Jerry_Atrick

You'd be surprised at hoe many people would agree with him.. Survival of the fittest, etc.

Whether or not one thinks the NDIS is a good thing (in principle, anyway, as administering it seems to be a ball ache and open to all sorts of fraud and corruption), is, I guess a matter of one's values. Should the taxpayer pick up the tab for those who are chronically and debilitatingly disabled? I guess that will depend on a few things such as: What our social conscious is - do we want to look after those genuinely in need or do we want to let them fend for themselves Assuming many can't afford the necessary care and treatment (pricate health insurance doesn't seem to be as good as it used to be despite being seemingly more expensive - and there are caps on everything), do we want to overburden the public system anyway and hinder that being able to treeat accute health issues? Do we want to leave people languishing and their family and friends also affected to the point that it could impact macro-economic productivity? Is the cost of the scheme more than the econcomic activity it protects and, indeed produces (or can produce)? Also remember that in around 2010, the tort law system was altered radically due to pressures of insurance premiums, for which there was no real evidence proffered by the Ipp report to suggest that tort cases and compensation payouts were the direct result of such premium increases and I think it as AIA Insurance going bust; Since it is now extermely difficult to sue for the cost to cover ongoing treatement of a permanent and debilitating injury, and most workers comp and traffic accident comp schemes are clamping down, is NDIS simply solcialising the otherwise compenstation payments that would be made under the laws of negligence? Even if the farmer didn't consider himself disabled, it does not mean he is not disabled. They get on with their life, but they need support, whether that is a prosthetic limb, that has to be maintained, etc, or a blind person needing guide dogs and home help to clean the house, to a sever anxiety nuerosia patient needing cognitive-based therapy to be able to manage what most of us consider very duull and mundane activities. If someone cannot function normally without some form of support or aid, they are disabled. They may not be debilitatingly so, but they are. The use of the NDIS should be limited to those with debilitating disabilities (IMHO), which can only be defined as sunstantial or material impact on the person to lead a normal life without ongoing assistance (or something like that). Personally, I would be very happy for my taxes to go to the NDIS and less to corporate welfare, even if it meant I had to pay a little more for petrol and groceries.

Oh No.. there's more

And, who can forget this

Now, I am guessing a lot of people won't like these artists, but this is a good one: [edit] Though, doggo just left the room

Now you blokes have got me started:

And one to @ClintonB's chagrin (BTW, I like MC Hammer)

That ZZtop Medley reminded me of this:

And you will all be calling me a wet sop or a big girls blouse with this one: (But doesn't Gladys Knight pack a punch!)

Now, I do have eclectic tastes in music.. and this is one I really like:

I agree, on the basis you can, without much direction, concoct gems from a reasonable array of ingredients. I need a cookbook and if it is not precise, am totally useless. I hear what you say about salt adding flavour, and it does, but except when we don't cook at home, we rarely add salt and I find the flavours are far more intense without it. Compare the rich, creamy flavour of unsalted butter to that of butter; I would tend to say salt ameliorates flavour, and because we have been using it for hundreds of generations (originally as a preservative), as a species we seem to have developed an almost instinct for its taste or impact on taste. Having said that, there are times it is required. especially with fatty foods as it breaks down fats. I recall being served a fresh chicken noodle soup that wasn't salted and was inedible until a decent dose of salt was added.. It transformed it into a great tasting dish. And, I have to admit, when I make a nachos at home, I do mix the guac myself, and yes, I do add a pinch of salt to it. We get Maldon sea salt in the standard size boxes. I have yet to replenish it this year.

Doesn't stop me trying - except of course, for typing. And I do get pi55ed off when I don't get something relatively quickly. Anyway, movement today has been not bad.. Below are the two islands fitted In the first Side panels and plinths not on as the flooring has to be stained. But gives an idea of what it will look like: This gives an idea of the symmetry we were looking for (note, the mixer will be changed and yes, we are not going with the plywood worktops). Some more views of the islands.. You will not believe how much of a moral boost the islands and the handles have given us. We will actually start filling them: On the far left of the below photo is where the dishwasher is. Having the front panel finally fitted has llfted the spirits immensley. And, of course, what would an island be without a home for messrs Wolfie and Grant (and Yering Station) - only their mnore delicate whites, of course: (although it is a dual zone wine fridge and we can have reds in there, but there is a wine cellar downstairs - just not fitted out or used) Next are some of the cupboards: And the receptacle for the fride, freezer, oven microwave and platewarmer: (That bloody piano back is still there!) And one of the mistakes; this: Has to fit in here: # Which in terms of dimensions, is no issue, but on the white-ish bit is where a tall radiator will be fitted and we havewn't worked out how to fit the cupboards to open the doors! Something I may need both Wolfie and Grant to help work out a solution. Finally, the sparky came and has started to prepare for a new ring of power: May have to invest in some solar and a windmill..

The Smart Car first rolled off the production line in 1998. I don't think EVs were going mainstream back then.

Indeed. We did a refurb of our house in Richmond about 12 years ago.. We remember the mistakes we made on that project, just after making the same one on these! I think you will find I will shortly be pulling water out of someone else's (the bank's) bucket. Yes.. as am I; project managing a build on this scale is different to managing what I do, and managing the last refurb - many more moving parts and regulations/officials' discretions to navigate. Having said that, I would rather me learning the more practical side, except I am not that dextrous.

Well, obviously, the Paris games has our attention 😉 My favourite radio segment was Doug Aitken on ABD Radio Melbourne (3LO). He did the afternoon drive segment was was genuinely interesting to listen to; it was a magazine style show full of all sorts of interesting things. He had some regular guests incluuding a solicitor that proclaimed ot be a PC expoert, and I have to admit, I shiddered at some of the advice he was giving listeners. He also had on a travel journo on Fridays and they would talk about wonderful places of globe to trot to. They also have their wine of the week - in '95/'96. it had t be under $$5 a bottle. I learned about Tyrell's Long Flat White, which albeit a blend, was not too shabby for the price. When I moved to the South West and started commuting at 3:30am, there was an overnight radio show presented on BBC Radio 5 Live. It was hosted by an old-timer who had an engaging manner and again, all sorts of interesting things icnludign a regular science spot with an Aussie scientist (all the Brits were asleep) and a PC Gaming segment, too. He sadly retired, and I am going to be contaversial, but they replaced him with what I think is the diversity and inclsuion hire - dead pan boring and puts everyone to sleep. So now, I listen to aither ABC or MMM depending on the mood I am in

Doubt it.. most of what has been done is by the hand of others

This are starting to move again. We have had the building inspection which passed. However, the building inspector requires a door in the arch below for fire regs. However, as the listed building officer won't allow a fire-proof door, they will accept a wooden door that will do. Once installed and photographed, we are totally in our legal rights to remove it. Complete farce: But, this beam passed: And the other kitchen units are going in - hopefully many of them today:

Yeah - I saw some broadcast with them about a year ago.. have defo lost their shine. But, still better than some of the younger stuff coming through.

The person who we bought it off could not afford anything but the cheapest.

We are using Osmo Polyoil darker stain and a clear satin laquer finish https://www.directwoodflooring.co.uk/osmo-polyx-oil-tints-3073-terra.html; and https://www.thepaintshed.com/osmo-polyx-oil-satin?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21399776876&utm_content=164600054140&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-5y1BhC-ARIsAAM_oKkHL-uPdMJHRoACE8bAcELF5jFrlxlU6o0AC7Fh5RnICCOL1XQMV4oaAmQQEALw_wcB They are old pine floor boards, nothing special, and every flooring specialist recommends these,. Two hunder pounds each for 10 litres (2 x 5 litres). We are doing two coats of each, so aren't expecting too much left. Note, the elm flooring in the formal living and dining rooms will just be satin...

Thought I would give an update on how things are going with the reno. The downstairs dunny has had the floor tiled and the vanity basis installed. All it needs now is a lick of paint (after fixing some plaster) and the new sliding door fitted, as well as a mirror and splashback, and new skirtings, and it will be done: The ceiling is replastered ion the kitchen (except for boxing in the bean - building inspector supposed to be inspecting the beam today, then the beam will be boxed in). Also the walls were done, too: The first of the two kitchen islands has been started. Since the photo was taken, the other units are in place and the dishwasher plumbed into the leftt hand side of the sink: Today, I am supposed to be off work, but delayed my "holiday" for two days to finish up some admin; which I hate doing, hence am writing this. Wednesday, the real work starts for me.

What's with the bloke with 2 bellybuttons? A double yoker?

Positively balmy for me 😉