Captain Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne, an amazing and legendary figure, is a name that might not be instantly recognisable to many, but his remarkable life story is one that deserves to be told.
Mayne was a man of extraordinary courage, unshakable determination, and unrivaled skill, making him one of the most distinguished and controversial figures in military history.
He was also a bit of a bastard. Or so some would say. Mayne was remarkably brave, but he was also not far short of being a loose cannon. I first learned about him watching " Rogue Heroes. "
Read more: The Real Paddy Mayne: The Bravest Man Never to Be Awarded the Victoria Cross
There are very few people who can be described as Legends in their own lifetime. Mostly they are sporting personalities who are constantly in the public view thanks to publicity given to the game they excel in. Fewer still are captains of industry whose names endure through the use of their products. Many business people become very wealthy and remain obscure. Occasionally one stands out for the creation of a massive business from very humble beginnings.
One of these is Lindsay Fox, the founder of LINFOX transport which has become an Australian icon stretching far beyond our shores but a household name here because of the well-known logo on its trucks.
Read more: Lindsay Fox - A Living Legend. One the Last of the great entrepreneurial pioneers
People without a gate do not realise what a gate is.
It is the ability to lock, open, accept or reject a welcome visitor or an unwelcome visitor. Obviously, without a fence to accompany the gate, it is worthless. But, with a fence and a gate in place, what little we own in the world is precious. Without it, it is open to plunder.
I go and visit my Mum, Redhead, every few days. We speak everyday, of course. But when I drive in to her driveway, I see the gate that has stood there for over 38 years. The gates are made of wrought iron and were created in a different country in expectation of their arrival in Australia. They were forged with love and craftsmanship and, over the years have stood as guards to whoever pops in to visit. Over the decades, they have never had to serve as anything more than the beefeaters in London: there for pomp and ceremony as opposed to any real barrier to intrusion.
Read more: Open Borders? A Gate can be open or closed... it depends on who is the Visitor.
I am urging you. I am pleading with you. I am imploring you. Wake up! The irrational hatred of the Jewish people and the demonizing of Israel is reaching proportions so dangerous that if people of conscience do not stand up, speak out, and push back, Jewish blood will start flowing in America, England, and many other countries around the world. Wake up!
When Muslims in Sydney Australia are chanting, “Gas the Jews” you know that violence is near.
Read more: Wake Up World Before Jewish Blood Is Shed In Your Country
Of late, I have been concerned about the introduction of " hate speech laws " and " misinformation laws. "
It got me thinking about the magnificent Navajo Code Talkers from World War II. When speaking in code, messages were passed and battles were won so that, in the war against evil. truth and justice could prevail.
During World War II, the United States military used a secret weapon that helped turn the tide of the war: Navajo Code Talkers. These were Native American soldiers from the Navajo tribe who played a critical role in transmitting top-secret military communications in an unbreakable code. The Code Talkers were crucial in the Pacific theatre, helping the allies defeat the Japanese and ultimately win the war.
Read more: Talking in Code...to defend our Nations? I wonder if this is what we have to do?
The awaited summer heralds the arrival of luscious mangoes that are now grace the shelves in various markets. Of course, like everything else of late the price tag offers somewhat of a shock, even though the shelves are indeed laden—as costly as $5 per in some places.
Years ago I was asked by a young bloke, never destined to be a gastronome, I should add, what a mango actually tasted like. His mother, only God knows why, would not allow a mango in the house. He thought it might have been something to do with his father’s reaction the fruit—a fetish I suspect later explained in this story.
Defining the elusive flavour of a mango is as futile as trying to describe beauty. An attempt at such might reveal a flavour somewhere between an apricot and a pear. Is it a melange of peach and a banana? Maybe it's more toward sweet melon and an avocado?
I REMEMBER WHEN Armistice Day was commemorated spontaneously, reverently and universally.
As a kid at state (primary) school we were taught about the sacrifice of the soldiers who died in the war to end all wars and assembled at 11.00am to salute the flag, the Union Jack, and have 2 minutes silence with heads bowed.
That was in the 1940’s when there were many veterans of WW1 still among us.
Read more: Armistice Day is Remembrance Day and We Must NEVER FORGET
The Optus Crash in Australia showed the Value of Cash Today's world is awash with electronic money.
But yesterday, much of Australia's electronic money disappeared for up to 14 hours with the crash of the Optus electronic network.
The disruption to business and the community was "immediate and profound". Rail networks, hospital services, retailers and banking were affected.
Naturally this was not helped by babbling politicians waving big sticks.
Shoppers rushed ATM's to get cash for a cup of coffee. Some were unable to pay for meals they had already consumed.
Some time ago a writer to these pages who is a grandmother to a young teenage family, visited her own Mother to catch up for a family get together.
The youngsters were to have a pleasant visit, not only to Grandma, but to be part of a four generation ‘get together.’ Four generations together ...now that is something else and I would venture to suggest that is a fairly rare event in ones greater family.
It should be an occasion to remember well into old age.In fact I am told that they are now up to five generations so let's hope they can get a photograph of that.
It reminded me of my Grandma Boddy.
Read more: Resolve and Character - Are They Things From the Past?
It all started in 1452, when Pope Nicholas V issued the papal bull Dum Diversas addressed to King Alfonso V of Portugal, giving Portugal sovereignty over all non-Christian lands their inhabitants, everywhere.
" We grant to you full and free power ... to invade, conquer, fight, subjugate the Saracens and pagans... wherever established their Kingdoms ,,, and to lead their persons in perpetual servitude "
" I’m buggered ! It has been a great day for me."
The staff had races emulating the Melbourne Cup Day for the patients. One of the nurses was a kiwi and I piped up “we must have more kiwi representation “, Management who were all there frowned as no inmates were taking place. Given a handicap, I finished in front.
A big cheer and excitement was a lot of fun. Like I have written you make your own fun in here.
But what happened here?
" Bugger it’ " was different. Bugger is a word we use quite frequently down under.
" Buggered " means tired. " Bugger it " means " I am tired of it. " ,
Read more: My Life in a Nursing Home - the Ultimate Handicap Race
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