Hello to all our readers, straight into QuizBIZ; One of the most famous Photos in Rotary is of four men standing, Your clue this week is that the photo was taken in 1905, but for the question, four men, who were they, and for an extra chip on your next mixed grill, what were their respective vocations.
WHO ARE THESE MEN ?
So is everyone well we certainly hope so, if not our best wishes to you for a speedy return to health, unfortunately we had Pres Val totally exhausted from travelling back and forth to Melbourne, and Rtn Robin with the dreaded lurgy, PE John had a fight with a concrete paver, and lost. We are happy to report no broken bones, but that’s another story, take better care everybody we want to see you all back with us fit and well… This week we had a fellowship evening that was a welcome break after the last week or ten days, not that it had been hard, but between Civic Receptions and Chinese Festivals, various meetings, and the Special School project being finished off, thank you Gents, and so we needed a short space to catch our breath.
PE “Limpy” John had a chat to us on his most recent trip to China and showed us some of the many photographs that he has, in this case dealing with the dramatic changes in construction work that is happening.. While, PN Kim is swanning around in NSW. No doubt trying to un-wind after the festival, speaking of which, we received a lovely comment on Facebook from PDG Jessie about the festival that was much appreciated, particularly by all involved. We also need to remind those members organizing speakers that a release to publish their names etc. Must be signed, this is not new, and every member should be aware of this requirement, we are in breach of Privacy legislation, if this is not in place, so a word to the wise, get a form from the Secretary and get it approved by the speaker, please. Pres Val and PDG Ted had a session with some students and Rtn Wendy at the High school on the Samaritans Purse program. And Rtn Kaye and PDG Ted went down to Ballarat for a Human Rights Workshop, so it’s all happening
Also great to see Jacob again at the club, seems none the worse for the game of alleys, with PP Des, he was trying out with his teeth !! That’s a whole other story. And so with a couple away we soldiered on and had a good evening.
So back to “Limpy John”, due to his injury, we were lucky to have John at Rotary at all, so thank you for that effort John.
From John’s narrative it was obvious that he had seen and in part watched these changes taking place, the change is amazing, and nothing seems to be on a small scale. From a bullet Train capable of travel at 400 K’s per hour, to a highway system that needed to be seen to be believed roads 70 feet up, allowing for other roads and rail networks to cross the area, unimpeded. The older housing is being bull dozed and cleared for new building most 11 stories high, and there are literally dozens of them. John showed a shiny new glass faced building about 8 to 10 stories high. That less than 2 years ago had a different building on the same site. Knocked down the old, cleared and built, in less than two years. This effectively demonstrated the building boom, and the speed with which, it was progressing, the interesting thing however is that housing estates of High rise units, shopping centres and shops, again abound, but are empty, not a soul in the units or shops, and there are Millions of them [units] And then came the punch line, 7 years ago there was nothing, this huge undertaking has all occurred in that short time, and it seems that this is happening over the major cities and rural cities in China. Further photos showed an almost before and after of this building boom in the skyline that has jumped upward in that time as well outward. John mentioned some of the Hospitals and the treatment s rendered there, and the noise levels, not at all what we are used to, as well as the fact that the Nurses in their highly starched uniforms carry out the Doctors orders, but it is up to the family to care for the patient is areas such as bathing, toilet, dressing and feeding, the like so the wellbeing of the patient is in the hands of the family, so if each patient had three or more family members in attendance, all talking at once children, around the place some laughing some crying , general hospital noise becomes a din that is anything but peaceful. But it all seems to be taken in the right spirit and life goes on.
Looking at the pictures last evening the one had to realise that 7 years ago there was nothing but now there is a modern city, albeit empty, even at that, one wonders if the less frenetic China had been lost just a little and had not maintained a certain part of its self, a part that seems to be missing from these more Westernised cities, with all the concrete high rise buildings separated by 6 and 8 lane monolithic highways, that appear to almost have a life of their own as they arch and curve their way from the city. Still this is progress for want of a better word, but it is a worrying thought what is going to happen when all this activity runs its course. A sobering thought, and one that could affect Australia dramatically. Thanks PE John, a good thought provoking evening..
Norman’s nonsense:
Reading the other day, about some questions on Pregnancy, and like subjects.
Doctor do you think I should have a baby after 35? “No madam, I think 35 Children is quite enough”..
I am three months pregnant now. When will my baby move? “With luck when he finishes University”
What is the most reliable method to determine the baby’s sex? “Childbirth”
Strange things happen during pregnancy, my wife was the only person that could tell the difference between beige, ecru, cream, off –white and eggshell, while at the same time sitting there eating a chocolate chip covered omelette, with an unsweetened lemon juice chaser.
Doctor what is the percentage chance of having a baby girl? ………………….silence!!
WOT’S Next:
Rtn Deb has taken over the November month, and we are sure she will delight and educate us this Month.
29 Nov Speaker, Victoria Police Officer Paul Kelly.
And what we have all been waiting for Rtn Noelene, to organize a fabulous December
Not forgetting that our Christmas breakup will be on the 20 December 2011 Noelene and Norman’s home, BYO your stuff..
District Stuff:
22-24th DGE Training, Brisbane.
22.- 27th Zone Institute Brisbane.
The district newsletter will be delivered by E-Mail as per discussion.
So friends that’s just about it for another week, enjoy your selves while preparing for the festive season, and have a great week .
Remember: It is not how rough the road is that makes the journey hard, its pushing that damn piece of string that’s does it.
Cheers Ed..