Who is the arbiter of what is 'allowed' to be said or written? A professor in Queensland was fired for stating an alternative view to the deterioration of part of The Great Barrier Reef. So there is legislation going to Federal Parliament the will make the expression of non - conforming belief a right. Failure to observe this foundation of teaching will result in the Institution being denied some Federal Funding and be punishable by law.
The Professor did not flat out deny a concept, he stated that it may not be the main cause, and was branded a climate - change denier among other things. His attackers used methods worthy of the Peoples' Democratic Republic of China to hound him. So now legislation regarding funding will be in part tied to the right to speak freely; a right we are supposed to have. If it is not written into the funding, students [including the agitators!] will not get necessary money. Now for the good part.... The Coalition needs two 'One Nation' Senators to pass the legislation.
Ralph the Dog is a supernumerary member of our Board. This photo is not of him, as Mike Weber will attest. Once a dog has used your arm as a 'depository' you never mistake it again. The Board Meeting somehow lost its focus....
However never let the facts get in the way of a story. He belongs to Chris and Carolyn Such.
I erred in my email that referenced Dog Year calculation, because I was in a rush...... to meet Alex for coffee.
So, Chris Such being ever helpful, sent me the calculation, for publication.
Don't shoot the messenger.Parsi; thy name is Charity.
We are a fairly benign lot; just trying to raise money for the less fortunate in very difficult times. So, as requested I circulated from our ClubRunner database >200 invitations to a fundraiser, it having universal Club backing.'Just kick the can along the road and see who comes out to check'. Things are that tight.
Once before, I wrote [as President] about the difference between a-political and non - political. We have enjoyed hosting presentations from several 'politicians'. These events are always well attended and Question Time is robust and polite. Our invitations are sought - after by said speakers. In fact, the incoming Federal Member [Labor] was told by the loser [Liberal] to make certain she got an invitation from RCME.
All 'sides' materially support our Club. I received immediate and very favourable responses [one by telephone from a VicPol - PHF person]. Why doesn't it happen with raffle tickets?
You'll all remember the DG from another District, who although not the Guest Speaker, was invited as a courtesy to greet us? We were then told what was wrong with our Club. Stunned silence and no free glass, I confess.
Well, in my capacity of one off email - sender I received a complaint with opinion from another Club. I'm thinking that any of us who did something similar would be held at the Mercy of our Constitution.
No Good Deed goes unpunished.
............. I am a little surprised by the content of your email, as I don't believe it is in keeping with the ideals of Rotary.
During my [edit] years as a Rotarian, I have always understood that politics has no place, particularly as it limits the freedoms Rotarians have working within a community, and also the potential to create divisions within a Club.
Whilst the details within your attached flyer are interesting and possibly meaningful to many, I don't believe it is appropriate that I share.
Depending on whom you believe, the saying about God / the Devil etcetera can be attributed to Gustave Flaubert [1821 - 1880]. It was meant to express that 'whatever you do should be done properly'. I believe that in learning about historical items, accurate data can be found in Court or Judicial records. The handwritten decision of King James i of England about Guy Fawkes can be read today. The matter is, there's a significant amount of detail relating to the decisions that give us a look at day - to - day life in those times. These are actual records, not recollections.
On occasion, circumstances converge that at first sight seem unrelated. Witness President Sue Voss' initiative with 'Visioning' and its concept explanation. Visioning encourages us to develop where we'd imagine, not where we may wind up by default. As was said by Dev Patel 'everything will turn out all right in the end; if it is not all right then clearly you have not reached the end'.
If we buy a plant and leave it un- planted, it will die. Worse, if having planted it, we keep digging it up to check for root growth, it will die. This is known as Ross' First Law of Gardening.There is a basis of precedence, with no need for 'No, but what if...?'
My Second Exhibit, as Happenstance has it, relates to ordering the transportation and taking delivery of ten barrels of ale.
This week is my son’s birthday, he will be 42, how time flies. More changes have occurred than I can remember and never think about until one pops its head up. Like email in its form, let alone dial – up, which at its inception I needed to have explained. Where did the messages go until you looked at them? Why were they on a low – cost plan when a telephone call to a similar destination cost a heap? And have you seen my brains? You get my point.I saw a cartoon the other day where the Help Line is manned by a nine Year – old. From my own experience with my grandchildren, this is not far off the mark.
One of the methods used by comedians to get a laugh [given you are paying him or her for the entertainment] is to make fun of others’ misfortunes. ‘Vicarious’ experience. Some of the best examples often start off simply; the efforts of an individual to undertake a simple task. 'What could possibly go wrong?'.
Flight Cap doesn’t fit our civil rights, Mr Morrison * 1
The Expensive Epidemic of Runaway Stupidity* 2
Shibboleth [noun] a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a class or group of people, especially a long – standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.
Hypocrite [noun] the contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real characteristic traits or inclinations: dissimulation, pretence, or sham.
Dare I mention for our readers who study such matters, there is a significant difference in ‘apolitical’ and ‘non- political’.
Ros and Eugene Notermans were bespoke tailors and recently retired to South Queensland [that place you can walk around]. They hand made suits and shirts for many State and Federal politicians including our longest - serving Treasurer Peter Costello. Ros and Eugene are long - standing friends of ours, and Ros has taken to tailoring face coverings......
Fox hunting in Canada. And other exercises in English Language.
A reasonable person may ask is the topic relating to the actions of a humans [or humans] or alternatively the fox. What is the opinion of said le renard, I hear you ask?
What is the opinion of a person who hears a NSW 'Public Servant' state:
A:'some of this data [not these data] areanonomised and I appreciate the fact that the people [?] expect us to de - anonymise it [not these].
B: Allegations were made, yes. We are currently checking just who the alligator is......
[Conclusion: Our Victoria Police are better educated than NSW Police].
To attempt to judge the USA by viewing President Trump is akin to judging Australia by seeing Crocodile Dundee. Both are incorrect on two counts; they are stereotypes and second, they are the subject of ‘media’ management.
'Ross Schweitzer presents' is my new column. Editor Jim [and I] believe that le plumier, as a title, has been well and truly plucked.
It will be free of anything you can read elsewhere, or see on the television 'news'. There are always other matters of interest that you never knew you cared about; or for that matter had ever heard of in the first place.
Presience (n) 1325 - 1375; Middle English < Middle French <Late Latin scientia knowledge, equivalent to scient - (stem of sciéns) present participle of scíre to know + -ia
Participle:an adjective or complement to certain auxiliaries that is regularly derived from the verb in many languages and refers to participation in the action or state of the verb; a verb form used as an adjective. It does not specify a person or number in English, but may have a subject or object, show tense, etc., as burning, in a burning candle, or devoted, as in his devoted friend.
I was invited by President Sue [and subsequently Past President Jim Young] to contribute a column to our Bulletin beyond my tenure. It may or may not be weekly, depending on their wishes.
Last night's Changeover from the ZOOM aspect, was a triumph of tenacity over probability. As late as 5:10 PM we were uncertain of success, given the recalcitrance of the WiFi and the flat panel TV at CBs, assistance from three of their staff ...... In addition, the venue with so few people, has the acoustic qualities of a barn.
We knew that the sound quality was lousy, however this is a work in progress. The room is acoustically poor. We are using my $80 camera - sound unit. It's location is trial and error. We will probably be holding hybrid meetings well into the future ... Your understanding and support would be appreciated. No doubt we will perfect it a week before going back to TOORAK. I had the feeling that we were driving along the Great Ocean Road at speed, all the while navigating by utilising in the rear view mirror 😂....
With apologies to the late Leslie Townes Hope. The1948movie ‘The Paleface’ contained within it prescient advice. Although I was only one Year old, and Rotary Mount Eliza was yet to exist, I should have paid attention. Indeed, I watched the movie more than once.
A story, poem or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Back in the 1980s a number of vehicle models were released with digital displays. Sales people told the gullible that ‘digital readout is more accurate than analog’. This is demonstrably false; a digital display may be easier to read than an analog one. It can also be more distracting. My vehicle has a choice of two types of analog display and one digital, with each offering a variety of peripheral information and colours. Go figure...
Allegedly (adv.)
Used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no proof.
A friend of mine, a Barrister and Solicitor at an International law firm told me this bon mot: In a court case, opposing counsel stood and addressed the Bench thus:
Several allegations have been made against my client. I demand to know who the alligator [sic.] is.
Sigmund (Sigismund) Freud himself was not always right; ask Martha Bernays. 😂 Well she’s dead too.As is Carl Jung. *
* I concede that John Gilbert may well have been a drinking buddy of these three, long - deceased experts.
Continuing my series of 'Stranger than fiction' articles, this story has been written by one of the senior residents of The Peninsula.
True Stories from WWii:Bob Charlesworth. RAN [ret.] In his own words; as written by his daughter, Dr Avis Ridgway PhD, whom you know as one of our guest speakers.
Now, I'm betting that you think this is a contrived story from a 98 Year - old man; it is not. As you may determine, Bob's memory is beyond reproach. Mind you, with what happened to him, his Navy service is no doubt seared into his memory.
It reminds me of the tale of a psychiatrist who was going to charge $500 to help a sailor overcome his fear of Reds under the Bed. The sailor instead spent $10 and bought a saw from Bunnings.
People are victims of their own beliefs in how ‘things should be; or are’. You see on the news every day how ‘journalists’ have watched a presentation by [say] the Federal Minister for Health, then subsequently mis - report his remarks. I believe that this is primarily because ‘they’ are focused on a question they have been told to ask.
They then hear neither what went before, neither the response. I can prove it.
People are victims of their own beliefs in how ‘things should be; or are’. You see on the news every day how ‘journalists’ have watched a presentation by [say] the Federal Minister for Health, then subsequently mis - report his remarks. I believe that this is primarily because ‘they’ are focussed on a question they have been told to ask.
They then hear neither what went before, neither the response. I can prove it.
The best humour is often drawn from contemporary Life.
For those of us who are amazed by ideas for cures, remediesandante diluvian alchemy, I offer you a choice of two narratives.
Both are true; it may be difficult for many to select the 150 Year - old one, from the one that is barely one week old. Presumably, some people will believe anything.
Sometimes Humanity provides us all with introspection about those who hold themselves as Pillars of the Community, but are unwittingly, victims of their own folly. At least we, the Great Unwashed, draw amusement.
If you liked my recent advice about methylated spirit [ethanol w/w 90%] the other day; not to mention Brasso® and going blind, yet being sanitized [undertakers encourage this] read on ......
The nicest things happen when one is not used to expecting them.
Over the past months, the Chairmen of bothVocational and Youth have immersed themselves in facilitating a plethora of activities; for the benefit of students and our Community. We have been visited by candidates for MUNA, NYSF, Youth Exchange Overseas - Australia and more.
In addition, we have recognised outstanding citizens through our vocational awards.
These projects are regularly featured in The Bulletin and its predecessors. Most recently Chloe Holmes from Balcombe Grammar School [along with her parents Luke and Tess]. Chloe disappeared into Finnair. Actually it was QATAR.... Is joke, yes?
We decided to reproduce a couple of items of correspondence from beneficiaries [or near - beneficiaries].
Playgrounds are evident from the earliest times of structured settlements. The concept of how they can be of benefit to children has developed gradually; and have usually been controlled by ‘grown ups’ not children.
The phrase Who'd a thunk it?was coined way back in the 1930s and '40s by Mortimer Snerd, a ventriloquist dummy voiced by vaudeville star Edgar Bergen. Mortimer was a likeable character, but buck-toothed, slow-witted, and famous for saying, "Duhhh."Some of our senior Members will remember this.....
On the next occasion you are rostered for the Farmers’ Market, Bunnings or community service, look the part of the dedicated RCME volunteer you are.This range of Hi vis garments; shirts, hoodies and hoodless tops offer a flexible choice of Club identification, irrespective of the weather. Oh, also be sure to wear one if Biggles takes you flying.....
'Envision Hands' https//:envision.org.au With acknowledgment of Sean Teer of Envision Hands.
'bespoke': adj. Made to individual order; custom - made The Phoenix [Hand]: An emblem of reborn idealism and hope. A person or thing that has become renewed or restored after suffering calamity.
If you watched the Michael Palin series on North Korea, he had the bull by the horns. We had the real North Koreans in Canberra; courtesy MUNAand RCME, where their delegation debated World issues with gusto.
We are lucky enough to have speakers who entertain beyond the expectations of our members. In addition to which, the speaker sheds light on what we may have thought to be a mundane topic.
July 2019 Polio News is available online for all the latest news, polio in numbers and the funding updates.
Summary of new viruses this week: Afghanistan — one wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case; Pakistan— two WPV1-positive cases and eight WPV1-positive environmental samples; Nigeria —one circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) case and one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample; Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) — one cVDPV2 sample isolated from a contact case and one cVDPV2 community isolate; Central African Republic — one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample and 13 cVDPV2 samples isolated from community; Myanmar — one cVDPV type 1 case and five cVDPV1 samples isolated from a contact case. See country sections below for more details.
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
In the fall of 2015, volunteers from Rotary and Heifer International came together to build hoop houses for a few farmers working small lots in Arkansas, USA. The afternoon outing was part of a larger project that is still reaping benefits four years later, supporting small-scale agriculture in the region and increasing access to locally-grown food.
Heifer has been using the small-scale agriculture model for decades to alleviate hunger and fight poverty around the world. The approach has the added benefits of being environmentally friendly and offering healthier food options.
That mission dovetails with Rotary’s mission to grow local economies and improve health. So it’s not surprising the two groups have teamed up on a number of occasions in the past 30 years to improve communities by helping families escape poverty. Several Heifer employees are or have been members of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, the city where Heifer has its headquarters.
“Our values line up very well,” says Ardyth Neill, a member of the Little Rock club and president of the Heifer Foundation. “With Rotary, it’s Service Above Self and helping to serve others. Heifer has been working with farmers to be accountable, pass on their gifts, train other farmers, and work together in community. It’s learning to share and care, basic things that work well together.”
Latest Paul Harris Fellows announced. With the approval of our PHF ‘Panel’, along with AG Steve Daly, two Rotary Club of Mt Eliza Members were bestowed with well - deserved recognition.
I am the most junior member of The Rotary Mt Eliza board. My tenure coincides with advanced planning for the imminent 100 – Year Rotary Australia anniversary and our forthcoming World Conference.
It is my good fortune to head a board of past presidents, governors, and other members experienced in every aspect of Rotary. For good measure, Mark Humphries is a supernumerary board member and District Governor – elect. His professional expertise involves, among other skills, data handling and management; an essential asset for our Club.
We have several accounting and finance specialists on the board, and indeed within our overall membership. I trust and rely upon each board member, some of whom volunteered to serve without my asking. This is indeed a compliment.
Mt Eliza Rotary does not operate in a bubble; we rely upon contributions from our Cluster and District 9820. D G Adrian Froggatt, assistant Steve Daly and Andrew Best at RISSPO have each provided guidance and assistance. President Chris Such from Somerville – Tyabb, with his Years of experience, is also of significant assistance.
The Break The Chains commitment that Adrian asked all Clubs to embrace is being addressed by Mount Eliza. Change is a fact of Life; Thinking outside the Square May mean that the ‘square’ is too small. A glass half – full / empty means to me that the glass is the wrong size to begin with.
When I consider ‘Service above Self’, neither I nor District qualify it by length, type or venue. There are a multitude of facets to Service, and one type is no more or less worthy than another.
Rotary and ShelterBox celebrate the power of partnership
Evanston Ill., Rotary International announced on 3 June a three-year partnership renewal with its disaster relief project partner, ShelterBox. For almost 20 years, this unique humanitarian alliance has supported families with a place to call home after disaster.
Rotary is a global network whose members take action to make a lasting difference in their communities – and worldwide. ShelterBox provides emergency shelters and other essential items to support families who have lost their homes in disaster.
What began as a local connection with one Cornish Rotary Club has led to an international movement that’s provided 140,000 ShelterBox family tents or 390,000 ShelterKits worldwide to date (a value of over £54 million).
Rotary International President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney explained his vision for building a stronger Rotary, calling on leaders to expand connections to their communities and to embrace innovative membership models.
Maloney, a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, unveiled the 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s annual training event, the International Assembly, in San Diego, California, USA, on Monday.
“The first emphasis is to grow Rotary — to grow our service, to grow the impact of our projects, but most importantly, to grow our membership so that we can achieve more,” Maloney said.
Our President 2019 - 2020, Ross Schweitzer bids a hearty welcome to the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza.
Whether you want to find out about what Rotary does, would be interested in community service through Rotary or are a visiting Rotarian we hope you will find the site interesting and informative.
We are a large and thriving club but always keen to hear from community-minded people who want to make a difference.
.....
Ros Thompson tells us of a few ‘home truths’ about caring for children who, through no fault of their own, do not enjoy a secure home life.
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