RICHARD CALTON HAS JUST DIED

I'll give you 60 mins to guess who

Heard him question the Mine Mgr about a totally unrelated matter(to the trapped miners), and received a calm, diplomatic reply, which probably pi$$ed him off.

He had heart surgery a few years ago, which gave him some extra years. Case of dying with "his boots on."

Yes certainly Mike,

Let's hope Carleton's family is afforded greater respect than he himself dealt out.

Jim Best

Jimbo,

That is oh so spot on. Couldn't have stated it better.

Pete thats not so nice, remember that 1 miner is dead also.
Sad for all concerned.

Hmmmm I see this point, but I think our community is a lot more than just '4wd and camping'. It's all about people who get out there and explore.

A very big part of that is the people and communities that our country is made of.

Just a month ago I sat under the big mine derick and wondered about it and what level of mining was going on.

On the 14th Nov. last year I visited the school and had a lovely time with the children and staff..... the children of the miners.

Explore Oz is just that..... as we explore we take a part of Oz back home with us... and as we share experiences.... we all get to have bit more of Oz.

Mining, disasters and the fabric of our communities all fit well with this forum...

IMHO Cheers

I agree with you completely. I remember how I thought it was a 'sell out', and have had problems with the 'on site' news broadcasts from channel 9.

Having said that though the bloke really did ask hard questions and stir the possums... and we do need people like that at times.

The issue of mine safety will need to be explored further and now was a very effective time to bring it up.

These trapped blokes are not just heros... they are victims too and questions need to be asked at some time.

Cheers

I'll back Bill Shorten to ask the hard questions and put the appropriate pressure on as needed.

Do you know if he tried to give it up, bluddy hard to do once hooked and remains difficult for a long time they say. I'm still fighting it some days but it's only been 7 months for me. I'll win coz I'm a winner but I understand how some have problems with chucking it.

Hang in there Mad Dog, my neighbour was a smoker and gave up - it can be done.

Kind regards

I agree Mad Dog.
Hang in there, life (and your good health)is too important to give up just for a smoke.
I believe the tobacco companies are guilty of genocide, and sadly they do so much to target young people to get more hooked on what is one of the most addictive drugs on the planet.
Don't let your guard down, especially when tired and after a few drinks. There is no such thing as the "occasional" smoke as it only re starts the process. It's just like a serious alcoholic- there is no such thing as just one.
I have had a few good friends and a very much loved relative die from complications from smoking- ALL were "light" smokers.
Cheers and good luck.

Thanks guys, no worries here I wont be smoking again even if it kills me :)
Apart from health the health benefits there is also the extra cash which comes in handy for purchasing fuel.

Damn ray, i can get em cheap from work now too lol

"I believe the tobacco companies are guilty of genocide"

...... and the alcohol companies aren't???

I agree about the damge of smoking and grog, also the power of those involved but all this $hit really gets up my nose. Yesterday listening to an argument as to why older drivers need additional testing because of one person making a mistake (serious I know). But lets put this into some perpective, we are all heading to old age and don't need someone to tell us when we can't drive because this flies in the face of freedom to smoke, drink and do party drugs whilst behind the wheel - at worse you get a fine for this but if you get old you'll lose your licence. What cr@p.

Kind regards

responsible use of alcohol has benefits.

You should all leave tobacco companies alone.

They pay very very well :D

Yes, he was a tough no punches pulled journo, who will sadly missed.
Pretty brave effort going into the Chernobyl control room!

No one's perfect

RIP

Greg