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Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not try to blame others.

HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT senior citizens who took:

The melody out of music,

The pride out of appearance,

The courtesy out of driving,

The romance out of love,

The commitment out of marriage,

The   responsibility out of parenthood,

The togetherness out of the family,

The learning out of education,

The service out of patriotism,

The Golden Rule from rulers,

The nativity scene out of cities,

The civility out of behaviour,

The   refinement out of language,

The dedication out of employment,

The prudence out of spending,

The ambition out of achievement or God out of government and school.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!

And, we DO understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts, as they stand at attention, as the Australian Flag passes by in a parade!

YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN! I’m the life of the party…..Even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I’m very good at opening childproof caps….. With a hammer.

I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying. I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.

I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life! Now if I could only remember who sent this to me, I wouldn’t send it back to them. Or maybe I should send it to all my friends anyway. They won’t remember, even if they did send it.

Spread the laughter Share the cheer!

Let’s   be happy While we’re here.

THE BASE OF ONE WIND TURBINE! HOW CAN THIS POSSIBLY BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY???

While wind power is often celebrated for its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, it is essential to acknowledge the downsides and potential drawbacks associated with wind turbines. One significant concern lies in the environmental impact during the lifecycle of wind power generation.

Firstly, the construction and installation of wind turbines require extensive groundwork, including excavations for foundations, transportation of components, and the use of large amounts of concrete. In onshore wind farms, the need for service roads can lead to additional land disruption. Moreover, these construction activities often rely on diesel-powered machinery, contributing to carbon emissions and contradicting the very goal of clean energy.

In densely populated regions, the opposition to onshore wind farms has grown, leading to a decline in installations in some countries like Germany. This resistance raises questions about the feasibility of implementing wind power in areas where people are unwilling to accept the visual and environmental impact, leading to setbacks in carbon reduction plans.

Additionally, the operational phase of wind turbines is not without its environmental concerns. Noise generated by the turbines has been a source of complaints from nearby residents. The impact on wildlife, particularly birds and bats colliding with the turbine blades, is a significant issue. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of birds are killed annually due to wind turbine collisions, a figure that could rise with the anticipated increase in wind energy capacity.

Furthermore, the disposal of decommissioned wind turbine parts poses a challenge. While approximately 85% of a turbine’s components can be recycled or reused, the blades, often made from composite materials like fiberglass or carbon fibre, present a dilemma. Landfill disposal is not environmentally friendly, considering the size and weight of the blades, and alternative methods such as pyrolysis still involve energy-intensive processes.

As wind turbines from the boom period of the 1990s and 2000s reach the end of their lifecycles, the issue of turbine disposal becomes more pressing. Current methods are not sustainable for the increasing number of turbines expected to be decommissioned in the coming years.

While there are emerging efforts to address these concerns, such as using high-strength wood for turbine construction and innovative recycling techniques for turbine components, these solutions are in their early stages and may not fully mitigate the environmental impact.

In conclusion, while wind power undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the transition to clean energy, it’s important to recognize and address the environmental challenges associated with wind turbines throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable solutions and ongoing innovation are necessary to ensure that wind power remains a genuinely green and responsible energy source.

 

Amidst the ongoing conflict now entering its fourth month, President Biden’s trust in Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu appears to be eroding. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that Biden has criticized Netanyahu, referring to him as a “bad f-ing guy,” and accusing him of eagerly steering the United States toward a full-scale war against Iran-backed terror factions in the Middle East.

Tensions between the two leaders have escalated, reaching a pinnacle in December when Biden reportedly abruptly ended a contentious conversation with Netanyahu. Disagreements persist over crucial aspects of the conflict, including the necessity to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza and the post-conflict vision for the Palestinian enclave.

Despite these frictions, Biden has reiterated America’s backing of Israel, even as forecasts suggest the conflict may persist into 2024, causing consternation among his Democratic support base.

Recent polling data indicates Biden’s struggle to connect with young voters, with a higher proportion favouring Donald Trump. The war in Gaza is believed by many political observers to be a key factor behind Biden’s lagging popularity. Biden’s camp perceives Netanyahu as detrimental to Democratic interests, prompting calls for Biden to pressure Israel into accepting a ceasefire agreement to avoid potential electoral losses in the upcoming November elections.

Ben Roberts-Smith’s appeal challenges a damning finding that he unlawfully killed two insurgents during an Afghanistan raid. His legal team argues that the verdict was based on speculation and flawed logic, emphasizing contradictions in testimony and military documents. Roberts-Smith, a disgraced war veteran, seeks to overturn a defamation loss related to media reporting of war crimes. The appeal questions the judge’s preference for witness testimony over contemporaneous documents, highlighting implausible details in the alleged murders. Roberts-Smith denies involvement in unlawful killings and challenges various findings, including accusations of bullying and ordering executions.

The hearing continues.

Recent deliberations within the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) hinted at the possibility of dispatching one of its two conventionally powered aircraft carriers to the Middle East, potentially in lieu of the United States Navy’s nuclear-powered USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), currently on deployment since October last year.

Questions have arisen regarding the readiness of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier for such a mission. HMS Queen Elizabeth and its counterpart, HMS Prince of Wales, operate with considerably smaller airwings compared to their American counterparts. Despite being equipped with the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, the Royal Navy’s flagship, valued at £3.5 billion, has never accommodated more than eight of these aircraft at once.

However, the discussion is now moot as HMS Queen Elizabeth faces mechanical issues, rendering it incapable of participating in significant NATO operations. The Royal Navy has redirected the recently repaired HMS Prince of Wales to partake in Exercise Steadfast Defender, the largest NATO exercise in Europe since the Cold War.

“Routine pre-sailing checks identified an issue with HMS Queen Elizabeth’s starboard propeller shaft, preventing her from sailing as planned,” stated Royal Navy Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Andrew Burns. “HMS Prince of Wales will assume her duties for Exercise Steadfast Defender promptly.”

Exercise Steadfast Defender, scheduled off Norway’s Arctic coast in March, will involve more than 40 vessels from over two dozen NATO nations and international partners. Prior to this, the carrier strike group was slated to participate in the annual Joint Warrior exercise off northern Scotland before engaging in Exercise Nordic Response, the maritime segment of Steadfast Defender.

The recurrence of propeller issues, previously affecting HMS Prince of Wales, underscores the need for added caution. The carrier experienced a similar setback, disrupting a deployment intended to take it across the Atlantic to the United States, necessitating the deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth instead.

While the presence of two carriers theoretically enhances operational flexibility, it will likely require at least a week to ready HMS Prince of Wales for sailing. This process entails expediting ongoing maintenance tasks, transferring equipment from its sister ship, and fuelling and provisioning the vessel.

The sidelining of the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier coincides with warnings from UK ministers regarding the nation’s inadequate preparedness for full-scale conflict, exacerbated by stockpile shortages and a recruitment crisis within the armed forces. Once a dominant force at sea, the Royal Navy now grapples with challenges in maintaining the operational status of its carriers.

Subjects: The Big Peace – Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor

Click Link.

www.dutyfirstpodcast.com.au

After seven long years in Vietnam, the Regiment went through an unprecedented period of peace, however this was all about to change as the international peacekeeping missions in Somalia, Rwanda and East Timor in the 1990s.

Featured interviews:

General Sir Peter John Cosgrove, AK, CVO, MC – 9RAR, 1RAR

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia – 1RAR, 5/7th

BRIG Pat Mcintosh AM, CSC (retd) – 2/4RAR

MAJGEN Stuart Smith AO, DSC (retd) – 1RAR

Episode cover image:

Somalia. 1993-01-20. Private Paul Ingram, 1RAR (1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment), of Balwyn, Vic, with supplies for food distribution to the village of Sahmandeera. He is serving with the Australian contingent to the Unified Task Force in Somalia (UNITAF). By Dex, T R courtesy of AWM.

Produced by Pivot Studios for the Department of Veterans Affairs and The Royal Australian Regiment Foundation

#ausarmy #rar

 

In the aftermath of the devastating drone attack on a US base in Jordan, the United States, led by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, retaliated with a series of fierce strikes on Iranian forces and Iran-backed militants in Iraq and Syria. The strikes, aimed at more than 85 targets across 7 facilities, were a resounding message of strength and resolve.

The human cost of these strikes was significant. The Iraqi government reported 16 casualties, including civilians, while 23 lives were lost in Syria, according to Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The strikes stirred a global impact, prompting the United Kingdom to join forces with the US in a massive airstrike campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. The coordinated effort targeted 36 Houthi locations in 13 different areas.

As the dust settled, the Houthis, undeterred by the military onslaught, vowed to escalate their actions. They pledged to disrupt regional trade, regardless of the cost, potentially ushering in further instability and economic repercussions. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan defended the strikes on Sunday, emphasizing their necessity and effectiveness. He also did not rule out the possibility of directly targeting locations in Iran.

“We intend to take additional strikes and additional action to continue to send a clear message that the United States will respond when our forces are attacked, or people are killed,” Sullivan declared.

The significance of the US and UK’s military actions lies in the clear signal they send – a resolute willingness to respond forcefully to attacks on their forces. However, the repercussions of these strikes remain uncertain. The Houthis, vowing retaliation, could shape the course of the conflict in the days and weeks to come. The international community watches with bated breath, uncertain of the twists and turns that may unfold in this tense geopolitical landscape.

The flag has been hoisted, it flutters on high

This always brings a tear to my eye

Some say our flag needs to be changed

I believe those people are totally deranged

Along with the date-change bullies

And the virtue signalling mob at Woolies

Some are on this earth to complain

Where we see sunshine, they see rain

I cleaned the Barbie, forks and tongs

And put on my trusty well worn thongs

Rugger shorts and a singlet top

And plenty of sunscreen Slip Slap Slop

I mowed a strip for the backyard cricket

And grabbed a wheelie bin for a wicket

I managed to get the kids on side

By rigging a temporary water slide

I dragged some chairs under the trees

The bureau is predicting forty degrees

The esky is loaded with champers and beer

Time for a coldie before the mob gets here

While waiting for the guests to show

Our Kiwi neighbour said “Greetings Bro “

“The mussus and kuds are on their way

We’ll help you celebrate Australia Day.”

Time to play games to soak up the beer

Winning shots are greeted by jubilant cheers

The girls watched on; but disowned the boys

Who carried on like kids with new toys

The backyard cricket was declared a draw

After it descended into total uproar

Batsman Kiwi Bob lost his calm

When Gazza decided to bowl underarm

Openly gay, and very good looking

Tony has offered to do all the cooking

Asif and Mustafa from the Middle East

Have prepared an enormous exotic feast

Prawns, burgers lamb chops and snags

Under the weight of this fare the table sags

The Middle Eastern food was a new taste treat

But Kiwi Bob says a Hangi is hard to beat

Indigenous Dave is an interstate trucker

He surprised us with authentic bush tucker

While Vietnamese friends, bless their souls

Brought a big plate of rice paper rolls

After lunch and the booze had kicked in

It was time for the karaoke to begin

The National Anthem, in patriotic roar

Pity the poor neighbours next door

The setting sun marks the end of a great day

The girls want to leave, the blokes want to stay

It’s not hard to guess who’ll win that debate

Though nine o’clock is hardly late

I guess that the knockers will feel that they won

By refusing to embrace it and join in the fun

My message to them is loud and clear

Wake up and get onboard next year.

If you need assistance with lodging a compensation claim with DVA, or with your wellbeing journey, and don’t know where to start, engaging an Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) advocate might be the answer you’re looking for.

Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) advocates play an important role in supporting veterans and families through the claims process and helping find supports for improving wellbeing. Importantly, these services are provided free of charge (some may charge a small administration fee), meaning there is no need to pay someone to help.

ESO advocates can be found on the Advocacy Register, which is a national database that provides contact details for advocacy services across Australia.

ESO advocacy is delivered in line with service delivery standards and ESO advocates are trained through the Advocacy Training and Development Program to meet national training standards for advice they provide to the veteran community.

It’s important to remember that DVA does not give any particular provider or advocate special access or treatment. Using a provider who charges for their services does not guarantee a successful claim or faster processing.

Veterans and families also have the option to engage with DVA directly online by using MyService. Through MyService veterans and their families can lodge claims and track their progress, apply for a Veteran Card, book transport and more.

For more information please visit What to consider if you’re looking for help.

ED: From my inbox … thanks Ralph.

My father was born and bought up in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia and from an early age, [1930/40s] introduced the family to the ‘Waking up the Dragon Ceremony’ at Easter.

He was at school with many children of Chinese descent.

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOo8vOU8FldIQAUC836At.;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707197518/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.sbs.com.au%2flanguage%2fchinese%2fen%2farticle%2fwhat-measures-100m-has-6000-scales-and-is-set-to-be-awoken-in-bendigo%2fisjfl4cbq/RK=2/RS=Ma4ZEWJg1zgvwLPLatbohAdOz.c-

Ralph Wollmer