Webdiary - Founded and Inspired by Margo Kingston |
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Richard's (very short) Wither Webdiary
This will be really short. Past is past. I'd like to see Webdiary keep going. For it to have any focus on community journalism, it needs people to write pieces.
Pieces published here mostly go through major newsfeeds, and so the information peiople want to spread can spread from here. It often has, and still does.
The site is still archived by the National Library, so what's wirtten here is preserved.
I invite anyone who is interested in seeing Webdiary continue to donate a piece on whatever they care to write about.
There's ten years of amazing history here, and potentially a bright future. That's up to those who want to contribute.
I've written plenty on why I'd like Webdiary to survive, but the place needs input. Over to you.
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Comparison by nostalgia
Television - Commercially available since the 1930's
Penicillin - Used in WW2, but discovered well before.
Polio shots - First tested in 1952
Frozen foods - "In 1923, with an investment of $7 for an electric fan, buckets of brine, and cakes of ice, Clarence Birdseye invented and later perfected a system of packing fresh food into waxed cardboard boxes and flash-freezing under high pressure." Freezing food and low temperatures have been used to preserve food since Adam was a lad.
Xerox - "The company came to prominence in 1959 with the introduction of the Xerox 914, the first plain paper photocopier."
Contact lenses - The first all plastic contact lenses were made by Obrig and Mullen in the United States in 1938. The concept goes back to the time of Descarte, who suggested the corneal contact lense in 1632.
Frisbees - Who gives a shit, boomerarangs have been around for yonks, however: "The Frisbie Baking Company (1871-1958) of Bridgeport, Connecticut, made pies that were sold to many New England colleges. Hungry college students soon discovered that the empty pie tins could be tossed and caught, providing endless hours of game and sport".
"In 1948, a Los Angeles building inspector named Walter Frederick Morrison and his partner Warren Franscioni invented a plastic version of the Frisbie that could fly further and with better accuracy than a tin pie plate."
The pill - Introduced in the early 60's - the contaceptive one that is.
Credit cards - Encyclopedia Britannica - "the use of credit cards originated in the United States during the 1920s, when individual firms, such as oil companies and hotel chains, began issuing them to customers." However, references to credit cards have been made as far back as 1890 in Europe."
Laser beams - "In 1917, Albert Einstein established the theoretic foundations for the LASER and the MASER in the paper Zur Quantentheorie der Strahlung." "In 1960, Theodore H. Maiman constructed the first functioning LASER". The funny thing about the laser was they had no idea how it could be used.
Ball-point pens - "The first great success for the ballpoint pen came on an October morning in 1945 when a crowd of over 5,000 people jammed the entrance of New York’s Gimbels Department Store. The day before, Gimbels had taken out a full-page ad in the New York Times promoting the first sale of ballpoints in the United States. The ad described the new pen as a "fantastic... miraculous fountain pen ... guaranteed to write for two years without refilling!" On that first day of sales, Gimbels sold out its entire stock of 10,000 pens-at $12.50 each! Actually, this "new" pen wasn't new at all and didn't work much better than ballpoint pens that had been produced ten years earlier. The story begins in 1888 when John Loud..."
Pantyhose - "In 1959, Glen Raven Mills of North Carolina introduced pantyhose invented by Allen Gant". Nylon stockings have been around since the 30s. Stocking have been around since legs were invented.
Air conditioners - "In 1902, only one year after Willis Haviland Carrier graduated from Cornell University with a Masters in Engineering, the first air (temperature and humidity) conditioning was in operation, making one Brooklyn printing plant owner very happy."
Dishwashers - "The first reports of a mechanical dishwashing device are of an 1850 patent by Joel Houghton of a hand-powered device." "t was not until the 1950s, when dishwashers became cheaper and smaller, that they caught on with the general public."
Clothes dryers - "A hand-cranked clothes dryer was created in 1800 by M. Pochon from France. Electric tumble dryers appeared in the early 20th century. Industrial designer Brooks Stevens developed the first electric dryer with a glass window in the 1940s."
Man hadn’t yet walked on the moon. Yep.
Poor old grandad, I think he was a mate of mine - we spent too much time in the pub and not nearly enough time paying attention. Anyway, he got some of it correct.
I suppose it is nice for the older generation to look back with nostalgia; however, too often this becomes a comparative thing rather than an informative thing. The older generation quite often use such comparisons to criticise the younger ones, yet the oldies fail to recognise they are the ones who brought up those kids, under their guidance, instruction, education and indoctrination.
Methinks grandad missed a great chance to connect in a far more creative and intimate manner than he did.
Anyway, thanks kindly, Fiona. I just learnt some stuff - but will most likely forget it in about four days.
Nostalgia be buggered
Justin Obodie, thank you for your wondrous flights of research. Btw, I think - if not credit cards - letters of credit have been around for a helluva long time.
As for my posting that downhome little number, my motive was more that it gave me pause for thought - perhaps more accurately aligned with your sentiment that: "The moral of the story: what one learn's (hehe) today one will probably have to learn all over again tomorrow."
... that is, there really isn't all that much new under the sun - just variations on a theme or three.
And oldies have been carrying on about the hopelessness of the younger generation ever since (and undoubtedly before) Plato.
Nota bene: I did not write "us oldies"...
Since Adam and Eve, dear Fiona
Oh yeah, thanks Fiona, I see your point now. I suppose I was just getting the impression the old guy was feeling a little sorry for himself; maybe even overwhelmed by change; but I do (now) appreciate your reasons for posting it - thanks.
iJustin, like the old fart he is, does this (feels sorry for himself etc.) on a regular basis, espescially when the "machine" he is working on don't do what is should. I blame iHarry for that.
Yep, even God had issues with A & E or so I read; and they had issues with their kids - and they must have had real issues when they all went hillbilly; oh well, what can ya do?
Well done Richard
With two new excellent threads, and a speech by the PM for us to critique.
It's now up to us to fuel it.
Account overdue
That was hot water you ninny, not bloody Claude. SWMBO probably found those long lost electicity bills and paid them.
And your bloody "presents" here at WD is long overdue as well.
The one big issue
I've reached the age when even the occasional erection is just a damn nuisance. A big yawn really. Not like the old days when they were not only plentiful (remember the seventies?) but always cause for celebration - just an excuse really for an all night party.
An old friend has invited me down to Sydney this time for a "Don's Party", for old time's sake. Oh well, I guess I better show up, just to be polite.
Some of the fringe dwellers around here will find this hard to be believe but I regard myself to be of the political centre. The "angry centre" as Don Chipp put it. Centre-left on some issues, centre-right on others. This time I intend to vote Labor, probably, but only because of the one issue every one knows is close to my heart. I write about it at pretty much every opportunity.
That's right, you guessed it. Taxation.
Specifically the mining tax. Why should those bastards get out the back door after screwing just about everything in the house with barely a flick of a coin in the tip jar? Bugger them. Tax them till their eyes bleed, I say.
Oh my Gough - A disgusting seventies erection
Yes indeed Geoff me old erector. The seventies - December 2nd 1972. I remember it well, sort of. Yours truly was attending the Roman Recovery Ball at NSW Uni. For some reason everyone was dressed up in white sheets and looked really stupid. I refused to look stupid so went in mufti.
Anyway, about mid way through a bottle of scotch (me chick's dad gave it to me when I picked her up - he probably thought if I was really pissed I wouldn't be able to screw here - he was correct) it was announced that God had been erected to power by the Australian erectors. My Gough, the response was like thousands of spermatozoa congratulating and ejaculating all over the show. It was disgusting.
About 10 minutes later Madame Lash turned up - the mood immediately changed while ML revealed to all that she had no idea what a whip was for, nor where such a tool should be housed. It was disgusting.
After that all I can remember is having to keep one eye closed - that way I only saw two of everything, not four. The next thing I remember was surfacing on Sunday morning on me chick's lounge - her dad woke me up, and in a bright and cheery manner said I looked disgusting.
Ghosts of pussies past
I always find it difficult to understand exactly how the spirit world works but I was in the shower this morning and a strange feeling came over me. After I threw him out, I realised that I was channeling Claude the deceased diabetic cat. He tells me he wants to do a diary on the coming Federal Election and he has elected me to be his mousepiece.
Strangely, he hates Big Ears and Redheads although he still says he goes for a leek (apparently, diabetes is posthumouse).
I hope the hot water holds out.
Claude Ball - raconteur
"I hope the hot water holds".
What is this problem with you holding your water?
More like hot air, to me.
But I do agree, diabetes is very post humorous.
But, when "a strange feeling comes over you in the shower", you must turn the tap onto "cold" quickly, other wise you will end up walking round the household offending the women-folk.
Alphonse, see thru it.
He only wants you to write it because he hasn't the balls...( in fact) the only balls he has is the woollen ones he roles round the floor, when he's trying to prove he's still "up to it".
Exxxcelllllent
Exxxcelllllent.
Erections, (t)issues and dunnies
1 - Upcuming erections are always good fun; one should never let one go to waste - however:
2 - The tissues will (inevitably) end up wet and soggy, thus flushed down the dunny as soon as the erection is over. These will be replaced by a new tissue - more reliable and absorbent, or so we will be told.
3 - The erection will be called when Bluey thinks she can get most bang for her tissue/s - sooner than later one should imagine (bad shit on the horizon).
4 - The outcomes? Refer #2.
Methinks iJustin better give it some more thought, but then again, what's that gunna do?
Erections? Yes please!
Justin: " 1 - Upcuming erections are always good fun; one should never let one go to waste - however: "
I agree, my love. So cum on and fire up the potomac and lets p-a-r-teee like it's 2099!
Just between you and me, though, the cuming erections, I fear, will be one big let down..
I hate to prick the bubble, but one is compelled to ask the question..
Which prick to pick? And will it make a difference anyway...
Pelvis Resly
Sounds like a dud root, this erection upcoming, doesn't it ?
Still, we are permitted a little social intercourse within these threads for fannies, eh fans, of WD - we can at least engage orally.
On erection poling day, we sense a climax to all these prior events which are just byplay, or something like that.
Letter boxes stuffed with silliness and fibs, people trying to convince the masses they like babies, lots of dire warnings about "roon" or crusader stuff about actually dealing with real issues then put back to bed straight after the poll.
At least it makes a change from "Big Brother", but in the meantime it's nice to know that being shafted can be fun...
A Federal election???
Well, since some of us are about, how about a conversation about the likelihood of a Federal election, some time in the next six months?
What I would like to know, is what other Webdiarists think of the upcoming election, what the issues are, when the election is most likely to be called and what some of the outcomes to be considered.
Look, I'd love to see every one who cares about our civilisation, community and WD, express their views forthrightly and without rancour, as tho the past was left in the past where it should be.
Fiona: Agreed on all points, Paul W. I am en route to Canberra and have very little time to write this morning, but will be online tonight and perhaps we will get the ball rolling...
A third leg
I believe there is a real opportunity for a third party to come into prominence. The public would love a credible alternative to the two main parties. However, none of the smaller parties seem to have the drive, skills and balance necessary to capitalise on this opportunity.
I don't think Kevin is ready to go to pasture. Could he succeed as the leader of another party?
Inquisitor's tale
another intelligent comment.
So often centre or third parties seem to bust when they hit the big time: the majors always seen to find ways of excluding or undermine them, the closer to substantative coalition with them the given situation reaches.
When they reach overt coalition, you'd wage they would be snowed under by so many Sir Humphrey Appleby's, let alone all the secret trade, defence etc protocols, "exclusions" that the public are denied knowledge of.
Yes, but
My impression, what I seem to see at an intergalactic distance from the action, is that when they step up into the new league there are new things to learn and new skills to develop. Suddenly, they are in a new game. They are going to fumble, some will be sent off. It's not necessarily the scheming of the majors that defeats them, may be something much more innocent. If that word is ever applicable in that context.
Fools rush in
Alphonse, I don't know if you're aware of the exquisite danger such a course of action would take you. Fat and Rude sleeps now but it would be unwise to cause him troubled dreams.
Best of luck with the debate; politics just isn't the same without the rodent. Since his departure I have found myself agreeing sometimes with the likes of Melbourne's village idiot.
"the likes of..."
Dunmore:... "the likes of Melbourne's village idiot".
You mean, there's only one of them down there...makes an awful lot of noise just for just one, sounds like whole armies, particularly when it comes to an objective discussion of AFL footy...
Dog day afternoon
That's Lord Dunmore KCMG, (no no, not Knight Commander, Kindly Call Me God,) to you Walter, (there's two 'l's in polling) and Geoff, I'm surprised and somewhat embarassed at the fulsomeness of your praise for what I thought were some of my more modest throw away lines, but there you are.
Then again the juxtaposition could be an accident of chronicity.
It seems I can't stay away from this place. My routine chores are done and I've decided that the mile of other stuff that I have to address can wait. I'm not doing it in these shoes, (slingbacks can be the very devil on rough surfaces) and can't be bothered changing.
Despite my somewhat dismal philosophy that mankind is heading for hell in a basket and therefore there's nothing much else to talk about, still the need to communicate remains. Harry noted it; writing is creative and this place fulfilled an un-noticed need in me and gave me a lot of fun.
For many years Webdiary was a large part of my life and provided a sense of community despite the fact that for all but a handful of contributors I never knew any of them in the real sense.
Last Sunday evening I tuned into Webdiary and was struck by the lack of traffic and indeed the small numbers of responses to much of the topics. I was saddened and nostalgic, on top of that, Richard's "Wither Webdiary". Maybe Jenny's right, blogging's had its [Fiona: The possessive pronoun "its" does not contain an apostrophe] day. Nevertheless, there's a Jewish proverb, "Name not the well from which you shall not drink". I should take more notice.
I will not be involved to anything like the same extent as I was before my ill-fated stint as moderator but in the meantime maybe I can give you all something to think about.
Watch this space.
birds head revisited
"Walter"?
Walter !!!
That's Lord Walter to you, upstart Dunmore!!
But you can call me God, because I know, I looked in the mirror this morning.
Scott, you were ok moderating , you just caught it at a time when a particular , touchy debate had lasted a long time and tempers were getting fraught all around.
Some of the moderators have told me that what ends up printed is nothing compared to the rubbish left on the floor; foul language, derailing, trolling, abuse, inanities. Besides, with something like this there are always going to be misreadings or stuff poorly put that draws criticism and just sometimes a bun fight resulting.
As time passes, I look more objectively at what emerged from the Henson threads; both sides valued or accentuated different aspects and talked at cross purposes too often.
But I don't want to revisit there.
And I accept that the other side was motivated by a dinkum concern about children being protected or exploited, so that can't be bad, can it?
Had its day?
Scott, I am another who had to open the cupboard to remember my password, but the comment about blogging having had its day is something I think that is worth considering.
The problem (as I see it) is Webdiary itself. For a very large part of the existence of the site it was basically a bag John Howard site. Nothing more, nothing less. Alright, throw in a few arguments about Jews for a change of pace. As an aside, I noted with amusement that one former contributor to the site is still predicting an "imminent" invasion of Iraq.
But in 2007, with JH gone the whole purpose of the site vanished. In the years since, we have had an inept Federal Government that has squandered billions and in a rank display of political opportunism knifed the man who got their filthy mits on the controls. Comments on WD over this time? Hmmmm.... you could hear a pin drop. We are still in a variety of overseas countries, had more troops killed and the Government is now trying to implement the very refugee policy it once condemned.
It must be very galling to find that what the Howard haters wanted has turned out to be the same or worse.
Of course, there may be other reasons for the lack of traffic and discourse since 2007, so if anyone knows them do tell.
Blogging? Well, I decided that the venom that seems to afflict so many blogs just was not worth the aggravation that it caused me. I pop by the sites of a few ex WD regulars and even drop the odd comment but by and large I can live without it.
Regards to all.
committed
You know, Craig, if you feel passionately about something and feel the world should know about it, or would be better off for knowing it, you oughta keep up with it.
You just might present an new idea of your own that turns out to be useful and that no one else has thought of. That benefits everyone. So your viewpoint might be different to mine; all the more reason for expression, since I might have forgotten some thing you remember. Same with me; vice versa.
I stand corrected
At least you're talking to me. Was that apostophe OK?
Fuxing Scotts' error's
Scott mate: the gold star sounds much better than an elephant stamp - unless of course it is a very tiny elephant.
BTW: your apostophe is not actually OK. I hate to tell you this but said apostophe is actually unnecessary. Contractions, or so I was taught at school, should only be used when quoting language as spoken; otherwise the complete words should be used.
In fact, what you should have written was: At least you are talking to me.
But we all know that's (hehe) wrong too. The written word doesn't (hehe) actually talk, therefore your selection of the present continuous verb was also incorrect - it should have been: are writing.
I hope this help's for I'm sure (if you take heed) it will save our modulators' from having to fix your error's, which will give them moore time to fux mine.
Fiona: Now, where shall I start...?
Stuff
Craig, basically I agree with you and have voiced similar sentiments in the past. Gillard though seems to me to be going off half cock. It's as if she's under pressure to be seen to be doing something and not putting in the ground work, consultation in particular.
Good to hear from you again, Paul (alright Lord Walter if you insist). Big of you to say that I was OK, I'm over the moon that it's coming from you. Just remember who started this, I tolerate rudeness no more than I suffer fools gladly and while I'm sorely tempted to respond to your feigned ignorance, ("moderators have told me") I suggest we both leave it there.
Albatross me old mate! Thanks for your instruction, it goes a little way to making up for my ill schooling. "Little Latin and less Greek" sums me up pretty well I'm afraid. A dullard, it took me to the age of 36 before I gained my Year 12 Certificate, (truly,) and then only in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
There you have it, Scott Dunmore bares his soul. Maybe your modulators will see fit to correct any grammatical errors on my part without gratuitous comment as I would have done. Yes, the elephant stamp looked particularly dodgy to me as well, maybe you can prevail on Fiona to affix the gold star to my forehead so I can show it to my mother.
The only thing that interferes with my learning is my learning
Scott, when me old man was a lad planet Pluto didn't exist. Then it did, and it became our ninth planet - now poor old Pluto has been shafted.
The moral of the story: what one learn's (hehe) today one will probably have to learn all over again tomorrow.
I plan on doing all my learning a few days before I die - then I can be sure it will be current, and I won't forget it.
Thoughts on the wing
Justin Obodie, your wise words have inspired me to reproduce the contents of an email that my sister-in-law sent me the other day. Yes, it's one of those appallingly folksy little numbers that emanate from the good ol' US of A, but for once it struck a chord...
Thank you, Bev.
too true
Hoist with...
Apparently so, Scott. Just couldn't resist - given your kind correction of Paul Walter's (IMHO) deliberate and amusing play on polling / pol (e danc)ing...
Oh, and the grammar and punctuation of your most recent comment were impeccable. Do you want a gold star or an elephant stamp?
An icky election?
Fiona Reynolds: " I am en route to Canberra...".
Belated, but good on you.
If any one can sort the bastards out it's you, m'lady.
Although it will obviate the need for further comment on Canberra politics, in the wake of such an apocolyptic denouement. Dont forget to graffiti Amanda's bollards at Parliament house.