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A woman and a baby were in the doctor's examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby's first examination.
The doctor arrived, and examined the baby, checked his weight, and being a little concerned, asked if the baby was breast-fed or bottle-fed.
'Breast-fed,' she replied.
'Well, strip down to your waist,' the doctor ordered.
She did. He pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded, and rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and detailed examination.
Motioning to her to get dressed, the doctor said, 'No wonder this baby is underweight. You don't have any milk.'
I know,' she said, 'I'm his Grandma, but I'm glad I came.'
Well that didn't take too long now, did it?
After Barnaby Joyce's bizarre claims about the US not being able to pay its debt, Tony Abbott has had to lay down the law to the Nationals answer to Ironbar Tuckey.
Poor Barnaby has often had trouble with his lips moving before he has thought things through but he was able to get away with it when he was just a wild man from the far North. The "That's just Barnaby" principal.
But now he is supposed to be convincing Aussie Voters that he is a part of the alternative government so the silliness has to be sucked down. Anything he proclaims has to be able to be embraced by the Party as a whole.
The US debt comment is particularly problematic for the Libs who have often shown a cowtowing to the US that has bordered on embarassing. When Bush visited there was an unseemly push and shove as "loyal" followers jostled for position to see the man the rest of the world thought was a little bit bonkers. You can see it in the Libs Global Warming stance too. How often have we heard we should do nothing until the US shows us the way?
One week in and the first fracture lines are appearing.
Can Barnaby suppress his "brilliance"and resist a microphone?
Or can the Liberal Party understand him and embrace Barnaby logic?
It shouldn't be that hard really. Barnaby doesn't have to be brilliant. He doesn't even have to understand the real world. All he has to do is keep Mum and not remind the Voters he is part of the alternative government.
A bridge too far I suspect.
After Barnaby Joyce's bizarre claims about the US not being able to pay its debt, Tony Abbott has had to lay down the law to the Nationals answer to Ironbar Tuckey.
Poor Barnaby has often had trouble with his lips moving before he has thought things through but he was able to get away with it when he was just a wild man from the far North. The "That's just Barnaby" principal.
But now he is supposed to be convincing Aussie Voters that he is a part of the alternative government so the silliness has to be sucked down. Anything he proclaims has to be able to be embraced by the Party as a whole.
The US debt comment is particularly problematic for the Libs who have often shown a cowtowing to the US that has bordered on embarassing. When Bush visited there was an unseemly push and shove as "loyal" followers jostled for position to see the man the rest of the world thought was a little bit bonkers. You can see it in the Libs Global Warming stance too. How often have we heard we should do nothing until the US shows us the way?
One week in and the first fracture lines are appearing.
Can Barnaby suppress his "brilliance"and resist a microphone?
Or can the Liberal Party understand him and embrace Barnaby logic?
It shouldn't be that hard really. Barnaby doesn't have to be brilliant. He doesn't even have to understand the real world. All he has to do is keep Mum and not remind the Voters he is part of the alternative government.
A bridge too far I suspect.
On the first day of the Liberals latest, greatest hope coming to power it was interesting to see Julie Bishop's body language with Abbott.
Firstly when Tony was speaking about flirting with Julia Gillard you can see Julie actually shaking her head. Not happy Jan.
The other item that caught my eye was Abbott coming up behind her in a Press conference and grabbing her shoulders. To me it looked like she was momentarily annoyed by the physical contact but quickly recovered in front of the cameras.
If I was young Tony I'd give up on the physical contact. It just doesn't go down well with women Voters. I guess that's why he doesn't poll well with them.
Firstly when Tony was speaking about flirting with Julia Gillard you can see Julie actually shaking her head. Not happy Jan.
The other item that caught my eye was Abbott coming up behind her in a Press conference and grabbing her shoulders. To me it looked like she was momentarily annoyed by the physical contact but quickly recovered in front of the cameras.
If I was young Tony I'd give up on the physical contact. It just doesn't go down well with women Voters. I guess that's why he doesn't poll well with them.
Hockey out on the first vote which wasn't predicted by the pundits leaving Tony to win by 1 vote.
The celebrations have began but the loudest cheers are coming from Labor. Usually the leader starts out popular then gets dragged down by the poor policy. Tony is already "on the nose" so at least he can't fall as far. Of course trying to win an Election is going to be problematic.
Will the remaining small L Liberals get jack of trying to rebuild and think of starting a real Liberal party?
Joe probably make a serious error by offering a free vote but it's still better for him to not take the job just yet.
The celebrations have began but the loudest cheers are coming from Labor. Usually the leader starts out popular then gets dragged down by the poor policy. Tony is already "on the nose" so at least he can't fall as far. Of course trying to win an Election is going to be problematic.
Will the remaining small L Liberals get jack of trying to rebuild and think of starting a real Liberal party?
Joe probably make a serious error by offering a free vote but it's still better for him to not take the job just yet.
George Galloway is reknowned for dishing up serves to the folk who think it's their God given right to apply their military forces against weaker opponents.
Here is a recent example that was drawn to my attention by fellow Voxer koan911 and I'm very grateful for his scolarship. I have been meaning to comment on the ill fated attempt by Blair to be the first European Union President and this makes a nice introduction.
This link has George's speech to the War Crimes Conference & Exhibition that ocurred in the Putra World Trade Centre in KL Malaysia on 28th October 2009. It's broken up into 3 short parts and is an excellent reminder of the bad behaviour of the so called Leaders of the Free World.
Towards the end of the speech George encourages the throwing of shoes at Blair which I think is an excellent idea even though well short of what he really deserves.
Recently young Tony thought it might be fun to score the gig as the first European Union President and it actually tracked along for a short while until someone realised he would not be able to travel to all the countries under his presumed control should he be successful. A number of EU countries recognise the International Crime of Aggression and all it would take is one up and coming Prosecutor to want to make a name for himself and Tony would face the embaressment of defending his actions. Add to that the annoyance of the rest of Europe caused by Blair bouncing around George Bush's feet like an excitable puppy and I'm sure Tony would take years to get through the legal system.
Looks like Tony will have to stick with his current job of creating Peace in the Middle East.
Hmm.
I hope they don't do performance reviews on the Peace job. He might have to risk the EU job.
Here is a recent example that was drawn to my attention by fellow Voxer koan911 and I'm very grateful for his scolarship. I have been meaning to comment on the ill fated attempt by Blair to be the first European Union President and this makes a nice introduction.
This link has George's speech to the War Crimes Conference & Exhibition that ocurred in the Putra World Trade Centre in KL Malaysia on 28th October 2009. It's broken up into 3 short parts and is an excellent reminder of the bad behaviour of the so called Leaders of the Free World.
Towards the end of the speech George encourages the throwing of shoes at Blair which I think is an excellent idea even though well short of what he really deserves.
Recently young Tony thought it might be fun to score the gig as the first European Union President and it actually tracked along for a short while until someone realised he would not be able to travel to all the countries under his presumed control should he be successful. A number of EU countries recognise the International Crime of Aggression and all it would take is one up and coming Prosecutor to want to make a name for himself and Tony would face the embaressment of defending his actions. Add to that the annoyance of the rest of Europe caused by Blair bouncing around George Bush's feet like an excitable puppy and I'm sure Tony would take years to get through the legal system.
Looks like Tony will have to stick with his current job of creating Peace in the Middle East.
Hmm.
I hope they don't do performance reviews on the Peace job. He might have to risk the EU job.
Tomorrow looms as an interesting day for the Good Ship Lost Cause otherwise known as her Majesty's Opposition.
The party that is confused about Global Warming is still unaware that the Voters are sick of inaction and want to get a start on addressing the problem as best we can. Even folk who count themselves as traditional Liberal Voters are in favor of getting a start and if the papers are to be believed, by a very big margin.
The problems for the Party are many but the fundamentals are simple to follow.
I think Malcolm is up to the task of slapping down the undisciplined and freshening up the front benches. Goodness knows they could use a clean out of the dead wood. With any luck a few might jump over to the Nats where they can live unchallenged by new technology and developements. Funnily enough, Wilson Tuckey will be under pressure to hold his seat against the Nats come the next election. Perhaps he should jump now. It's a perfect fit for him.
Can Joe control the capital C conservatives if he takes the job? Nope.
Can he sell the unsellable? Nope.
Will he make another poor decision that will be even more damaging than accepting responsibility for Work Choices under the previous Government?
That remains to be seen.
The party that is confused about Global Warming is still unaware that the Voters are sick of inaction and want to get a start on addressing the problem as best we can. Even folk who count themselves as traditional Liberal Voters are in favor of getting a start and if the papers are to be believed, by a very big margin.
The problems for the Party are many but the fundamentals are simple to follow.
- The Voters prefer listening to scientists rather than pollies with vested interests when it comes to thinking about Climate Change.
- The folk denying the problem don't come over as reliable sources. Wilson Tuckey, Barnaby Joyce (from the Nats), and of late Senator Minchin with his Left Wing conspiracy theories are doing a good job of looking like folk you don't want to sit next to on public transport.
- The message is unsellable no matter who gets the gig as chief salesperson.
- The small L Liberals have almost disappeared from the party after the man handling they received from John Howard.
- Whoever puts their hand up for the job knows they face an uphill battle trying to control the various factions.
I think Malcolm is up to the task of slapping down the undisciplined and freshening up the front benches. Goodness knows they could use a clean out of the dead wood. With any luck a few might jump over to the Nats where they can live unchallenged by new technology and developements. Funnily enough, Wilson Tuckey will be under pressure to hold his seat against the Nats come the next election. Perhaps he should jump now. It's a perfect fit for him.
Can Joe control the capital C conservatives if he takes the job? Nope.
Can he sell the unsellable? Nope.
Will he make another poor decision that will be even more damaging than accepting responsibility for Work Choices under the previous Government?
That remains to be seen.
My current employment with AWB is on hold for a couple of days due to an unusual break in the weather. After getting some excellent hours in the first week we have suddenly copped waves of heavy rain that has stopped the farmers getting the headers into the crops.
This is probably a good thing because my soft computer hands are feeling the brunt of manual labor as we have been pulling tarps around and getting plenty of broom and shovel work.
The picture at left is not from our site but it gives a good look at how the process works. Our bunkers are longer than these ones and the bunker wall is more of an angle.
The bunkers have a ground sheet on the floor to keep the grain clean and when the stack is at its maximum height tarps are hauled over the grain to keep out impurities and water. To get the tarps in place two front end loaders are hooked up to the ends of the tarp and with the assistance of a few blokes, it is dragged over the grain. The trickiest part is being on top of the stack when the tarp is in motion and stepping onto the grain. My first step had me sinking down to my waist level immediately and I had visions of going straight under and them having to dig me out. That seemed like unecessary stress so I hooked my arm over the tarp and hung on. Trying not to look like a rank amateur. No doubt I failed but at least I didn't suffer the embarassment of having to be hauled out.
For all the excitement though, it's fantastic to be working outside in the fresh air. The temps have only hit the mid 30's so far and that has been no problem. I did manage to get through 3.5 litres of water on the first day but I am aiming to do better in the next heat wave. It's very important to keep the kidneys working.
It looks like it will be Monday at least before we get back on site but even that might be a tad optimistic. We just had a heavy downpour about an hour ago that might push it back even further.
Farming must be a bitch of a job. Late last week the farmers couldn't get the headers out because of Total Fire Bans then the rain came. The monster harvest prediction must be wobbling a bit now.
This is probably a good thing because my soft computer hands are feeling the brunt of manual labor as we have been pulling tarps around and getting plenty of broom and shovel work.
The picture at left is not from our site but it gives a good look at how the process works. Our bunkers are longer than these ones and the bunker wall is more of an angle.
The bunkers have a ground sheet on the floor to keep the grain clean and when the stack is at its maximum height tarps are hauled over the grain to keep out impurities and water. To get the tarps in place two front end loaders are hooked up to the ends of the tarp and with the assistance of a few blokes, it is dragged over the grain. The trickiest part is being on top of the stack when the tarp is in motion and stepping onto the grain. My first step had me sinking down to my waist level immediately and I had visions of going straight under and them having to dig me out. That seemed like unecessary stress so I hooked my arm over the tarp and hung on. Trying not to look like a rank amateur. No doubt I failed but at least I didn't suffer the embarassment of having to be hauled out.
For all the excitement though, it's fantastic to be working outside in the fresh air. The temps have only hit the mid 30's so far and that has been no problem. I did manage to get through 3.5 litres of water on the first day but I am aiming to do better in the next heat wave. It's very important to keep the kidneys working.
It looks like it will be Monday at least before we get back on site but even that might be a tad optimistic. We just had a heavy downpour about an hour ago that might push it back even further.
Farming must be a bitch of a job. Late last week the farmers couldn't get the headers out because of Total Fire Bans then the rain came. The monster harvest prediction must be wobbling a bit now.
Great News for these financially challenging times!
I found a local prostitute who charges by the inch.
Obviously, I can't afford her, but I thought you might enjoy a cheap night out.Wonders will never cease.
After a horror start to the week for the Liberal Party of Oz (see earlier post) the later half did indeed improve with some valuable comment from some Liberals.
Unfortunately for the Party it came from elder members who no longer have much input but nevertheless it was nice to see something a bit more thoughtful for a change.
First cab off the rank was Malcolm Fraser (pictured at left) who made an insightful reply to Fran Kelly on RN Breakfast. When asked what he thought Kevin Rudd should do (principally about boat people) he said "Kevin Rudd should get out of the way and let his Ministers manage their portfolios."
A very good observation although I appreciate he is viewing it from a different angle. The problem with Oceanic Viking got blown way out of proportion and Kevin 07 did not need to be in center stage as it exploded. He should have left it for his Ministers to solve and only get involved if it really went pear shaped.
The problem arose from some misreading of a poll and Labor is not the only interest group to get it wrong. Even Michelle Grattan got carried away and started reading more into the data. For those who missed it a poll was undertaken just after the rescued Sri Lankans refused to leave the Oceanic Viking at an Indonesian port. Now some Voters were excited and the Press certainly got their knickers in a twist but the Public in general were just watching things unfold. A few different Labor folk started jumping in front of cameras too and that also caught the publics attention.
The results of the poll were Labor down 15 points but Kevin himself only 2 points. For some reason the pundits and even Kevin himself, decided the love affair with Kevin was over. I thought the data was clear. The Voters were happy enough with Kevin but unhappy with all the other members of the Party and trade unionists loudly asking for the asylum seekers to come straight through.
More detailed polling has since shown that the Voters are pretty evenly split over how to treat asylum seekers. Some want to push them away while others want an "Open Door" policy.
The upshot was Kevin hitting the airwaves a la John Howard and popping up all over the place. Personally, I think this is a bad tactic. Eventually you will say something that offends just about everyone or people just get sick of seeing you around. I simply wouldn't go there.
If Rudd hadn't jumped in he could still be relaxing back at the Lodge instead of having to keep going over the same ground.
The second Elder Liberal to make an intelligent comment was a real shock. None other than Sadam Hussien's bag man Alexander Downer. His observation was uncharacteristically accompanied by an admission of having made the same mistake himself. The comment was about carrying on negotions with a megaphone ie. through the Press. He equated it to their (The Libs) dealing with the Tampa the same way. When you use the Press to publicise your agreements you paint the Indonesians into a corner and you will struggle to get the desired result.
Normally Kevin 07 understands this as shown by the Hu Stern case, but somehow this one slipped through. Being the clever clogs that he is, I'd be surprised if he doesn't learn from this error of judgement and he probably recognises disunity was part of the problem after the more detailed polling.
Rudd has had a challenging week, not a disastrous one, and if he reflects on the lessons and fine tunes himself and his party, life for Turnbull is going to be a hard row for quite some time yet.
After a horror start to the week for the Liberal Party of Oz (see earlier post) the later half did indeed improve with some valuable comment from some Liberals.
Unfortunately for the Party it came from elder members who no longer have much input but nevertheless it was nice to see something a bit more thoughtful for a change.
First cab off the rank was Malcolm Fraser (pictured at left) who made an insightful reply to Fran Kelly on RN Breakfast. When asked what he thought Kevin Rudd should do (principally about boat people) he said "Kevin Rudd should get out of the way and let his Ministers manage their portfolios."
A very good observation although I appreciate he is viewing it from a different angle. The problem with Oceanic Viking got blown way out of proportion and Kevin 07 did not need to be in center stage as it exploded. He should have left it for his Ministers to solve and only get involved if it really went pear shaped.
The problem arose from some misreading of a poll and Labor is not the only interest group to get it wrong. Even Michelle Grattan got carried away and started reading more into the data. For those who missed it a poll was undertaken just after the rescued Sri Lankans refused to leave the Oceanic Viking at an Indonesian port. Now some Voters were excited and the Press certainly got their knickers in a twist but the Public in general were just watching things unfold. A few different Labor folk started jumping in front of cameras too and that also caught the publics attention.
The results of the poll were Labor down 15 points but Kevin himself only 2 points. For some reason the pundits and even Kevin himself, decided the love affair with Kevin was over. I thought the data was clear. The Voters were happy enough with Kevin but unhappy with all the other members of the Party and trade unionists loudly asking for the asylum seekers to come straight through.
More detailed polling has since shown that the Voters are pretty evenly split over how to treat asylum seekers. Some want to push them away while others want an "Open Door" policy.
The upshot was Kevin hitting the airwaves a la John Howard and popping up all over the place. Personally, I think this is a bad tactic. Eventually you will say something that offends just about everyone or people just get sick of seeing you around. I simply wouldn't go there.
If Rudd hadn't jumped in he could still be relaxing back at the Lodge instead of having to keep going over the same ground.
The second Elder Liberal to make an intelligent comment was a real shock. None other than Sadam Hussien's bag man Alexander Downer. His observation was uncharacteristically accompanied by an admission of having made the same mistake himself. The comment was about carrying on negotions with a megaphone ie. through the Press. He equated it to their (The Libs) dealing with the Tampa the same way. When you use the Press to publicise your agreements you paint the Indonesians into a corner and you will struggle to get the desired result.
Normally Kevin 07 understands this as shown by the Hu Stern case, but somehow this one slipped through. Being the clever clogs that he is, I'd be surprised if he doesn't learn from this error of judgement and he probably recognises disunity was part of the problem after the more detailed polling.
Rudd has had a challenging week, not a disastrous one, and if he reflects on the lessons and fine tunes himself and his party, life for Turnbull is going to be a hard row for quite some time yet.
Exactly how long is it going to take for the Good Ship Lost Cause (otherwise known as her majesty's Opposition) to plug the holes and get sea worthy again?
It's been a shocking week and it's only Wednesday.
Monday night got things off to an exciting start with the 4 Corners program giving the Climate Change skeptics a full run. After all Malcolm's efforts to try and hide these characters the ABC has given them the opportunity to increase the size of the hole in the hull and they went for it boots and all.
Then something snapped in Joe Hockey who is supposed to be a future leader of the Libs. For some strange reason he has decided to play the God card, presumably because he thinks it will better his chances in Leadership ballots. Logic fail. Kevin 07 beat Howard in spite of his religious beliefs not because of them.
Aussies are always supicious of "God Bothering" from pollies. Yes, you can declare your hand if the matter is raised by others but to start the topic yourself is a very dangerous tactic. When you have another political challenger in your Party representing Cardinal Pell pushing a different God then things can get ugly mighty fast.
To add insult to injury, young Joe has also come out with the extraordinary claim that he doesn't lie. Perhaps he has already forgotten his part in promoting Work Choices but the victims of it haven't. It shouldn't be too long now before the Interviewers start reading back on his unhappy time as the Minister and start quizzing his pronouncements. Perhaps he should have added the caveat "from now on" but even that would be a struggle. His announcement that "People smuggling is in decline" though not an outright lie is certainly a dishonest presentation of the facts.
All this on top of Howard sticking his head up to remind the Voters of children being imprisoned with their asylum seeking parents.
The week can only improve from here.
It's been a shocking week and it's only Wednesday.
Monday night got things off to an exciting start with the 4 Corners program giving the Climate Change skeptics a full run. After all Malcolm's efforts to try and hide these characters the ABC has given them the opportunity to increase the size of the hole in the hull and they went for it boots and all.
Then something snapped in Joe Hockey who is supposed to be a future leader of the Libs. For some strange reason he has decided to play the God card, presumably because he thinks it will better his chances in Leadership ballots. Logic fail. Kevin 07 beat Howard in spite of his religious beliefs not because of them.
Aussies are always supicious of "God Bothering" from pollies. Yes, you can declare your hand if the matter is raised by others but to start the topic yourself is a very dangerous tactic. When you have another political challenger in your Party representing Cardinal Pell pushing a different God then things can get ugly mighty fast.
To add insult to injury, young Joe has also come out with the extraordinary claim that he doesn't lie. Perhaps he has already forgotten his part in promoting Work Choices but the victims of it haven't. It shouldn't be too long now before the Interviewers start reading back on his unhappy time as the Minister and start quizzing his pronouncements. Perhaps he should have added the caveat "from now on" but even that would be a struggle. His announcement that "People smuggling is in decline" though not an outright lie is certainly a dishonest presentation of the facts.
All this on top of Howard sticking his head up to remind the Voters of children being imprisoned with their asylum seeking parents.
The week can only improve from here.
