you are still in JB. The oldest is Sarah, the second Fatimah or Baby has passed and Zahorah is the one in the wedding picture.
Please keep in contact with me for my father's memory.
I thank you, your article do justice!!
Monday, 8 March 2010 3:14:00 AM AEDT
Vest said...
Hello Sharina. What a lovely surprise to hear from you. My wife Rosemary 75 was delighted too, she would remember you as a five year old there were a lot of Brothers and sisters around 1953. It was at your sister Zahorar's wedding in 1960,I had my Photo taken with the bride and groom, She was very beautiful, and you were a budding eleven year old and pretty too if I remember correctly.
Sharina. You should be very proud of your dear father, we loved him as a good friend and he has always been revered by us for all time. I still have some of his letters, such beautiful handwriting, and this morning early my wife showed me the broach your father gave her in 1954, her initials RJB in gold letters..
Today we have been busy, Rosemary had day surgery in the local hospital, and all is well.
For the past hour or so my server has been down, so I shall copy and return soon.
It is now late in the day, so I shall return in the near future. Vest.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Short and Brief plus sore and grief.
I'm back! And I can't sit too long on this seat as the family-jewels are complaining.
So briefly, my sojourn In St Vinnie's Hospital was OK except for the two hours and ten minutes on the Cutting Board. Being that it was necessary for controlled breathing, I was awake for the procedure. A local Anesthetic only around the nether regions did its best but far from 100per cent, then of course being trussed like a turkey and unable to scratch an ear or ones nose can be annoying.
Ah! the feeling of relief when trundled on to the mobile bed then given water so my mouth could speak again.
In the wash up it was announced I had now delayed my departure date, thanks to a little inconvenience, and I thanked those who performed the little miracle.
Walking is a little uncomfortable, my gait could be likened to that of a Macedonian donkey jockey. Ta for now. Vest.
So briefly, my sojourn In St Vinnie's Hospital was OK except for the two hours and ten minutes on the Cutting Board. Being that it was necessary for controlled breathing, I was awake for the procedure. A local Anesthetic only around the nether regions did its best but far from 100per cent, then of course being trussed like a turkey and unable to scratch an ear or ones nose can be annoying.
Ah! the feeling of relief when trundled on to the mobile bed then given water so my mouth could speak again.
In the wash up it was announced I had now delayed my departure date, thanks to a little inconvenience, and I thanked those who performed the little miracle.
Walking is a little uncomfortable, my gait could be likened to that of a Macedonian donkey jockey. Ta for now. Vest.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Not surprising that our P M will re-Hash the Health Services in Australia
Monday March 1; had a scrub up and a shave went out to do the big shopping with er-indoors finally winding up at the urologist for examination of the waterworks. Dont those blokes ask some very intimidating personal questions?
It was decided that a certain procedure would be necessary, and after noticing my Vet Affairs card, the Doc assuming I possessed a Aussie gold card said he could do it on Thursday no dollar problems with the true blue gold card. However, telling him I was qualified in every form except not born and bred or a member of the German army who migrated here in the late forties became an Oz Cit and fought in Korea with the Strayer military. Simply a member of the 'Forgotten British Pacific Fleet' who defended Australia during WW2. The Doc was as unconcerned or ignorant of the facts as our past two encounters with that inept Fed Govt 'Clark Committee' mob in Canberra.
The Doc then decided that the accumulated fees of around a grand would cover the procedure even if I had insurance and it could be done on this Thursday(tomorrow)Or for $275 bucks it could be done in two to three months at a state hospital. Having been informed by my local Chinese witch doctor that the problem was not too sinister or life threatening I said three months will be ok.
Tuesday, one day later received info from St Vincents Hospital Sydney that they had a space I could use for my ruptured vein Vascular procedure(not the urologist thingy) and as a result I'll be getting done around nine AM tomorrow Thursday. It is now evident that I was wise not to have accepted the urologists offer for Thursday.
Of course on Monday , nearest and dearest has her colonscopy thingy, so it seems we will both be having a sore something or other to put up with for a while.
Get back to you later, Vest.
It was decided that a certain procedure would be necessary, and after noticing my Vet Affairs card, the Doc assuming I possessed a Aussie gold card said he could do it on Thursday no dollar problems with the true blue gold card. However, telling him I was qualified in every form except not born and bred or a member of the German army who migrated here in the late forties became an Oz Cit and fought in Korea with the Strayer military. Simply a member of the 'Forgotten British Pacific Fleet' who defended Australia during WW2. The Doc was as unconcerned or ignorant of the facts as our past two encounters with that inept Fed Govt 'Clark Committee' mob in Canberra.
The Doc then decided that the accumulated fees of around a grand would cover the procedure even if I had insurance and it could be done on this Thursday(tomorrow)Or for $275 bucks it could be done in two to three months at a state hospital. Having been informed by my local Chinese witch doctor that the problem was not too sinister or life threatening I said three months will be ok.
Tuesday, one day later received info from St Vincents Hospital Sydney that they had a space I could use for my ruptured vein Vascular procedure(not the urologist thingy) and as a result I'll be getting done around nine AM tomorrow Thursday. It is now evident that I was wise not to have accepted the urologists offer for Thursday.
Of course on Monday , nearest and dearest has her colonscopy thingy, so it seems we will both be having a sore something or other to put up with for a while.
Get back to you later, Vest.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Dated Maybe, but Abbott and Costello To Govern Australia? Voters said "No"
Having had a gutful of politicians in general and who hasn't, our seedy bunch of no hopers still make news headlines with their gaffe's - cock ups and sexual romps it is becoming hard to pick squeaky clean pollies from any party.
Our Kev the PM, whose tantrums get the better of him is totally out of whack with his job, rarely there when needed, but then possibly better he isn't, as his list of achievements is yet to be promulgated. Rattling on Kevs door, hopeful opposition leader T Abbott who boasts a dodgy paternal thingy, despite his pontifical leanings is the lean and horny Budgie Smugglers rep for Speedo, which no doubt bolsters his income since being booted from the health ministers job in the former coalition govt. Little wonder that pint sized baldy guy and PM wanted to stay to the 'bitter end' which was the case when he lost his seat.
Having given it much thought about the outcome should the former mob had remained in power and despite J Howard losing out, one of the worst scenarios to hit the political arena and create a laughing stock of Australia would have been the announcement that Tony Abbott the Omnipotent would be the deputy PM and Peter Costello the former deputy would become the Prime Minister.
Unthinkable.
Vest.
Our Kev the PM, whose tantrums get the better of him is totally out of whack with his job, rarely there when needed, but then possibly better he isn't, as his list of achievements is yet to be promulgated. Rattling on Kevs door, hopeful opposition leader T Abbott who boasts a dodgy paternal thingy, despite his pontifical leanings is the lean and horny Budgie Smugglers rep for Speedo, which no doubt bolsters his income since being booted from the health ministers job in the former coalition govt. Little wonder that pint sized baldy guy and PM wanted to stay to the 'bitter end' which was the case when he lost his seat.
Having given it much thought about the outcome should the former mob had remained in power and despite J Howard losing out, one of the worst scenarios to hit the political arena and create a laughing stock of Australia would have been the announcement that Tony Abbott the Omnipotent would be the deputy PM and Peter Costello the former deputy would become the Prime Minister.
Unthinkable.
Vest.
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