User talk:Oliver Nouther

Officer Ranks of the RAAF

The difference in colour is to symbolise the different layers of fabric as shown below. http://www.servicecomm.co.uk/media/image/products/49ba494129826.jpg — Preceding unsigned comment added by Darcy.cartwright (talk • contribs) 09:17, 15 March 2012 (UTC) Read incorrectly! My bad! Will update images and upload the new ones!!!!!!!!!!!! --darcy.cartwright | Talk | Contributions 09:26, 15 March 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Oz GG

Thank you. Exactly what I would have said if I wasn't so lazy. Pdfpdf (talk) 12:40, 4 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

No Worries! --Oliver Nouther (talk) 20:47, 4 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Chiefs of the Air Staff

Hi there, I notice you've been creating a few new CAS articles. You might've seen I've done a few of them myself; now the MilHist World War I contest is over I was planning to do a few more. Are you already under way with Ray Funnell? If so I'll get on to Les Fisher and then we can see who gets to Errol McCormack first - let me know. Also you probably won't be able to get away with fair use on any CAS still living, unfortunately, despite what the Defence site might say. Certainly Jake Newham's won't cut it because we have a PD shot (even if it's not a proper portrait). On the other hand, I've established a dialogue with a lady at RAAF Copyright and am negotiating possible free use under the GNU for all the post-1955 portraits. Can't promise anything but we'll see how we go... Cheers, Ian Rose (talk) 12:08, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Ian, Yep I have started research for Ray Funnell, more on James Rowland and David Evans. I'll leave Fisher etc to your experienced hands.

I tried the CAS shot as the one on the Geoff Shepherd seems to have got through the system.

Any ideas or suggestions are warmly welcomed!

Regards, --Oliver Nouther (talk) 12:13, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Cosgrove

What are you trying to achieve?
P.S. Do you know about a.k.a. ?
Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 12:08, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hi,
The previous version had the top row of ribbons off centre due to the Info Box on the right hand side...
I merely added lines until it worked! I will read up on a.k.a. ? when I get a chance.
Cheers, --Oliver Nouther (talk) 12:16, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Ah ha. I get it - it's a page-width thing.

Fair enough. Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 12:23, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

(P.S. I've taken the liberty of editing your reply to show you what does. Pdfpdf (talk) 12:23, 11 March 2010 (UTC))[reply]

Your'e a champ... I have removed the offending blank lines and added s and one more to fix the Personal header too.

--Oliver Nouther (talk) 12:28, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Your'e a champ... - Sadly, you are in the minority, but nevertheless I appreciate reading such things. Best wishes, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:47, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

11 out of 8?

OK, I'm hooked. Tell me about "This user has visited 11 of the 8 states and territories of Australia.". Pdfpdf (talk) 13:51, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Brilliant! I liked this User Box because is says 8 States or Territories and the link lists 16. In addition to the 8 I've been to Jervis Bay, Cocos Island and Norfolk Island. Glad someone took the bait. ;) Cheers, --Oliver Nouther (talk) 21:01, 11 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I always find something interesting on the States and territories of Australia page each time I look.

And I never tire of looking at File:Australia history.gif

Pdfpdf (talk) 12:06, 12 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm. It seems that infobox needs updating.

So: There's no arguement that there are 6 states. (At least, I don't think there is ... )

Then there are "two major mainland territories", which gives the 6 + 2 = 8.

But as you point out, there are others.

I always thought Jervis Bay was part of ACT, but apparently not! So 6 + 3 = 9.

Then there are these "External Territories" (an undefined term) of which there are (depending where you look) 1, 3 or 7. So 9 + 1, 3 or 7 = 10, 12 or 16.

Thus, the options are 8, 9, 10, 12 or 16.

To me, 16 would seem to be the "obvious" choice, but On-The-Other-Hand, 7 out of 8 looks much more impressive than 7 out of 16.

Hmmm. It seems that infobox needs updating!

Pdfpdf (talk) 12:06, 12 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I have to admit getting the Australian States and Territories from your User page because I thought it was amusing. I got the Islay one from elsewhere but have just noticed it on your Userbox page. Care for a Laphroig? --Oliver Nouther (talk) 00:31, 12 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

a) Only one?

b) Is the Pope catholic?

Pdfpdf (talk) 12:06, 12 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This user has visited 11 of the states and territories of Australia.

11

Comments?
Pdfpdf (talk) 12:47, 30 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Mmmm a bit cumbersome, I prefer the enigma! --Oliver Nouther (talk) 09:19, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Fair comment. OK, your turn ... Pdfpdf (talk) 10:20, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What about numerous? Boring? Its too late to be inspirational. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 12:40, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Since this template is in use on over 50 user pages, perhaps this discussion could take place on the talk page in order to best determine consensus? Regards, — Kralizec! (talk) 14:06, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm. Good point.

In the meantime, I'd better revert it. Pdfpdf (talk) 14:42, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

On second thoughts, I see Oliver had the right idea - why mention a total at all? After all, ~~none of the others do. e.g.~~ these two don't:

99	This user has set foot in 99 continents of the world.

9999

This user has visited 9999 of the 205 countries in the world.

Pdfpdf (talk) 15:00, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

For those interested enough, the discussion continues at User talk:Pdfpdf#Template:User Australian states and territories visited and User talk:Kralizec!#Oz template. Pdfpdf (talk) 12:59, 1 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

DYK for Neville McNamara

On March 25, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Neville McNamara, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 02:22, 25 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

AGSMK

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but there are a few problems with Australian General Service Medal Korea, and I don't know the answers. (I hope you do!)
I will not be offended in any way if you undo my edits, (as long as you address the problems!)
Meanwhile, good work on creation of the article. Well done.
Best wishes, Pdfpdf (talk) 12:21, 30 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yep the link to the Gazette website is a difficult one, I had a bit of trouble with it but have fixed. It was signed by GG 12 Mar 10, so thats the creation date, the press release was 12 Feb 10 by the Minister. The Bravery awards are completely different. I will correct your 'fix', correct the link and add some more info for you. Let me know what you think when I am done. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 09:19, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It looks pretty good to me.

(It will look even better if/when we can get images of the medal and/or ribbon.)

Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 15:03, 31 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I guess you noticed that User:PalawanOz has been busy? Pdfpdf (talk) 12:08, 14 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Sure have! Looks good. I assume the colours are right. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 19:46, 14 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I had a similar reaction. Here's the answer. By-the-way: He's also addressed your other "request". (You might want to drop him a thank you note ... ) Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 11:51, 15 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Images have been released here. I updated the ribbon, needed to darken the yellow ever so slightly. Also uploaded medal images to the Australian General Service Medal Korea page. PalawanOz (talk) 08:29, 19 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Once again top work! Pretty good colour match! Thanks.--Oliver Nouther (talk) 09:07, 19 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

BTW: The minister made an "information free" press release on Saturday saying that he had presented 3 of them, but saying absolutely NOTHING else new.

I rang his press secretary - she knew nothing. She disappeared for a few minutes, and then told me that the presentation had been on Thursday 15/4/2010. I asked to whom, where, and are there any photos. Her response was very polite, but was basicly: "I don't know. I'll get back to you. What's your phone number & email address?"

I'm waiting. Pdfpdf (talk) 12:34, 19 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Also BTW, last week I discovered this fancy template that I like. It's called {{od}}.

You use it like this:

Cute, isn't it! Pdfpdf (talk) 12:34, 19 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I guess that ticks the the medal will be available for dispatch to some eligible recipients before Anzac Day 2010 box!--Oliver Nouther (talk) 18:08, 19 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Stormin' Norman

RE: : It is regular practice for senior officers in combined HQs to wear a common rank insignia. I first noticed Stormin Norman wearing Saudi insignia in the 1st Gulf War.
I thought it was desert fatigues that he was wearing... B. Fairbairn (talk) 09:17, 9 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Sure is, he is wearing his US insignia but also check out the rank slide on his chest. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 16:43, 10 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry guys, I missed this conversation. Could you supply (some of) the missing links please? Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:12, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Check out Stars v Insignia --Oliver Nouther (talk) 13:23, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That's the answer I was after. Thanks. Pdfpdf (talk) 13:55, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think my link to the picture works any more. Image Google him and you'll fine one. Good night. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 13:57, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Wow!

You've been a busy boy! Good stuff!! Pdfpdf (talk) 13:09, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Ta ! Still more to be done.--Oliver Nouther (talk) 13:10, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That, my friend, is the story of life! Pdfpdf (talk) 13:55, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

icons

Thanks for the good spirited response! Pdfpdf (talk) 14:01, 27 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Abbreviating military titles

Hi Oliver. I'll respond on your Talk page because this looks like a matter of your expertise. In the List of Companions of the Order of Australia page I decapitalised those military titles that had been capitalised, for three reasons.

First: to make them consistent with those that were not (and still are not).
Second: to make them consistent with other titles, such as "Prof" (I don't think anybody writes "PROF").
Third: because I think the decapitalised form looks more appropriate in an encyclopedia.

Surely the decapitalised form is neither invalid nor offensive. (I was looking, because a friend of mine who is a "Prof" has just been awarded AO.) Hope you may agree. --Wikiain (talk) 04:56, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Wikian. Your conclusions are sensible and logical, but sadly, wrong.

The "official" Australian abbreviations are block caps.

Personally, I think it's ugly and I don't like it. And I support your logic and sentiments. But as I said: Sadly, we're both "wrong".

Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 05:39, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wow,I didn't even get a chance to respond. Certainly different professions and institutions abbreviate differently, using capitals is the standard for the ADF ranks. I guess the issue here is whether the abbreviation makes sense to the lay person reading the encyclopaedia? Cheers. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 07:28, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Oh dear. (This is going to sound extremely cynical, and perhaps a little depressing.) As with Wikian's statements, yours are sensible and logical. Sadly, however, "whether the abbreviation makes sense to the lay person reading the encyclopaedia" is (sadly) not relevant. I guess that's why we make use of hyperlinks from obscure abbreviations to an explanation? Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 08:23, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

This is good discussion and I won't repeat what I said. However, it seems relevant to progress thereof that what I said was robotted as dot-pointed although I had only said "First" etc. That is, and I could expand: capitalisation almost certainly will not affect linking. All that I will say now is that, to the best of my knowledge, nobody outside the military ever capitalises military or any other titles. Capitalisation within the military (which I had never come across before, but I was never called to have military experience) appears to be only a matter of administrative convenience. I have never seen, for example, Major-General Michael Jeffery using it or being used in reference to him. I think the smalls have it. --Wikiain (talk) 11:13, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

The smalls have it? While I have seen MAJGEN Jeffery used on numerous occasions I haven't seen a hyphen used. ;). If we are going to use abbreviations why wouldn't the correct, officially accepted ones be used? There are a number of references to the correct abbreviations. Editors shouldn't just make them up! I think the bigs have it. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 11:22, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

This could get funny... But where have you seen the bigs? I have only ever seen smalls, used by everybody, in the public sphere which is where WP is. Perhaps you would accept, as I would, the Australian War Memorial. --Wikiain (talk) 11:52, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry, that actually doesn't answer the point about abbreviation. However, at least Army publicity has used smalls. But, really, can we stay in the public sphere where bigs are NEVER used? As to hyphens, I do not argue. --Wikiain (talk) 12:04, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Oh dear Wikian - I've aready said, and explained why, you are wrong. With the greatest respect, what you (and I, and Oliver) have and haven't seen, and do and don't think, is irrelevant.

The simple fact is: the official AUSTRALIAN abbreviations are block caps.

And really, that shold be the end of that part of the conversation.

I really don't want to sound like I'm being rude about it, but, there really isn't any point or value in trying to weasel your way around it.

If you need an example that Oz is not completely out on a limb on this, the Yanks use block caps. (And no doubt others, too.) (Yank abbreviations are BG, MG & LG. I don't remember what they use for General).

Now, I could find and provide counter-examples to your questions/statements, but really, that's a big waste of my time, and anyway, you are just as capable of finding them as I am.

So, how about you just save everybody time and either take Oliver & my word for it, or go looking yourself?

I really don't like the turn in tone that my reply has taken, but you just don't seem to be able to accept the unpleasant but accurate answer we are giving you. Sorry.

In good faith, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:04, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Australian Defence Force Rank abbreviations

You may (or may not) find Talk:List of Companions of the Order of Australia#Australian Defence Force Rank abbreviations of interest. Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 02:01, 18 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Communication

I'm glad I could make you laugh! Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:45, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

~~As to: "why do we bother?" - Bloody good question! Let me know when you have the answer.~~

As to: "why do we bother?" The answer is 42.

Pdfpdf (talk) 13:51, 13 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

(P.S. I'm finished for tonight - Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:55, 13 June 2011 (UTC))[reply]

Sir Ralph Darling resign date 21 or 22 Oct

Hi Oliver I noticed that you reverted one of my edits on the Governor of New South Wales ‎ wikipage. I will give you that I made an error on the start date for Capt John Hunter, but I disagree on the resignation date of Sir Ralph Darling being incorrect. I think that if you do a little more research, you will find that Darling sailed on the "Hooghly" in disgrace on 22 October and so could not be in charge. There are many cases on the internet where 22 Oct is used, but there are quite a few good references that give 21 Oct. I provide you with the following links to state my case.

http://colsec.records.nsw.gov.au/indexes/colsec/d/F15c_da-de-04.htm http://books.google.com.au/books?id=PaUNAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA414&lpg=PA414 http://www.lawalmanacs.info/almanacs/nsw-law-almanac-1907.pdf?1227115597 http://www.archive.org/stream/britishcolonial01unkngoog/britishcolonial01unkngoog_djvu.txt to name a few.

I think what has happened is that the day he left the 22nd, is confused with the day of his resignation, signed on the 20th to take effect on the 21st.

Also, you state that it is not supported by other references, but the references on that page are almost all dead. There are seems to be no references on that page that gives a good chronological listing of Governors.

Interested in what you think David.moreno72 (talk) 07:13, 3 May 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, good references. I was using the book Clune, David; Turner, Ken. The Governors of New South Wales: 1788-2010 as the reference which has the 22nd of October. The Governor of NSW page needs a lot of referencing (it has been on my to do list for a while). The Governor of New South Wales official website has the same date but admittedly it is incorrect as they have missed Brisbane. --Oliver Nouther (talk) 23:47, 3 May 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Jubilees

Reverted to previous edit, the References denote the making of the award but NOT that they are in the Australian system. - Oh. That's disappointing. I thought you'd managed to resolve it! C'est la vie. Pdfpdf (talk) 13:14, 16 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

FTSE

Good! Now that's out of the way, maybe I can get back to how I prefer to spend my time. (And avoid raising dubious but probably deserved comments. No reflection on you, or any other wikipedians for that matter, but,) Maybe that might include enjoying reality before daylight saving ends? BTW: Where's that bottle of single malt? Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 10:26, 4 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I highly recommend the Laphroaig Quarter Cask for such occasions! Cheers, --Oliver Nouther (talk) 00:22, 5 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]

;-)

;-) More a case of "avoiding the issue"? (Which these days seems to be standard behaviour. Thus, is this the new definition of "political correctness"?) Pdfpdf (talk) 12:49, 8 May 2013 (UTC)[reply]

P.S. Where's that bottle of single malt? Empty again?? (Bother.) Pdfpdf (talk) 12:52, 8 May 2013 (UTC) [reply]

The Bugle: Issue LXXXVI, May 2013

Your Military History Newsletter

Project news: From the editors; awards and honours; contest results
Articles: Last month's new Featured and A-Class content
Book reviews: Dumelow on the French Foreign Legion and Nick-D on New Zealand military history
Op-ed: Nick-D on military history tourism

The Bugle is published by the Military history WikiProject. To receive it on your talk page, please join the project or sign up here.
If you are a project member who does not want delivery, please remove your name from this page. Your editors, Ian Rose (talk) and Nick-D (talk) 14:06, 22 May 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Unconvinced

This user enjoys watching pointless animations.

Like it!
Thanks for the email, but what would have stopped him doing the same thing before the rename?
(Oh yes: Thanks for the warning.) Pdfpdf (talk) 16:28, 19 June 2013 (UTC)[reply]
(P.S. If I sound grumpy, it's because I'm out of BOTH single malt AND cognac. Pdfpdf (talk) 16:28, 19 June 2013 (UTC))[reply]

Reminds me of 617SQN's motto "Après moi le déluge" or "After me, the flood". ;-) --Oliver Nouther (talk) 10:37, 21 June 2013 (UTC)[reply]