CROSS purposes

With Kenan Milham

It’s been over a year since Putin invaded Ukraine. The now famous battle cry: “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” has been printed all around the world. In a culture that idolizes the glitz of The Bachelor and measures importance in Tik Tok followers, “Glory to Ukraine” feels… di erent.

At home, we describe the ANZACS as our “glorious dead.” Why? Dying as one among thousands in the blood and mud of a foreign land doesn’t seem particularly glamorous. Show me the Instagram models volunteering for that!

And yet… deep down we know that those men’s sacrifice is more significant than the social media numbers of all the Kardashians put together.

In the Bible, Jesus is described as having “no beauty or majesty to attract us to him.” In fact, he was “despised and rejected by mankind, a man of su ering.” So… not someone who took selfies with adoring fans in front of a Bugatti. And yet this rejected man “poured out his life unto death… [and] bore the sin of many.” Jesus isn’t worth knowing because of empty glitz and celebrity, but because his death was glorious. Because he gave his life for someone else. You and me.

A BIG THUMBS DOWN to the dog owner on Sunday, April 2, who thought it OK to let his dog o lead to run around and then jump into one of the ponds in the Botanical Gardens. The ducks, going about their business, were frightened right out of the pond! This is not the first time we have witnessed this behaviour. Responsible pet owners like ourselves, know and respect that this is not a dog-free area. Come and join us by respecting the beautiful fauna and flora that makes the garden such a lovely place to walk through.

THUMBS UP While I was shopping at North Orange Woolworths today a meat item that I wanted was sold out. Cathy, an employee, was busy restocking the meat cabinets so I asked if or when the product might be back in store. She politely told me that she was unsure and I continued my shopping. Quite some time later, Cathy sought me out as she had found what I was looking for and had taken a trip around the store to see if I was still shopping. Thank you, Cathy, for going above and beyond! Woolworths, you have a gem on sta .

THUMBS UP to Bloomfield Medical Group for o ering a great service to patients outside of normal hours. It is very much appreciated by your patients. Many thanks to Dr Ben Milne who corrected my trainwreck foot, Dr Wu who took away all pain and everyone at Dudley who looked after me. Not my first visit to Dudley, but everyone there is great. I always feel not just cared for, but also cared about. Hospital stays are not necessarily pleasant, but Dudley manages to make it as good as possible.

A BIG THUMBS UP to Derek from ALDI. He went above and beyond assisting me after I lost my balance and dropped some of my groceries. He was very polite and a complete gentleman. Thank you, Derek.

A HUGE THUMBS UP to Grant, the postie for Westlea. He takes pride in his work and does it e ciently and with friendliness.

THUMBS DOWN to the old man in a golden Toyota near the Metro Hotel roundabout. Slow down, you nearly hit my car while I was trying to park.

THUMBS DOWN to the low-life idiot driving a silver sedan who hit the back of my car on Monday, April 3 at the tra c lights corner of Lords and Summer Street near the Commonwealth Bank who did not bother to stop. You need to start doing the right thing. Get some common sense and start caring about other people and their property.

A HUGE THUMBS UP to the Orange Regional Conservatorium for the magnificent concert “Australian Dreaming” on April 1. Congratulations to all who participated in this stunning event displaying the enormous talent, commitment and professionalism of the Con.

BIG THUMBS UP to Spring Hill school students who hand-delivered handmade Easter cards to residents. A lovely gesture. Thanks, too, to the sta at the school for escorting the kids and creating a good community vibe.

THUMBS UP to Jen at Sussan clothing shop. She is always so helpful and happy. We need to support our great local shops rather than shop online.

THUMBS UP to all the sta in St. Vincent De Paul. I would like to say thank you for your support and kindness to Ronnie. For looking after her all the times you did. And thank you Jan for being a great receptionist to all the customers. Happy Easter St. Vincent De Paul! God Bless you all.

THUMBS UP to the council for maintaining the remaining part of the old Country Club golf course on Forest Road. Keeping the grass cut and removing debris from trees fallen in the storms. Such a beautiful area to be able to walk and relax in such lovely surroundings.

THUMBS UP to the business, “I’ve got Wood” who were so helpful and helped me with a good wheelbarrow of wood on Tuesday, April 4. Will be back!

THUMBS DOWN to the people who continually park in the spaces reserved for parents with prams.

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