Koh's blog - "Not the Nine O'Clock News"

[ConnieK..]

Hope they are all good changes puppy **scritches ears**

AND....... the feeling is entirely mutual!!!!

Ladies and gents .. Koh is all he purports to be .. a genuine person and a great support both on here and in person.

Never doubt your value puppy .... ... if work doesn't value you .. know for certain we all do!

Connie

PS. I went back to that restaurant last week and took Todd and Patrick .. we had a beautiful meal ... it was great. May be addicted .... going there again next time I think ... I had the atlantic salmon last time it was delicious!

[thenewvee]

Hi Koh!

Seems like a fair bit has been happening for you too lately, what with changes in the wind and you getting to meet the fabulous ConnieK! (We might be so lucky too in the not too distant future!).

Your Easter break sounded relaxing and good, and it sounds like you went back to Sydney with batteries recharged!

You are still doing a stirling job on the forum, so thanks again for all you do and all you help!

Vee

[Snugglebear]

Hey Koh

I can't believe that I have been tippy tapping away on this forum for 9 months and have never seen your diary until today. (Head slap).

It's great that you still have a job (for the short term at least) so many others haven't at the moment. Of course they want you Koh, font of all knowledge, but a pay cut just seems rude!!!

My brother lost his couple of months ago, I suspect he thought he would just drift straight into another one, wrong!!! Luckily he has his redundancy money to live on. I worry about the ones with mortgages, kids and nothing in the bank.

You are so right, this forum is a great place to visit. So many upbeat people with stories to tell. Inspiration for those those who need it.

Keep up your great work

Jo

[Mette]

You're not old! You're wise!

I don't like redundancy and retrenchment! It affects too many people at the moment, both here and back home in Australia. And it was a boring and depressing subject in my HR course!

Thanks heaps for all your support, advice and kindness here on the forum, Koh. As Connie says, if work doesn't appreciate you, know that we certainly do!

[Imfef]

Hey Koh,

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks for your support and help. I hope the job situation works out for you. Holding onto jobs in this climate is the main thing, and if you enjoy what you do, then you're in a better position than most. It's really dire in Europe right now particularly my home, UK. Many of my colleagues with families are out of a job with no hope of finding something else right now. Over here in Singapore the government has encouraged firms to slash salaries by 10% and it's tough especially when you know you're worth more. But at least we have jobs eh? It sounds like you have a plan though and I hope you keep your spirits flying high.

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

Well, life moves on, things change, financial markets continue to be full of "fear and trembling", and keeping a job remains important. I just wish I knew a bit more of this kind of drama. Certainly, forewarned is forearmed - but I can't recall seeing anything like THIS before Of course, as always, there are many speaking "doom'n'gloom" - just as there are also those saying "no recession here - we're flat chat!"

Will we all recover? I'm sure we will - but I'm also sure there could be more short-term pain yet to come too. For me, things just still seem "tight" - we are looking at selling one property (not that we want to) just to allow us to retain the others. And with Banks not passing on RBA rate cuts, AND suddenly increasing Fixed Rates, I'm still scratching my head.

I'll say a bit more about this in the "chat forum" as these shenanigans by the Banks need to be considered (and understood, if that's possible....)


Anyway, back to "Koh's world" - for now, we are "one tenant down" - and, the way the property was left, maybe it is as well they ARE gone However, that has allowed us to "take another tack" (renting it as a B'n'B instead of just a weekly renter). We're still sussing that out. At the moment, it seems like "line ball" - i.e. we were renting it for $350 a week, but as a B'n'B it could return more like $450 - $500 (after all costs) - BUT it means we need to furnish it first.

Decisions, decisions Hehe, nah, it's more like "choices, choices" so it's not all that bad. Hey, we could even choose to sell THAT one. Whichever we do, que sera sera eh?

To my visitors, a HUGE thankyou for your sweet words - you all put a big smile on this puppy's face

Connie - TY darl - you are so sweet.... Hey, that restaurant was great, eh? A top meal and at a reasonable price too (I was surprised that Darling Harbour could have produced such a place - most are WAY expensive).

Vee - TY too, sweetie. Yep, do go out of your way to meet up with Connie - you won't be disappointed. Re "what's happening", I've shared a bit above - I'll try to keep up as things change more...

Mette - hmm, yeah, that "bad stuff" seems to be world-wide - that is what has me bluffed !!! It seems all-encompassing - I have to believe there is hope for the future - too hard not to. And TY for your kind words to me too darl !!

Marc (Imfef) - You gave me a big clue there, Marc (about Singapore govt.) That actually answers one of my questions, so thanks for that.
I hope things stay fine for you too - I keep telling myself that an unemployment rate of 8% means that 92% HAVE jobs !! So, we've just got to make sure WE are in the top 92% eh?

Koh

[maria1969yellow]

Koh thanks for caring and popping in to my diary and leaving your comments. Its so nice to have a mans piont of view and also just have sensible no emotionally attached people comment and just say it has it is...

I do believe in myself that was for a brief moment the old Maria surfaced but luckily just for a brief moment!!!

Thanks and big hugs to you... I will always thank you and the wonderfull people here for the support I have recieved unconditionally whilst I get to my own pesonal weightloss goals!

xxxx

Maria

[Doing it for ME]

Koh,
Sorry to hear about the worries in your life at the mo with the work and house situation.
It certianly is an uncertian time (mmm, thats a weird sentance if you look at it more than once), although when and why it will come to an end is anyones guess. Darn economists can't seem to make up their minds.
I have to say though, the support and positive attitude you display on this forum must be a big part of your personality, and in that case, who wouldn't want to have you at their work! I'd hire you anyday!
Thankyou so much for popping past my diary and for your supportive comments. You sure do seem like a cheerleader for us all here, and I hope in some small way our gratitude to you gives you a sense of happieness also.
I hope times ahead are fully of sunshiny days!

[Jenna]

Hi Koh!!

Like others, didn't know you had a diary, but it's a pleasant surprise to find that you do!

Lots going on in your world, isn't there? Here is to hoping that your employer makes the right decisions and keeps you on contract! You are such an asset to this forum, one can only imagine the dedication and expertise that you bring to a paid job!!

My hubby took a redundancy package from Ford after 24 years at the end of March, and he still cannot find a job. Things are looking a bit scary ATM! We thought that being a tradie that he would get snatched up quickly - but no go. We aren't really worried yet, since he's only been off for 4 weeks...but the concern is definitely starting to creep in.

I'm wishing you and your family the best in regards to jobs and with your rentals...surely things will work out. That is one thing that my hubby and I have noticed over the years - that just when things are looking pretty 'hairy' someone comes along with a shaver and cleans the mess up.

Also want to thank you for stopping by my diary with your witty banter and encouraging words - every little bit helps when on this journey!!!

**Big hugs to the big ol' Hushpuppy!**

[Kohinoor]

Wow, my diary is being besieged !!! (Bring it on)

Thank you, recent besiegers (that's a funny looking word right there) for your kind comments.

Maria - good to hear that your recent "downer" was just a 'moment' - you have so much going for you, so I'm sure you will continue "onward and downward". Your goals are calling - just keep the goals volume turned way up LOUD !!

DIFM - hehe, yeah, almost a conundrum (it certainly is an uncertain time) but how else could we say it eh? And thanks for thinking of me. I reckon I'm gonna be OK for now. As I said, I have choices (which I wouldn't have had 10 years ago). Sometimes MAKING those choices can be hard - it's often easier when you have only ONE choice (no matter how hard it is). While there's a smorgasbord of choices, there's a lot of umm-ing and aah-ing about WHAT to do. In the end, I don't have it so bad, really....

Jenna - I gotta love your sense of humour (indeed, I find a sense of humour almost mandatory to stay "above the problems"). Hopefully your hubby is also a beneficiary too. Good luck to him, Jen. At least the redundancy package should help "buy time" until he finds his next role. And thanks for your kind words to me too.

Thanks for stopping by,

Koh

[Snugglebear]

Hey Koh

You are becoming one very popular hushpuppy aren't you?? (scratches for behind your ears). That's the way this forum seems to go, feast or famine. Enjoy the feasting............you are a compulsary thread now buddy-boy.

You are a great support for all of us in the forum. Maybe you should get Asy to put you on the payroll. You are worth your weight in gold, make sure she pays you what you are worth . When times are as hard as they are at the moment we all need a guiding light, a helping hand and a little support and (most importantly) a big friendly puppy to snuggle with.

Take care

Jo

[FlaMie]

Heya Koh, totally agree with you that times are real bad and no knowing when the economy will eventually revives.

I see it as a time and way for us people to do a thorough assessment and review on our ethics and way of life. This economic crisis happens at the root of man's greed, see US financial crisis. Of course, we can't deny interdependency theory as well. Well, in any case, this has taught me to more prudent and save up more not knowing what will happen next.

Also, I'm happy to be counting my keeps...good thing is both hubby and myself are still keeping our jobs and certainly praying hard that we can continue to do so till the economy revives itself. Well, bad times = better relationship...spending more quality time at home rather than out

[Mette]

I know people say things are bad, but funnily enough, there was no sign of recession when I was shopping yesterday! The shops were PACKED! I have a personal theory that people who remain employed wouldn't even know about the recession if it wasn't in the media constantly.
It seems to me to be about remaining positive. The unemployment in Australia, for instance, is still lower than it was a few years ago when people were not talking about recession. Plus, the market seems to have a natural ebb and flow, just like everything else in life. It's like a Cohens body, really! The market, like the body, has been inflated too much, so it's time to 'shed the weight'. And once the weight is gone, it can take a while for it to 'come good' (i.e. with skin shrinkage and stuff) but it will happen eventually, if we keep at it and remain positive! I for one helped keep the economy going yesterday, splurging on two pairs of new shoes, a pair of gym pants and 3 dvds
Sorry, I'm just rambling now. Luv ya, hushpuppy! And I agree with Jo! Asy should put you on the payroll!
Good luck with the B&B decision! I would definitely come stay for a bit when I come back to Australia!

[Kohinoor]

Hi visitors,

Only yesterday, I stumbled over a Finance commentator who thinks like I do. Ladies and gentleman, I'd like you to meet Peter Switzer - a man with a good head on his shoulders (IMHO anyway)
http://au.biz.yahoo.com/switzer/fina...egativity.html

I'd like to invite you to expand on his "Finance" commentary, and include "everything" in the same context. His major thrust was relating to the "Media Headlines" and how they can affect us.

Originally Posted by Peter Switzer

We are in the business of trying to find the truth of a matter within the context of news.

Now THERE is a line of thought that sits well with me.

As most of you know, I'm a man of tender years (around 63 of them) so I've already lived through MANY "end of the world" scenarios. In essence, I think I've learned that NOTHING is more fearful than fear itself (as Peter Switzer said). Our current headlines (think "Swine Flu", global financial crisis, global warming, etc.) are really no more and no less than the headlines I faced in the 50's and 60's as a youngster. And all slanted toward FEAR !!!

Back then, I recall "World War III" (Russia, cold war), "Ice age coming", "Potatoes cause cancer", etc. Oh yeah - just remembered - "Hong Kong Flu" - might be 60's or 70's - not sure.... I'm sure there were more - but their insignificance has them lost to me.


These more current "OMG" headlines are often nothing more than that.

e.g. "An Inconvenient Truth" (film on global warming) ignores more than a few inconvenient facts that actually shoot it all down in flames - but it has taken on a "life of its own" which completely ignore the house of cards that it really is.

"Swine Flu" (what happened to SARS, bird flu, etc ??) is yet another revamp of an old story. Currently, Swine Flu is claiming (what?) less than 20 lives? What about the 1500 people that die yearly in Australia from "ordinary" flu? Why is THAT not in the headlines? And yet, Swine Flu is on the news DAILY..... but then, tomorrow, there will be yet "another drama" that captures our attention, and keeps us "captive".

The Global Financial Crisis seems to be permanently fixed to the lips of our current Govt. (is this their "Convenient Way Out" of awkward situations relating to their fiscal strategies?) No doubt THIS one has some basis in fact - it was brought on by the USA (because of the way they lend for housing - we don't do it that way). Unfortunately, this one really could have an effect on us - simply because of the impact that the USA (and its health) has on us, and the rest of the world.

So, GFC seems like it can/will affect us.

The rest? Ffffttt !! A mere nothing..... Watch NEXT month's news for the "new, exciting, worry-of-the-month" !!! Hehe, lucky for you, age does allow you to grow cynicism (it's worked for me ) So, just grow a bit older, and you'll start to see a lot of "worry" as being just a lot of "fluff"


And now, to the important bit :-

Snugglebear - Thanks, darl. I certainly appreciate your thoughts - and yeah, I'm here to snuggle up with whenever you need a bit of dogged support

FlaMie - I hear you, FlaMie. As above, MOST of the bad news is really nothing - but some bad news needs to be considered. I see you are doing that, and you are positioning yourself so that you will be stronger no matter what - so

Mette - Hey girl !! I agree entirely re your "stay positive" comment - as you'd know, I'm a big subscriber to that theory. And I love your analogy to the Cohen journey. You make a LOT of sense, wee girl

Thanks for stopping by, all of you

Koh

[thenewvee]

Hey Koh!

Just dropping in to say hi! Seems you are keeping well!


Vee

[Snugglebear]

Hey Koh

You are so right. As far as I am concerned the GFC (crisis, what crisis??) is just something we will all get through, some will do it tougher but we will all survive. Bl**dy America needs a kick in the butt though!!

Don't get me started on the Swine Flu, it is just another part of one of my pet hates. People who have a cold, (its just a cold people,) who say they have "the flu". Trust me people if you have "the flu" you aren't wandering about telling people you have it. You would be in bed, with the covers pulled up (or down) depending on where your fever happens to be. You aren't out shopping because quite frankly you would be flat out walking to the loo, let alone driving to the shops and pushing a damned trolley and making dinner decisions. As you may have guessed I have actually had "the flu" twice. I was begging people to kill me, I lost 3 stone in 2 weeks, I could smell fat at 100 paces, I had to go to the doctor every day so he could check that I didn't end up with pneumonia (unfortunately that was the way it was heading). I can assure you all ,the sniffles ARE NOT the flu, a sore throat DOES NOT mean you have the flu. GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRR

If they were even half way serious about stopping transmission of the Swine Flu they would have stopped all international travel, imposed manditory isolation of anyone caught in transit, not just those who are displaying symptoms, hasn't anyone heard of incubation periods, IDIOTS!! Every year we are told that this year will be the worst flu season ever and IT NEVER IS. This year they have an outbreak that kills some people, sad for their families, but flu kills people every single year (as Koh said). This year isn't special, so far.

I suspect some sort of bait and switch routine in progress, watch for it. Bill and Monica - classic diversionary tactic.

Sorry for ranting and raving Koh, you just hit a sore point.

Snuggles

Jo

[Mette]

I think the problem is that bad news sells better than good news. For some reason, people buy papers with gory or scary headlines, but just don't seem as interested in things going well and good things happening to people.

That Peter Switzer actually makes a lot of sense. The media focusing on the negative and seemingly using scare tactics to sell their stories just end up making the situation worse than it really needs to be. Tsk, I say, tsk!

Good thing we have sensible people like you Koh, who can insert a bit of healthy cynicism, and better yet, some positivity and laughter in our lives!

I think we need to bar Jo from reading or hearing anything more about the swine flu (we have actually had that term banned from the media here - it's Influenza A, apparently) otherwise she might explode! She's already been close to blowing up with all the food she's getting on refeed!

[Liddie]

Heheh you old cinic you!

I loved "Koh's perspective on the news" The media headlines is one of my fav rant topics as well heheh, but there is still a lot I want to share in diaries tonight so let me not get into it. Just thought you should know I really enjoyed your entry!

Love
Liddie

[Kohinoor]

Thanks for all the good answers, people - as happens, some answers led me down a different memory track, and brings me to a thought I first had, ohh, maybe 15 or more years ago - and it is to do with "the news", and how WE CAN influence the media people - specially when they are being idiots !!

Back then, I was actively thinking on what I could do to "guide" the media toward providing what I wanted to read and/or hear (and, conversely, give them the message whenever their lead story was "a load of fluff"... ) Here's a few ideas that can still work today - all it needs is ENOUGH people to implement them !! And not as many as you might think...

Newspapers:-
First off, as I'm a relatively conservative, regular bloke, most "over-the-top headlines" don't grab my attention positively. Mainly because those headlines were often "fluff" as mentioned above. And, when those headlines were deliberately provoking I figured I would choose to NOT buy a paper that day. You know the kind of thing - "Economy on its knees", alternating with "Dad was sex fiend", or "Jilted wife removes hubby's ...... with scissors" And, as Snugglebear reminded me, "Flu to kill more this year", etc, etc. And USUALLY, when you read the story, the headline bore little resemblance to the content (why pay for THAT?)


So, what can I do? And how could it really "send a message"?

Well, I thought it through, guessed a few numbers, decided it could make a SERIOUS difference if only a few percent followed my lead, then I broadcast the idea (via talkback radio - reaches quite a few).

What I reasoned was this:- If we refuse to "subscribe" to a regular newspaper, but bought them on choice alone, (and let their "headline page" guide our choice), then our refusal to buy that day would have FAR more effect than we might think - especially if we "shared the message" (guess what I'm doing here ). Here's an example :-

Local newspaper might sell (say) 200,000 papers a day - the ACTUAL number doesn't matter - so just read on.... The newspaper might actually be returning as little as 5% profit - I'm only looking at Income here, not Capital growth) OK, so, let's say that newspaper cost $1.00 - so, $200,000 a day, but their PROFIT is only $10,000 a day. Or, only 5% of their readers provide ALL of their PROFIT !! If we get 10,000 readers on side, we take away their profit that day. What if we convinced 20,000?

(Do note, dear reader, that I have NO idea of exactly what the profit percentage might be of your average broadsheet paper - it IS only an example).

So, if I'm wanting to have a crack at a newspaper, I don't need to influence EVERY reader - a small percentage of people can have a MARKED effect on the profitability of their paper on a daily basis !! A "Letter to the Editor" can produce good results (IF they publish it) - and I think it's no use punishing someone if they don't know WHY it's happening.

And then, I'm quite a fan of "talkback radio" - it reaches MANY 100,000's of people, it's on when in the car (TV and newspapers don't work too well when you are driving ). So, presenting your idea on talkback can spread the word pretty effectively. No guarantees you'll "get on" on any given day, but hey, opportunities arise.... So, venting on talkback can provide some "Oh, yeah!!" moments for MANY listeners.


On talkback radio itself, it's easy if you want to give them a serve. So long as your language is not offensive, they won't cut you off (and you often get an immediate response if YOUR idea hits home with others).

I think "talkback" has grown up a lot over the last years - probably because of the "customer feedback" that is part and parcel of what they do !!! Certainly, the things I've taken them to task over seem to have disappeared - so it's all good !!

One thing I HATE is any of the media providing TOO much information - particularly when some poor person is attacked - we don't need to hear the details, and we CERTAINLY don't need to have idiots hearing it (or reading, if they are capable), and doing a "copycat" !!! Leave it at "grievous bodily harm" - we don't need the detail, surely !!

Why not a plug for my fave local station - 2GB in Sydney. Generally do a very good job, and have taken constructive criticism "because 2GB listens to Sydney". And, for those out of Sydney, it doesn't get much easier - go to 2gb.com - one of the shortest URL's out there.

Hehe, funny how one or two remarks from you can initiate a wish within me to share a few more thoughts with a bunch of good mates. Thanks for your inputs - it helps to crank up the grey matter....

Vee - thanks for stopping by, girl. Yeah, I think I'm doing OK....

Snugglebear - Thank YOU darl - your post, combined with Mette's comment about media, reminded me of one of my past "pet hates" - so I just had to rant (above). Woohoo - feels GOOD !!!

Mette - yep, you got that right. The "scary, or gory headlines" seem to rule for the masses... Or is it just what the media THINKS we all want? What if we could "hit 'em where it hurts" ??? Maybe we need to teach them - the student (media) is ready

Liddie - Aha, methinks I detect a "soulmate" :-

The media headlines is one of my fav rant topics as well

Feel free to come back and join in any more rants... The store's always open.

Koh

[Shanara]

HI Koh,

Thought I would drop in for a visit. Yes the GFC is in full swing - everybody seems to be celebrating it as I still can't get a seat at my favourite cafe on a Sunday morning brunch time.

Will check out your commentator in the next few days. I have long been concerned about the power of the media who seem to be so able to shape community thinking from such a simplistic base. Thank heavens for the power of the internet although discenment is required.

Thanks for your support in my diary. I am getting to the, as you have refered to, pointy end of the programme and enjoying it. The changes to the body are quite dramatic.

Blessings
Shanara