And while I'm wearing the Cynical Cold-Hearted Bitch hat... let me just say can the media take a fucking chill pill when it comes to these horrific bushfires in Victoria.

I'm fairly sure we're all reasonably aware of the situation and we've all given what we can.

Is it just me or was there a note of disappointment in the newsreader's voice when he stated that the death toll is unlikely to rise above the current figure of 201?

Can I unkindly suggest that should my house burn down and we were found to be uninsured I'm fairly sure no-one would give a flying fuck and blame us for our own stupidity? Not sure why this sentiment doesn't apply in these sorts of situations. Would there be a telethon for us?

Will the media claim ownership should the arson suspect currently in protective custody be torn limb from limb either by fellow inmates or by the public upon his release? Has the concept of innocent until proven guilty lost all meaning? From my point of view we know almost nothing about this man and the situation (apart from the frenzied hype we're getting from the media - the "journalists" I so highly esteemed in my youth) yet my own husband is ready to rip his arms off and shove them where only a proctologist dares to go.

I don't begrudge the victims of these terrible events a cent and I feel for those who have lost lives and property in this disaster. But I feel we are somewhat like Pavlov's dog, responding because it is on our tv screens. The world is full of tragedies which we are happy to ignore because they are not being fed to us on a minute by minute basis, the awful images rammed down our throats with no reprive. I guess it is unfair of me to expect things to be different. I am just thinking out loud really.

Cynical cold-hearted bitch here.

Last week saw the "celebration" of the one year anniversary of Sorry Day here in the land of Oz.

I am deeply surprised and shocked that nothing has changed for the general welfare of the Aboriginal people in Australia. A magical solution hasn't presented itself overnight or even during the course of a year. Who could have predicted that?

Personally I think the welfare state scenario is working well for them and should be maintained. If it ain't broke why fix it.

For fuck's sake no-one dare mention that drinking your dole cheque away and neglecting your children in a systematic manner at the public's exepense is not an acceptable way to live. I mean "we" caused this mess and therefore it is noble of the Aboriginal people to spend their lives and sacrifice those of their children in exemplifying for "us" exactly how badly they were treated during the past 200+ years.

Would it be unreasonable of me to suggest that in the year that a black man has become president of the United States we could put some of that old bullshit behind us and just ask that ALL Australian citizens be asked to utilise the opportunities and possibilities afforded to them to the best of their personal abilities, no matter what colour? And furthermore that "white" Australians stop making excuses for what is so obviously a miserable situation that isn't helping anyone lead happy lives.

How will things ever truly improve otherwise?