The totally off-topic thread

[suze2000]

In 2015 with most people expecting and wanting us to become a Republic I think it's a ridiculously backward step.

I think your idea of "most" is a little bit skewed. I would guess - from fishing around in my memory for friends' opinions - the split is fairly even. I don't want a republic until someone can prove to me it's a better - and cheaper! - model than what we have. Sure a Royal Family is an anachronism but our system of govt works and is not broken, so I don't see the point of change for change's sake.

NB: I DID vote for a Republic at the referendum. But as I grow older, I don't see the point. Perhaps it's an age thing.

 

[Pushka]

As far as a republic goes, my guiding principle is to have an Australian as head of our Government. That anyone born in Australia or arriving later and becoming an Australian citizen can dream of becoming our leader.

My origins are British but I think Australia has grown up. There are many models we could review.

 

[rainbowgirl]

I'm rather bored and am watching the first episode of the Block. Clearly I am missing the subtleties. It's like wanker TV to me.

I'd probably enjoy The Block but I'm too busy chasing after a young family to watch it.

Luckily I was able to watch the Alan Border medal. I loved watching Adam Gilchrist getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. He is one of my cricketing heroes.

 

[JohnK]

I'm rather bored and am watching the first episode of the Block. Clearly I am missing the subtleties. It's like wanker TV to me.

What's this TV thing you are talking about?

It has been a long time. I don't miss it.

 

[jukebox333]

As far as a republic goes, my guiding principle is to have an Australian as head of our Government. That anyone born in Australia or arriving later and becoming an Australian citizen can dream of becoming our leader.

Agreed. It's just a pity that edict doesn't apply to Prime Ministers...

 

[JohnK]

First day back at work is always difficult?

 

[cove]

The first five days after the weekend were always the hardest. The fix was to drop the number of days you work.

 

[Hvr]

As far as a republic goes, my guiding principle is to have an Australian as head of our Government. That anyone born in Australia or arriving later and becoming an Australian citizen can dream of becoming our leader.

My origins are British but I think Australia has grown up. There are many models we could review.

The main impediment I see is that a politician or their sycophant will become the head of state.

Also, the term 'President' puts me off. I reckon too many incumbents would want to interfere with political matters. Why not keep the term 'Governor General' and its associated role with a hands off attitude towards day to day political matters?

 

[JohnK]

So Greece has decided on a communist government to get them out of trouble?

The civil war, all the deaths and suffering in the mid to late 40's was for nothing....

 

[RooFlyer]

I posted something similar on Trip Reports, but couldn't resist another pic.

At the Hotel Vancouver, these two are at the concierge desk and are available for the guests to take for a walk (separately, presumably).

 

[Princess Fiona]

I posted something similar on Trip Reports, but couldn't resist another pic.

At the Hotel Vancouver, these two are at the concierge desk and are available for the guests to take for a walk (separately, presumably).

View attachment 41472

I love Labs

 

[robd]

I posted something similar on Trip Reports, but couldn't resist another pic.

At the Hotel Vancouver, these two are at the concierge desk and are available for the guests to take for a walk (separately, presumably).

View attachment 41472

What a fantastic idea. I really miss my dogs when we go away.

 

[Buzzard]

I love Labs

I worked in a lab once. Does that count

 

[Hvr]

I love Labs

I worked in a lab once. Does that count

I have a cat scan every day.

I'm a bit worried about Labradors, too many of their owners are blind.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have a cat scan every day.

I'm a bit worried about Labradors, too many of their owners are blind.

The old fella lying on the bed looks like he might be heading that way too

 

[Hvr]

The first five days after the weekend were always the hardest. The fix was to drop the number of days you work.

What's a weekend?

 

[Hvr]

I'm sure a lot of readers here will be saddened to hear of this.

Australian golfing great Kel Nagle has passed away, aged 94.

Nagle, who won the centenary British Open Championship in 1960 and a record 61 tournaments in Australasia, died in Sydney.
In a statement, his family said he passed away in no pain at 1.30am on Thursday at Mona Vale Hospital.

 

[drron]

QF IT people aren't the only ones having difficulty with geography-
History - Sofitel Brisbane Hotel

[h=2]History[/h]Although the doors to Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa were only opened in June 2000, the Hotel is steeped in history. Formerly St Joseph’s Seminary and created by the Corpus Christi College in 1926, the hotel used to house and educate thousands of young men who were in training for priesthood from the late 1920s to the 1970s.

 

[QF WP]

I love Labs

I have a staffy/lab and a greyhound/pointer that I walk (separately) every week day (my wife does the weekends). I'd love to walk a dog on days I'm in a hotel with spare time...great idea

 

[QF WP]

ABC Radio reporting Colleen McCullough has died on Norfolk Island aged 77