Cert IV PR for me in the end
I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and I am glad I chose to do it. I am also looking forward to the Diploma next year to really cement the learning and then get out there into the workplace and get some hands on experience. I feel this course has prepared me well for this.
Cathy has taught me a lot about public relations campaigns, from the writing, to the budgets, to the campaigns. With great experience in the retail sector and more, she has been dealing with the public for a long time and has offered some great direction with all my work. There will be many little pieces of advice I will carry on for a long time to come, and I look forward to making use of the training provided. Cathy has been my PR Mum, I needed it!
Rebel has offered excellent direction in the production of creative designs. She has so much knowledge and experience with artwork, design and printers and knows what people want. She is also young and hip and so is able to connect on a different level with the students. Many times as I freaked out over my work rebel was able to offer good advice and constructive feedback for me to improve on my work. I have learnt a lot in this cluster of units which I feel will be beneficial for my future, and even just into Diploma.
Heather has kindly taken the mickey out of all of us and our collective terrible writing skills for the last semester, which we all needed a little bit of, as overconfidence is never good if the skill does not suit the attitude! She has guided us through profiling the market, and with international knowledge, being from the UK, she has displayed to us just how small Australia is, and Perth even more so. It has made me realise I need to really think outside the square. She was very knowledgeable with the computing classes we did with her and was patient in teaching me the finer details of the word processing which I did not know before. My computer knowledge has improved immensely with both Heather and Rebel.
Tina gives a very serious demeanour but actually has a very dry and witty sense of humour. She clearly has a great deal of experience in all associated fields of marketing, PR and advertising and has nailed us week in, week out with a wealth of information on the world of PR and scheduling advertising, which has given me a great background of information to apply into my career. She has also stressed to us the importance of knowing what is going on the world on a daily basis and that it is our job to know. My attitude to many things has been adjusted through this ongoing guidance.
And then there is Keith, who pops his head in every now and again to check in on us, give a bit of hass (which is great!) and guide us in the right direction. I believe there is much more this man will have to offer us into the Diploma and I look forward to seeing it.
All in all the major changes for me in the last 6 months have been:
• My time management has improved immensely
• My knowledge on computers has grown
• My understanding and knowledge on the importance and significance of social media
• My writing skills have improved
• I have been able to do what I enjoy in public speaking and presenting, I hope to be able to do more of this into the future!
• I have a much broader knowledge of communication, advertising and marketing across the board
• I feel much more confident about my skills through the guidance and direction provided by the lecturers
• My ability to slot into a team role on the same level as the other team members and play the role allocated to me has given me a new insight
• My interest in the world has changed for the better and I am much more self motivated that I have been in a couple of years
Thank guys; you have really helped with all these positive changes!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Cert IV PR promotion to new students
Certificate IV in Public Relations
Public Relations is the building and sustaining of stakeholder relations and the intentional communication to these stakeholders. PR is a powerful tool and a challenging career to ensue.
Certificate IV in PR has shown me a new sector for my career and I now feel excited about my future in this industry. The lecturers give great support and direction with classes and assessments and have been a pleasure to work with.
This course promotes itself after a couple of weeks in class with the well educated and experience lecturers creating the excitement that should be PR in this day in age. For those considering this course, here are a few things that should appeal to most people:
• YOU will develop campaigns and actually getting to plan, implement, and monitor them.
• YOU come up with your own concepts for websites, both content and design. This is great fun, interesting and allows creativity to flow
• YOU will become proficient in Word, Publisher, Powerpoint, Access
• YOU will learn how to write properly; using proper English (it really is funny to see just how little we know about the English language.)
• YOU will learn how to present and do public speaking
• YOU will write media releases and speeches
• YOU will be lucky enough to form an industry network to get you out there once you finish
• YOU will have Keith Critchett as a great PR guide
YOU will not regret it. If you enjoy a bit of research, writing, reading, talking and general communications, this course is for you.
Good luck!
Public Relations is the building and sustaining of stakeholder relations and the intentional communication to these stakeholders. PR is a powerful tool and a challenging career to ensue.
Certificate IV in PR has shown me a new sector for my career and I now feel excited about my future in this industry. The lecturers give great support and direction with classes and assessments and have been a pleasure to work with.
This course promotes itself after a couple of weeks in class with the well educated and experience lecturers creating the excitement that should be PR in this day in age. For those considering this course, here are a few things that should appeal to most people:
• YOU will develop campaigns and actually getting to plan, implement, and monitor them.
• YOU come up with your own concepts for websites, both content and design. This is great fun, interesting and allows creativity to flow
• YOU will become proficient in Word, Publisher, Powerpoint, Access
• YOU will learn how to write properly; using proper English (it really is funny to see just how little we know about the English language.)
• YOU will learn how to present and do public speaking
• YOU will write media releases and speeches
• YOU will be lucky enough to form an industry network to get you out there once you finish
• YOU will have Keith Critchett as a great PR guide
YOU will not regret it. If you enjoy a bit of research, writing, reading, talking and general communications, this course is for you.
Good luck!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Organ Donation
Organ donation: The government want to make t compulsory for all to donate their organs upon death, unless they opt out, or their family say no. This could certainly get interesting; especially given most people rarely discuss their wishes for organ donation. What is the answer?
I myself am an organ donor, as is everyone in my family. We also donate blood at least twice a year for those of us eligible. We are not special, or different to anyone else out there, we just made a choice. One in which you remove those feelings of selfishness and fear and share what you have with others less fortunate in health.
Everyday we eat the meat of other animals from our animal kingdom, and we tear plants apart to get their fresh vegetables to keep us healthy, and we milk cows to drink their offer of calcium enriched milk, and we pull down forests and clear land to build our homes; all of this so we can survive. Food, water, shelter.
Some peoples needs to survive will reach beyond this, whether it be from sickness, or a terrible accident, and this is the opportunity to give something back from all you take from the earth in a day.
Consider this:
Although we have a world class reputation for successful organ donation, we have one of the lowest donation rates. Our organ usage rate is very impressive with each donor on average sharing 3.4 organs upon donation!
Although 98% of Australians believe that organ donation has the potential to improve and save lives, 40% of us don’t even know what our family members wishes are in regard to organ donation, with only 17% ever recalling a memorable conversation about these wishes, leading to a rate 58% of families giving consent, which is far too low. These decisions should be discussed earlier in life as nobody knows when they will go.
At any time, there are over 1700 people waiting for an organ transplant, and on average are waiting anywhere between 6 months and 4 years. In 2009, 247 donors were able to give 799 Australians a new chance at life, yet less than half of the demand for organs was met.
One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to 10 people! And improve so many more!
To make us feel a little more responsibility, maybe we should consider this:
By the end of 2008, Australia had only 12 donors per million, where the US had 24, Spain had 34, Italy had 23 and the UK had 15. The smaller population is not the factor as this is comparative, they simply have higher organ donor levels.
On a positive note, we are in the top 5 for corneal transplants with 2009 seeing 1696 people having their sight restored by the 1096 people donating their corneas. And every ear, 3-4 thousand skin, heart and musculoskeletal tissues are transplanted.
But is this really enough?
Perhaps people fear offending other religions. After reading up on many religious groups, here is a collation of the some of the more common religions and their beliefs, within Australia. Let’s take a look:
Christian
A Christian who chooses to donate an organ is following the example set by Jesus of “demonstrating love”. Sacrifice and helping others form a key part of Christianity, and in the Bible, Christians are invited by St Matthew to “freely give”.
Jew
Jews are required to obtain consent from a competent “rabbinic authority” before any organ donation procedure can take place, but nothing in principle in Judaism conflicts with organ donation in order to save lives. Jewish law prevents the unnecessary interference with the body after death and requires immediate burial of the complete body, however this is the law of their country, not their religion.
Islam
In Islam, violating the human body is normally forbidden, but it is permitted to save another person’s life. The Koran states in chapter five that, “whosoever saves the life of one person it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind”.
Jehovah's Witness
According to the Watch Tower Society, Jehovah's Witnesses believe donation is a matter of individual decision. Jehovah's Witnesses are often assumed to be opposed to donation because of their belief against blood transfusion. However, this merely means that all blood must be removed from the organs and tissues before being transplanted.
Hindu
“Daan” is a word in Sanskrit for donation, which means selflessly giving to a Hindu. That is the “third of the 10 niyamas”, which are virtuous acts of the faith. Actions that sustain life are accepted and promoted as “dharma”, which means righteous living. Hindus believe that the soul is invisible, and that it is wrong to grieve for the body.
Buddhist
Buddhists believe that organ and tissue donation is a matter of individual conscience and place high value on acts of compassion. Reverend Gyomay Masao, president and founder of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago says, "We honour those people who donate their bodies and organs to the advancement of medical science and to saving lives." The importance of letting loved ones know your wishes is stressed.
Sikh
A key feature of Sikhism is the requirement to put the needs of others ahead of one’s own requirements. As with most of the other religions, the soul of an individual is separate from the physical body, and “Guru Nanak” taught, in the “Guru Granth Sahib”, that: “The dead sustain their bond with the living through virtuous deeds”.
Organ and tissue donation is viewed as an act of neighborly love and charity by these denominations. They encourage all members to support donation as a way of helping others.
Catholic
Catholics view organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and love. Transplants are morally and ethically acceptable to the Vatican. Pope John Paul II has stated, "The Catholic Church would promote the fact that there is a need for organ donors and that Christians should accept this as a 'challenge to their generosity and fraternal love' so long as ethical principles are followed."
Assembly of God
The Church has no official policy regarding organ and tissue donation. The decision to donate is left up to the individual. Donation is highly supported by the denomination.
Baptist
Though Baptists generally believe that organ and tissue donation and transplantation are ultimately matters of personal conscience, the nation's “largest protestant denomination”, the “Southern Baptist Convention”, adopted a resolution in 1988 encouraging doctors to request organ donation in appropriate circumstances and to "encourage voluntarism regarding organ donations in the spirit of stewardship, compassion for the needs of others and alleviating suffering." Other Baptist groups have supported organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and leave the decision to donate up to the individual.
Bretheren
While no official position has been taken by the Brethren denominations, according to a Pastor, Mike Smith, there is a “consensus” among the “National Fellowship of Grace Brethren” that organ and tissue donation and transplantation is a charitable act so long as it does not impede the life or hasten the death of the donor and does not come from an unborn child.
Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes that the decision to donate is an individual one made in conjunction with family, medical personnel and prayer. They do not oppose donation.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church encourages organ and tissue donation, stating that we were created for God's glory and for sharing God's love. A 1985 resolution, adopted by the General Assembly, encourages "members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to enrol as organ donors and prayerfully support those who have received an organ transplant."
Greek Orthodox
According to Reverend Dr. Milton Efthimiou, Director of the Department of Church and Society for the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America, "the Greek Orthodox Church is not opposed to organ donation as long as the organs and tissue in questions are used to better human life, i.e., for transplantation or for research that will lead to improvements in the treatment and prevention of disease."
Presbyterian
Presbyterians encourage and support donation. They respect a person's right to make decisions regarding his or her own body.
Seventh-Day Adventists
Donation and transplantation are strongly encouraged by Seventh-Day Adventists. They have many transplant hospitals, including Loma Linda in California. Loma Linda specialises in paediatric heart transplantation.
United Methodist
The United Methodist Church issued a policy statement regarding organ and tissue donation. In it, they state that, "The United Methodist Church recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation, and thereby encourages all Christians to become organ and tissue donors by signing and carrying cards or driver's licenses, attesting to their commitment of such organs upon their death, to those in need, as a part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who gave his life that we might have life in its fullness."
Conclusion:
It seems to be the case that basically every religion within Australia allows, and most encourage, organ donation.
What seems to be the real issue for most is that it be at the will of the donor. Some are very concerned with the purpose of the donation to be used only for the purpose of saving life. Some are in support of it for scientific research also.
So how do we decide?
Perhaps Census 2011 might be the answer. For anyone who is part of the population, they are required to fill out the Census form on the given night. This is a good opportunity to allow the government to promote organ donation to everyone. It also offers the chance for families to speak openly about organ donation, so when the time comes, they can make the right decision based on what that person chose while they were still living.
So to answer the question: Yes, I do think the government should make organ donation compulsory upon death, unless you have opted out whilst still alive, or if your family choose not to. The decision will still lie with the individual and their family, but for those who die without a family and no option for donation, unlike now, they will donate their organs instead of going to waste.
Most people, whilst alive, will never get a chance to save someone’s life and be a hero, yet after death, you are offered the chance to save up to 10, simply through offering your organs for donation. Seems like a simple choice really…..
I myself am an organ donor, as is everyone in my family. We also donate blood at least twice a year for those of us eligible. We are not special, or different to anyone else out there, we just made a choice. One in which you remove those feelings of selfishness and fear and share what you have with others less fortunate in health.
Everyday we eat the meat of other animals from our animal kingdom, and we tear plants apart to get their fresh vegetables to keep us healthy, and we milk cows to drink their offer of calcium enriched milk, and we pull down forests and clear land to build our homes; all of this so we can survive. Food, water, shelter.
Some peoples needs to survive will reach beyond this, whether it be from sickness, or a terrible accident, and this is the opportunity to give something back from all you take from the earth in a day.
Consider this:
Although we have a world class reputation for successful organ donation, we have one of the lowest donation rates. Our organ usage rate is very impressive with each donor on average sharing 3.4 organs upon donation!
Although 98% of Australians believe that organ donation has the potential to improve and save lives, 40% of us don’t even know what our family members wishes are in regard to organ donation, with only 17% ever recalling a memorable conversation about these wishes, leading to a rate 58% of families giving consent, which is far too low. These decisions should be discussed earlier in life as nobody knows when they will go.
At any time, there are over 1700 people waiting for an organ transplant, and on average are waiting anywhere between 6 months and 4 years. In 2009, 247 donors were able to give 799 Australians a new chance at life, yet less than half of the demand for organs was met.
One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to 10 people! And improve so many more!
To make us feel a little more responsibility, maybe we should consider this:
By the end of 2008, Australia had only 12 donors per million, where the US had 24, Spain had 34, Italy had 23 and the UK had 15. The smaller population is not the factor as this is comparative, they simply have higher organ donor levels.
On a positive note, we are in the top 5 for corneal transplants with 2009 seeing 1696 people having their sight restored by the 1096 people donating their corneas. And every ear, 3-4 thousand skin, heart and musculoskeletal tissues are transplanted.
But is this really enough?
Perhaps people fear offending other religions. After reading up on many religious groups, here is a collation of the some of the more common religions and their beliefs, within Australia. Let’s take a look:
Christian
A Christian who chooses to donate an organ is following the example set by Jesus of “demonstrating love”. Sacrifice and helping others form a key part of Christianity, and in the Bible, Christians are invited by St Matthew to “freely give”.
Jew
Jews are required to obtain consent from a competent “rabbinic authority” before any organ donation procedure can take place, but nothing in principle in Judaism conflicts with organ donation in order to save lives. Jewish law prevents the unnecessary interference with the body after death and requires immediate burial of the complete body, however this is the law of their country, not their religion.
Islam
In Islam, violating the human body is normally forbidden, but it is permitted to save another person’s life. The Koran states in chapter five that, “whosoever saves the life of one person it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind”.
Jehovah's Witness
According to the Watch Tower Society, Jehovah's Witnesses believe donation is a matter of individual decision. Jehovah's Witnesses are often assumed to be opposed to donation because of their belief against blood transfusion. However, this merely means that all blood must be removed from the organs and tissues before being transplanted.
Hindu
“Daan” is a word in Sanskrit for donation, which means selflessly giving to a Hindu. That is the “third of the 10 niyamas”, which are virtuous acts of the faith. Actions that sustain life are accepted and promoted as “dharma”, which means righteous living. Hindus believe that the soul is invisible, and that it is wrong to grieve for the body.
Buddhist
Buddhists believe that organ and tissue donation is a matter of individual conscience and place high value on acts of compassion. Reverend Gyomay Masao, president and founder of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago says, "We honour those people who donate their bodies and organs to the advancement of medical science and to saving lives." The importance of letting loved ones know your wishes is stressed.
Sikh
A key feature of Sikhism is the requirement to put the needs of others ahead of one’s own requirements. As with most of the other religions, the soul of an individual is separate from the physical body, and “Guru Nanak” taught, in the “Guru Granth Sahib”, that: “The dead sustain their bond with the living through virtuous deeds”.
Organ and tissue donation is viewed as an act of neighborly love and charity by these denominations. They encourage all members to support donation as a way of helping others.
Catholic
Catholics view organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and love. Transplants are morally and ethically acceptable to the Vatican. Pope John Paul II has stated, "The Catholic Church would promote the fact that there is a need for organ donors and that Christians should accept this as a 'challenge to their generosity and fraternal love' so long as ethical principles are followed."
Assembly of God
The Church has no official policy regarding organ and tissue donation. The decision to donate is left up to the individual. Donation is highly supported by the denomination.
Baptist
Though Baptists generally believe that organ and tissue donation and transplantation are ultimately matters of personal conscience, the nation's “largest protestant denomination”, the “Southern Baptist Convention”, adopted a resolution in 1988 encouraging doctors to request organ donation in appropriate circumstances and to "encourage voluntarism regarding organ donations in the spirit of stewardship, compassion for the needs of others and alleviating suffering." Other Baptist groups have supported organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and leave the decision to donate up to the individual.
Bretheren
While no official position has been taken by the Brethren denominations, according to a Pastor, Mike Smith, there is a “consensus” among the “National Fellowship of Grace Brethren” that organ and tissue donation and transplantation is a charitable act so long as it does not impede the life or hasten the death of the donor and does not come from an unborn child.
Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes that the decision to donate is an individual one made in conjunction with family, medical personnel and prayer. They do not oppose donation.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church encourages organ and tissue donation, stating that we were created for God's glory and for sharing God's love. A 1985 resolution, adopted by the General Assembly, encourages "members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to enrol as organ donors and prayerfully support those who have received an organ transplant."
Greek Orthodox
According to Reverend Dr. Milton Efthimiou, Director of the Department of Church and Society for the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America, "the Greek Orthodox Church is not opposed to organ donation as long as the organs and tissue in questions are used to better human life, i.e., for transplantation or for research that will lead to improvements in the treatment and prevention of disease."
Presbyterian
Presbyterians encourage and support donation. They respect a person's right to make decisions regarding his or her own body.
Seventh-Day Adventists
Donation and transplantation are strongly encouraged by Seventh-Day Adventists. They have many transplant hospitals, including Loma Linda in California. Loma Linda specialises in paediatric heart transplantation.
United Methodist
The United Methodist Church issued a policy statement regarding organ and tissue donation. In it, they state that, "The United Methodist Church recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation, and thereby encourages all Christians to become organ and tissue donors by signing and carrying cards or driver's licenses, attesting to their commitment of such organs upon their death, to those in need, as a part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who gave his life that we might have life in its fullness."
Conclusion:
It seems to be the case that basically every religion within Australia allows, and most encourage, organ donation.
What seems to be the real issue for most is that it be at the will of the donor. Some are very concerned with the purpose of the donation to be used only for the purpose of saving life. Some are in support of it for scientific research also.
So how do we decide?
Perhaps Census 2011 might be the answer. For anyone who is part of the population, they are required to fill out the Census form on the given night. This is a good opportunity to allow the government to promote organ donation to everyone. It also offers the chance for families to speak openly about organ donation, so when the time comes, they can make the right decision based on what that person chose while they were still living.
So to answer the question: Yes, I do think the government should make organ donation compulsory upon death, unless you have opted out whilst still alive, or if your family choose not to. The decision will still lie with the individual and their family, but for those who die without a family and no option for donation, unlike now, they will donate their organs instead of going to waste.
Most people, whilst alive, will never get a chance to save someone’s life and be a hero, yet after death, you are offered the chance to save up to 10, simply through offering your organs for donation. Seems like a simple choice really…..
Saturday, October 30, 2010
$10 million more on casino pokies
What can you say? Pokies; or electronic gaming machines as they are preferred to be known as by the Casino, have made Mr Packer an extra $10 million dollars in the last financial year to add to has growing fortune. Yet they have obviously made a lot of households much poorer. Where is Robin Hood when we need him?
This article starts off with a hint of disrespect for the casino and its owners through the tone used. It follows with slots of sarcasm and a dig about the lack of tax paid viewed against the revenue earned.
With a few paragraphs muddled with facts and figures about gambling, the crux of the situation is addressed.
Here comes the true issue at hand for the article: With $350 million upgrade to the casino on the way, the State Government has ratified a further 250 pokies, or "electronic gaming machines", as well as a further 50 gaming tables. The Gaming and Wagering Commission have allowed these changes to occur, which will see more money being poured through the pokies in no time. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
The Commissions comments are the substance of the last two paragraphs which claim that casinos and pokies should not be held accountable for any increase in gambling, and with the increase of counseling being sought by problem gamblers, we should essentially not be worrying our little selves about it, as they have it under control! In fact, we should be thanking the casino for this as without their support of signage and website advertising within their establishment, there would be no increase in the awareness of the issue. Thanks Burswood for all your hard work in getting gambling down in WA, but when do we get the subsidised drinks like the east coast offers with it’s revenue earned through pokies? Sounds a bit like Mr Packer has the Commission just where he needs them.
This article starts off with a hint of disrespect for the casino and its owners through the tone used. It follows with slots of sarcasm and a dig about the lack of tax paid viewed against the revenue earned.
With a few paragraphs muddled with facts and figures about gambling, the crux of the situation is addressed.
Here comes the true issue at hand for the article: With $350 million upgrade to the casino on the way, the State Government has ratified a further 250 pokies, or "electronic gaming machines", as well as a further 50 gaming tables. The Gaming and Wagering Commission have allowed these changes to occur, which will see more money being poured through the pokies in no time. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
The Commissions comments are the substance of the last two paragraphs which claim that casinos and pokies should not be held accountable for any increase in gambling, and with the increase of counseling being sought by problem gamblers, we should essentially not be worrying our little selves about it, as they have it under control! In fact, we should be thanking the casino for this as without their support of signage and website advertising within their establishment, there would be no increase in the awareness of the issue. Thanks Burswood for all your hard work in getting gambling down in WA, but when do we get the subsidised drinks like the east coast offers with it’s revenue earned through pokies? Sounds a bit like Mr Packer has the Commission just where he needs them.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Lockouts!
So Lockouts…..Have we all heard about them recently?
Yep! Me too, bit sick of hearing about all the measures that need to be taken for reducing alcohol fuelled violence. Where do people take personal responsibility? And if they don’t, then ban them from all of Perth’s night hot spots, maybe some time behind bars. No, lets punish everyone instead, says the government!
Sunday Times had an article about alcohol fuelled violence being on the rise in the Perth area. And what was the reason…Because the councils and governments have allowed so many new ‘small bar’ licenses in the last 12 months, over 50 in fact!!! And all the while they try to point the finger at everyone else when they are to blame for half the problem!
Some of Perth’s most successful Bar and Club owners have now banded together in a fight against the State Government. Do we really need this? They are trying to make their establishments look good in the wake of this new control, so will they start trying to hide any new problems so as to appear not part of it. Shouldn’t be long before a few damaged bodies start appearing behind restaurants and businesses after the bouncers drag them off; can’t be punished for it if it wasn’t your venue…or can you?
Brass Monkey was slapped with a lockout just last month and they have not even had any reported problems! So was it the location in Northbridge? Or was it that the local council man doesn’t like the owner? Or was it simply a random act for the government to prove that it is in control so you better get used to it!
And then which club do you blame when a fight breaks out on the street? Is it the one that locked people out and caused them to be there????
First there was ridding bars and clubs of glass and introducing plastic drinking vessels to avoid glassing. That was actually a great idea, much to the dismay of some who considered themselves upper class while drinking at the Deen or the Shed….hmmm. That alone is debatable!
Now we have lockouts. NOBODY really wants this, do they…I know I sure don’t. Finish work at midnight, go home for a shower and get ready, head out to meet my mates for a birthday celebration in Northbridge, to arrive at 1.15am and be told I’m not allowed in!!! And to top it off, I was the designated ride home, so will my friends experience the feat of attempting to get a taxi in the wee hours, or just drive home drunk because they can’t get one, perhaps get busted for DD, or even have an accident, as I lay asleep in my bed.
Let’s come up with a better solution.
Yep! Me too, bit sick of hearing about all the measures that need to be taken for reducing alcohol fuelled violence. Where do people take personal responsibility? And if they don’t, then ban them from all of Perth’s night hot spots, maybe some time behind bars. No, lets punish everyone instead, says the government!
Sunday Times had an article about alcohol fuelled violence being on the rise in the Perth area. And what was the reason…Because the councils and governments have allowed so many new ‘small bar’ licenses in the last 12 months, over 50 in fact!!! And all the while they try to point the finger at everyone else when they are to blame for half the problem!
Some of Perth’s most successful Bar and Club owners have now banded together in a fight against the State Government. Do we really need this? They are trying to make their establishments look good in the wake of this new control, so will they start trying to hide any new problems so as to appear not part of it. Shouldn’t be long before a few damaged bodies start appearing behind restaurants and businesses after the bouncers drag them off; can’t be punished for it if it wasn’t your venue…or can you?
Brass Monkey was slapped with a lockout just last month and they have not even had any reported problems! So was it the location in Northbridge? Or was it that the local council man doesn’t like the owner? Or was it simply a random act for the government to prove that it is in control so you better get used to it!
And then which club do you blame when a fight breaks out on the street? Is it the one that locked people out and caused them to be there????
First there was ridding bars and clubs of glass and introducing plastic drinking vessels to avoid glassing. That was actually a great idea, much to the dismay of some who considered themselves upper class while drinking at the Deen or the Shed….hmmm. That alone is debatable!
Now we have lockouts. NOBODY really wants this, do they…I know I sure don’t. Finish work at midnight, go home for a shower and get ready, head out to meet my mates for a birthday celebration in Northbridge, to arrive at 1.15am and be told I’m not allowed in!!! And to top it off, I was the designated ride home, so will my friends experience the feat of attempting to get a taxi in the wee hours, or just drive home drunk because they can’t get one, perhaps get busted for DD, or even have an accident, as I lay asleep in my bed.
Let’s come up with a better solution.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Rise and Fall of Rice
Did Stephanie Rice deserve the dump?
Well, yes, I’m sorry to be the big bad wolf, but unfortunately I support Jaguars decision to dump Stephanie Rice; if I was the one making the decision there I would have done the same thing.
This was not caught on a mobile phone, nor was it on a live feed where she was heard saying it and could not be rectified. She got on the internet, logged into her twitter account, typed it, and then posted it. Four separate actions that lead to the fatal outcome of her being dropped.
There was plenty of time for that little part of the brain, known as the frontal lobe which controls your filter system, to kick in, and it didn’t.
Although I firmly believe that she intended no offence to anyone (except of course the South African team and probably all of their supporters), the exact wording of her rants could not have been more poorly chosen. “Suck on that faggots!” You even feel like you are doing the wrong thing when you type it out quoting her. Not only did she make the mistake of using the known derogatory “F Bomb”, she had to lead up to it with a sexual connation of “suck on it”. That was totally inappropriate and was left open to the world to interpret.
She has now given herself a reputation as a homophobe, which I think is sad, as she has homosexual friends. Her Olympics teammate, gay diver, Matthew Mitchum defended her saying: “She meant no malice. It was offensive and very thoughtless, but being friends with her for two years, I know she is not homophobic."
Perhaps a better word to describe her would be ‘Redneck’, or maybe just young, naïve, stupid, inconsiderate, foolish, selfish…hmmm, none of which I imagine Jaguar would have in their description of who they would like representing their super elite car company.
Jaguar’s market would have a high level of male clientele, high end, with money, and with that, comes a higher percentage of homosexual men. By keeping her on as a representative of the company, it would be seen by many that they are in support of her behaviour, and possibly hold the same feelings or thoughts as her, not a clever business decision.
She was chosen for her role as a good looking, up and coming athlete from Australia who had a good, clean and positive image. That was torn down in a moment yes, but she did it. It was her choice. This is not a case of someone else to blame.
I wish Stephanie Rice all the best in future sporting endeavours and truly hope that she finds endorsements through someone else who is more appropriate for her age and style and hopefully she has learnt from her mistakes and keeps her juvenile comments to herself.
The story of Stephanie Rice is the perfect example of how today’s electronic world of communications, although fascinating, fun and …empowering, can take a turn for the worse and get a life of its own. Once it’s on the net, it’s on the net!
Well, yes, I’m sorry to be the big bad wolf, but unfortunately I support Jaguars decision to dump Stephanie Rice; if I was the one making the decision there I would have done the same thing.
This was not caught on a mobile phone, nor was it on a live feed where she was heard saying it and could not be rectified. She got on the internet, logged into her twitter account, typed it, and then posted it. Four separate actions that lead to the fatal outcome of her being dropped.
There was plenty of time for that little part of the brain, known as the frontal lobe which controls your filter system, to kick in, and it didn’t.
Although I firmly believe that she intended no offence to anyone (except of course the South African team and probably all of their supporters), the exact wording of her rants could not have been more poorly chosen. “Suck on that faggots!” You even feel like you are doing the wrong thing when you type it out quoting her. Not only did she make the mistake of using the known derogatory “F Bomb”, she had to lead up to it with a sexual connation of “suck on it”. That was totally inappropriate and was left open to the world to interpret.
She has now given herself a reputation as a homophobe, which I think is sad, as she has homosexual friends. Her Olympics teammate, gay diver, Matthew Mitchum defended her saying: “She meant no malice. It was offensive and very thoughtless, but being friends with her for two years, I know she is not homophobic."
Perhaps a better word to describe her would be ‘Redneck’, or maybe just young, naïve, stupid, inconsiderate, foolish, selfish…hmmm, none of which I imagine Jaguar would have in their description of who they would like representing their super elite car company.
Jaguar’s market would have a high level of male clientele, high end, with money, and with that, comes a higher percentage of homosexual men. By keeping her on as a representative of the company, it would be seen by many that they are in support of her behaviour, and possibly hold the same feelings or thoughts as her, not a clever business decision.
She was chosen for her role as a good looking, up and coming athlete from Australia who had a good, clean and positive image. That was torn down in a moment yes, but she did it. It was her choice. This is not a case of someone else to blame.
I wish Stephanie Rice all the best in future sporting endeavours and truly hope that she finds endorsements through someone else who is more appropriate for her age and style and hopefully she has learnt from her mistakes and keeps her juvenile comments to herself.
The story of Stephanie Rice is the perfect example of how today’s electronic world of communications, although fascinating, fun and …empowering, can take a turn for the worse and get a life of its own. Once it’s on the net, it’s on the net!
Article review
The West Australian – Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Article by Amanda Banks – Legal Affairs Editor
“On-the-spot fines a step closer”…
The article chosen for review due to its being relatively unchanged by the journalist is: ‘on-the-spot fines a step closer’ from the West Australian Newspaper.
This article has been put together, most likely by the Police Department and State Government, for the purpose of sharing information with the public on a grand scale. It tells of the intended changes that will occur within Western Australia’s legal system, in regard to on-the-spot-fines.
It explains factually that the legislation has been drawn up with the help of the police and will go before State Parliament on the day of print.
It goes on the talk about that there will be changes to the criminal code and powers of police officers to serve people with infringements for petty crimes, further outlining the basic offences that will be affected.
It goes on to provide more back up facts about the NSW legislation it is being based on and the purpose of implementing it. The benefits are also outlined, being lower amounts of time being spent on administrative duties by police and the courts, while police can be targeting the front line. This information touches on peoples need for police to be out there protecting the public, which is why the PR person has put it in there.
A quote was provided from Police Minister Rob Johnson, which shows that the police department most likely provided the details required to write this article: “This is all about smarter and more effective law enforcement, ensuring that our police officers are on the beat fighting crime and our court system is working more efficiently.”
Explaining that: juveniles under 17 will not be fined and that stolen property, when recovered, will be returned to the owners at a much faster rate as it will not be held for evidence, is a way of the police attempting to make the legislation appeal to peoples sense of concern for themselves and also for the youth of our community.
As people read the article the question will arise of: ‘Hang on a minute, these cops could just hand out fines to whoever they want, how do you appeal?’ and that question is answered by the 3rd column where it talks about challenging charges. This article was deeply considered before issuing all the information to avoid any negative response from the audience.
To wrap up the article, there are comments from: WA Police Executive Director Greg Italiano saying “Giving police the option of issuing fines for low level offences would be effective and had proved successful in other states”, and Shadow Police Minister Margaret Quirk saying “Labor would need to consider the details of the bill, which had not yet been provided as of yesterday, before deciding whether to support the changes but the laws appeared to work in other states’.
These closing comments, again show a great support for these changes from very influential people and supports the theory that this story was essentially put together by the Police Department and State Government and it managed to stay relatively unchanged by the journalist, with not a single comment or opinion being pushed by the Miss Banks.
Article by Amanda Banks – Legal Affairs Editor
“On-the-spot fines a step closer”…
The article chosen for review due to its being relatively unchanged by the journalist is: ‘on-the-spot fines a step closer’ from the West Australian Newspaper.
This article has been put together, most likely by the Police Department and State Government, for the purpose of sharing information with the public on a grand scale. It tells of the intended changes that will occur within Western Australia’s legal system, in regard to on-the-spot-fines.
It explains factually that the legislation has been drawn up with the help of the police and will go before State Parliament on the day of print.
It goes on the talk about that there will be changes to the criminal code and powers of police officers to serve people with infringements for petty crimes, further outlining the basic offences that will be affected.
It goes on to provide more back up facts about the NSW legislation it is being based on and the purpose of implementing it. The benefits are also outlined, being lower amounts of time being spent on administrative duties by police and the courts, while police can be targeting the front line. This information touches on peoples need for police to be out there protecting the public, which is why the PR person has put it in there.
A quote was provided from Police Minister Rob Johnson, which shows that the police department most likely provided the details required to write this article: “This is all about smarter and more effective law enforcement, ensuring that our police officers are on the beat fighting crime and our court system is working more efficiently.”
Explaining that: juveniles under 17 will not be fined and that stolen property, when recovered, will be returned to the owners at a much faster rate as it will not be held for evidence, is a way of the police attempting to make the legislation appeal to peoples sense of concern for themselves and also for the youth of our community.
As people read the article the question will arise of: ‘Hang on a minute, these cops could just hand out fines to whoever they want, how do you appeal?’ and that question is answered by the 3rd column where it talks about challenging charges. This article was deeply considered before issuing all the information to avoid any negative response from the audience.
To wrap up the article, there are comments from: WA Police Executive Director Greg Italiano saying “Giving police the option of issuing fines for low level offences would be effective and had proved successful in other states”, and Shadow Police Minister Margaret Quirk saying “Labor would need to consider the details of the bill, which had not yet been provided as of yesterday, before deciding whether to support the changes but the laws appeared to work in other states’.
These closing comments, again show a great support for these changes from very influential people and supports the theory that this story was essentially put together by the Police Department and State Government and it managed to stay relatively unchanged by the journalist, with not a single comment or opinion being pushed by the Miss Banks.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Self Expectations
Expectations of Myself in Certificate IV in Public Relations 2010
On a personal level, it has been 7 years since I have undertaken any post high school tertiary studies. Yes, I know, that is a long time. But I do feel it is the best choice for my future.
I was very successful in my earlier Tafe studies, completing my Certificate IV in Hospitality Supervision, followed by my Diploma of Hospitality Management, along with other associated short courses, to finish as Outstanding Student of the Year for the Hospitality Department.
My hospitality career shot off faster than I could have imagined and I had opportunities offered to me from every direction. But there comes a time when change must happen; and this is it.
It has taken a lot of courage to give up full time work, a company car, and all the other things you take for granted when you are not studying and already settled in the workforce.
I am setting high expectations for myself for this course as I know, through my previous work and life experience; I should have a sound knowledge of many areas. It still scares me though. The commitment, the study, long contact hours with not much time at night to study; there is still a living to be earned, and commitments to employers.
I would really like to achieve my goals over the next 6 months, or perhaps 12, and see the doors of opportunity once again open to me in a whole new world.
Some goals I have set are:
• Display my talents for the people who can make a difference
• Share my knowledge and experience with others
• Learn from others knowledge and experience
• Build new relationships
• Network
• Create a good reputation and image in my new chosen field
• Be part of everything I can
• Grasp all the concepts of the units and be able to implement them correctly
• Make time management a big priority and have work in on time or early
• Have good attendance levels
• Pass the course!!!!
Every choice you make in life should be character building, and this course for me, I am hoping, will be just that.
After many years of managing restaurants and events, and holding a very senior position in most roles, I must now take the step back (or sideways shall we say) and really become part of the team where everyone is on the same level, and starting at the same place.
I believe this will make me the hard worker that I started out as early in my career, before the role of delegating. Yes I still worked hard, but in a different way.
My commitment levels to various areas are on the rise daily. Over the last 7 years it has all been about the one job; that single position with only responsibilities to that.
I am now needing to find that balance between full time study, work, my people and keeping a healthy lifestyle.
I am also getting the opportunity to work in a team alongside people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures, which I am finding both fascinating and rewarding.
I look forward to the results that will come for me with this team diversity. So much can be learnt from others if the time is taken to listen.
Learning is something you do everyday, a lot of the time without even realising it! Much learning comes from accepting something for what it is, not what you think it is.
There is so much that can be learnt from this course. And what an amazing array of educators we have; four different lecturers from different educations, backgrounds, employment, lifestyles, ages and more, all with something different to offer us. I look forward to learning everything they choose to share with us.
Good public relations are best achieved after a team effort has been made, through sharing thoughts and ideas, and getting involved.
Everyone in our class really has something good to offer. Some come up with the most creative ideas, some do amazing artwork and graphics, some have advanced computer knowledge, some are really organised, some have life experience, some are great writers and some just have that flare.
The best part about the way this course is designed is that we all get to embrace each others talents, learn from them, and create outstanding final products through getting involved.
I am a big believer in getting involved. It gives you a greater sense of being part of something, and a feeling of well-being.
I do not believe this course can be achieved successfully without getting involved. There are so many group activities, group assessments and just general group discussions on such an often occasion, class attendance is very important. You really don’t want to let your team down through poor attendance or performance.
I am enjoying this course and am excited to see the year out to its fruition and take in all that is offered…and more…which I know I will need to find on my own accord.
On a personal level, it has been 7 years since I have undertaken any post high school tertiary studies. Yes, I know, that is a long time. But I do feel it is the best choice for my future.
I was very successful in my earlier Tafe studies, completing my Certificate IV in Hospitality Supervision, followed by my Diploma of Hospitality Management, along with other associated short courses, to finish as Outstanding Student of the Year for the Hospitality Department.
My hospitality career shot off faster than I could have imagined and I had opportunities offered to me from every direction. But there comes a time when change must happen; and this is it.
It has taken a lot of courage to give up full time work, a company car, and all the other things you take for granted when you are not studying and already settled in the workforce.
I am setting high expectations for myself for this course as I know, through my previous work and life experience; I should have a sound knowledge of many areas. It still scares me though. The commitment, the study, long contact hours with not much time at night to study; there is still a living to be earned, and commitments to employers.
I would really like to achieve my goals over the next 6 months, or perhaps 12, and see the doors of opportunity once again open to me in a whole new world.
Some goals I have set are:
• Display my talents for the people who can make a difference
• Share my knowledge and experience with others
• Learn from others knowledge and experience
• Build new relationships
• Network
• Create a good reputation and image in my new chosen field
• Be part of everything I can
• Grasp all the concepts of the units and be able to implement them correctly
• Make time management a big priority and have work in on time or early
• Have good attendance levels
• Pass the course!!!!
Every choice you make in life should be character building, and this course for me, I am hoping, will be just that.
After many years of managing restaurants and events, and holding a very senior position in most roles, I must now take the step back (or sideways shall we say) and really become part of the team where everyone is on the same level, and starting at the same place.
I believe this will make me the hard worker that I started out as early in my career, before the role of delegating. Yes I still worked hard, but in a different way.
My commitment levels to various areas are on the rise daily. Over the last 7 years it has all been about the one job; that single position with only responsibilities to that.
I am now needing to find that balance between full time study, work, my people and keeping a healthy lifestyle.
I am also getting the opportunity to work in a team alongside people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures, which I am finding both fascinating and rewarding.
I look forward to the results that will come for me with this team diversity. So much can be learnt from others if the time is taken to listen.
Learning is something you do everyday, a lot of the time without even realising it! Much learning comes from accepting something for what it is, not what you think it is.
There is so much that can be learnt from this course. And what an amazing array of educators we have; four different lecturers from different educations, backgrounds, employment, lifestyles, ages and more, all with something different to offer us. I look forward to learning everything they choose to share with us.
Good public relations are best achieved after a team effort has been made, through sharing thoughts and ideas, and getting involved.
Everyone in our class really has something good to offer. Some come up with the most creative ideas, some do amazing artwork and graphics, some have advanced computer knowledge, some are really organised, some have life experience, some are great writers and some just have that flare.
The best part about the way this course is designed is that we all get to embrace each others talents, learn from them, and create outstanding final products through getting involved.
I am a big believer in getting involved. It gives you a greater sense of being part of something, and a feeling of well-being.
I do not believe this course can be achieved successfully without getting involved. There are so many group activities, group assessments and just general group discussions on such an often occasion, class attendance is very important. You really don’t want to let your team down through poor attendance or performance.
I am enjoying this course and am excited to see the year out to its fruition and take in all that is offered…and more…which I know I will need to find on my own accord.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Glass in Pubs - Topical Blog 2
Glass in pubs…clubs…bars…where do you draw the line?
This is a hot topic in the media at the moment as there have been so many attacks, and some very serious.
There has been 67 attacks, just this year, in WA Clubs; Broken down: that’s 2 every week; or 9 every month.
What they are looking at doing now is implementing plastic drinking vessels as opposed to glass, but do the following statistics say that won’t work:
Stubby style bottles are used in 70% of glassings, pre mix bottles being the number 2 favourite after beer bottles. Only 30% of these slashings have involved actual glassware.
Commissioner O’Callaghan says it wont do anything; that the large majority of people who aren’t doing anything wrong shouldn’t be punished and forced to drink from plastic cups; but isn’t being slashed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time more of a punishment.
I mean really, change the glasses in the bigger pubs and clubs to plastic, and anyone who doesn’t like it and feels the need to be drinking from glass should consider an upgrade of venue and company kept perhaps.
The Commissioner has also stated his surprise that most slashings occur through a simple insult from person to another. It seems to me that alcohol and poor control are to blame for the rest. At what point do people who cannot control themselves need to have a little control taken for them?
Think about how much people were driving drunk for years, and yes I know we all say the Police are trying to make more money, but something had to be done with the ever increasing and disrespectful population.
The legal Blood Alcohol Content was dropped from 0.08 to 0.05 for fully licensed drivers, and from 0.02 to 0.00 for P-Platers, because quite simply, someone needed to take control of the situation because the individuals weren’t doing it themselves.
Taking control and handing out larger punishments shows results over time.
The Commissioner also believes that what is needed is to increase the punishment for the offence of cutting someone with glass. Excellent suggestion. We just need the courts to actually follow that belief as well and hand out the higher end of the punishment, rather than the lower, if they can find the space in our jam packed jails, that is!
But can’t we try ‘prevention is better that cure’ as well. How about a multiple attack on the situation?
Yes, increase the punishment in case it does occur, but let’s try to remove the risk first.
That option saves 2 peoples skin, literally. The poor person who would have been slashed is no longer in the situation where he lives the rest of his life having his face scarred up, and the would-be offender can live the rest of his life not in prison!
And that also saves the tax payers a heap of money, as the cost to keep just one prisoner every year is in excess of $50,000. I am sure that money could be better invested.
And what about the cost of the insurance for the ‘Victim of Crime’ claim that the injured person is entitled to.
And then of course, the people who had been waiting at the hospital to go through for the last 2 hours, and got sent to the end of the line when the Victim of Crime arrives to be sewn back together.
Or the old lady, waiting for an ambulance that has to wait even longer as the ambulances is tied up with another slashing.
And then there’s all the court costs and time wasted because one idiot can’t handle his booze and control his anger.
One action has many reactions, so just avoid the action.
Stabbing someone with a knife style weapon carries a much more serious punishment; is there that much of a difference?
Another suggestion made is to have the bars and clubs clean up the empty glasses faster to avoid them being used as weapons. Again, excellent choice, but really, if someone insults you and you want to glass them, you will use your own half consumed drink, wont you?
How about a total glass ban?
That would mean all drinks are served in plastic cups, from premixes, to all beers, wines and the rest.
I am sure the producers of these drinks would not be too happy as they want everyone carrying their brand of beer around, but safety should be the ultimate concern.
People uproar in the short term, but you just get used to it. Nobody likes change, but unfortunately there are some that have ruined it for others.
Think about the other issues you find with glass in clubs. Broken glass on the floor, girls getting cut feet, the poor bar staff trying to get in amongst the dance floor and clean it up while there are 300 screaming drunks dancing and jumping around.
What we are looking for here is Harm Minimisation! And shouldn’t that come from a little bit of RSA, Responsible Service of Alcohol.
Really, you don’t want to be holding the owners and workers of these places legally responsible for everything that happens and some of the RSA restrictions can be a little daunting for an employee having to use their own judgement. But if someone is clearly drunk, it is no longer about how much money can be made, it is about the safety of that person, and the people around them.
Let’s try and eject these people before these serious slashing incidents occur.
Only recently have the police started to actually keep records of glass slashings as the incident; before coming under the umbrella description of GBH, or Greivous Bodily Harm, which applies to many styles of attacks when an individual is left with damage to their body.
That is how serious the problem has gotten and we are now becoming more aware of it!
Awareness=Reaction=Action=Results
This is a hot topic in the media at the moment as there have been so many attacks, and some very serious.
There has been 67 attacks, just this year, in WA Clubs; Broken down: that’s 2 every week; or 9 every month.
What they are looking at doing now is implementing plastic drinking vessels as opposed to glass, but do the following statistics say that won’t work:
Stubby style bottles are used in 70% of glassings, pre mix bottles being the number 2 favourite after beer bottles. Only 30% of these slashings have involved actual glassware.
Commissioner O’Callaghan says it wont do anything; that the large majority of people who aren’t doing anything wrong shouldn’t be punished and forced to drink from plastic cups; but isn’t being slashed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time more of a punishment.
I mean really, change the glasses in the bigger pubs and clubs to plastic, and anyone who doesn’t like it and feels the need to be drinking from glass should consider an upgrade of venue and company kept perhaps.
The Commissioner has also stated his surprise that most slashings occur through a simple insult from person to another. It seems to me that alcohol and poor control are to blame for the rest. At what point do people who cannot control themselves need to have a little control taken for them?
Think about how much people were driving drunk for years, and yes I know we all say the Police are trying to make more money, but something had to be done with the ever increasing and disrespectful population.
The legal Blood Alcohol Content was dropped from 0.08 to 0.05 for fully licensed drivers, and from 0.02 to 0.00 for P-Platers, because quite simply, someone needed to take control of the situation because the individuals weren’t doing it themselves.
Taking control and handing out larger punishments shows results over time.
The Commissioner also believes that what is needed is to increase the punishment for the offence of cutting someone with glass. Excellent suggestion. We just need the courts to actually follow that belief as well and hand out the higher end of the punishment, rather than the lower, if they can find the space in our jam packed jails, that is!
But can’t we try ‘prevention is better that cure’ as well. How about a multiple attack on the situation?
Yes, increase the punishment in case it does occur, but let’s try to remove the risk first.
That option saves 2 peoples skin, literally. The poor person who would have been slashed is no longer in the situation where he lives the rest of his life having his face scarred up, and the would-be offender can live the rest of his life not in prison!
And that also saves the tax payers a heap of money, as the cost to keep just one prisoner every year is in excess of $50,000. I am sure that money could be better invested.
And what about the cost of the insurance for the ‘Victim of Crime’ claim that the injured person is entitled to.
And then of course, the people who had been waiting at the hospital to go through for the last 2 hours, and got sent to the end of the line when the Victim of Crime arrives to be sewn back together.
Or the old lady, waiting for an ambulance that has to wait even longer as the ambulances is tied up with another slashing.
And then there’s all the court costs and time wasted because one idiot can’t handle his booze and control his anger.
One action has many reactions, so just avoid the action.
Stabbing someone with a knife style weapon carries a much more serious punishment; is there that much of a difference?
Another suggestion made is to have the bars and clubs clean up the empty glasses faster to avoid them being used as weapons. Again, excellent choice, but really, if someone insults you and you want to glass them, you will use your own half consumed drink, wont you?
How about a total glass ban?
That would mean all drinks are served in plastic cups, from premixes, to all beers, wines and the rest.
I am sure the producers of these drinks would not be too happy as they want everyone carrying their brand of beer around, but safety should be the ultimate concern.
People uproar in the short term, but you just get used to it. Nobody likes change, but unfortunately there are some that have ruined it for others.
Think about the other issues you find with glass in clubs. Broken glass on the floor, girls getting cut feet, the poor bar staff trying to get in amongst the dance floor and clean it up while there are 300 screaming drunks dancing and jumping around.
What we are looking for here is Harm Minimisation! And shouldn’t that come from a little bit of RSA, Responsible Service of Alcohol.
Really, you don’t want to be holding the owners and workers of these places legally responsible for everything that happens and some of the RSA restrictions can be a little daunting for an employee having to use their own judgement. But if someone is clearly drunk, it is no longer about how much money can be made, it is about the safety of that person, and the people around them.
Let’s try and eject these people before these serious slashing incidents occur.
Only recently have the police started to actually keep records of glass slashings as the incident; before coming under the umbrella description of GBH, or Greivous Bodily Harm, which applies to many styles of attacks when an individual is left with damage to their body.
That is how serious the problem has gotten and we are now becoming more aware of it!
Awareness=Reaction=Action=Results
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Topical blog: What are your thoughts so far on the election campaigns from Liberal, Labour and the Greens?
My opinion on the election so far…Well, I am glad you asked! I think it is best to start at the beginning:
Opening with a huge piece of honesty; I am Liberal, born and bred. Passed on down through the generations, it’s all about the Country, not the individual.
Individuals should make their own mark in life, their own wealth and their own successes and failures.
The Government should govern the Country and make it as protected, wealthy and successful as possible, avoiding failures of carrying those individuals who do not bother to make their mark. What happens then? The individuals who are making their mark are given the responsibility of carrying the ones that aren’t.
Sound harsh? Unfair? Look at the big wide world and see just how small you are and try to understand personal responsibility and survival.
Labor takes away that responsibility, shows no responsibility for their actions and is responsible for spending all the money! O Oh! They’ve got the reigns!
My biggest concern now….My party having the wrong leader. But which is the lesser of 2 evils?
Tony Abbott is not what the Libs need. Although he has extensive experience and time in Government, people don’t trust him which makes for a swinging vote.
But then on the other hand, you have Julia Gillard…well, what can be said for that. She snuck up through the back door of leadership to overthrow her own boss sighting that he was incompetent and the wrong face for Labor and that his policies were bad. Hang on a minute! Julia drove those policies right beside Kevin Rudd, but not being in the limelight as much, nobody noticed.
Who is she to put such a sad day on:
History has shown that Liberal make the money and keep the country in check while in office, and Labor come in and spend it all frivolously and put very poorly considered policies in place.
Examples of this trend:
After a very successful run of respectable Liberal Prime Ministers, the next stage occurred:
In 1972, Gough Whitlam came to power: The first time Labor had been elected in 26 years! Big mistake! He did such a bad job and ruined the country in a huge way. So much so that the Governor General at the time, Sir John Kerr, dismissed the Labor Party from power altogether in 1975 and Malcolm Fraser became the “Caretaker” before being elected as Prime Minister. He spent the next 8 years rebuilding the Country.
Then it was Bob Hawke’s turn in 1983. Do you know what he was famous for? Winning a yard drinking competition; yes beer! Lucky for Bob, he inherited a successful government from the Lib’s and managed to stay in power for 12 years, until Paul Keating ‘took over’ his leadership of the party and the role of Prime Minister from 1991-1996. Very charismatic human being. Charming.
Anyone who was around in the time of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating will tell you about the interest rates on their homes hitting %’s of about 20! And we are upset today with 10% peaks!
In 1996, for the first time in 13 years, the Coalition was back, with the reigns being held by John Howard. Not the most attractive man, pretty annoying voice, but hey: He got the job done! He held his seat for 11 years, through some huge world changes. And wow, what a surplus he built!
And we all know what happened next, right! That’s it….Kevin 07! What a campaign trail! With his perfectly gelled hair and perfect annunciation, and the fact that he can speak Chinese, he wowed people with his charm (and of course his apology)! Hang on, this sounds familiar. Hmmm…Oh yes, Paul Keating, the Charmer. Have we not learnt from the past! Charm does not run a Country.
Well after 3 short years (well long really), and so many poor judgments, he was overthrown by his own deputy and party, and it was time for Julia Gillard; “The First Female Prime Minister”. At least she took the measure to not move into the PM’s residence until she was officially voted in by the people. Well really, how embarrassing it would have been to move all your belongings and then have to move straight back out! Best to air on the side of caution…agree?
So what are they actually saying now?
Let’s have a recap on some: “Election Promises”, “Policies”, and more….Here are some exerts from Saturdays West by Gillard and Abbott:
Mining Tax:
- Labor: “The mining tax I have agreed to is the tax we will enact”. “I think they too can look forward to the benefits of the infrastructure that will follow - $2 billion in WA”.
- Liberal: “There is no need for any extra tax on the mining industry”. “There would be a huge slump in investment and jobs and it would always be in the best interest of
Broadband:
- Labor: “Having a national broadband network is about whether, in the future, we can compete with
- Liberal: “On one hand, they keep talking about all these extraordinarily fast speeds but on the other they want to whack an internet filter on it which will slow everything down. So they can’t have it both ways”.
Education:
- Labor: “I’ve built on my major reforms in education by strengthening our approach to empowering principals, better rewarding schools that improve the lives of their students, rewarding the best teachers, and getting families extra payments to keep their children in school”
- Liberal: “We need to ensure that our best teachers get more money in their pockets”.
Greens:
- “At the moment, that puts Labor 3rd and Liberal 4th in our preference”.
Strangely enough, neither party had anything to say on the issue of “Boat People” this week after such a long period of concentrating on it. But check out the front page of the paper. The UN slammed the current government for it decision to “Stop” processing any “Asylum Seekers” from
The “West’s Campaign Trail Mix”:
Spend O Meter:
Labor: $7.5 Billion
Coalition: $27.7 Billion
Savings O Meter:
Labor: $2.1 Billion
Coalition: $6.9 Billion
I am actually beginning to wonder if either party even know what their policies are, how much anything costs, and what they even believe in.
They argue, they match points, they talk things up that they know are impossible.
As Zolton Covax said recently: “Welcome to Election Idol”
Best of luck
Ariana. xox
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Topical Blog #1
Topic:
Water Usage...and the rest
Australia has a shortage of water...
A shortage of current energy options...
A shortage of gas...
These are not questions for anyone to answer, they are statements to be heard and understood by everyone.
Carbon Emissions, Global Warming; you've heard it all before. But I am ok right now, they all say, but what about the future generations is what they should be saying?
The government do not want to take this seriously right now, and why? MONEY! THE COST! Yes that's right! It is wasted money in their campaign!
And even the public are more concerned about tax cuts, but at the same time, the costs to water, power and gas and increased twice this year already!
This will be the biggest blunder in Australia's history in the very near future, which means it will effect you, your children, and your children's children, and if we're lucky, their children too. But that will probably be it because there just wont be anything left after that.
With such an alarmingly increasing population, higher demand on resources from both the domestic and commercial sectors, plans need to be put in place now before there is nothing left.
A sustainable future for all should be a top priority!
Perhaps doing more to control the ridiculous vehicles people drive that guzzle earths good oil and turn it into emissions for all of us to breathe and the atmosphere to slowly absorb.
Perhaps more research into renewable energy so while we are using one resource it is recreating something else.
Perhaps placing more of a focus in education at a young age so teenagers don't have 30 minute showers.
I was shocked to hear whilst in Melbourne on the weekend that they are considering lifting the sprinkler ban! Why bother? People have accepted in now, they are making changes to garden designs and water usage, and all the good work that has been done will be thrown out the window so a few people with ridiculous sized front lawns can waste more water.
There are people in the world who don't even have clean drinking water and we are spreading it across our lawns and gardens without a second thought.
Do you remember when the gas line exploded up north a few years ago? Everyone had to make changes to their lives. Industry suffered greatly. Hospitals had to find other options to get things going for themselves, massive laundries could not provide clean linen to hotels, pubs couldn't get gas for beer or soft drinks, pools could not be heated:
But China received all the same provision of gas they always had because that is where they make the money!
Perhaps some Uranium mining would offer some other options to the power requirements. But what happens once we actually start to mine uranium in amounts that will really make a difference? It will go elsewhere...the small amount we mine right now is already on way to China as it is. And we will be the ones risking our beautiful land for it!
Just remember, there is only so far you can dig before there is nothing left of earth but the core, and you cant live there!
Australia is the lucky country and we need to keep it this way. We bring more and more people into the country everyday, and at the same time, we are sending all out resources to other countries who have simply already wasted all of theirs.
We need to keep Australia the place it is; so control is what's required. It is ok to share, but when there is nothing left to share, what happens then?
Yes the costs of coming up with new ideas is high, but it will be even higher when there is almost none left and the only people who will have access to water and power will be the wealthy. And what happens to the not so wealthy after that? They suffer.
India ended up the way it is today through over use of it's resources and overpopulation, and in the years to come if we don't be careful with what we have, Australia will slowly end up with similar issues. The wealthy people in India live like kings while millions of poor people roam the streets just looking for something to eat or drink to survive.
This is not the Australian way and efforts must be made to "Keep Australia Beautiful" and be renewable into the future.
We should set the example for the world!
Recount a special time in your life
The moment that changed my life
A special time in my life...How do you choose something that is the most special? Perhaps something that is special to me but appropriate to share...
When I was 17 and finished school I was looking for a little direction in life, and was not finding it where I was! Working in a pharmacy by day and living like an owl during the nights.
One night, while floating in existence, I was struck down by a car as a pedestrian and shipped off to hospital for surgery. What a life changing moment!
It was over the next week when I spent time in hospital with people much worse off than me that I realised life is only what you make it and there is always someone worse off then you. These people were never going to get opportunities like I still had available to me. So basically, pick it up and do something good!
After 3 months of being out of action, losing my grandfather who I was very close to, losing my job through not being able to work for such an extended period, and ridding myself from the evil I called friends at the time, I decided to go to Tafe.
When I was 17 and finished school I was looking for a little direction in life, and was not finding it where I was! Working in a pharmacy by day and living like an owl during the nights.
One night, while floating in existence, I was struck down by a car as a pedestrian and shipped off to hospital for surgery. What a life changing moment!
It was over the next week when I spent time in hospital with people much worse off than me that I realised life is only what you make it and there is always someone worse off then you. These people were never going to get opportunities like I still had available to me. So basically, pick it up and do something good!
After 3 months of being out of action, losing my grandfather who I was very close to, losing my job through not being able to work for such an extended period, and ridding myself from the evil I called friends at the time, I decided to go to Tafe.
That was some direction for me.
I enrolled in Certificate IV in Hospitality and off I went. I then got a job at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and pushed myself to a combined effort of 70 hours a week. What a trooper. It gave me the opportunity to everything the job had to offer throughout the whole hotel and gain some amazing experience. I was doing things people who had been there for years were not offered, I just had to do it all!
I then continued on to my Diploma of Hospitality Management where I extended my knowledge and come out on top as Outstanding Student of the Year. Finally I felt my parents could have something to be proud of again.
After I graduated I got a job hostessing at a top restaurant and moved to supervisor then manager within 6 months. My career had begun all from the moment I was hit by the car.
It was a blessing in disguise and there is always a way to get something good from something bad so you just have to go for it!
The world is your oyster, so put whatever dressing you like on it, but eat it while it's fresh, it always tastes better!
I enrolled in Certificate IV in Hospitality and off I went. I then got a job at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and pushed myself to a combined effort of 70 hours a week. What a trooper. It gave me the opportunity to everything the job had to offer throughout the whole hotel and gain some amazing experience. I was doing things people who had been there for years were not offered, I just had to do it all!
I then continued on to my Diploma of Hospitality Management where I extended my knowledge and come out on top as Outstanding Student of the Year. Finally I felt my parents could have something to be proud of again.
After I graduated I got a job hostessing at a top restaurant and moved to supervisor then manager within 6 months. My career had begun all from the moment I was hit by the car.
It was a blessing in disguise and there is always a way to get something good from something bad so you just have to go for it!
The world is your oyster, so put whatever dressing you like on it, but eat it while it's fresh, it always tastes better!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Blog about the Purpose of Blogging in PR....
Sounds Easy....Not so!
The purpose of blogging, in general, is to be able to share your thoughts and opinions about whatever you want, whenever you want.
In reference to the purpose of it in Public Relations...it's just the same!
Blogging allows you share with others what is going on the world that you may have read about, seen somewhere, or heard along the way.
Sharing PR blogs with other people can open up fields for discussions, debates and the opportunity to hear what other people have to say about the topic.
This then leads to you to the possibility of being able to have a better understanding of what you think you already know, see things from another perspective and increase your knowledge, all while still in a social environment.
When it comes to meetings to be held with departments there can be an influence created through blogging. It can also allow you to get the feeling of others before you jump in.
You can also have a feeling of control within what you are doing, as often you may not be able to get people to listen to you. Here, you are the master of the information and you can get a message across.
You would be amazed at the influence a little blogging in PR can have....
A good blog in PR may be shared by your readers with other people they blog with.
That means...the opening of new networks with people who have similar interests to you.
Where else can you really put an opinion forward about government, current issues, advertisements, products and more.
Social networking is a new and unique form of communication which has far preceded the old forms of msn and email as it is there for all to see. And you can add your own personal touch. If someone of any importance within a company can see your writing abilities or interesting thoughts it could even lead to a job opportunity.
It allows you to show links to other websites that may be of interest or in support of your blog. Get some people following your blogs and get known.
What a good opportunity to practice your writing skills.
In PR it is all about writing and if you cant write and interesting or effective blog, you need practice....and here it is!
Once really in the field of PR this also allows you to much more effectively reach an audience with what you are trying to achieve. Some people may be to busy to read the paper or listen to the radio, but may be sitting on their computer all day getting blogs, checking the net, doing searches and more, and all of a sudden, your message has reached a whole new audience, and in PR your job is to reach as many people as possible with the message you are trying to convey.
The purpose of blogging, in general, is to be able to share your thoughts and opinions about whatever you want, whenever you want.
In reference to the purpose of it in Public Relations...it's just the same!
Blogging allows you share with others what is going on the world that you may have read about, seen somewhere, or heard along the way.
Sharing PR blogs with other people can open up fields for discussions, debates and the opportunity to hear what other people have to say about the topic.
This then leads to you to the possibility of being able to have a better understanding of what you think you already know, see things from another perspective and increase your knowledge, all while still in a social environment.
When it comes to meetings to be held with departments there can be an influence created through blogging. It can also allow you to get the feeling of others before you jump in.
You can also have a feeling of control within what you are doing, as often you may not be able to get people to listen to you. Here, you are the master of the information and you can get a message across.
You would be amazed at the influence a little blogging in PR can have....
A good blog in PR may be shared by your readers with other people they blog with.
That means...the opening of new networks with people who have similar interests to you.
Where else can you really put an opinion forward about government, current issues, advertisements, products and more.
Social networking is a new and unique form of communication which has far preceded the old forms of msn and email as it is there for all to see. And you can add your own personal touch. If someone of any importance within a company can see your writing abilities or interesting thoughts it could even lead to a job opportunity.
It allows you to show links to other websites that may be of interest or in support of your blog. Get some people following your blogs and get known.
What a good opportunity to practice your writing skills.
In PR it is all about writing and if you cant write and interesting or effective blog, you need practice....and here it is!
Once really in the field of PR this also allows you to much more effectively reach an audience with what you are trying to achieve. Some people may be to busy to read the paper or listen to the radio, but may be sitting on their computer all day getting blogs, checking the net, doing searches and more, and all of a sudden, your message has reached a whole new audience, and in PR your job is to reach as many people as possible with the message you are trying to convey.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Review of CertIV Day 2
So....
Day 2...everyone seems a little more awake and comfortable today, good start!
Today we met Cathy, very interesting person. Graduate of Business majoring in Marketing, Certified Marketing Manager of Property Council WA, 16 years experience in the field, Winner 10 PCA awards, Winner of 40 under 40 award with WA Business News and many more personal achievements.
With Rebel's lust for the industry, degree in PR, fantastic consulting business Rebel Comminications (with a great website BTW!) and keen interest in Politics, Cathys wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, and Heathers life from marketing mad London, and years of teaching experience; we are on the path to success. I am excited to see what Tina has to offer tomorrow...
Induction today was ok, slightly repetitive, and a little informative. But nonetheless necessary.
And so it continues...
Day 2...everyone seems a little more awake and comfortable today, good start!
Today we met Cathy, very interesting person. Graduate of Business majoring in Marketing, Certified Marketing Manager of Property Council WA, 16 years experience in the field, Winner 10 PCA awards, Winner of 40 under 40 award with WA Business News and many more personal achievements.
With Rebel's lust for the industry, degree in PR, fantastic consulting business Rebel Comminications (with a great website BTW!) and keen interest in Politics, Cathys wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, and Heathers life from marketing mad London, and years of teaching experience; we are on the path to success. I am excited to see what Tina has to offer tomorrow...
Induction today was ok, slightly repetitive, and a little informative. But nonetheless necessary.
And so it continues...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
A bit about me
At 27, searching the soul for the future of my existence.
A lot of thought went into the choice of course for me. With a Diploma in Management from 7 years ago, it was time to get the brain pumping into something a little more interesting....PR! And with the Government having one of the most diabolical times, who could resist...who would have imagined it, Australia having it's very own takeover, from the very inside (seems a little hard to trust in a government that doesnt trust in itself, and what must the other countries like China think of us now!!!!!)
What an exciting time to get into PR.
After 6 years managing some of Perths best restaurants, accompanied by a great time doing events management and coordinating, both corporate and private, and almost 2 years in sales, this seems like the obvious choice.
I am very into dining out, good food, good wine and best held with good company. I love travel, theatre, boating and loving life in general; the face looks best when it's smiling, and it's hard to be sad with a smile on your dial! ;-)
I spent 2 months in London a couple of years ago, and while it was a beautiful and fun place to go, it really makes you appreciate what a lucky country we live and how amazingly untouched Perth still is (and hopefully stays for my lifetime!)
Some of the most interesting parts of the newspaper are right at the front...when people have their say....that's what this is. My own little have your say...Oh dear, not sure anyone actually asked to hear what I had to say, but this is my blog....so as suggested on the front page....not for the faint hearted.
I consider myself to very approachable, fun, down to earth, dynamic, and maybe even a little bit naughty if the situation requires, love to chat, and yeah, I might even lend an ear for someone who just has some stuff to get off their chest, and I am good at keeping secrets so I wont go blog it out on you!!!! LOL. Yee not judge if not wanting to be judged by others. Put out what you want back!
I look forward to sharing my thoughts out loud for anyone who wants to listen.....A. xx
A lot of thought went into the choice of course for me. With a Diploma in Management from 7 years ago, it was time to get the brain pumping into something a little more interesting....PR! And with the Government having one of the most diabolical times, who could resist...who would have imagined it, Australia having it's very own takeover, from the very inside (seems a little hard to trust in a government that doesnt trust in itself, and what must the other countries like China think of us now!!!!!)
What an exciting time to get into PR.
After 6 years managing some of Perths best restaurants, accompanied by a great time doing events management and coordinating, both corporate and private, and almost 2 years in sales, this seems like the obvious choice.
I am very into dining out, good food, good wine and best held with good company. I love travel, theatre, boating and loving life in general; the face looks best when it's smiling, and it's hard to be sad with a smile on your dial! ;-)
I spent 2 months in London a couple of years ago, and while it was a beautiful and fun place to go, it really makes you appreciate what a lucky country we live and how amazingly untouched Perth still is (and hopefully stays for my lifetime!)
Some of the most interesting parts of the newspaper are right at the front...when people have their say....that's what this is. My own little have your say...Oh dear, not sure anyone actually asked to hear what I had to say, but this is my blog....so as suggested on the front page....not for the faint hearted.
I consider myself to very approachable, fun, down to earth, dynamic, and maybe even a little bit naughty if the situation requires, love to chat, and yeah, I might even lend an ear for someone who just has some stuff to get off their chest, and I am good at keeping secrets so I wont go blog it out on you!!!! LOL. Yee not judge if not wanting to be judged by others. Put out what you want back!
I look forward to sharing my thoughts out loud for anyone who wants to listen.....A. xx
First Day in Cert IV PR
So with a lecturer called Rebel, this unit should be fun!
We rock it on Facebook, Wiki and now Blog!
Watch out world, hear come our thoughts out loud......
We rock it on Facebook, Wiki and now Blog!
Watch out world, hear come our thoughts out loud......
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