I had a maiden aunt who died when aged 104. She was very attractive in her youth and in more mature years but she rejected all suitors and spent her years looking after others who were frailer and less robust than herself. She once said to me, “Henry, all men are beasts; their thoughts never rise higher than the bed.”

Over time and in this sad age of rising domestic violence, I sometimes ponder on what she said those sixty or seventy years ago.

Having AI answer phones and asking what I want is eerily Frankensteinian. Human response is evermore impersonal and increasingly distant.

If the cost of living and being alive becomes onerous to the point where living is merely existing, without the desire to live because of penury and totally precarious circumstances, should opting out by VAD because of circumstances not be an option?

Sad but true. When you get old, you are often hanging on – and hanging in – until you die.

Embracing Leadership

Albo is the most wonderful leader in the whole world. He is precise, bold, positive, affirmative, quick-witted, full of charm and alacrity, personable, a hero among those under 30 years of age, an enduring leader, and someone who disarms hostility and agitation with a winsome smile. 

We must not be quick to judge the very few negatives in the life and character of a man who overflows with a super abundance of positive character traits and management capacities

WHOLESOMENESS PERSONIFIED

He knows no wrong
He knows no sin
The saintly Albo
Casts into the bin
Critiques of him
That are but dross
Driveling jealousy
He will always toss
And stand high and pure
For all to see
The BEST PM
There will ever be.

• Multiculturalism leads to kaleidoscopic confusion.

• Dementia circles the brain; medication aims to keep it away.

• VAD in the NT is still being dithered around by Government.

• Dementia replaces victim’s trust with uncertainty.

• Dementia saps lightheartedness and good humour from life.

If I had taken some of the leadership actions attributable to Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allen, I would be in jail.

That would have been me had some of these things been done by me as a school principal. Without doubt.

THE NT GOVERNMENT AND HOW IT WILL TRAVEL

The NT Government had its first cabinet meeting in Alice Springs on October 6. This coincides with the opening of the Alice Springs masters Games. Michael Gunner is playing for one of the hockey teams in this games program. Labour has pledged not to be a ‘stranger’ to Alice Springs in terms of meetings and recognition. There is a backup meeting of the Cabinet on Friday 14th. This is ahead of the Legislative Assembly holding its first session since this government took office. The sittings start on Tuesday, October 18.

The NT Business Council is playing a ‘wait and see’ game, giving the government a little time to settle into its new role. Obviously, they don’t want business to go backward and are waiting to see what follow-up projects will succeed the construction of Inpex.

There is also a wait-and-see around the outcome of research into fracking in the NT. There is no end date for this research, and the moratorium will remain in place until it is completed. The thinking seems to be there will be fracking in limited geographical places and under very tight regulatory control. Either way, the government will be walking a tightrope in accommodating the needs of one group without overly jeopardising its relationship with the other.

The $1,000,000 fish tagging program is underway, and already two $10,000 fish have been caught. This is a carry-on of an initiative that commenced during the reign of the CLP Government. There are 100 fish tagged with $10,000 tags along with the big one.

Schools are already on the agenda. There have been solvency issues for Kormilda College and Warruwi Aboriginal School. The former has been granted $5.1 million and the latter $600,000 to see the boarding sections of both schools through until the end of the year. Where funding goes in 2017 remains to be seen. Government implies these monetary advances are loans against contingency funds and not grants.

Will Indigenous Residential Education work?

Meanwhile, following the previous government’s implementation of the Wilsons Report, Indigenous boarding options for secondary years are being pursued on a regional basis. This is about upping the ante in Katherine and Tennant Creek. It is also about the construction of a $17,000,000 boarding facility for the East Arnhem region. This is being built adjacent to the Nhulunbuy High School, where it is envisaged students will complete secondary education. The facility will board 42 students when full.

In an earlier life (during the 1970s), there was an East Arnhem Aboriginal boarding facility at Dhupuma, around 25 kilometres from Nhulunbuy. It operated for about ten years. Despite the best efforts of the Education Department, this secondary residential program was spectacularly unsuccessful early on. Bringing students together from different areas did not work well from the viewpoint of building and developing relationships. There were social problems, with students who were off-limits to each other ignoring these taboos. If students were offended, they were often suspended, with feeder communities not knowing of these transgressions until students concerned were shipped back to their families.

Will a new or revisited program, which the Labour Government will have to administer, work any better than earlier models? I do know that when meeting with Bruce Wilson (developer of the Wilson Report), he told me that my conversation and material about residential colleges in the past was news to him. One wonders whether revisiting the past will be more successful this time around.

Banned Drinkers Register

Alcohol is the number one problem for people in the NT. It is the major contributor to domestic violence and seems to be out of control. The CLP threw the BDR out and introduced Temporary Beat Locations (TBL’s) in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine. This meant that police were on duty outside hotel bottle shops during opening hours, turning away those not entitled to support the outlets with their patronage. This has taken police away from other duties. It has also driven many alcohol dependent persons into Darwin and Palmerston, where TBL’s do not operate. This has added to the numbers of ‘long grassers’ and homeless, by an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people. Alcohol is readily attainable, begging for money has increased, and ways of gaining procurement have been worked out.

The centres with TBLs in place want those retained, and the government has said this will be the case until BDR’s are fully operational.

Meanwhile, the issue for Darwin and Palmerston continues to manifest itself in everything from antisocial behaviour to break-ins.

Bit of a Paradox

The ALP Government, including the cabinet, is made up of relatively new people to politics. It will be interesting to see how they manage the affairs of the Territory from the top echelons of power, control, and organisation.

Taking account of the background that has influenced NT development would be wise: Whether that happens remains to be seen.

My suggestion would be that the government establish a group of long-term Territorians to reflect, from time to time, on policies being developed and directions the government is considering. I don’t think that should be a function that falls to advisers and those supporting the government from an occupational point of view.

The group would point to history, where proposed initiatives have been tried in the past and consolidated or discontinued for whatever reason.

The purpose of the group would be to offer a perspective on the issues under consideration. This organisation could help avoid the risk of going “over and over and over” old issues as if they were new.

The role of such a group would be for advice and information only and have nothing to do with policy setting at a government level.

Issues Confronted and Ongoing Matters the Government will be Facing

The discontinuation of NT Lifeline funding to its previous level is a matter that may have complications. Lifeline wanted $500,000 as a government contribution to maintain its services at previous levels. The government instead offered $200,000. The upshot is that the NT Lifeline office and operation have closed. Those seeking Lifeline support now go through to an interstate call centre, and matters are handled from there. This may have ramifications further down the track.

The John Elferink lawyer funding ‘shortfall’ with government being asked to contribute more to the original $57,000 originally allocated. Government is declining and with justification. Lawyers seem to think they should be funded for every day of the hearing. My view is that government has attached funding to when the legal support needs to appear, and that would only be when Mr Elferink is before the commission being questioned or giving evidence.

The replacement of Dr Bill Freeland, who was Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). He was invited to stay on the board in membership status. He declined the lessening of his role and has resigned from the Authority. He is the second head of a department or authority to elect to step down or be discontinued.

Movement of some CEO’s from one area to another—for instance, Ken Davies from the Department of Education to the Department of Families.

Those moves may be about promotion through talent recognition.

Revisitation of the re-zoning of the Kullaluck land to commercial and industrial, approved by outgoing minister David Tollner just before the August 27 election. The new minister for the portfolio, Lauren Moss, is being asked to reconsider this approval, either cancelling or reconfirming the original decision.

Defence expenditure is forecast to top $2 billion, most of it connected to the Australian/USA exchange of marines and other interactive initiatives. This may help overcome the forecast downturn in construction that will coincide with the major construction at Inpex finishing.

Royal Commission into Child Abuse (Gooda/Wright Commission) and forecast on both length of time and costs associated with its period of operation. At the moment, the commission has been given until the 3q1 March 2017 to report. The cost projection is $50,000,000, with 50% met by both the Australian and NT Governments on a 50/50 split. Commissioner Gooda is already suggesting that extra time might be needed to allow work to be completed. The Commission was set up in haste by the Australian Government in tandem with the NT in the last days of the Giles CLP Government.

Water reticulation in the Darwin and Palmerston hinterland is under scrutiny. Bores of a certain capacity must have meters fixed to them within the next few months. Landowners will meet the cost of fitting these meters. This is to scope the volume of water coming out of the ground. The worry is that, in time, this will change to the point where water users are required to pay for water extracted and used through bore pumping systems.

The Nhulunbuy Election result is being challenged, or could be challenged. Seven votes elected Mark Guluya; there is a question over his eligibility.

He was apparently still a member of the Milingimbi wing of the East Arnhem Shire Council and had not resigned before standing for election to the NT Assembly. The corollary is whether he had to resign or otherwise, which could bend around his status as a group member. Whether the matter has substance will be determined by tomorrow. As for seats in the Assembly, the ‘Sunday Territorian’ editorial said Labour do not need the extra seat, but they DO need the skills and capacity of Lynne Walker.

October 18 – 20 First Parliamentary Week for the New Government

There is a certain amount of ‘waiting with bated breath’ to see how the Gunner Government will go. I am sure the majority of people want it to succeed, but there will be others who would like to see doomsayers’ predictions come to pass.

The first day was one of pomp and ceremony. There were also protests related to Kormilda College and fracking issues. These rather clogged the opening day.

During the proceedings and speech giving, the new CLP Leader Gary Higgins apologised to the NT for the terrible performance of the outgoing government. He was able to say ‘sorry’ where that would have been beyond Adam Giles. Funny though, how all the remaining members of the CLP party fell in behind Giles, although in their innermost hearts, they would have known the government was heading for the best part of a wipe-out. Starting again will mean a lot of moving down a rough road.

Other matters coming to government attention concern the following issues.

* UBER

* Banned Drinkers Register

* Juvenile Justice issues

* Fracking (big time matter)

* Port Melville’s status.

The next sitting week of the Assembly is October 25 – 27.

NT GOVERNMENT AND TERRITORY ISSUES

October 24

The second week of October sittings for the NT Assembly are from Tuesday, October 25 to Thursday, October 27.

* Robyn Lambley had a fair old go on ABC 105.7 this morning about the government having done little within the first 60 days of its term in office—no new policies and not much indication of direction according to her.

* Today the half-day public holiday for Christmas and New Year’s Eve was confirmed. This is being introduced without consultation with employers and will be legislated in November, therefore effective this year. There have been negative responses from business because of additional costs. CM Gunner implied he wanted to be even-handed but said he is a union man and these entitlements were deserved. The counterpoint put by some was that this could have been taken as an intention to the August election.

* Question times on Wednesdays will be ‘Dorothy Dixers’ free, and there will be no redundant questions directed at ministers by members of the government benches.

* Questions about water bore access and fitting of measuring gauges continue. No one seems really all that sure about water futures in the rural area, including whether, in future, charges for extracted water will be levied.

October 26

The government was led by Acting CM Nicole Manison. Assembly proceedings were without CM Gunner, who, with a bevy of advisers, has departed for a ten-day trip into Asia. First stop: Japan. The cost to the government (taxpayer) will be $35,000.

It is important for our government (responding to an invitation from INPEX to demonstrate that things have changed for the better on the political front.

A group of 62 business people, paying their own way, are accompanying Mr Gunner on this business trip. It is about looking for markets and outlets in SE Asia.

October 27

The ALP promised a new corrective treatment facility to be built for young people during the election campaign. The inference was that this would be treated as a priority project and given ‘haste’ status. While Justice Minister Natasha Files said the facility was still in the works, there is no indication of when it will be completed. The Royal Commission into Juvenile Detention will carry through to the end of its assignment before anything happens.

October 28 – 30

There has been both disbelief and backlash caused by the Gunner decision to offer two extra half-day holidays to Territorians, for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Already, private businesses that wage imposts will hit are planning to cut staff or close during what were normal business hours.

The Sunday Territorian counselled through Matt Cunningham that knee-jerk decisions and policy on the run will quickly erode Mr Gunner’s popularity and credibility with the electorate.

November 3

The government has allocated, by sale or lease, 35 hectares to Landbridges for extensions and development in the area adjacent to the wharf.

Halitos have been given 135 hectares of land. They will supply all headworks at their cost. Usually these are paid for by Government.

The overseas trip by the Gunner government party, which involved both staffers and media people (at government expense), came in at just under $135 K.

Not much reaction from the public. CM Gunner declared that costs associated with trips would be revealed before and after the trip was undertaken, so he has been true to his word. This process will need to be kept up on the occasion of every field trip that is undertaken.

November 7

Xana Kamitsis was released from jail into home detention many months short of the non-parole period of her sentence. This is because she ticks all the boxes for this special consideration—quite a reaction.

It seems that the head of Correctional Services, Mark Payne, who was the Assistant Police Commissioner who authorised her arrest, stood away from the decision to offer early release into home detention or otherwise.

Ms Kamitsis will wear a bracelet and be subject to random drug and alcohol tests.

CM Michael Gunner did not know anything about this change in circumstance. Kamitsis was released from jail on Friday, November 4. Nothing was put into the public arena until NT News reporters followed up by asking questions. In response to a question, they were told that a change in circumstances like this had to be released as public information.

This story has galvanised a fair bit of reaction.

November 8

More on the Kamitsis situation. She will be released from home detention on most days so she can perform community work. (Wonder what that community work will entail. In jail, she was helping illiterate inmates develop their literacy skills.)

November 13

CM Gunner visited Nhulunbuy to get a feel of the town and to offer reassurance to Goveites about their situation going forward. Emailed and suggested that the feelings there would be aggravated by the

(at this stage) elected member declaring he did not want to govern for the town. That he would prefer for policy and priority direction to be ‘seeded’ and developed within the town. Those thoughts could then be raised with him.

I emailed Mr Gunner in the following terms.

Dear Chief Minister

I was glad to read of your visit to Nhulunbuy and your meeting with some of those connected with the town and East Arnhem Region. This has to be reassuring for those who at the moment feel they are somewhat in a place of limbo.

The non-confirmation of who will be their parliamentary representative does not help when it comes to reassurance. That is exacerbated by the fact that the provisional member, Yingiya Mark Guyula, has indicated that he essentially wants the direction of the town to be decided by people living therein. A strong sense of non-representation must be in place.

I believe that if the present parliamentary representation remains, or is reaffirmed if a by-election is held, it could be wise to establish an office of the Chief Minister in the town.

To gain a true picture of what is happening in Nhulunbuy, I suggest you consider visiting and talking with people at their places of business. Meeting townsfolk through the East Arnhem Committee provides a sectional overview but not a truly representative picture of what is happening in the town.

Often it seems that when visits are made to Nhulunbuy, they are not notified ahead of time or to very many residents or business operators. I hope there can be earlier and more public notification of intention to visit both Nhulunbuy and other outlying centres.

While Darwin, Palmerston and their immediate hinterland areas are flourishing, it seems that adjacent centres, in the top end at least, are languishing. Included are Nhulunbuy, Alyangula, Jabiru and Pine Creek. We need progress to be a quality that uniformly engages people across the Territory.

I’d like to wish you and our Government all the best as you build a management and leadership imprint.

I won’t anticipate a reply because past correspondence to him has drawn no response.

November 16 and 17

The Government has promised $25,000,000 for the resurrection of NT Rugby League with a new headquarters at Warren Park, Marrara. It seems the $25,000,000 will cover ground redevelopment and overall scoping of needs. More will be needed to bring the program up to full national speed.

Government has also promised $10,000,000 for an indoor netball court. Money for these projects is being brought forward to get the programs underway.

November 19

Tradies Initiative established by CLP on a $2,000 to $2,000 contribution by householder and Government, canned by Labour Government from October 1 2016, urged by tradies to government as an initiative needing to be reinstated.

NT Government to bring forward funding to 2017-18 for construction of new Palmerston Police Station. Fast-tracked under Labour Government’s Infrastructure Plan (LGIP). Estimated cost is $15,000,000. [Present station was built in 1997 ‘overcrowded and cramped’.

November 20

$15,000,000 being bought forward (LGIP) to fund housing at Milikapiti.

Freezing repayment of $6.8 million due from the group operating Port Melville. Money due but frozen so the company might be able to trade its way out of the deficit.

Meanwhile, to bring the budget onto forward works, other programs previously approached have been moved from the front to the back burner. Placed on the back burner are $140 million in works, including a couple of capital works programs in Alice Springs. This includes Ross Park School upgrades.

Most of the backburnered programs relate to spot roadworks and upgrades in rural and remote areas.

Parking at the DPH will be provided through a five-storey car park, which will be fast-tracked.

Open speed limit goes back to 130 kph on Stuart Highway in the 300 kilometres north of Alice Springs from today. This means $1 million earmarked for further upgrades to promote the open speed concept can be reallocated.

November 22 – 24

First week of last parliamentary sitting of the year for the NT Assembly.

The Australian would not publish this response to a story – BUT THAT’S THE WAY IT IS IN NSW.

What a load of garbage. I am a man, but I am thinking of going to NSW and paying the $72 to declare myself a woman for a day, then change my identity – for another $72 – back into being a man the following day.

I feel both relief and apprehension that Voluntarily Assisted  Dying (VAD) Legislation is finally being introduced into the NT Legislative Assembly. 

To me, there is somewhat of an eerie feeling about the reintroduction of a bill  –  now the Rights Of The Terminally Ill Bill (2026) – that, thirty years ago, in 1996, was successfully passed into law in the Northern Territory, coming back in a way that makes us last as we were first.

• My apprehension is based on the fact that there are several steps between the introduction and passing of the bill. It seems to me that nothing is ever guaranteed about legislation of this nature until it is finally enacted into law. When that happens -and notwithstanding operational constraints already signalled- this will finally be a step in the right direction.

Donald Trump’s

Anthony Albanese’s

Bitching, snitching, sniping at One Nation and grotesquely distorting facts about the party’s emergence will not cut through with the increasing number of voters who have been duped and fooled by the major parties for far too long.

More definitive tonight.

Introduced into the NT Assembly today!

Has. the mirage ended?

Is what we had 30 years ago beng reborn after three decades of stillbirth?

I will believe it not until the Bill is passed into law

He will pull the pin before the next election.
He will then be given an AC.
He will be awarded five honorary doctorates.
He will become an ambassador somewhere.
He will be honoured with a statue and it will feature him holding Toto the Bowwow.

So vital

And in workplaces these days

So rare.

Synergy is out

Valkanisation is in.

Laughter is gone

Humour is dead.

Workplaces are saturated

With antiseptic.

Hobbyhorse Culture

Preamble

Roget’s Thesaurus plays on ‘hobbyhorse’. The concept of hobbyhorse equates to something that is a ‘plaything’, ‘toy’, ‘bauble’, ‘knick-knack’ and so on.

A hobbyhorse (in a possessive context) is also considered someone’s ‘favourite topic’ or ‘obsessive idea’.

I believe that organisations can often be led, in hobbyhorse terms, from one notion to the next to the next … ad infinitum and sometimes in circles.

A hobbyhorse is a hobbyhorse until the “obsession” flogs it so hard that it can become a lame or, worse, a dead horse.

Education in the Northern Territory is hobby-horse-like.

Watch this space …………………!

From over the Tasman came he whose hobbyhorse was Transition. “Into school the day they turn five and begin to move them up the grades and through the years.”

Continuous intake occurred from January to October, and then, at the beginning of Year One, the children moved.

“High flyers” became an in-term, and my, how the ‘Little Ones’ soared—alas, sometimes seeming academic readiness blankets the fact that social and emotional elements are still developing. Brief ascension was spoiled because many were unprepared and crumpled back to earth.

The hobbyhorse faltered

The hobbyhorse was haltered

There came a plethora of focus alternatives. Everyone but everyone had a hobbyhorse to peddle about educational futurism.

There was the initiative of “Education for/into the 1980s” followed by “Education for Tomorrow” and multiple changes, additions, and focus alterations, changes, directions, redirections … and so on and on and on!

Core curriculum, recommended curriculum,

The promotion of subject necessities ranging from Literacy and Numeracy to Art and Craft, to Science and SOCE, to PE and Health Education, to Music and Drama, to RI and ICT… and so on… has come and gone.

There are so many hobbyhorses around what to do and what to teach! That field of hobbyhorses would dwarf the 24 starters in annual Melbourne Cups!!

Reporting to Parents and Caregivers is all about “Hobbyhorse Platinum Class”. From simple, individualised, handwritten reports with VVG, VG, G, P, F*, at least two dozen modernised, updated alternatives have evolved.

Each reporting strategy has been its own ‘hobbyhorse’ in terms of uniqueness, but with a linking thread: versions replacing versions have said more and more in terms of wordiness but less and less in individualised context.

Reporting hobbyhorses

Are long but yet thin

Hundreds of words

But not much within

*Very, very good; Very good; Good; Pass; Fail

The issue of discipline was a natural hobby horse. Those at the chalkface could not countenance the expositions and advice offered by theorists and ivory-tower academics on student development (in this context).

“Pontification outside practice” came to mind.

Particularly galling was the notion that young people under ten were not responsible for their behaviour because a lack of understanding of actions and outcomes was presumed.

Strange it was that this hobbyhorse of ‘under ten innocence’ did not absolve Early Years teachers charged with the upbringing of youngsters.

There was a unique hobbyhorse named “Blinkered”.

This beast was backed by those believing (or would have you think they believed) the following notions:

o All children are inclined toward, enthusiastic about, and committed to work and learning. “Making every post a winner” was, is, and always will be the universal child driver: Disinclination does not exist.

Those backing “Blinkered” tended to be persons offering long odds on teacher worth and short odds on educator blame. “Blinkered’s Foal was named “It’s Your Fault!”

The Hobbyhorse “Regionalisation” was a stayer.

In horticultural parlance, this hobbyhorse was deciduous.

As deciduous trees go from being luxuriously leafy to ridiculously skeletal before foliage bounces back, “Regionalisation” went from being overweight to almost anorexic before regaining vitality.

Regionalising, in hobbyhorse terms, went from being on the inner to the outer to the inner to the outer to the inner to the outer no less than three times in under 30 years in the Northern Territory.

New mandarins and policy-setters never researched what their predecessors had discovered about regionalisation before dumping and replacing the model.

“Regionalisation” was not based on historical study.

“Childcare Provision” is a popular hobbyhorse within all community sectors. Those backing this hobbyhorse believe that the way forward is for schools, educators, and others involved with children (beyond the home) to play a significant role in their upbringing.

The premise behind this hobbyhorse is that it’s all right for principals (parents, in this case) to hand over primary care to secondary carers (institutions, including schools, childcare centres, community groups, and so on). This enables parents and caregivers to earn dollars that, among other things, pay for children’s care.

“Childcare Provision” is the progeny of “Abrogation” and “Buckpassing”.

“Froghopper” is a definite starter in the Hobbyhorse Stakes. This hobbyhorse has many backers! Without a shadow of a doubt, we have, over many years, ‘hopped’ from one initiative to the next, to the next and so on ad nauseam.

(Froghopping is all about planning, preparing and initiating a model that replaces one that has gone before. We are often long on planning and preparation, but once initiation sets in, the gloss wears off. So the initiative is dumped in, and we start all over!)

“Steady State” and “Foundation Building” are not in the “Froghopper” stable. “Starting Over” and ” Beginning Again” are stablemates.

“Assessment” is a hobbyhorse, colloquially known as “Testing Them Silly”. Testing to the point of saturation is, without a doubt, a hobbyhorse bandwagon.

Other members in this hobbyhorse stable are “Programs”, “Strategies”, and “Data”.

This hobbyhorse collection shows that children are often likened to gas bottles. They are loaded onto the school’s conveyor belt in Transition (or earlier) and are considered empty. “Filling up” occurs as they advance through the grades and the years.

Educational success for proponents of these hobbyhorses is generally measured in terms of Literacy and Numeracy.

“Assessment Tool”, stabled in the Northern Territory, is the progeny of “Naplan” and “Sea Of Red”.

“ESP”** is a relatively new and untried hobbyhorse, at least in its own right. It is generational, the progeny of “Profile Reporter” and “Everlasting Measurement”. ESP has been entered in the Maiden Handicap for DET *** new starters in 2011.

ESP is backed by no less a person than the Chief Minister. It is the latest addition to the stable of hobbyhorses fed and fattened on testing and assessment fodder.

** Electronic Student Profiles

*** Department of Education and Training

“Toss the Teacher” is a generational and cyclical hobbyhorse. It’s there from one year to the next, to the next. It is a genuine stayer born of “Castigation” and “Negative Appreciation”.

If school ovals were regional racetracks, it would be fair to say that over some time, this hobbyhorse wouldn’t miss a meeting anywhere. There are predictable, tenuousness-related safety issues for those who get too close. This horse is also wary of the jockey’s whip!

Phone bets can be placed on this horse by ringing 89014909

“Copious Advice” is a hobbyhorse known for its constant neighing – in fact, it often neighs without pause, generating cacophony in the stable.

“Do It My Way” and “Dominator” have contributed to the heritage and development of “Copious Advice”.

On race days, horses at the course are often ear-muffed and blinkered, the aim being to minimise distractions offered by “Copious Advice”.

Racing outcomes are often spoiled by “Copious Advice” being so busy neighing that it loses focus and forgets to run.

“Golden Silence” is a hobbyhorse owned by a consortium of professional associations. All have a stake and interest in its development.

“Golden Silence” has trouble at the barrier on race day because it is never sure of its starting gate’s location. Its tendency toward tardiness and procrastination often results in its being a late scratching – much to the frustration of punters, who are generally members of the aforesaid professional associations.

It is the progeny of “Ostrich Eyes” and “Watching Brief”. Sometimes, there are whispers that it acts as if it were in the spectator stands rather than on the racing track.

A large stable is needed to corral the Hobbyhorse Collection. To date:

Transition

Futurism

Parent Reporting

Discipline

Blinkered

Regionalisation

Childcare Provision

Froghopper

Assessment

ESP

Toss the Teacher

Copious Advice

Golden Silence

But wait – that’s not the end of the Hobbyhorse Group. There is more to come.

Other Hobbyhorses in the stable, yet to be introduced, include:

Dresitup

Kikatcha

Subterfuge

Tinsel and Glitter

Anonymity

Not In The Test

Lodemup

Diktatndimand.

In total, more hobbyhorses than could be accommodated at the barrier on Melbourne Cup Day.

“Bolter” is a hobbyhorse with a preference for sprint racing. It’s generally not a stayer and finds distance racing anathema.

Bolter’s trainer supplements the horse’s diet with soothing music played on a DVD player in its stall. ‘The Grass is Greener on the Other Side’ is its favourite song.

“Bolter” was recently confirmed as the most popular of names bestowed on hobbyhorses since the turn of the century.

The hobbyhorse “Anonymity” is receiving increasing community support and embrace.

On race day, no one knows who owns or trains the horse. The jockey is often an unknown, and racing colours are changed between appearances on the racing track.

Punters (and the horse is usually heavily backed) are reluctant to reveal their identity or support for the horse.

“Anonymity”, an aspersion-casting hobbyhorse, is the progeny of “Trip you Up” and “Hidden Subterfuge”.

The horse is somewhat rogue and will look to trample genuine and unsuspecting racegoers.

Casting aspersions

While hiding away

Is the hobbyhorse of those who won’t ‘own’

The things (about others) they so often say.

“Kikatcha” is a hobbyhorse that invariably draws a hostile reception from the community.

Jockeys clamour to earn a ride on this hobbyhorse because there are no rules governing the number of times “Kikatcha” can be whipped during a race. The whip can be continuously applied from when this hobbyhorse arrives at the starting gate until it reaches the home post.

Even when winning or earning a place, this horse is booed by trackside spectators for underperformance. Those studying “Kikatcha” are obsessed with a desire to see this horse fail to deliver on expectations.

Spectators huff, spectators puff

Your very best is never enough

You work, you strain, you sweat, and you train

To people and systems

You’re a ridiculed pain.

“Not In The Test”* is a hobbyhorse secretly cosseted in the hearts of teachers but rarely allowed out in the open. *With apologies to Tom Chapin

Born of “Heart’s Desire” and “Let’s Teach Again”, it centres on the belief that education should be holistic and child-focused rather than test-driven and narrowly defined.

This passion for a broader learning canvas is secret, for few educators are game enough to talk it up. It has been driven underground.

Contemplation elicits sadness that what seems to count most are ‘four May Days each year’.

What I believe

I cannot say

‘Under the table’

‘Tis the only way

“Tinsel and Glitter” is a hobbyhorse that gets a fair work-out. Adherents and disciples believe that “ … if it looks good, it is good.” All that counts is the outward appearance of the belief, philosophy, paradigm or practice. “Skin Deep” and “Glister” are stablemates.

“Tinsel and Glitter” is a real gadabout. It never stays long in any one place because it doesn’t want punters to get to know its true character. It is not into endurance, preferring the excitement of hit-and-miss.

If “Tinsel and Glitter” were a frog, it would quickly hop from one lily pad to the next.

If a cliché I could borrow

T’would be ‘here today, gone tomorrow’

I know for a fact – and I’m no whizz,

That horse is aught but spark and fizz

Sad to say – fancy that

Ideas and thoughts go quickly flat!

“Diktatndimand” is an impactful hobbyhorse. Born of “On High” and “Superordinate Pressure”, it is a bit like a sheepdog herding sheep: Like sheep, school-based educators are directed and told exactly how it will be – and how!

“Diktatndimand” requires a kowtowing response. Those in schools appear to respect this horse, but their reaction is borne of apprehension and fear. Nevertheless, when its approach is heard, the red carpet is quickly rolled out.

When I neigh

You will obey

And teach exactly

As I say

“PSD”* is a hobbyhorse recently arriving in our Territory Stable.

Hailing from Queensland, this animal is backed by those who believe in strict adherence to methodology and empirical confirmation. “PSD” promotes a new way forward but sometimes spoils the race by taking backwards steps. The horse seems suspicious of the environment and distrustful of racing attendants.

Don’t you go the teaching caper’

Unless your plans are all on paper.

Teachers from their hearts are givin’

But fail –

Unless their teaching is data-driven.

*Programs, Strategies (and) Data

“10%” is a hobbyhorse reflecting a populist community view about teachers. “10%” is backed by those many, many ‘out there’ who believe that ‘9 to 3, 5 days a week’ is the total time devoted by teachers to the job they do.

Backers of “10%” pooh-pooh and ridicule the notion of there being time, much more time, devoted behind the scenes to teaching in planning, preparation, evaluation, follow-up, revision and extension activities.

Folks don’t see

As they ought to

(That’s like icebergs)

90% of what teachers do

It is not seen- it’s under the water.

“Contract Bestowal” is a hobby horse ‘seen through a glass darkly’. This beast is tricky to photograph, and images often appear blurry to the beholder.

Those in high places often appear beholden to this horse. In its presence, they consent, bow their heads and hasten to meet its every need. “Contract Bestowal” often appears haughty and arrogant, holding its head high and looking down upon those who fawn over it.

The horse attends meetings every four years, increasingly coming bi-annually, not to race but to watch the performance of other nags and their attendants. Some attendants leave the racecourse after these secondary appearances and never return to the racetrack.

“The Expert” is, was and always has been the newest and most recently arrived hobbyhorse in the stable. There is no topic about which “The Expert” isn’t the expert.

The Expert” predicates its neighing that its stable mates- many of whom have been around for eons- either know nothing or what they know is worth nothing.

“The Expert’s” neighing continues incessantly on every subject, truncating only when the horse is out-ranked by another and more recently arrived expert.

I know it all while I am new

There’s nothing, nothing I can’t do

I talk and talk and have a full say

Till by a newcomer, I’m locked away

“Always There” is the oldest hobbyhorse in the stable. It first appeared in 1978, and it’s been around ever since. “Always There” has been accepted for every race in the past 30 years but has never been placed.

Punters can get odds around this horse of 1000/1 because bookies know its non-performance is a sure bet.

“Always There” is often scratched at the 11th hour; colloquially, it is known as “Never There”. It is a no-show at remote area racetracks at which it is expected to front. There are stories of young children who have grown old without ever seeing this horse.

“Always there” is often not seen

Is its attendance real or but a dream

It has a parallel, I say

Like ‘every child, every day.’

‘Sposed to be there –often away!!

Fie Upon You Hobbyhorses!

Hobbyhorses are, you see,

Flights of fancy o’er you and me.

Good ideas

Not tried or true

Downloaded

Onto you and me?

Gurus from ‘On High’ they shout,

“Load up with this one – try it out”.

And so we do –

Let it be said

Compliance … be-grudged ….

But we are scared,

That lest we do it,

We might suffer,

Wrath from above.

And so we buffer,

Tween superordinates and kids,

Who really are the guinea pigs?

Hobbyhorses create illusion

They generate so much confusion

Bright thoughts, ideas like camera flashes

Invade our schools with constant splashes

Try this, do that … now down the drain,

Replace again !! … my poor, tired brain,

Cannot cope with chop and change,

As ideas merchants rearrange,

My school and tell me what to do,

With fads and fancies ….

In the poo….

If I’m not careful, I will land,

With kids and staff in sticky sand.

Like a monkey, I’ve learned agility

But help, please help – give me stability

Hobbyhorses, it’s such a shame

You are superficial- so my end-game

The principle is to know the pain

Of chasing around for no real gain

For staff, children, community

And no mind reward for Poor (Old) Henry.

Guess what he could change from one day to the next.

Voice

Albo said yes

AUSTRALIA said no 

They voted it down

 Gave Albo a blow 

No means no. 

Albo saw red, 

“We will connive and turn it. 

To yes” he then said

 They have worked

 In a slow, devious way

 To overcome Australia

 Having  said nay

Bit by bit, 

They are sneaking  it in 

Until  ‘no’ becomes ‘yes’

And they have a win.

• Corruption, power thirst, greed and ‘I myselves’ can Earth.

• Government views old people as the Damn Nusiance Generation.

• Dementia scrambles thinking leading to delusional thoughts.

• Just occasionally coping has me banging my head on the wall.

• Dementia is a joy killer and smile eraser.

I sometimes become so focused on what I am doing, that I forget to focus on what I should be doing.

It is 11.28 pm on Thursday July 16 in Darwin.

All is quiet. Not even the dogs are barking tonight. No wind and all is still.

A nice change.

Telstra v Government

Communications minister Anika Wells has said that Telstra has an awful lot of work to do to make it up to customers for the fallout from communications issues in the last few days.

That might be the case. But it’s a bit like the pot calling the kettle black! Anika Wells with her use of travel entitlements for family, together with the government, has a hell of a lot to do to make it up to all Australians for the way we have all been let down by this government.

This is the worst government we have ever had! And it seems, unfortunately, that dopey voters are going to keep on returning the government into the indefinite future. That is largely because the opposition parties cannot get their houses in order and present a united front against the government with appealing policies to Australian voters. They’re too damn busy fighting amongst themselves and fighting each other.

The Albanese Government is largely a dictatorship and the other three major parties individually and collectively are a shambles.

When Pete’s in his house – Next Door,

All’s right with the world.

To the end

Of my journey

Along the route

Of life’s pathway

That has covered

Babyhood, childhood. Adolescence

Young and middle-aged

Now old adulthood

The journey’s bulk

Is behind me

Ahead is less

For my mortality

Like setting sun

And penumbral light

Will vanish me

First into twilight

Then to invisibility

With Henry memories

All that remain.

It is 11.25 pm on Sunday July 12 in Darwin.

You know, McDonald’s coffee is quite nice. But when I put sugar in, it is very rare for them to put in the amount that you ask for. They must use very small spoons or measuring devices. Because two spoons of sugar do not seem like that at all.

Occasionally they get it right, but only very occasionally. I always have to put more sugar in the coffee before it can be drunk.

Massive head trauma is the hallmark of modern-day contact sports.

Headgear might help but it does not seem to cut it.

Touch football is sensible because all tackling and smashing of humans against each other is avoided.

Maybe AFL, League and Union should be looked at for the introduction of minimal contact rules.

Players, clubs and leagues should have firm contracts in place – signed at the start of player careers and transferable with players moving from one club to another- that stipulate who will be responsible or liable for brain injuries associated with concussion, HIA and CTE developments occasioned by player impacts.

Anthony Albanese
Chris Bowen
Tony Burke
Penny Wong
Angus Taylor
Jane Hume
Pauline Hanson
Barnaby Joyce

It is 10.56 pm on Saturday, July 11 in Darwin. Today has been hot but not so humid as to be insufferable. I have beena bit tardy. on housework but things get done byy degree.

After 20-odd years of no test cricket, Australia will play Bangladesh in Darwin in August. Tickets are on sale and selling fast. Not for me. Fox will do nicely and there is always the radio.

One of my weirdest dreams, and one I remember well, happened at least 18 years ago. At that stage, I was the principal of Leanyer Primary School. Our Director or CEO of Education was overseeing a regime that imported many principals from interstate straight into top positions in our schools. Local recruitment was being overlooked, and people who had reached deputy principal level within the Northern Territory system were being bypassed for top spots.

The Northern Territory Principals Association took exception to this and did their level best to thwart this ambition – to import interstate by urging locals to apply for positions. To some extent, we succeeded.

Another development was that people coming from interstate were not resigning their positions. Still, they were taking leave without pay to come to the Northern Territory to broaden their experience before returning to positions that were being held for them. This meant rapid fire turnover of principals in many Northern Territory schools and therefore destabilisation for school communities.

The principals, through their association, kept on pushing.

In my dream, as a member of the Principals Association Executive, I was in a long, thin, rectangular-shaped rice field about a kilometre long and maybe fifty metres wide. High walls enclosed this space, and there was no getting out by scrambling up the smooth sides.

Apart from myself, the other person in this space was the then Chief Executive Officer  of the Education Department—who for this narration should remain nameless. He was walking in one direction, and I followed. Then I turned around and started walking back the other way. He stopped, turned around, looked at me and screamed out, “You bastards! You bastards! It is all your fault!”

I turned back to face him. 

“What? It is all our fault?” 

“It is your association’s fault”, he screeched at me. “You are not helping these new principals from interstate to settle into schools. That is why they are leaving in droves. It is your fault that you are mucking up our ambitions to bring fresh blood into top leadership positions in our schools!”. 

Then I woke up.  

Though it was slightly retrospective, it was a good dream. 

We had achieved something to benefit those within our system. And that was what we wanted to do.

TOTO THE CANOODLE.

The Prime Minister’s Bowwow.

Weird dreams often indelible and on my mind when I awake, assail me most nights. Usually about work and running schools and managing staff. Why? What causes one to languish in sleep in this sort of dreaming situation?

There are some dreams I remember quite vividly, although it has been years since they affected my sleep.

Why?

Too much reliance on technology takes us to the cleaners. For too many years, technology has dominated our lives. It has taken over. We do not control it; it controls us.

My nuclear family.

Simple and true.

• Let him be bourne by bier across America’s Route 66.

• Let there be relays of bier carriers to bear him a distance of one mile to the next set of biet carriers from the beginning to the end of his journey.

• Let him rest in opulent surroundings at the end of each day from tgevsradt to the end of his journey.

• Let there be street parades in his honour as he passes through town and city after town and city.

• Allow all students from preschool to high level tertiary gather along the way to salute this greatest of all men.

• Let him be conferred with honorary doctorates awarded by every university through whose territory he traverses.

• At the end of his journey let him be given the freedom of New York, to be renamed Trumpville.

Both have attained to the venerated position of self actualisation, soaking them in self proclaimed glory.

There can be no higher attainment.

In these modern times of hustle and bustle, I think very much that I would like to live a quiet hermit life in one of the fastnesses of Ireland’s remote areas. I could certainly handle the peace, solitude, quiet, and stillness of such an environment in both the daytime and the nighttime. I’m not a great mixer with People, and in my professional life I had to attend many meetings and undertake many activities that weren’t always personally rewarding but were necessary for the organisation I was a key member of.

In retirement, I like the time in the space to think back and reflect, to reminisce and to write, to remember the challenges, and to appreciate the celebrations. In Ireland, I think I could do all these things in comfort and peace, without distraction or interference.

Yes, that part of Ireland described could be just the place for me. And if I can’t be there literally, I can certainly place myself there in my mind, be physically in the Northern Territory and reside in Ireland in my mind

Would you believe

I hope you do

It is my family – first, last, always.

Can I apply for the position? I possess many of the skills required for such a position, not the least of which is my adherence to, and over many years of leadership, the practice of Concentric management.

I’d have a fair crack at helping overcome CDU shortfalls and establishing priorities. All staff and all students would know who I was, and I would get to know them well.

My attendance at all these conferences held in such plentiful quantity would be by Zoom or phone conference, and I would be where I should be – at my place at my work at the CDU in Darwin.

Neither would I demand or want to command an exorbitant salary, and my personal expenses claim would be minimal, for I believe in paying my way. My CV is available to confirm my suitability for the position.

DONALD TRUMP

Nigella Lawson has taught me to appreciate simple foods.

Source : The Australian 6 July 2026

How might Donald Trump best be titled? In real terms, what is he?

THE FATHER OF AMERICA

•  Dementis underpins medical challenges leading to death.

• Dementia carers, be calm and reassuring in your demeanour.

• Routines help dementia sufferers feel environmentally secure.

• I love my wife but passionately loathe her invading dementia.

• Carers can disappoint their LO by misundersanding messages

Their willingness and open invitation to anyone from anywhere at any time to come to their respective countries and take up living without any checking, vetting, or any concerns about the future of this invitation.

I AM POSTING THIS FROM JANICE LOW MY FRIEND AND FORMER WORK COLLEAGUE. READ AND REFLECT

Someone once said if you take care of someone with dementia you lose them more and more everyday. When they are diagnosed, when they go through different stages, when they need treatment and when they pass away. This is called “ambiguous loss”.

As the brain slowly dies, they change physically and eventually forget who their loved ones are. They can end up lying in bed, not moving and not eating or drinking.

There will be people who will scroll past this post because Dementia has not touched them. They may not know what it’s like to have a loved one who has battled or is still battling dementia.

To raise awareness of this cruel disease, I’d like my friends to put this on their page today.

Hold your finger on the post to copy and paste to your timeline.
A special thank you to anyone willing to put this on their timeline for Dementia Awareness Week. ❤️

JULY 1 COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR. FIREWORKS FROM 6.00 PM UNTIL 11.00 PM

Gillard is a former PM with absolutely no shame for the way. In. Her foolish changes of gender definitions, translated into law, have so thoroughly confused and distorted what were clear-cut understandings about definitions.

And for her to have the temerity to suggest that what she orchestrated at the time was ‘just fine’ and that future confusion ‘ could not be anticipated’ is carrying her self-declared immunity for the dreadful consequences of her changed actions and consequences, a mile too far.

OLD PEOPLE ARE DAMNED PEOPLE

A statue of Donald Trump

Donald Trump

Anthony Albanese

THE DYNAMIC DUO

Donald Trump

It is 1.34 am on Thursday July 2 and Territory Day with its fireworks opportunity has come and gone. We celebrated with our younger son and his family. It was a great evening.

Sorry, Mr Taylor, it’s too little and far too late. The Liberals have been – and at both state and federal levels – but not in the NT – on a downward trajectory to mediocrity and oblivion for far too long. You are a good man and well-intentioned, but who can clean the seething mess of inwardness that the Liberal Party has become? And I feel so sorry for JessWilson in Victoria, who is being similarly undone by those who so poorly fail to stand behind her in oneness and unity. It is between Labour and One Nation, and you have been dudded.

The horse and jockey took out the

Ladies bracelet and

Brunette Downs Cup

At the annual four-day Brunette Downs Festival.

ABC TV screen shots.

MEDICAL TERMS

Blocked pipe 

Rumble gut

Hoppy leg

Hitch kick

Hip down

Fused wrist

Knee click 

Roaring crust

Hot head

Blotched (skin) 

Plugged lug

Peg leg

Wee block

Iced body

Scalp sluff

Body boil

Skin scale

Chest burst

Sting toe

Sole crevasse 

Synapsing nerve

I am a carer for my wife, who has dementia. I’m not quite sure when it started to come upon her, but I first noticed it in March 2022. It’s now July 2026. Fortunately, we still know each other well, and she knows me and who I am, despite her Dementia. Occasionally, she loses track of who I am, but quickly it comes back to her – and I am ever so glad that the recognition has only ever temporarily faded. There was a time earlier on when the “sundowning syndrome“ got hold of her, and she lost contact with me, and I became a stranger and had to spend time outside on several occasions.

Fortunately, that phase hasn’t continued. It may be because we changed the house lighting so there is no light directly in front of her at night, but the light is always to the side and in the back. We have two mood lamps in our bedroom, but they sit on side tables with only a soft glow, and the main lights are switched off. We also make a practice of going out, and I’ve not come home after dark if at all possible. To be in by sundown means that daylight prevails– albeit at a soft level because of the late afternoon – and that seems to ensure that any mood changes based on life and dark do not happen.

That said, on many occasions, I become her “dad“, “Richard – her deceased brother “, “Roger – I do not know who Roger is –“, and for the first time today, somebody called “Tamba“.

But at the end of the day, I am me, and she is her, and that seems to hold together pretty well.

On display in her eye is a picture of our wedding from 56+ years ago, and we use a Frameo, which pulls up pictures of our children and others we know.

I think that helps.

But I’ve just spent time down in the garden, and when I’m downstairs she knows where I am; that does not stop me from wondering what’s in her mind, how she is being sailed in her head by terrible Dementia thoughts, and exactly what is transpiring. I so wish I could read her mind, for that might help me better understand and support her at this terrible and challenging time in her life.

We used to garden together, and sometimes she comes down to see what I’m doing and to help in a few different ways, but often that is not the case, particularly when the weather is hot and off-putting.

So today, as I’ve done some gardening, I’ve just wondered and hoped that she is okay and that the medication she takes is helping. And I hope that I can be the person I want to be as her carer, for, quite honestly, the only thing that motivates me to stay alive these days is the need to nurture and care for the one I have loved for so many decades.

If Margo were gone, I would have no compunction – particularly in the Northern Territory where VAD does not apply – but to go out and become one of the nine or 10 suicide victims of any particular day in Australia.  

By then, I will have tried my best and will continue to do so for as long as is necessary – and as I do day after day for the wife who is my best friend and lifelong partner. But if she predeceases me, then the vacuum beyond is one I will not confront.

I love my nuclear family of children and grandchildren. They love us, but they have their lives to lead, and I will not entertain being an encumbrance upon them.

Darwin Private Hospital

The severity of shortfalls in hospital and health care in the NT is due in large part to the decline of the Darwin Private Hospital and the services it once offered.

There was a time when the DPH was fully operational with its own Emergency Department. That was the first function to go in a steady progression of decline

To say that the Private Hospital has recently been reported as fully functional, except for the maternity ward, is hardly correct. During the weekend, the hospital, for all intents and purposes, is shut. There is no reception, making the DPH a five-day-per-week institution.

People with private health cover who need hospitalisation cannot be admitted to the DPH without going through the ED at RDH. 

Being admitted to the DPH is a long-winded process. I do not know why the Resident Medical Officer at the Private Hospital can’t approve admissions!

The decline of private hospital support has compounded RDH issues.  One can but hope that revitalisation will again offer the DPH as a viable alternative.

Not much room left in the gibbous.

It is 10.30 pm on June 28 in Darwin.

It has been a challenging day – now I am watching the England v New Zealand test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The Commentary Team are excellent.

If I believed in reincarnation, I would like be be returned as a pigeon in Melbourne, Victoria.

Why?

So I could defecate on Daniel Andrew’s AC statue.

Dementia is the devil‘s angel of affliction and death.

Question:

Is Toto rhe Bowwow Australia’s animal mascot?

Answer:

Yes, Toto the Bowwow is recognized as the official animal mascot of Australia. He represents the unique and diverse wildlife of the country, often associated with themes of conservation and national pride. Toto embodies the spirit of Australian fauna and serves to educate and inspire people about the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats.

He or she

The profession of digital creation

It needs fixing

The Managers

Coles of Northlakes

Links Road 

Marrara. NT 

0812

June 13 2026

Dear Managers

RE: FORFEITURE OF POINTS EARNED DURING YOUR PROMOTIONS

I am attaching a letter to confirm one of the key reasons I shop at Coles rather than Woolworths in Darwin. It was published in the NT. News on March 4 2026

The specials you offer customers through accumulated shopping credits are second to none. I don’t use much of what I purchase for myself. However, our son-in-law and daughter run the bakery and cafe in Nhulunbuy. There is no Coles supermarket in that town; Woolworths is the only available retail outlet.

Over time, I have spent many thousands of dollars at Coles and have appreciated being able to earn credits for glassware, cookware, and other products that they find useful and supportive in the business they run.

There is, however, one problem I need to highlight. As each promotion finishes and before you move on to the next one, people like me accumulate points that we cannot use because once the promotion ends, there is little carryover stock available to purchase against the credits remaining in one’s account. These credits become lost.

The recently finished cookware program enabled me to purchase two large frying pans, a small frying pan, and one of the other offerings for my family in Nhulunbuy. However, by the time the program finished in April, on May 12, I had 48 credit points that carried over. That’s $960 worth of shopping. There was nothing left in Coles shops in Darwin that I could buy, or at least offset, against the credit points I had.

I spoke with my Coles Shop at Northlakes and asked whether the 48 credits that I had could carry over to the next prep promotion. They told me I would need to talk with Flybys because of the conjoined arrangement in the administration of these programs between Coles and the Flybys organisation.

I contacted Flybys and was told that the program’s responsibility rested with Coles, not with Flybys. I was told that the 48 points of necessity would lapse and that it was a case of “so sad, too bad“. 

This forfeiture of credit points at the end of a promotion, I think, is most unfair, particularly as no sooner is one program complete than another one starts. In this case, your new glassware program just a fortnight after the cookware one finished.

In the interest of fairness and equity, I think it should be allowed for the Credit points accumulated in the way described to be applied to the new promotion as it comes in – particularly as colds and the promoting company are always the same.

I’m bringing this to your attention. I trust that you will be able to effect the change in the way the system works so that people like me are not disadvantaged.

Yours sincerely

Henry Gray

It is 12.04 am on Saturday June 27 in Darwin. I am in my recliner watching the England v New Zealand test match being played at Trent Bridge. England are 1-72 after NZ finished with 438 odd in their first innings. A huge first wicket stand dis not see them lose a wicket until they had 317 runs on the board. Tea break is happening now.

Well into the waxing gibbous mode.

To the new editor of the time

Congratulations on your appointment to the position of NT News Editor. I hope you will find the position to be rewarding and satisfying.

I have read the NT News since coming to the NT in 1975. From around 1990, I also became a contributor through letters and columns written and published by the NT News and the Sunday Territorian. I also wrote a column ‘ Gray Matters’ included in a weekly supplement, for nearly five years. The column enabled me to reflect upon NT Education and share thoughts with your readers.

There have been several significant revampings of the paper over the years.  The latest change was to the ‘Opinion’ features, which were reduced in scope and became much briefer than previously.

The letters and SMS text section are very crimped and do not allow sufficiently for any expansive comment. There was a time when letters to the editor overflowed into supplementary pages so that opinions could be shared. This overcame any backlog of correspondence.

I thought that the previous two-page opinion spread, allowing for both letters and texts to be separated from each other, was an ideal model.  

In time, a new cartoonist might become part of what is featured. I know that Colin Wicking is a hard act to follow, but there are other good cartoonists with wit and skill. Maybe you could consider a competition to assess replacement talent with editorial and reader reactions, helping to develop a final contender or several persons who might offer cartoons on rotation. We have not had a cartoonist illustration since 31 March 2022. All other Newscorp papers do have a cartoonist.

I sincerely hope that the opinion section of the NT News will not retain its truncated form on a long term basis. If that happens, it may well discourage reader response.

Sincerely,

Henry Gray

October 25 2023

It is 12.50 am on Friday June 25 in Darwin.

Had a haircut and a beard trim today for the first time in eight weeks getting rid of an unkempt look can be quite magical particularly for a very old man.

At this time of day, I quite often sit and read the news online and contemplate what the Day has brought for us. It’s never very much good news; there is quite a lot of what I might call “idiot“ News.

I think AUSTRALIA is in a very bad place at the moment, politically and economically.

And now we are getting the last Isis bride back – the one who had been temporarily suspended from returning to Australia. And they’re going to have to keep an eye on her 24 seven 365. Talk about a waste of resources. This federal government is so crass.

Like our leader the trucks were not stationary but kept on changing their position

It is 12.38 am on Thursday June 25 in Darwin.

Just had two cars ripping up Vanderlin Drive in an 80 mph zone. One was going in one direction and would have gotten no change from 150 kph. Two minutes later a car coming the other way would have been doing north of 130 kph.

I observed while taking our rubbish out for kerbside collection.

GOOD ON ‘THE AUSTRALIAN’ FOR RUNNING IT TODAY, JUNE 24 2026

It is 7.51 pm on Tuesday June 23 in Darwin. Listening to the evening news. Not one good news story among the offerings.

Shared with her permission

Within my PhD cohort of 35 doctoral candidates, 2 were younger students flowing on from their Masters degrees. 33 of us were working full time – in the same job pools of hard work, dedication and seniority of Honorary Doctorate candidates and awardees.

Most of us had families and mortgages. We committed to the estimated 20 – 40 hours per week (part time vs full time) of hard research, intensive academic mentoring and scrutiny, rigorous academic processes and hours and hours of academic writing to produce a thesis document of rigorous expert originality to contribute to the human condition and knowledge base.

Honorary doctorates are vanity doctorates…

Many hon docs use their Dr title professionally and publicly and there are some in Darwin. I worked OMG long and hard hours to gain a PhD to find it less than valued by our NT education dept yet my thesis was applauded, awarded, used and quoted interstate and overseas.

I assure you that seeing ceremonial doctorates handed out for university vanity and ‘feel good- plenary speakers and donations is not something I endorse. Give someone a plaque or a pretty parchment certificate but get rid of the hon docs.

I use my Dr with pride. It’s a little like giving Australia Day awards to people doing their jobs.

Should a retired poticians get an OAM for being an ex Chief Minister (who was paid exceptionally well and did his job)? Should paid University, industry, political or professional people or celebrities be awarded Hon Docs for doing their jobs??

For contributing to society in their own ways but without the hard yards of academic rigour?

Question to AI

Has the idea of a statue of Donald Trump to be placed alongside the Statue of Liberty continued to gain momentum in America?

Response:

The idea of placing a statue of Donald Trump alongside the Statue of Liberty does not appear to be gaining significant momentum in America based on recent news. Instead, much of the current discourse surrounding Trump is focused on legal and political controversies, including discussions about the Department of Justice’s arguments regarding his rights related to various projects.

Recent Articles:

• Politico: DOJ argues Trump could ‘bulldoze’ Statue of Liberty during White House ballroom hearing
• ABC News: Trump could get away with bulldozing Statue of Liberty
• New Republic: DOJ Declares Trump Has Right to Bulldoze Statue of Liberty

Additional Context:

Also, some recent events and protests reflect the ongoing division in the public opinion towards Trump, rather than a united movement for such a statue. Instead of focusing on a new statue, discussions and protests often emphasize the existing Statue of Liberty as a symbol of freedom and democracy, in contrast to Trump’s controversial political legacy.

For more detailed discussions or further updates, you may want to keep an eye on news outlets as the situation evolves.

WOW!

Somewhere between Lake Disappointment and Mount Hopeless

Australian June 22

Has a statue or cast ever been made to recognise the Prime Minister’s dog, Toto the Bowwow?

Response:

As of now, there doesn’t appear to be any official statue or cast specifically made to recognize Toto the Bowwow, the dog of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. However, Toto has gained significant attention and popularity, especially on social media platforms. Here are some details:

• Toto has a dedicated Twitter account, and her presence has evidently charmed many, earning her a considerable following.
• There have been discussions and media coverage about Toto being a prominent figure during official events.
• Although she has become somewhat of a social media celebrity, there is no mention of any physical statue or cast being created in her honor.

If you’re interested in more details or updates, feel free to ask!

A statue may come in time. It could be placed alongside the dog on the Tuckerbox five miles from Gunderguy.

It is 11.21 pm on Moday June 22 in Darewin and iamcontemplating going to bed. We have our weekly physio appointment in the morning, meaning there is a. Need to be up earlier than usual.

School holidays of three weeks have just commenced and then Semester two will be upon us.

I have been reflecting on how much the present government disregards older citizens, with policies regarding them as cash cows – or woolly sheep that should be fleeced. Those who have spent their working lives establishing a retirement situation that provides adequately are overlooked in favour of those who have often been far less prudent about future preparations.

Goodnight or good morning, afternoon, evening, depending on where you are on Earth.

ASKED OF AI

Why is Donald Trump considered to be the greatest world leader of all time?

Response:

The idea of Donald Trump being considered the “greatest world leader of all time” is subjective and varies depending on individual perspectives. Here are some reasons that supporters might cite to support this view:

1. Economic Policies: Supporters often highlight his administration’s economic growth, tax cuts, and deregulation efforts, claiming that these policies led to lower unemployment rates and increased job creation before the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Foreign Relations: Some believe Trump was effective in reshaping U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing direct negotiations with North Korea and attempting to broker peace deals in the Middle East, such as the Abraham Accords.
3. Populist Appeal: Trump’s ability to connect with a significant portion of the American electorate and address their concerns about globalization, immigration, and trade may be seen as a sign of strong leadership.
4. Judicial Appointments: His appointment of three Supreme Court justices and numerous federal judges is viewed by some as a long-lasting impact on the judicial landscape of the U.S.
5. America First Policy: Advocates support his “America First” stance, arguing that it prioritized American interests in international agreements and trade deals.
6. Challenge to Establishment: Many supporters appreciate his outsider status and willingness to challenge the political establishment, viewing this as a necessary shake-up in Washington.

Critics, however, would strongly contest these points and cite various controversies, policy failures, and challenges during and after his presidency. Ultimately, perceptions of greatness in leadership are heavily influenced by individual beliefs, values, and the political context.

So many worship the ground on which he walks

To me there are uncanny similarities in the disappearances of William Tyrrel and Gus Lamont.

Is there any answer to the mysterious disappearances of these two young boys?

Will the question of what happened ever be answered?

• Sing songs in shopping centres.
• Speak to the trolley collectors.
• Have conversations with passers by.
• Talking to off duty Politicans.
• Write letters to newspapers.
• Ring on-air current affairs programs.
• Keep abreast of all news.
• Consider impacts of policies on young and old.

Mind boggling waste.

There are on average nine suicides in Australia every day.

Seven out of nine suicides are of younger and older males opting for death over life.

It is 10.49 pm on Saturday June 20 in Darwin.

It has been an absolute bastard of a day for my loved wife and I because of the curvatures of her denentia.

Some days are better than others but today had been a week-long because of the way this vile disease has been playing on her mind.

She has settled down now Abd I will soon swallow some sleeping assistants.

I so love my wife and so hate this f…..g disease.

It is 3.37pm on Saturday, 20 June, inDarwin. Clear blue sky day, but one for me, which is good in parts like the parson’s egg. Each day is different when one is—connected with Dementialand.

If I could live any place in the world,

You know where it would be,

In the hot, dusty city of Timbuktoo,

A city in Mali.

It’s quite a fool I might be 

Going  where angels fear to tread,

But reading of this lonely place,

Does not fill me with dread.

Why do I feel this as a wish,

It’s really hard to say,

I put it down to the quirkiness

Of Poor Old Henry Gray.

WITH THE SMELL OF RAIN, SOME LIGHT FALLS AND WONDERFULLY COOLING WINDS THAT LASTED ALL DAY AT LEANYER.

It is 12.53 am in Darwin on Saturday, June 20. I am sitting at our table writing – after having dozed in my recliner after tea last night. The days of my life keep on cycling, and soon I will swallow a sleeping pill or two.

THIS IS HAPPENING IN DARWIN ON SATURDAY

HONORARY DOCTORATES ARE A SELLOUT

Few things make my blood boil more than the crass and indifferent manner in which our universities hand out honorary doctorates to notary publics. Doctorates are not earned through academic effort but are conferred because the recipients are deemed important people.  

The ‘Australian’ noted that Adam Goodes had been awarded his third honorary doctorate – this time from the University of Adelaide. He already has honorary doctorates from the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. He joins the myriad of athletes, political sportspeople, and their citizens who have done good works, but not in the academic field.

No one denies that Mr Goodes is a standout citizen who earned the Brownlow Medal and was named Australian Citizen of the Year in 2014. My point is that academic qualifications should be earned through academic application and deep study. Honorary qualifications are not so earned and discount the worth of the efforts of those who study hard for years in pursuit of academic excellence. They may help university administrators in some feel-good way, but they are given in arrant disregard of the worth of genuine academic effort.

Hundreds and hundreds of people in Australia have been given honorary status and then lauded in a way that must be off-putting for genuine university students.

Honorary doctorates waive all thesis, research and examination requirements. They are pyrrhic. They acknowledge people who have contributed in other arenas of life, but not through university study. Their conferral at awards ceremonies must do little to make genuine doctorate earners feel good about the work they have done, their hundreds of hours of study, and the many thousands of dollars they have spent on university fees.

Those with the ‘honorary’ title go on their way, generally in a quite affluent financial environment, and in a manner totally unrelated to the university, to students and to tertiary education.

I wish the practice of awarding honorary qualifications would become a thing of the past.

It is 10.03 am on June 19 in Darwin and I just want to sleep all day.

It is hard to get going.

I feel like an Oldsmobile with a broken starter motor.

Lettuce

Carrot

Pea pods

Other bits and bobs

Cucumber

Bamboo shoots

Support with succulent cold meat.

Source: Herald Sun

It is now 1.18 am on Thursday, June 18, in Darwin. I have been learning about Australian inequalities and disparities in tax deduction entitlements for non-income-earning Australian retirees. The Australian Government is so blaise in its regard for and treatment of those who have retired from the workforce. I will share some of the findings tomorrow or the next day.

In essence, the government says to people like me: “Thank you, now piss off, granddad.”

Who asked AI

Has a statue or cast ever been made to recognise the Prime Minister’s dog, Toto the Bowwow?

Response:

As of now, there doesn’t appear to be any official statue or cast specifically made to recognize Toto the Bowwow, the dog of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. However, Toto has gained significant attention and popularity, especially on social media platforms. Here are some details:

• Toto has a dedicated Twitter account, and her presence has evidently charmed many, earning her a considerable following.
• There have been discussions and media coverage about Toto being a prominent figure during official events.
• Although she has become somewhat of a social media celebrity, there is no mention of any physical statue or cast being created in her honor.

If you’re interested in more details or updates, feel free to ask!

Please, PLEASE a bronze cast

•  Dementis underpins medical challenges leading to death.

• Dementia carers, be calm and reassuring in your demeanour.

• Routines help dementia sufferers feel environmentally secure.

• I love my wife but passionately loathe her invading dementia.

• Carers can disappoint their LO by misundersanding messages.

• Sadly, KPI’s are not mandatory for mediocre politicans.

• The Federal Govt has taken Australia to a very dark place.

• Government seems to pretend dementia is not a major problem.

• Govt actions  for dementia are ‘mute’ beyond policy on paper.

• Like Esau who frittered away his birthright, successive governments have squandered Australia.

• Aust Govt prioritises ISIS brides over VC  recipients.

• Govt’s tend to treat dementia as being inconsequential. WHY?

• Dementia creates anxiety and fear of being abandoned.

• Brushing aside experiences of others often discounts wisdom.

• Aust. Govt has crippled Australia through the debt albatross.

• “Putting people away” is the cruellest of dementia outcomes.

• Dementia is an evil destroyer of victims’ minds.

• One Nation ‘s Pauline Hanson has not changed. Australia has.

• Scammers are reprehensible scumbags and parasites of Earth.

• Dementia is a scourge, a mind destroying plague.

I have seen so few.

Red October

Gone With The Wind

Sunday Too Far Away

Saving Private Ryan

Phantom – the movie

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on The Nile

4.15 to Paddington

Ben Hur

The Sound of Music.

Please NO.

We have wrecked the Earth. Let us leave Mars untouched.

It is 1.59 am in Darwin on Wednesday June 17 2026. All is quiet and I have come awake in my recliner.

Donald Trump.

Darwin

Northern Territory

Australia.

In 60 years, Donald Trump will be the greatest world leader of all time.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump.

It is 12.11 am on June 16 in Darwin. Night is quiet with the soft noise of the dishwasher the only background noise.

Dementia 

Separates the mind from the body

Sometimes rapidly

Sometimes with slow deliberation.

Inexorably 

It stymies the flexibility

Of the most acute bodily organ.

Like a lazar

It pinpoints

And shoots out the controlling lights

Of this vital organ 

Distorting and blistering 

The mind’s road map.

The sting in the tail of this vile scorpion

Reduces the loftiness of  cranial cognition

To a slimy, jellied mess.

Donald Trump.

Happy birthday GREAT MAN

I salute you.

It is 12.30 am on Sunday June 14 in Darwin.

PEACE

It is not meant,

It is an illusion

It is a lie.

It’s intent is as lasting as fog in the desert.

The chair was ordered and delivered six weeks later.

It is 8.23 am on Saturday June 13 in Darwin. I have just woken up.

We have been enslaved by technology.

“HATRED STARTS WITH LANGUAGE”

But they let the protests go and the Islamic preachers had free reign and it got worse and worse and worse.

Then universities got in on the act with their intellectual decripedness

Then torching and arson

Finally … THE BONDI MASSACRE!

WHY?

BECAUSE THE START WAS NEVER STOPPED.

Australia

A fortune teller.

The Yellow Subnarine.

Morningtown Ride

The Camptown Races

The Ash Grove

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Lumping minimal taxation cuts into a convoluted bill with a bunch of negatives opposed by the Opposition – allowing the government to deride the Opposition for not endorsing the cuts – is a filthy trick. The massive scope of this legislation would require the opposition to go against its principles and defy logic for the sake of approving minor and futuristic tax concessions.

This government strategy allows it to laud itself over the opposition for depriving people of tax concessions.

This is low-down, dirty poliical trickery.

It is 12.10 am on Thursday June 11 in Darwin . What is the time at your place?

Many things make me nervous – from local to regional to Territory to Australia Abd world wide.

A blanket of bleakness, fear and trepidation hangs over us all.

Am I nervous about the future? You bet I am.

BRUMBY JACK

See the dust cloud on the plain,

Hear the sound like falling rain,

Flashing hooves and heads held high,

As the wild bush brumbies gallop by.

Chorus*

*Here comes Brumby Jack,

Bringing the horses down the track,

Hear his come as he wheels them around,

He keeps them together safe and sound.

There’s Stumpy, Billy. Silver Dan, 

Pickles, Jim and Pelican,

He has a name for everyone, 

And when he calls they come at a run.

Chorus

He loves his wild bush friends so well,

Many a farming man can tell,

He’ll never eat or go to bed,

 Until he’s sure they’ve all been fed.

Chorus

Froim the mountain side to the distant plain,

Here, there and back again,

They roam the country wild and free,

‘Cause that’s the way they want to be.

Chorus

Conversation and Discussion Points  – a few

Discussion points about wild horses and why – origins.

*Location, location – where found.

* Property and farm damage.

*Use of horses and how domesticated horses could escape, breed and create brumby herds.

*’Life of a horse’.

*Persuasive argument on pro’s and cons of horse rearing, breeding, use and so on.

* Word study  ; ‘wheel’, ‘roam’, ‘plain’ and so on

Thank you, thank you

I appreciate and so much value Anthony Albanese and his astute and brilliant treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, for the intelligent, empathetic, and universally thoughtful budget they have developed to support and uplift all Australians

Memories

Recalled moments of real mirth.

The outcome when people took the mickey out of me.

The outcome when I took the mickey out of others.

There were so many fun things and such a good atmosphere in the places where I worked.

it is 1.32 am on Wednesday June 10 in Darwin right now.

Phantom comics for decades including every annual.

Stamps used over the years

Statistics on many aspects of my life – updated and maintained.

Photos

Slides

Memorabilia all from 1970 onwards,

Handwritten diaries from 1970

The list is never-ending.

If teeth were sheep then I would be a hopeless shepherd.

I keep on losing them.

The never-ending downwards spiral

My wife of 57 years and the love of my life.

Focus on ‘we’ not ‘I’.

Balance family, work and recreation.

Set long sighted goals.

Look at life panoramically or through the Robinson lens perspective.

Be resilient and don’t plank.

Remember bouquets and don’t make it a habit to slam dunk others with brick bats.

Remember ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

Imprints

My bookshop

The very best

Care when ordering needs

Courteous considerate and supportive staff

Working together in a positive environment

Comprising books and materials supporting knowledge needs

Carrier of stock adding entertainment and lateral value

One of the very best providers in Adelaide and Australia.

Of care and service to others

Recognised, valued by grateful clients

Who come back constantly

With enthusiasm revisiting

AAA+ Bookshop

Imprints 

The curtain raises on every new day,

With the setting sun, the shutters close on natural light,

Gently the penimbra of dawn lessens

Then, as gently turns twilight into darkness.

There are short days and long

Long nights and short

For some neverending days

For other everlasting night

With the rest caught somewhere between

In weather that is variously,

Hot and cold, dry and wet, windy and calm

The days, weeks, months,

Years, decades, scores,

And centuries of time come and go,

And

In every day.

Week, month, decade, score,

And century of years,

There lacks but one thing,

PEACE.

For somewhere

In the world

There is unrest,

Conflict along with internal

And external hallmarks of upheaval.

Man against man

Country against country

Region against region

Ideology aganist ideology

In and out

Up and down

Coming and going.

Time and unrest…

A forever concertina.

Question to AI

Does non-compliance with toileting rules on Mt Everest attract penalties?

Response:

Yes, non-compliance with toileting rules on Mount Everest can attract penalties. Here are some key points about the current regulations:

1. Mandatory Waste Management: Climbers are required to carry their human waste back to base camp using designated waste bags (wag bags). This measure is enforced to manage pollution on the mountain.
2. Penalties for Non-Compliance: If climbers fail to comply with these waste management rules, they may face fines or other penalties. The specifics of these penalties can vary depending on the enforcement practices of local authorities.
3. Regulatory Overview: The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee has introduced strict regulations to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the mountain, emphasizing the broader environmental concerns related to increased climbing activities.

For more detailed information, refer to recent articles discussing these changes:

• New regulations for climbers from the BBC.
• Overview of waste management rules on Outside Online.

These regulations aim to mitigate the ecological impact caused by increased tourism on Everest.

A question to AI

How do those climbing Mount Everest manage toileting?

Response:

Toileting on Mount Everest is a significant challenge due to the altitude, extreme weather conditions, and limited facilities. Here are some ways climbers manage this necessity:

1. Human Waste Management:

• Leave No Trace: Climbers are expected to carry out their waste, following the principle of “Leave No Trace.” This not only helps keep the environment clean but also reduces health risks.
• Use of Bags: Most climbers use specially designed waste bags to collect human waste, which can then be packed out and disposed of properly.

1. Designated Toilets:

• Base Camps: At the base camps, there are usually toilet facilities, though they may be basic and may not meet typical sanitary standards.
• High-Altitude Toilets: Some climbing teams set up portable toilet facilities at higher camps, although these are rare due to the harsh conditions.

1. Squatting:

• Above base camp, climbers often have to resort to simply squatting behind a rock or in a secluded area due to the absence of proper facilities.

1. Timing and Planning:

• Climbers often plan their eating and drinking schedules to try and manage their bodily needs more effectively, reducing the frequency of needing to relieve themselves during strenuous climbs.

1. Hydration and Diet:

• The high altitude affects appetite and hydration levels, which can impact the frequency of toileting. Climbing teams often adjust their diets to prepare for high-altitude conditions.

Managing toileting on Everest requires careful consideration and planning to tackle the unique challenges posed by the environment.

What penalties for non-compliance?

Appreciate

Live in

Anticipate and prepare

My Name:

Phillipus the Prophet

Unbeatable Australian Political Leadership

Albo is good
Albo is just
Should we keep Albo
He’s an absolute must.

With Albo in charge
The country will thrive
If we cancel Albo
The country will dive,

Into absolute chaos
Misery and despair
Please keep our Albo
It is my hope and prayer,

With millions I’m happy
That our hands he holds
As we stride into the future
In this shepherd’s folds.

The fear of dying.

The fear of not going to Heaven when I die – instilled into me by my church in my youth and ingrained into my thinking by my Mother – because I feel I could never be good enough to feature in any quality after life.

The anxiety about ending ny own life if needs be.

The fear of being killed by a terrorist attack – because of where Australia seems to be headed.

The fear of being a victim of war – increasingly likely because of our vulnerability to China and the fact that Darwin now bristles militarily.

The fear of being taken to the cleaners by a Federal Government hell bent on playing Robin Hood by creaming the ‘haves’ to give to the ‘have-nots’ – because they do it all the time and that is now part of life.

12 word telegrams at 2/6 (3O cents) including the address. Three pence (5 cents) each additional word.

Trunk line (distance) telephone calls where the greater the distance, the steeper the charge. Where calls had to be booked and were manually connected through multiple exchanges until the connection was was made.

Has Anthony Albanese’s dog Toto the Bowwow ever been entered in a dog show?

AI RESPONDED:

There doesn’t appear to be any news or information indicating that Anthony Albanese’s dog, Toto, has been entered in a dog show. Toto is often referred to as “Australia’s First Dog” due to Anthony Albanese’s position as Prime Minister, and Toto has gained a notable presence on social media. However, specific participation in dog shows is not mentioned in the available sources. If you’re interested in more updates about Toto, you might want to follow their official social media!

No Show

It is 1.17 am on Thursday June 4 in Darwin.

Why do governments treat voters and citizens – old, middle-aged and young, as imbeciles and idiots? 

Why do younger voters fall about and follow Anthony Albanese like children following the Pied Piper?

What happens if these young voters and impressionable youth discover him to be the Lied Piper?

Please help.

I posted for 1232 days in a row.

They stopped my train.

They started it all over – at 3 days in a row.

I did not miss a day.

I have a posting record to prove this the case.

WHAT CAN I DO

Are Australian taxpayers billed for the food and upkeep of the Prime Minister’s dog, Toto the Bowwow?

Response;

Yes, it has been reported that Australian taxpayers are billed for the food and upkeep of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s dog, Toto. One source mentioned that the Prime Minister has been claiming around $200 per week for Toto’s expenses.

Additionally, Toto has also been known to travel on taxpayer-funded VIP flights, which has raised some public concern regarding the appropriateness of these expenditures. For more details, you can check the articles linked in the search results.

Well, there you go.

I KEEP ON GETTING MESSAGES TELLING ME. ABOUT VIRUSES AND MALWARE INVADING MY PHONE. I AM TOLD I NEED TO INSTALL ALL SORTS OF COST-RELATED PROGRAMS TO DO WITH SWEEPING AND CLEANING TO KEEP IT FROM INFECTION.

ARE THESE FOR REAL OR ARE THEY SCAMS? HOW CAN I TLL IF MY PHONE HAS BEEN INVADED. THIIS WO9LE THING IS BLOODY NERVE WRACKING FOR AN OLD MAN

I WOULD HAPPILY BE A ONE-MAN FIRING SQUAD TO EXTERMINATE SCAMMERS AND RTHE MISERG GOULS/ VULTURES WHO WANT TO TAKE FROM OTHERS.

IT IS BAD ENOUGH BEING FLEECED BY THE AUSTRALIAN. GOVERNMENT WITHOUT THE REST OF WHAT IS BEING FLUNG AT US BY THESE OTHER MISER MERCHANTS.

The secret of Mr Falconio’s remains went to the grave with the passing of Bradley Murdoch.

I have always believed that Bradley Murdoch disposed of Peter Falconio’s body in South Australia.

My belief is based on the fact that there was video footage of his vehicle filling up with fuel in Alice Springs some time after the alleged murder of Mr Falconio. I cannot remember if the vehicle was pointing north or south at the fuel station but that may not be an impact on the issue. Mr Murdock knew the Australian outback in a very thorough way, and his bushcraft skills were quite superior.

If I were a betting man, I would suggest that Mr Falconio’s body may well have been disposed of down one of the thousands of abandoned opal mine shafts in the Coober Pedy area. I have always felt this to be a ‘likelihood’ location

Singing

It is 2.37 am on Saturday May 30 in Darwin, and I cannot get to sleep. My mind and thoughts are going at nineteen to the dozen.

In the pockets of the living and the dead?

ARE WE EVER GOING TO HAVE VAD – VOLUNTARY? ASSISTED DYING – LEGISLATION (AGAIN) PASSED INTO LAW IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY?

WHY HAS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL GONE SO QUIET ON VAD LEGISLATION?

WHY HAVE PROCESSES AND INQUIRIES BEEN SO LONG AND SO TIRESOME AND SO VERY INCONCLUSIVE IN FOLLOW-THROUGH TERMS?

I was the teacher in this one-teacher school from 1971 to 1973. Pam and Brian (Dec) Kelly’s children, Shane, Danny, Timothy and Jenny, were students at our school. I remember those days well. Gillingarra was a terrific school. I was lucky to be in a school attended by great children and supported by terrific parents and a proactive community.

It existed once.

But no longer.

Everything is destabilising and is out of whack

Duress alarms

Tie down of objects that could be missiles

Security guards

Vile and foul behaviour in the emergency department including screaming and fighting.

Bleak and grubby outside vista and approaches to the hospital.

Atmospherically appalling shouting, stressing behaviour outside the hospital, in the ED waiting room, within the ED treating area, in corridors and in wards..

Staff doing their best but absolutely frazzled by work volume, distractions, code yellows and other codes, along with stringencies.

Our hospital system is a mess without parallel and is teetering on the edge of being beyond repair.

Was Toto the Bowwow a gift to Anthony Albanese?

Response:

Yes, “Toto the Bowwow” was a gift to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In 2022, a cute puppy was given to him as a gesture of goodwill from a local charity, aiming to promote companionship and support mental health. The puppy, a cavoodle, became a popular figure among the public and media.

If you need more information or details, feel free to ask!

Well now we know

Baby Boomers are the Discounted Generation.

In Darwin, it is 1.21 am on Tuesday, May 26. The traffic flow has ceased. It is 23 degrees outside, just about bedtime.

Malcolm Turnbull

I cannot believe that. I was once an admirer and appreciator of Malcolm Turnbull, both as a Member of Parliament and then as Prime Minister.

That misplaced appreciation was one of the deepest regrets of my now-reflective life

It is 4.33 am on May 24 in Darwin. I have just woken from slumber in my recliner My head is still foggy.

A GROUP OFFERING SUPPORT, HELP AND ADVICE TO PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARERS.

The thing that dismays me the most about the way in which dementia is becoming so ingrained as a major affliction is the downplaying and the overlooking of this disease by governments.

State and territory governments seem to be saying the issue isn’t their problem because it falls within the Commonwealth’s funding basket.

The challenges and frustrations people experience, and the lack of government proactivity, convince me that dementia has been assigned to the ‘too hard basket’.

I am trying to raise the issue within the NT in a way that illuminates dementia to the status of awareness that would occupy government thinking.

I have written letters to the Newsoaper, raised the issue on the radio talkback (Mix 104.9), and written to all members of our NT Legislative Assembly on dementia issues.

I have thanked those who have been able to secure small wins – including the continuation of two nursing positions attached to the NT Memory Clinic, which were slated to be defunded on June 30 but now have funding for an additional 12 months – but do not and will not. shy away from the major issues confronting people living with dementia and their carers.

Thank you, Ms Hart, and those persons involved in establishing this group. It is a blessing to so many and in so many ways.

It is 2.58 am on Sunday May 24 in Darwin. I am still up because my mind is bouncing around, making me think of many different subjects. I did sleep in my recliner for a period of 1.00 am but then woke.

So, as the case may be, good morning or good night.

Listening to and watching ANZAC and other commemorative services makes me realise just how much Australia of 2026 is being let down by the government.

Government is welcoming the ISIS brides and their offspring – all of whose ideas in life would be well and truly formulated by now – with open arms, while budgeting hundreds of millions (in the recent budget) to pursue the notion of war crimes against our own committed overseas troops.

Government priorities and the desire to retain seats in significant Muslim-occupied areas within Australia, and especially in Western Sydney, turns key seat holders into carping and acquiescing local members. This causes their wider roles as government ministers or prominent frontbenchers to appear compromised.

If involved in a game of ‘The Weakest Link’ by Cornelia Francis, the Government would be relying on contrivance to avoid relegation. As it is, I would willingly say ‘goodbye’ to the Albanese Government.

20 years ago, Peter Costello delivered a budget that boasted no debt, a cash surplus, big tax cuts, and investment in a future fund.

There was no interest bill, and tax rates were falling fast because we were debt free.

This year, Jim Chalmers delivered a budget that boasted a gross debt of >$1 trillion, a $42.1b deficit, CGT, negative gearing and discretionary trust tax increases, plus deficits of $179.5b for the forward estimates.

Interest on debt is the fastest growing major payment in the budget.

From surpluses and tax cuts to trillion-dollar debt and entrenched deficits.

Sources:

2026/27 Budget: https://budget.gov.au/content/bp1/index.htm

2006/07 Budget: https://archive.budget.gov.au/2006-07/index.htm

Thanks to my children for sending me this comparasion

Here are 20 ways Toto the Bowwow, the dog of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, might differ from other dogs in Australia:

1. Official Status: Toto is often referred to as “Australia’s First Dog,” giving him a unique status compared to typical pets.
2. Residence: He lives in The Lodge, the official residence of the Prime Minister, which is not common for most dogs.
3. Media Attention: Toto receives extensive media coverage, making him a public figure alongside his owner.
4. VIP Treatment: He is known to travel on taxpayer-funded flights and has been included in official functions, which is unusual for most dogs.
5. Social Media Presence: Toto has his own social media accounts and is featured in posts by the PM, making him a recognizable online personality.
6. Public Appearances: He often accompanies the Prime Minister to public events, showcasing a life of high visibility.
7. Cultural Significance: Toto represents a part of Australian culture, particularly in terms of how pets are viewed in politics.
8. Taxpayer-funded Care: Costs related to his food and care are covered by public funds, a rarity for household pets.
9. Role in Politics: Toto has become a symbol for certain political discussions, contributing to his unique role in Australian society.
10. Wellness and Grooming: He likely has access to high-quality veterinary care and grooming due to his status.
11. Publicity Events: Toto participates in media and publicity events that promote the Prime Minister’s agenda or public interests.
12. Celebrity Status: He enjoys a level of popularity not typical for most pets, drawing fans and even merchandise.
13. Involvement in Campaigns: During elections, Toto may actively participate in campaigns, adding a personal touch to political outreach.
14. Advisory Role: Though humorously, he is sometimes mentioned as having an advisory role in terms of public perception and approachability of the PM.
15. Security Measures: As a pet of a public figure, he may be subject to certain security measures not applied to typical household pets.
16. Interviews and Features: Toto may be featured in interviews and news articles, which is not common for most dogs.
17. Animal Ambassador: His presence might support causes related to animal welfare, making him a figurehead for advocacy.
18. Public Commentary: Conversations surrounding Toto often include commentary on politics and society, elevating him beyond just a pet.
19. Lifestyle: His lifestyle, including diet and activities, is likely more curated and monitored due to his unique position.
20. Symbol of Love for Dogs: Toto encapsulates the affection many Australians have for their pets, serving as a reminder of the bond between humans and animals.

These aspects combine to create a unique identity for Toto that sets him apart from the average dog in Australia.

What a special K9

It is 4.03 am in Darwin on Saturday May 23. Poor Old Henry can’t sleep so has been wandering diwn memory lane.

So much to recall.

To replace ex-Councillor ED SMELT, now the Member for Nightcliff in the NT Legislative Assembly.

A slate of candidates have put up their hands.