Health dangers being ignored by blue-collar workers

Posted to Herald Sun (23/4/2014) on 23/4/2014 at 3:38 AM
Commenting on "Health dangers being ignored by blue-collar workers"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/health-dangers-being-ignored-by-blue-collar-workerrs/story-fni0fiyv-1226892686534

Too much credit has been given to education, hoping that spending more time studying will reduce many physical and social ills. Unfortunately, education does not solve bad habitual problems.

Although smoke, drink and diet are contributory factors, one must not overlook that many blue collar workers' workplace environment is far less inviting and healthy. Furthermore, many blue collar workers do not earn as much as their counterpart which can lead to greater financial stress.

It is important to tackle the problem holistically rather than just target at their life-style and habit.

Melbourne plastic surgery clinic abandons competition asking women to rate their breasts to win tickets to the ANZC AFL match

Posted to Herald Sun (22/4/2014) at 22/4/2014 at 11:27 PM
Commenting on "Melbourne plastic surgery clinic abandons competition asking women to rate their breasts to win ticket to the ANZAC AFL match"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbourne-plastic-surgery-clinic-abandons-competition-asking-women-to-rate-their-breasts-to-win-tickets-to-the-anzac-afl-match/story-fni0fit3-1226892728048

200,000 people on Facebook responded positively? Is the company sure that all the respondents are women? There could be Suomi wrestlers answering the post for all they know.

Very likely many are not Australians and have no idea what ANZAC means to Australia. If Australian women responded to the post, I am sorry to say "respect others if you expect others to respect you!"

Qantas not worried about fleet after second turnback incident

Posted to Herald Sun (22/4/2014) on 22/4/2014 at 10:17 PM
Commented on "Qantas not worried about fleet after second turnback incident"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/qantas-not-worried-about-fleet-after-second-turnback-incident/story-fni0fiyv-1226892658801

Another day, another Airbus. Qantas may not be worried, but this does not give me any confidence to fly with an airline which does not come clean with what "operation issues" mean. Do they mean people "operating" the plane have "issues" (or problems in plain English) or are they not admitting that these are design faults need immediate recall of the planes like what happens to the car industry?

Is it too much to ask Qantas or Airbus to release the findings of their investigation? The next incident may not be as lucky or less dramatic as these.

Don't trade a living for a pile of junk

Posted to Herald Sun (13/4/2014) on 14/4/2014 at 3:30 AM
Commenting on "Don't trade a living for a pile of junk"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/dont-trade-a-living-for-a-pile-of-junk/story-fni0fhh1-1226882726084

Having a degree from a university or college that offers higher qualification does not guarantee that graduate actually earns his/her mark.

Many universities of today are no better than a college with a facelift. TAFE and private colleges that offer Advanced Diploma as the highest qualification can no longer survive. Some have transformed into high-ed institutions offering degree courses, even though they are NOT universities.

The numbers game does not necessarily produce academics or achievers, but on the contrary it makes top students average, and unjustifiably lifts the non-deserving ones at par with the top graduates.

It is disgraceful that university standards have been lowered to improve pass rate. Plagiarism is so prevalent and close to epidemic proportion. Students pay professionals or past year’s students to complete their assignments. Hardworking and top performing students are frustrated by lazy and good for nothing team members in team project work; and unfortunately the genuine students’ outcome is affected negatively.

Australia needs more tradies, NOT university graduates who cannot fix plumbing, electrical works, or build houses. There are not enough upcoming tradies to replace the retiring ones. Whether it is about fixing a leaking toilet cistern, building a house, laying out NBN cable, etc, tradies’ charges will continue to soar unless more qualified tradies enter the workforce.

We MUST lift the educational standards from primary level onwards. A smart nation needs smart people. Unfortunately with our country run by not so smart politicians, things will never work out!

Am I cynical? Yes I am.

Spread of urban legends spurs information sessions on cancer myths

Posted to Leader (27/2/2014) on 27/2/2014 at 12:31 PM
Commenting on "Spread of urban legends spurs information sessions on cancer myths"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/spread-of-urban-legends-spurs-information-sessions-on-cancer-myths

Many people buying a car, domestic white goods, etc. seek opinions from friends, internet search and sometimes if accessible a "consumer experts", and yet when come to health, they don't seek second or even third opinion.

When my family doctor prescribes medication for my illness or health wellbeing, I always ask him the reason for his action and the side effects which may be caused by the medication. I went for my cataract operations for my eyes after three optometrists advised me that I would need them. Obviously, my eye specialist confirmed so.

We must not take our health for granted, especially strong medication and operations are involved. We must check with real people who have received the treatment or operation, those professionals who provide the services, and from printed books instead of eBook or internet blogs.

While this may seemed like a myth in itself, I do hold strong views about cancer being part of evolution process and genetic "mutation" or bodily malfunction that has gone really wrong. Many external agents, including food, toxic fumes, bacteria and virus etc, trigger cancers and exacerbate their growth.

Whether it is chemotherapy or radiation, the risk of failing to kill the cancer cells is there. It is a risk that a cancer sufferer should weigh out the pros and cons. The success of treatment also relies on sufferer's desire to cooperate, their firm and positive outlook to get better, and reason to live life to the full.

Kevin Rudd cuts himself shaving then shares it on twitter

Posted to Herald Sun (10/7/2013) on 10/7/2013 at 12:25 PM (not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Kevin Rudd cuts himself shaving then shares it on twitter"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-features/kevin-rudd-cuts-himself-shaving-then-shares-it-on-twitter/story-fnho52jj-1226676991326

What a comedian or a smiling assassin! It's really funny to see the first PM in the world has a band aid stuck on his face. On the contrary, it is a good reminder what a sharp blade or dagger can do to one's face or back.

With no credibility in project and financial management during the past years, another 3 years in running the country by Kevin Rudd, we soon be printing funny money!

Kevin Rudd leads Tony Abbott as better prime minister, latest Newspoll reveals

Posted to Herald Sun (9/7/2013) on 9/7/2013 at 12:28 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Kevin Rudd leads Tony Abbott as better prime minister, latest Newspoll reveals"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/kevin-rudds-return-as-pm-boosts-primary-vote-to-the-same-level-as-last-election-according-to-new-poll/comments-fni0fiyv-1226676232353

Sympathy does not necessarily translate to winning an election, but Kevin Rudd may make it.

Kevin Rudd dumped by Julia Gillard in a rather dramatic and ungraceful manner was viewed by many that Kevin Rudd was a victim, and treated his return to the prime ministership as something deserving.

For the past month, Kelvin Rudd has proven to be a good publicist, marketer, opportunist but a rather sore and resentful loser, lack the support of his former experienced peer in the caucus, who chose to resign rather than to sit in the same parliamentary chamber with him.

He is really good in saying sorry, but the word is far from meaningful if things just go wrong one after another. One sorry he will never have a chance to say is that the financial ruin the Labor government under him and former PM Julia Gillard that have dug.

Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd have no concept of financial management. The social reform policies have long term repercussion on a dwindling pool of taxpayers.

Tony Abbott needs to ask himself is, "Why am I not as likeable as Kevin Rudd?" Unless he rectifies all his negatives, a hung parliament may be the best case scenario in this election.

It’s trolling Ed Husic that is un-Australian

Posted to Herald Sun (2/7/2013) on 2/7/2013 at 8:24 PM
Commenting on "It’s trolling Ed Husic that is un-Australian"
http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/theperch/index.php/heraldsun/comments/its_trolling_ed_husic_that_is_un_australian/

The House of Representatives Practice (6th Edition) Chapter 5 on Swearing-in of Members under the heading of Affirmation states that "The oath of allegiance need not necessarily be made on the authorised version of the Bible, although this has been the common practice. A Member may recite the oath while holding another form of Christian holy book, or, in respect of a non-Christian faith, a book or work of such a nature. The essential requirement is that every Member taking an oath should take it in a manner which affects his or her conscience regardless of whether a holy book is used or not."

There is nothing un-Australian or unconstitutional about Ed Husic swears his allegiance to Australia using the Koran instead of the Bible. With today's technology, people making such comments including blog writers and talkback radio hosts can easily check out the facts on their computer before barking up the wrong tree, and showing their naivety. This is an incitement of religious disharmony and creates mistrust of law abiding citizens of Australia.

Penny Wong reveals why she betrayed Julia Gillard

Posted to Herald Sun (29/6/2013) on 29/6/2013 at 12:40 PM (not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Penny Wong reveals why she betrayed Julia Gillard"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/penny-wong-reveals-why-she-betrayed-julia-gillard/story-e6frf7jo-1226671770803

It is interesting to note that Penny Wong, former Finance Minister under the Gillard's government, has switched camp and landed in the position as the Leader of Senate. Penny Wong's survival is a very smart and strategic move by Kevin Rudd. Penny Wong is an Asian-born (Sabahian), lesbian female. She is the best tool for killing three birds (race, gay, gender) with one penny.

Ten of thousands of home owners prepared to switch over rates

Posted to Herald Sun (9/2/2012) on 9/2/2012 at 2:58 AM
Commenting on "Ten of thousands of home owners prepared to switch over rates"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/ten-of-thousands-of-home-owners-prepared-to-switch-over-rates/story-fn7x8me2-1226266201942

It's easier said than done. Furthermore, most people find it too troublesome to keep switching banks - CBA may be higher in interest rate today, but after switching ANZ may take the cake. This is no difference from shopping around for cheap petrol.

In many cases, real interest rates chargeable are not published publicly, and until one sits down to negotiate with the lender, there is no guarantee that the self-proclaimed bargain hunting expert actually wins the day.

Negotiation demands confidence and skills. Many borrowers are unlikely to do a good job when confronted by experienced professional lenders. Compounding this is that negotiation normally takes place at the lenders office, and therefore gives the lenders a winning edge, at least at the psychological level.

Borrowing approval criteria are getting more and more constrained; those whose income has been reduced due to reduced hours of work may not have the same borrowing power as before. Borrowers are stuck, and unable to refinance their loan at the same magnitude.

Racism very much alive in Australia, says Dr Charles Te

Posted to Herald Sun (20/1/2012) on 20/1/2012 at 3:42 AM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Racism very much alive in Australia, says Dr Charles Teo"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/racism-very-much-alive-in-australia-says-dr-charles-teo/story-fn7x8me2-1226247766763

Won't it be funny if the indigenous people were to tell the descendants of the convicts, fleet officers, migrants and refugees to go back to where they came from?

Man's shock when prostitute turns out to be his daughter

Posted to Herald Sun (4/12/2011) on 4/12/2011 at 2:50 AM, 5/12/2011 at 12:18 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Man's shock when prostitute turns out to be his daughter"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/the-other-side/mans-shock-when-prostitute-turns-out-to-be-his-daughter/story-e6frfhk6-1226212062547

@Bradles of Reservoir, there is still such a thing called moral or moral code set defined by people in a civilised society.

I see that prostitution is more than just a mutual exchange of money for sex. Prostitution can lead to potential STD, marriage and family breakup, organised crime flourish, etc.

It is most unfortunate that the society we live are full of irrational policies made up some idiotic do-gooders. Why can not one be naked in general public places or inside one’s car as a driver or passenger?

May be some wise readers can explain to me why it is alright to prostitute but not to walk naked in public places in a free society?

Triple J presenters label Julia Gillard a 'whore', Tim Mathieson 'gay'

Posted to The Age (2/12/2011) on 2/12/2001 at 1:56 PM
Commenting on "Triple J presenters label Julia Gillard a 'whore', Tim Mathieson 'gay'"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/triple-js-stinging-sledge-on-julia-and-tim/story-fn7x8me2-1226212148812

Same sex marriage contradicts what modern human race believes in - back to nature and grows things organic! We don't need GM or laboratory grown living things. Why are human race moving forward in the wrong direction!

PS I can't imagine how these Triple J idiots will respond if their girl friends, sisters or mothers were call whores. Watch your mouths, you have gone too far!

Touching times for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and US President Barack Obama

Posted to Herald Sun (17/11/2011) on 17/11/2011 at 3:00 AM
Comment on "Touching times for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and US President Barack Obama"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/touching-times-for-prime-minister-julia-gillard-and-us-president-barack-obama/story-fn7x8me2-1226197260438

If Tony Abbott were to kiss Julia Gillard on her cheeks, or put his hand or palm on her back, she probably would scream, calling him a sexual pervert, and condemning his act as sexual harassment. Should Michelle or Tim be concerned about such public display of affection or intimacy?

Barack Obama arrives for whistle-stop Australia visit

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08 PM
Commenting on "Barack Obama arrives for whistle-stop Australia visit"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/barack-obama-arrives-for-whistle-stop-australia-visit/story-fn7x8me2-1226196101449

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Harry Jenkins, do you mean the MPs have not been at their best behaviour in the House? I think these "children" should not be spared from the Black Rod; bring it out and get the House in order.

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Just a thought, if the US is to set up bases at Darwin, we can use them to keep an eye on financial refugee boats from EU countries.

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08
Julia Gillard did not curtsy when greeting the Queen but just a handshake. It is disgusting though that she gave a sexy kiss on Obama's cheek instead of a simple handshake.

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 17/11/2011 at 11:38 AM (Not published by Newspaper)
Just a thought, when the US set up bases at Darwin, we can use them to keep an eye on financial refugee boats from EU countries.

Australia's tourism brand image suffers big hit, new survey shows

Posted to Herald Sun (11/11/2011) on 11/11/201Posted to Herald Sun (11/11/2011) on 11/11/2011 at 12:15-12:17 PM
Commenting on "Australia's tourism brand image suffers big hit, new survey shows"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/travel/news/australias-tourism-brand-image-suffers-big-hit-new-survey-shows/story-fn32891l-1226192233651

It is most unfortunate that many recent sports arenas in Melbourne are tucked away in very congested and rather uninviting surrounds. These are fantastic show pieces, much more than what I can say for the patch-work-look architecture of the Federation Square. These stadiums look great from above as well as unblocked side-views, and yet they have not been used in tourism promotion. They are comparable to the Water Cube and Bird Nest of China, "Durian" of Singapore, "Gherkin" of London, etc. The Sydney Opera House is still a fantastic talking point for tourists, but the Sydney Harbour Bridge which resembles a big clothes hanger really needs to take the back seat. There are so many longest, biggest, most dangerous and architecturally excellent bridges in the world.

I enjoy playing with English words, and I "look" at them from a foreigner's perspective. Sunburnt country is definitely a frightening place to visit. Who in the world wants to get sunburnt and risks skin cancer? Furthermore, the word sunburnt may not be understood properly by potential foreign visitors who may think that this country is arid and black - just being charred by forest fires. Down Under is a term sounds cool for the younger and trendy, or those who have heard the song by "Men at Work"; but isn't "down under" synonymous to "hell"? I just can’t imagine how these terms are translated in foreign languages. The combined effect of these terms conjures up an image that Australia is like a place where one gets burnt in the "Hot Hell Hole".

Melbourne and the surrounding, including the suburbs, have a lot to offer to foreign tourists. In saying this, we must not market the way we think fit for us unless the promotion is for local consumption. As it is very expensive to travel around to various intrastate and interstate places in Australia because of the vast distances, therefore it is more appropriate to target market different regions or states in different campaigns, unless special package tours can be offered to bring down the cost.

What we must keep in mind is that beautiful coastline is only beautiful for the first few kilometre in the eyes of a tourist, after which the remaining kilometre are just plain monotonous and boring. Most tourists cannot afford to spend too much time and money at one location, and in order to make the initial visit memorable, the tourist attraction must have certain wow factor. Not only this will be captured in photos, but also forever remains in their brains and mouths.

I am always excited to talk about Melbourne with foreign visitors, and when I am on overseas trips. Most visitors or potential visitors like to know a little bit of the history but not too much. Surprisingly, they want know how this country is run, compared with theirs. They want assurance that this is not a racist country. They like my comparing Melbourne with their hometown and other places. They like to know more about what we eat, what we do, where we "live" and whether they can see kangaroo or koala in the streets. They want sincerity and honesty.

Being a Melbournian, I have to admit that I do not have in-depth knowledge of other interstate cities. I think I am a good promoter and ambassador of Melbourne and even have a blog showing the beautiful photos of Melbourne. The collection of photos is growing. Any tourism related organisation wants to offer me a marketing position? I am all-ears!

Risk-taking commuters caught out and stung

Posted to Herald Sun (11/11/2011) on 11/11/2011 at 2:04 AM
Commenting on "Risk-taking commuters caught out and stung"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/m-in-transport-user-fines/story-fn7x8me2-1226191936152

How much does it cost to put conductors on, more than or less than $80 million? At $40000 per conductor per year, $80 million is equivalent to 2000 conductors. That means 2000 people can bring home the bacon, pay taxes and mortgage, less family conflict, reduce unemployment and CentreLink payout. Who were the idiots that proposed the removal of human conductors?

Gillard feels right at home

Posted to Herald Sun (10/11/2011) on 10/11/2011 at 12:03 AM, 9:28 AM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Gillard feels right at home"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/gillard-feels-right-at-home/story-e6frf7jo-1226190631503

Werribee, isn't where the sewage farm located? That explains why the stink of carbon tax was not detected during Julia Gillard's visit!

Finally, carbon tax becomes law

Posted to The Age (8/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 3:35 PM
Commenting on "Finally, carbon tax becomes law"
http://www.theage.com.au/environment/finally-carbon-tax-becomes-law-20111108-1n4rq.html

Posted to Herald Sun (8/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 3:54 PM, 4:45 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Senate votes to pass carbon tax by 36 votes to 32"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/senate-votes-to-pass-carbon-tax-by-36-votes-to-32/story-fn7x8me2-1226188702193

The carbon (dioxide) emission per capita of Australia is and will always be much greater than China and India because of our small pollution. To explain this, let us look at a household of 1 and another of 5. Both need only a refrigerator to keep food fresh or a washing machine to wash clothing. The household of 5 uses the same amount of electricity for the appliances and therefore "polluting" the planet with the same amount of greenhouse gas. Now, a hall with 1 occupant or 100 occupants requires the same number of lights to be turned on for a performance; and an electrified train carrying 1 passenger or 500 passengers consumes about the same amount electricity to commute between Melbourne and Sydney.

There are times when no consumers are involved and yet the waste has to be shared by the population. A lot of power is lost in transmitting electricity from the power stations to hundreds of kilometres of nothingness before populated towns or cities. A lot of energy is required to get rid of the sewer travelling great length of pipes to filtration plant. When we talk about power and energy, we really mean electricity which operates the equipment to make these things happen.

These examples explain the concept of economy of scale and illustrate the principle of fixed and variable costs. So long if we continue to live in a cocoon and not to increase our population, Australia will always be more expensive to live in and the greenhouse gas emission will be a lot higher than more populated countries. BTW, population of China is 59 times of Australia's.

Superheroes wheeled out on a plate

Posted to Herald Sun (3/11/2011) on 2/11/2011 at 9:30 PM
Commenting on "Superheroes wheeled out on a plate"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/superheroes-wheeled-out-on-a-plate/story-fn7x8me2-1226183966531

When will Australians learn to be themselves as Australians, creating their own culture instead of following the Americans like puppy dogs? It is absolutely disgraceful and sad to have lost many Australian iconic brand names and products; now we have to stare at and follow literally those fictitious American iconic heroes when driving behind the wheels. Grow up Australia, time to have self-respect and dignity, time to have some real Australian heroes instead of imaginary ones.