NuffNang

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Laziness is not a Disability

Once again, Melbourne weather is throwing its best at its residents, it's cold, it's wet and selfish pricks park in handicapped spots, because they don't want to get wet.

Here is the proof - EVERY single vehicleparked illegally, located at Epping Plaza. Friday night the 25th May 2012.

4.11pm - Friday the 25th May 2012 - Parked in a P2 zone, which is for those that can walk, just have difficulties  (Catergory 2 parking permit)


 4.12pm - Friday the 25th May 2012 - Parked in a P2 zone, which is for those that can walk, just have difficulties (Catergory 2 parking permit)

4.12pm - Friday the 25th May 2012 - Parked in a P2 zone, which is for those that can walk, just have difficulties  (Catergory 2 parking permit)

 4.13pm - Friday the 25th May 2012 - Parked in a Blue zone,for those requiring wheelchairs or complicated walking aids  (Catergory 1 Parking Permit) **2 mentions - see below

 5.19pm - Friday the 25th May 2012 -  Parked in a Blue zone,for those requiring wheelchairs or complicated walking aids (Catergory 1 Parking Permit) **2 mentions - see above

5.20pm - Friday the 25th May 2012 - Parked in a P2 zone, which is for those that can walk, just have difficulties (Catergory 2 parking permit)

If you know any of these registrations - I hope YOU tell them that stupidity is NOT a disability and when their mother/father/child or friend NEEDS one of these spots and they are filled with able-bodied people, watch them get abusive.
NONE OF THESE Vehicles were displaying permits, so were parking there against all regulations, tied to these permits. No permit visible, NO PARKING there.

Previous rants can be found here Are you Disabled - March 2012

My Favourite photos of the week

Taken by me for your enjoyment!

I was privileged enough to see a family group of Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagles, sitting in a tree. I was lucky enough to be able to stop and snap these pictures. These photos were taken on the 20th March 2012


This first photo, shows mum (LHS), Juvenile (Middle) and dad (RHS) sitting together in one tree.


The second shows mum taking to air, no panic, no calling, just taking off for a cruise. leaving the juvenile and the male in the tree.

The third shows dad about to take to the air, no panic, no calling, just taking off for a cruise. leaving the juvenile in the tree.


The fourth shows dad mid-air, no panic, no calling, just taking off for a cruise. leaving the juvenile behind.

The fifth shows the baby all alone (And then there was one)......

In all my years of country travel I have never seen a family of eagles at rest like that. I have seen them in flight, but never at rest. I was extremely privileged, to both see and catch these images on camera.

Please do NOT copy any of the photos on this blog - if you would like to use any photos, please leave a comment with contact details, Photos will be supplied without watermark and at full size. All comments are moderated and won't be shown to the public. Thank-you

Please note that no photo has been photoshopped on this blog, cropped yes, photoshopped NO!
Enjoy all of natures beauty!

Please visit Redbubble, perhaps there is something there you would like to purchase. Refer the photos below!

Buy my work

Sunday, May 20, 2012

My Favourite photos of the week

Taken by me for your enjoyment!

Please enjoy photos of Sammy the Seal.......... He was a resident of Apollo Bay Harbour. Unfortunately he had to be put down. Here is the story Sammy the Seal - In Memory - Jan 2012

These will be last photos od Sammy, He bought me a great deal of joy and happiness. He was a boy and a bully, but that is nature at work.






Please do NOT copy any of the photos on this blog - if you would like to use any photos, please leave a comment with contact details, Photos will be supplied without watermark and at full size. All comments are moderated and won't be shown to the public. Thank-you

Please note that no photo has been photoshopped on this blog, cropped yes, photoshopped NO!
Enjoy all of natures beauty!

Please visit Redbubble, perhaps there is something there you would like to purchase. Refer the photos below!

Buy my work

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Truth

Truth is something that people are more and more often avoiding speaking about, addressing or even confronting.

Sure THE TRUTH hurts sometimes, but would you rather people didn't tell you the truth?

Would you rather people who knew something you don't, never utter a word for fear of hurting your feelings?

Would you rather be ripped off by a business partner, because someone on the outside could see what was happening, but was afraid of being attacked by you, because you always attack when confronted with the truth?

A friend is a person who is not afraid of telling you The Truth, because they know that you have enough guts to face the truth and not blame them for telling it as it is.

People think that sugar-coating everything is good for the people, good for the children, good for the world.

Sugar-coating, only brings corpulence, corruption, deceit and the eventual mistrust of everyone and everything.

A person who is capable of telling the truth is a friend indeed. Remember that, because tomorrow, looks and brains may not be everything to get you by.

A pinch of honesty is the best thing for everything and remember, not everyone in the competition of life can win a prize. Some people have to win the wooden spoon too. Hell I've won a couple in my lifetime.

"Get rid of your regrets. You are what you are from what you have experienced. And rightly understood and accepted. All experiences are good, and the bitter ones best of all"

From:- Nifty Nuts 1910.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

My Favourite photos of the week

Taken by me for your enjoyment!

Up close and personal with the Koalas out on Cape Otway. All these photos taken on the 28th January 2012.



Please do NOT copy any of the photos on this blog - if you would like to use any photos, please leave a comment with contact details, Photos will be supplied without watermark and at full size. All comments are moderated and won't be shown to the public. Thank-you

Please note that no photo has been photoshopped on this blog, cropped yes, photoshopped NO!
Enjoy all of natures beauty!

Please visit Redbubble, perhaps there is something there you would like to purchase. Refer the photos below!

Buy my work

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Federal Government is Broke and I am a Tax Cheat.

The 8th of February 2012, made me realise that the Federal Government really is hard up for money and that government employees have no idea how to perform their job let alone meet KPI's.
I received a letter dated the 8th February 2012, stating :"You may not be eligible for *********** tax refund that you claimed in 2009 and 2010 tax returns."

Claiming that I had not made payment application for benefit **** from Centrelink.

Hate to tell you ATO - but you were WRONG. I had claimed BOTH benefits, one had been accepted, the 2010 period in PAID July 2011 and the 2009 period was denied by Centrelink because Centrelink couldn't "data-match" with ATO records.

I resubmitted the Centrelink claim for benefit **** for the 2009 period and blindly waited for a response. Centrelink guidelines are 28 day turn-around. I advised ATO this was the case and sat back and waited (stupid me)

I re-entered the Centrelink office on the 21st March, they advised me that the claim was still being processed. I asked for a letter confirming this was the case, which I received and duly faxed off to the to Centrelink AND ATO data-matching team office. NO RESPONSE. Exert "As this matter is beyond my ability to solve. I just have to wait and consequently you will also have to wait. This also means that the adjustment to my tax return for the period 2009 can not be enforced until such time as Centrelink data-match information previously provided to them in July 2011."

On the 17th April, low and behold a revised assessment is received from the ATO claiming I owe them $1000. I duly send off ANOTHER letter to both the ATO and Centrelink. No response is received from either party. Exert: "As I have previously explained to you. Centrelink have failed to fulfil their end of the application, regarding benefit **** which was submitted to them on the 27th February 2012. I have now received an amended assessment, which I will not pay until Centrelink either pay or decline my application, which has been submitted. not once BUT twice for this period."

On the 19th April I decide enough is enough and submit a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Low and behold within 48 hours I am talking to sane people from both the Ombudsman AND ATO (Not Centrelink)

At NO POINT IN time did ANYONE from Centrelink contact me to discuss this matter, even when escalated to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. NOT ONCE.

The ATO refuse to acknowledge they are wrong in applying a penalty, when evidence obviously shows doubt. They will only extend the payment due date, nothing else. But better than nothing I suppose.

On the 24th April 2012, (57 days after second application) a determination is made in my favour (as I knew it would be) and Centrelink have to pay me (as I knew would be the case.)

I then have to contact the ATO and advise them this is the case. Exert: "The stress you placed upon me was unacceptable and no-one was prepared to accept the fact that I am an honest law-abiding citizen. No wonder people dislike the ATO and staff face issues of verbal abuse, in relation to determinations that are incorrect. and force people to approach the Ombudsman to get things resolved."

The matter is now closed, but the fact that Centrelink did not contact me regarding ANY correspondence sent to them and ATO take 5 days to acknowledge fax or not at all in some cases, is deplorable.

My only conclusion in all of this, is that the Federal Government is broke and they are hoping the Little Mr and Mrs Smith, will just pay up and shut up and save the Government billions in benefits and reap illegal back payments.

Have you had a similar experience?

 My previous run-ins with Centrelink.
Social Security - September 2009
Social Security - Name and Shame - July 2011

**Centrelink finally called me on the 10th May 2012 at 5pm.........

A Photographer for a Day

**Disclaimer - I am NOT a professional photographer and neither do I profess to be one, or ever dream of being one. It was a favour to a friend at the last minute.

 It was Monday afternoon and I popped into J's factory for a coffee and yarn. (as you do when work is thin on the ground) The next thing you know, somehow, without actually saying anything. I've volunteered to photograph (wait for it........................... .........) A FUNERAL.............................

Of all things. A FUNERAL, not a kids party, not a wedding, A FUNERAL.... Apparently the 'regular' photographer is in hospital. I don't 'do' people. I prefer animals and things that can't talk back or give you the evil eye!

I don't profess to be a good photographer, I work on the theory of; get enough monkeys in a room, with enough typewriters and eventually something worthwhile will be produced.

It's a 9am start, fairly local, so not a problem, BUT........ the service won't be in English, and it's very rare for photographers to be a funerals! Derh.......... That's what I thought, but apparently the photos are to be sent overseas for family who couldn't attend.

I think I need God's help here/intervention. Now I'm starting to see failure written in proof all over EVERY photo!

 Take a deep breath, I get to the designated location at the correct time, take some 'landscape' shoots and then scout out the inside of the church for some areas, that might be suitable for me to camp for the entire ceremony. I am panicking right now!

Can't use the flash, or the tripod. thankfully I don't like the flash and have always taken photos without it. But without the tripod? In low light? It's going to get interesting. Almost too interesting. Can I run and hide under the nearest tree?

I get through the ceremony, taking the required photos, on viewing the photos the following day - I have somehow managed to capture those that are liked and not captured those that are disliked! (Pats self on back) I don't know Joe from Fred or Martha from Jane!

The photos are now safely with the family and come hell or high water, I will be running 200miles (on a broken leg) than have to do that again!


Sunday, May 6, 2012

My Favourite photos of the week

Taken by me for your enjoyment!
Koala, hanging on for dear life (well, not really) but it looks like it! Taken on Cape Otway. 22nd January 2012

Please, can I sleep? all thse eucalyptus leaves make me want to sleep! Taken Cape Otway, 22nd January 2012

Look ma, one hand.......... Koala, sleeping high above with one hand and a big bum, the only thing keeping him there! Taken 22nd January 2012

Pebbles on beach, I like this photo, seems calming. Taken 4th February 2012.

Please do NOT copy any of the photos on this blog - if you would like to use any photos, please leave a comment with contact details, Photos will be supplied without watermark and at full size. All comments are moderated and won't be shown to the public. Thank-you

Please note that no photo has been photoshopped on this blog, cropped yes, photoshopped NO!
Enjoy all of natures beauty!
Please visit Redbubble, perhaps there is something there you would like to purchase. Refer the photos below!

Buy my work

Friday, May 4, 2012

Google is a dirty word

Once upon a time I had a Google Adwords account, well not that long ago, actually, the 16th March 2012. Google Adsense decided that I had violated their rules by ‘posing a risk of generating invalid activity.'

You want to know what I did?

I published a funny email titled “Where did Piss Poor come From?” The email isn’t the problem, it’s the traffic it generates that is! About 700 hits a month, from the Stumble on Network which is a sharing site, blogs and news etc, from what I can determine.

It’s not StumbleOn’s fault. The fault lies squarely with the Google Adsense.

See I’d had that account since 2009 and was about $2.00 away from actually collecting my revenue...... a WHOLE $50.00 WHOOP WHOOP.

To me, it wasn’t revenue, either earned or unearned, Google Adwords, seems to allow complete garbage on some sites, and then screws down on others. I have 3 blogs and 1 website, all were connected to the same account. Suddenly all sites were without ‘income’ (Remember I don’t call it revenue.)

I believe the trigger was the fact I was ABOUT to collect MY $50 of UNEARNT Income.

Yes, INCOME. A silent earner, that I never thought I would actually see, but was amazed to slowly watch the total climb higher and higher.

I always knew I would never see a cent of anything. I mean we are talking about Google here, the same Google that just opened up in direct competition to Dropbox. But Google in their wisdom have decided that ANY file loaded onto THEIR network, becomes THEIR file.

See Google thinks they own the world. But public opinion, public demand and the need for privacy, dictates the world, NOT Google

A product is only a product if you pay for it – if you don’t pay for it – YOU ARE the PRODUCT.

Remember that, and remember that ANY company offering something for nothing, only has their best interests at heart, not yours.

I did try to appeal the decision, but remember Google think they own the world, doubtful they even bothered reading the appeal, hell just like them, I too was ‘just going through the processes’

So be warned, You are the product, if you haven’t paid for anything!