QUFU: …say, "He who keep making up mystelious clyptic brog headrines of plecisery 150 chalacters, either velly stupid or must be Payton L. Inkretter."

Be all that as it may, meanwhile:

'In other news…'

28^th September 2010

Tuesday: 'Yesterday' blurred for me into a typical evening, night, day, and it wasn't till noon that I finally lay down to sleep. And so, come half six in the evening, I was not well rested, when I arose to do my first 'job', and deliver hot vittles to The Dear Leader., fresh from being phlebotomised this morning.

It had been a warm spring day, and Cadbury is certainly in molting mode, with a long winter coat that is of reducing use to her. I must use the Furminator again on her tomorrow in daylight and outside. Anyway, with minimal fur ruffling, she spent over two hours on my lap watching Aunty with me, until her meowing messages convinced me she needed a spell outside, about half ten.

I always enjoy Tony Windsor interviews, and Kerry O'Brien gave us another on The 7.30 Report. What a dream if every politician in Australia, state and federal, had his restraint, composure, and bearing. Both men looked excellent in their dark suits and boldly striped ties.

Pictures coming…

The one point I'd highlight from that interview is Mr Windsor's calm observation that Tony Abbott is "missing an opportunity to be constructive", in his leadership of the Opposition for our 43^rd Parliament.

I could easily be persuaded to call Tony Abbott the incredible shrinking politician, due to just how small minded he is behaving. I'll say more on this in my Lateline observations below.

Lateline: The (Leigh) Sales Graph: Leigh Sales chose a casual look tonight, and looked wonderful, in a double pocketed longsleeved dark blue shirt, her only jewellery a set of gold ring earrings, subtle-effect makeup, and attractively flaring hairstyle. Her eyeshadow strength and shade was ideal.

Picture coming…

Her long interview subject was the first day of our new Parliament, with the finely tuned numbers and their consequences. The sucker from the Opposition who fronted up, on-screen from Canberra, to discuss the day's developments, was Shadow Treasurer, Joe Hockey, whose dark pinstriped suit and white shirt, enhanced with a white tie with medium width black stripes, cut him a handsome figure.

Picture coming…

This interview's mood was sombre. And that was the right tone, for here we had the Shadow Treasurer giving away the sad truth of the state of mind of his side of politics, with regard to the recent election and their failure to form a government. I don't believe that even Mr Hockey believes that the non-cooperative stance his side has adopted, under the leadership of Tony Abbott, is the best thing to do.

It became evident through Ms Sales' thorough and researched questions, that Mr Hockey was the latest harbinger from his mob that this Opposition has not got sufficient goodwill towards the Australian nation, to help make this latest Parliament as productive as possible.

Tony Abbott is demonstrating that he hasn't got the greatness to accept that, according to the rules we've been running on for a century and more, his side did not form government, and he did not become Prime Minister, which sadly, might be as much the point.

I reckon Ms Sales is very aware of the smallness that is oozing out of the Opposition from all angles, and her questioning indicated this. She thus let Mr Hockey indict himself and his colleagues. How spot on Ms Sales was with the spirit in the following question: "Is there a risk that that (the 'wrecker' appellation) will resonate with the public if the Opposition does pick fights over comparatively minor courtesies like pairing?"

His lame comeback included the following non sequitur: "And how ironic it is, Julia Gillard accusing us of breaking a deal, whereas before the election she promised the Australian people there would no carbon tax." Mr Hockey and your cohorts, listen carefully to Tony Windsor and, if necessary, get someone with more intelligence than you are displaying to the public to explain the implications of the following: IT'S A HUNG PARLIAMENT. Thus, many campaign commitments are thrown into doubt automatically. The Coalition would be in an identical situation if it had formed a government under the current balance of numbers; some of its promises would doubtless have to be purged.

How easily most of our politicians are prepared to keep insulting our intelligence with irrelevancies, redundancies, and falsities. Give us more Tony Windsors, Rob Oakeshotts, Bob Katters, Nick Xenophons!

In years to come, I would not be surprised if Mr Hockey looks back to these days, even this interview, and cringes.  He, at the bidding of the small-spirited leader he works under, demonstrated that he can talk and defend smallness also.

However, I am not confident that the Australian people will punish the Coalition for its tactics born of bitterness, formulated through the distortion of their smarting eyes. That remains to be seen. I hope the Coalition is punished electorally for its ongoing puerile and nasty behaviour, only to impress upon our politicians, and aspiring politicians, of every flavour, to behave with a far higher level of maturity towards the honour they are awarded to represent and lead us.

I was impressed with the fact that Ms Sales had a good grasp of the history of the situation 70 years back when we last had a hung parliament. She is a studious researcher, and it shows. I wonder when she sleeps.

Thank you Leigh Sales for an interview which had Joe Hockey exposing as much of what the Opposition doesn't stand for and which it should, by omission, as for the same by commission.

Lateline Business: The Tick(y Fullerton) Check Mark: Ticky Fullerton looked great when she anchored tonight's program. She wore a dark jacket and a simple Carolina blue camisole, with subtle-effect makeup and just tiny earrings for jewellery, her new shorter hairstyle suiting her very well, with its full forehead exposure and convex flaring at the sides.

Picture coming…

I get a chill whenever I think of big foreign businesses buying food production assets in our country, and so I was not the most comfortable I've ever been during the long interview Ms Fullerton had with Sunny Verghese, the Managing Director of Olam International. Mr Verghese looked like a new dollar, billions of them to be precise, but with a dark blue theme to his jacket and tie.

Picture coming…

The topic was about the plans by Olam International to double its business, already a $2.6 billion enterprise. I cannot help but think that this business and most like it are not first and foremost dedicated to feeding people while being profitable, but rather to make profits first and foremost, and all else being secondary. I hope I'm wrong with Olam International.

Ms Fullerton did raise the concerns of the various countries about their farming assets, including water rights, being sold to overseas interests, with Mr Verghese, and while he spoke a lot of words back, they didn't amount to addressing the basic problems of local insecurities, in my opinion. He interestingly gave a reply including this line: "…for us the more important licence that we need to seek and get is the licence from the communities and where we operate."

Well, that prize will depend on the greatness, the character, of Olam International, and will best be evidenced over time and under duress. Specifically I speak of the duress of the locals in the countries his business operates in, when food prices rise above manageable needs for the poor. Just how his company behaves at such times will be the acid to determine the above mentioned licence of which he claims he seeks.

It's a big issue, and a big problem. We've all got to eat. And of course, agricultural business has to be profitable, and – especially – sustainable, ideally continuously improving the health of the ecosystems in which it operates.

A litte more story coming…

+paytontedwithlove+

BROOME: "The original crocodile hunter, alas, hunts no more," sadly notes PLInkletter, "but I'll bet he'll be across the top with the game up yonder."

Be all that as it may, meanwhile:

'In other news…'

23^rd September 2010

Thursday: After 15 hours sleep I felt only partly refreshed. Even with the help of three white comforters last night when I crashed at ten with a throbbing head.

And it may as well have been a summer's day, much to Janny and my disappointment. And the forecast for the next week has no rain in it. Gulp! And the new spring water restrictions are the worst they've been for years.

Enough complaining; we set off in the afternoon for a shopping outing, which neither of us particularly enjoy having to do, except that it is time together; just another set of chores. Oh, did I say I'd finished complaining? I wasted my time in a queue at the Post Office only to learn that they don't have a particular form (State Traffic Certificate) which I have to submit regarding my traffic record for my work with Bob, since I drive him places (as well as another, a National Police Certificate, totalling about 75 bucks at my expense: funny thing is, I've been working with Bob for 17 or so years, without either!). The woman who served me spent ages 'out the back' only to inform me, incorrectly as it turned out, that I have to go to such and such a department in Morley or Joondalup to get the form. I checked online this evening to learn that the one is from the Post Office, the other from a Police Station.

Between the three places we shopped, the remainder of the afternoon went west, and back home I got a tiny bit of weeding done out in the backyard plus some watering before dark. Pooh! I had hopes of getting much more done.

Lateline: The (Tony) SilverToes aka Tojo (Jones) Assay: I can not get enough of Tony Windsor, Independent MHR for New England, who was Tony Jones' long interview guest tonight. Mr Jones was decked out in a dark pinstripe suit, close to white shirt, and dark purple richly patterned tie; he looked immaculate as always, but a lighter brighter tie would have really set him on fire.

Tony Jones had the pleasure of interviewing Independent MHR for New England, Tony Windsor, on LATELINE. Mr Windsor diplomatically inferred that Tony Abbott is lower than a snake's belly.

Mr Windsor looked very smart, in his dark suit, white shirt, and red shade tie with white dots, and his endearing weather beaten face and crooked teeth.

Tony Windsor spoke forthrightly throughout his interview with Tony Jones on LATELINE, as is his wont. He related, when pressed by Mr Jones, his disappointment with Tony Abbott's attitude of business as usual for the new Parliament.

He politely and calmly, diplomatically and with grace, told us what a bastard most of us already know Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is. It seems certain now that the next three years, if the Parliament lasts that long, will be characterised by the smallness of the Opposition's last three years. They're led by a small minded bitter man, and sadly this seems to be a reflection of the troops he leads' mindset.

+paytontedwithlove+

LUBBOCK: "Not about to fade away," P. L. Inkletter reckons, "a flavour in American pie, beautiful corpse. Oh boy! Just imagine what would have been…"

Be all that as it may, meanwhile:

'In other news…'

07^th September 2010

Tuesday: I slept badly most of the night, despite being incredibly tired. I know the reason this time: a 'distant' family member, the same one whom I spoke of back in the posting of 24^th August, has continued applying pressure to a close family member to hassle me for a particular immature, and, I'm highly convinced, disingenuous goal, and this close member is far too emotionally fragile to be involved.

This occurred very recently, spoiling an otherwise most satisfying time spent with the close family member. The tension and stress resulting from it was very difficult to bear for both of us, and the inner turmoil has continued troubling me for too long.

So, another non-rejuvenating sleep, as if I need another one of those…

It was so nice that a little rain came today, and I had the opportunity to curl up on the Player recliner with Cadbury on my lap, and watch several hours of the news on the ABC, covering the decision of the three federal Independents, Katter, Oakeshott, and Windsor, which delivered the election to the Labor Party. Another little piece of history I've managed to catch as it unfolded; now just how much additional good will our nation manage to draw from this minority government situation? – the first in 70 years or so, so they say.

Very late in the day, after Missus Inkletter returned from yet another marathon out and about with The Dear Leader, during a spell between showers, I began cutting the weeds with the electric mower in the front yard, getting maybe a quarter done by dark. I used the catcher and put about four loads of clippings out onto the worm farms in the backyard, which will thrive on the stuff.

Oh, before I forget to mention, poor Missus Inkletter badly scalded her left hand on Saturday, when she was filling a thermos pot for a picnic we went to with sister Mary and Mum at Wireless Hill, where we saw about six or seven varieties of native orchids. Anyway, back to the scald; almost the entire top of the back of her hand and most of her fingers got a drenching with boiling water, and three days later, despite copious amounts of aloe vera applications, the hand looks like it has been roasted in the oven. It hurt her terribly at the time, and has been very tender and sore since.

And also, before I forget to mention, Mum and I visited my dear Uncle M yesterday, who is in a nursing home in Midland (which I did not know until a few days ago, believing it to be in a suburb to the south of there). I first mentioned him back in a very early entry on my Main Site, on Monday, August 20, 2007. Later this month he turns 90, and his life imploded just over three years ago just before the date of that posting, when he went from a fully active life, still driving, to being in a wheelchair, from a serious car accident which almost killed him. We had a chat for over an hour, and he was close to tears when we had to leave.

He amazed me with his sharp mind, and most particularly his kindly disposition given his unpleasant circumstances; the conditions at the home could be worse, but they could be far better, and the states of mind, ethics, and health of some of the residents swarming around him are, frankly, very distressing. I am left convinced, if I needed it, that I have here an uncle of remarkable character. He was a delight all of my young life, and given what has happened to him in recent years, he could have gone two ways; while we were with him he did not complain about his lot once, and was inspiringly cheerful. I look up to him for his wonderful achievement in awful circumstances.

I enjoyed an evening in front of Aunty with Cadbury on my lap again (she has been uber spoiled today). Lateline: The (Leigh) Sales Graph: there definitely are advantages for a journalist being on duty on a momentous news day, and this was Leigh Sales' lucky lot today, given the long awaited decision from the three federal Independents, which has handed ongoing government to Labor. Ms Sales' appearance was simply spectacular tonight (as it was last night by the way, don't you agree?:

Did Leigh Sales make Professor Hugh White see red or gold?

 ), with a high necked grey jacket over a black camisole, subtle effect makeup, tiny pearl earrings, and a divine convex flaring hair style:

Leigh Sales looked spectacular. (It must be a pain in the bottom to have know-it-alls like me commenting on your appearance all the time!)

Her first interview was with the incomparable, for all the right reasons, Tony Windsor, Independent for New England. Mr Windsor looked excellent, his dark suit and white tie conservative combo set alight superbly with a bold striped tie of black and gold:

It's either this or cry… Tony Windsor after a momentous day in Canberra, still down to earth, still fragrant

 More story coming…

+paytontedwithlove+

NEW HYDE PARK: "Not one to take it lying down, he helped over 5 million families lie down," PLInkletter said, joining Madam Nodette on the convertible

Be all that as it may, meanwhile:

'In other news…'

24^th August 2010

Tuesday: Another day night day blur… Anyway, that's nothing unusual around these parts.

I spent much of the evening with Cadbury asleep on my lap, while I watched Aunty's fabulous lineup. I was struck by Kerry O'Brien's attire tonight, the anchor of The 7.30 Report. What do you think?

Kerry O'Brien made his attire choices well tonight, proving he's still a chick magnet

It was a privilege again to listen to Ayaan Hirsi Ali chatting with Jennifer Byrne on Jennifer Byrne Presents. I say 'again', referring to the recent interview she had with Leigh Sales on Lateline.

Speaking of which: The (Leigh) Sales Graph: Ms Sales looked very good with her attire choices tonight, with the green blouse contrasting excellently with both her skin and jacket, and her understated and subtle-effect makeup worked superbly with her tiny earrings and lovely convex flaring hair style.

Little wonder Leigh Sales glowed tonight, with two excellent interviews lined up with a couple of Aussie blokes who know how to excite a lass interested in politics

Ms Sales treated us to two excellent interviews tonight, on the pertinent topic of how the soon to be formed post-election Federal Government could be structured and run successfully. I almost choked on my cocoa watching the news earlier tonight seeing Tony Abbott hypocritically suggest that Parliament could become a kinder more sensible place; what a sad sight to have one of the greatest causes of nastiness in our House on the hill claiming he can fix it. Her first long interview guest was current Tasmanian Labor Premier David Bartlett, who looked great in his dark suit and self striped white shirt, set off well with a fandango tie. I did not know he wore a ring on his right thumb (one of those health copper thingies perhaps?)

A politician who sounded less like your average Australian politician, David Bartlett was a pleasure to listen to. Is that a ring on his thumb?

Ms Sales began with a provocative question regarding the selling of Mr Bartlett's soul (his own words earlier this year) to form government in league with the Greens. He laughed it off, and went on to give a refreshingly uplifting description of what his Government does to make his minority government work, and how it could work for us federally. For a party politician, he was relatively an inspiration to listen to.

Next came the cream on the cake, a long interview on the same subject with former NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden. I don't recall what he was like when he was in politics, but he was just wonderful to listen to five years out from his departure from parliament. Mr Brogden also looked great in a dark suit and pale blue shirt combo set off nicely yet conservatively (surprise surprise, being a Liberal Party member) with a (paradoxically) red tie with stripes; it would have looked better with a wide knot.

Watch this fellow! He talked such pleasant sense concerning the new challenge for our federal politicians to govern our nation in a more cooperative manner, and struck a chord a half with the anchor of LATELINE, Leigh Sales

If only our party politicians were as pleasant and stable and non-hysterical as this fellow (Mr Bartlett came close), Mr Brogden gave excellent accounts of the challenges ahead for our federal politicians as they grapple with their emasculation in terms of majority rule margins, and I especially appreciated his appraisals of the three currently elected independents. Every aspect of governance he spoke about was very well considered and sensible. We need the likes of this fellow at the very top (Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott as well. Did you see Tony Windsor's fine performance on Tony Jones' Q&A Monday night?!)

Now if you haven't seen tonight's LATELINE interview, then please visit the ABC's website and watch it, and see if you don't agree that Ms Sales and Mr Brogden should be grateful they were obviously not alone in the studio at Ultimo, for their rapport was palpable and began to encroach on dangerous ground! Alone, anything could have happened! Their spouses should make sure they're each present in the studio for any future interviews.

Are we witnessing the melting of a disciplined stalwart of current affairs – Leigh Sales – under the charms of of a former NSW Opposition Leader – John Brogden?

Yes, I hear the opinions that they would make beautiful children together, but hey, this is the ABC!

I take my hat off to John Brogden: his was one of the most subtle charm offensives I've witnessed, winning Leigh Sales with propriety of all things!

 *

I've had some unwelcome stress to deal with these past many days, coming from the antics of a 'distant' family member, who is harassing me and pressuring me, and also through another family member, to pander to his dysfunction. Whew! Ignorance for some is bliss. And it is amazing how one can be made to feel responsible for the shortcomings of the perpetrator. When this situation flares, as it does periodically, it disturbs my equilibrium. I stop listening to music, I alter my behaviour in curious ways, in a somewhat unconscious attempt to cope better or whatever it is. Maybe the stopping listening to my uplifting music, which is not a good thing to do, attunes my behaviour to my mood?

The Blogger troubles I've been having have exacerbated my unease. I spent countless (literally) hours trying to make the stupid piece of online software do a reasonable job back in 2007 when I first joined blogspot, and here in 2010 it still is a misbehaving and capricious beast. The time I've wasted and still have consumed doing simple posts is time that I can't spend writing, which I'd far prefer to do.

Thank God for my wee small hours' walks, usually around 3 a.m., to help clear my head and heart, and remind me of my many blessings.

+paytontedwithlove+

ATLANTIC OCEAN: "Peace and good will, a triumph more glorious, the elastic band of communication that pulled the shores the closer," notes PLInkletter

Monday: another refreshing interview from LATELINE's Leigh Sales, with two real people who also happen to be politicians...

 

more story coming...