Open Thread – Christmas 2021


Adoration of the Shepherds, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1650.

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Dot
Dot
December 31, 2021 8:02 pm

The credit multiplier isn’t a secret, “Ted”.

Nor is the open market operations.

No one is covering these up. I think OMO should not exist or only operate on the basis of a zero inflation target in the long run.

If banks “create money out of thin air” then everyone’s loans are fraudulent.

You ought to stop conflating the credit multiplier with central bank issued fiat. They’re not necessarily connected. Yes banks benefit from inflation caused by central bank money issue. It can also screw up their asset liability management. I don’t expect laypeople to understand this as I only understood it after I studied it as a subject (basically the first half of a banking specialisation on top of most of the fin and econ subjects).

The central bank creates money out of nothing and they use banks as a conduit for this. It wouldn’t be an issue if they had a medium to long term inflation target of zero, but 2-3% is baked in, on top of crap like QE.

The left and orthodoxy are quite content with this, they want 2-3% inflation because they assume markets don’t clear or they regulate to the point where they cannot.

Now go back to being a regular arsehole, stop being such a rude arsehole.

Cassie of Sydney
December 31, 2021 8:02 pm

“Cassie said a while ago that there’s a few inlaid in the wall at an old Sydney building, perhaps the Customs House?”

Correct.

Runnybum
Runnybum
December 31, 2021 8:04 pm

Wow choo choo, you have convinced me, i often believed there was a difference between money & currency.
You are my hero…keep driving the trains.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:04 pm

The swastika is an old Hindu symbol for luck and longevity.

In truth, if I was superstitious and wanted something to stay reliable, I’d certainly arrange to scribe or rivet a few onto my machine tools.

You just don’t want that stuff to keel over on you at a bad moment.

Tell you what, though, I’d never seen a Soviet-made milling machine until I found one at an employer’s place in Kewdale last year.

Second-hand machines are fascinating- I’ve no idea where he got it from, nor how it got out of the Soviet Union and into Australia in the first place. But it did. And with a build date of 1956, it was a fascinating piece of industrial archaeology… 🙂

Cassie of Sydney
December 31, 2021 8:04 pm

Re. the swastika…I personally find it confronting but I don’t want to dig up the tiles at Customs House. I note that Labor hack and all round mediocrity named Walt Secord, here in the upper house of NSW, has called for a ban on the swastika (please note he hasn’t also called for the ban of the hammer and sickle)…so will Walt advocate for the digging up of the tiles at Customs House?

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:06 pm

You are my hero…keep driving the trains.

I do it out of love. 🙂

Unlike you being an invidious wretch for what seems to be the sake of it…

Cassie of Sydney
December 31, 2021 8:06 pm

“The swastika is an old Hindu symbol for luck and longevity. “

Yes, which is why the symbol is used by Brahmins on wedding invitations.

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
December 31, 2021 8:13 pm

A bit off topic:

Happy New Year to all Cats.

Particular thanks to dover for hosting this blog and providing a platform for some, a safe space for others, and a toilet wall for a few.
Well played, sir.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:16 pm

What the Doc said.

As I said (albeit slightly muffled thanks to mask mandates at public indoor sites- Let’s Go Mark! 😀 ) to several shop staff folk this afternoon:

Things Can Only Go Up From Here!

Megan
Megan
December 31, 2021 8:18 pm

The Swastika is an ancient Sanskrit symbol.

My grandmother was an accomplished lacemaker in the mills of Manchester. I have inherited a linen tablecloth from her trousseau she made before her wedding in 1921 that has a beautiful, finely detailed swastika lace edging around it.

Needless to say, barely used.

Pedro the Loafer
Pedro the Loafer
December 31, 2021 8:20 pm

Just catching up with the OT and commenters view of Canberra’s AWM.

I visited the Australian War Memorial (pre Covid) when on a business trip to the barren and soulless plains of Canberra, having put aside a half a day for the visit there.

As it turned out, I booked into my hotel at Ainslie for an extra two days and spent most of the time wandering round the AWM, chatting with the very knowledgeable guides, most of whom seemed to be old Diggers and only too eager to flesh out the stories behind the exhibits.

The presentation of the place is fabulous, the artefacts and their history are priceless and among the most impressive was the light and sound show surrounding the Lancaster bomber G-George.

Recording of actual intercom transmissions among the crew, you could not help but wonder at the cool and laconic messages as the searchlights probed and the anti aircraft fire exploded around them. “Brave” doesn’t come close to describing these heroes who climbed into those lumbering old aircraft night after night, knowing their chances of making it home were pretty slim.

Easily the most impressive and memorable place I have ever visited.

Megan
Megan
December 31, 2021 8:21 pm

I agree with the swastika being confronting, Cassie. I find it so given what it came to represent. But I still can’t bring myself to toss out all the work (and love) my gran put in to that tablecloth.

Cassie of Sydney
December 31, 2021 8:24 pm

“I agree with the swastika being confronting, Cassie. I find it so given what it came to represent. But I still can’t bring myself to toss out all the work (and love) my gran put in to that tablecloth.”

And nor would I want you to toss it out. Your gran’s tablecloth is precious.

Tintarella di Luna
Tintarella di Luna
December 31, 2021 8:25 pm

you shitwit.

hmmmm there’s a new one I hadn’t seen before – it may come in handy next year.

Dot
Dot
December 31, 2021 8:26 pm

https://www.christian.org.uk/news/bbc-uses-call-the-midwife-to-promote-abortion-once-again/

I wonder if this show runs until 2034, if President of England Trixie convince the world of the brilliance of Indira Ghandi’s blunt and coercive “population control”.

Dot
Dot
December 31, 2021 8:28 pm

convinces/will convince

Top Ender
Top Ender
December 31, 2021 8:29 pm

Hey Lizzie, give me a call when next down in the ACT – we are just over the border in NSW. Mrs TE does a mean scone.

Tintarella di Luna
Tintarella di Luna
December 31, 2021 8:31 pm

The duff duff noise has been making the walls of the lounge room vibrate and has done now for 90 minutes – The Big Boy is highly sensitive to noise (though no slouch in the noise department himself but that’s a different matter) he was banging his head, the walls and the glass doors to the back deck.

I have moved him to his little TV room next to his bedroom – he’s much calmer now — I will be moving down there shortly lest my head start pounding too.

Happy New Year everyone – with fingers-crossed that it be so.

Frank
Frank
December 31, 2021 8:31 pm

Aren’t the Indian and Nazi versions of the swastika mirror images of each other.

Ed Case
Ed Case
December 31, 2021 8:32 pm

Is there still a shallow pool at the WM that people toss coins into?

Anyway, Riccardo Bosi first appeared here as Grigory P, he used to post creepy South Park/Felix the Cat style cartoons aimed at Labor Party figures.
Moving along, one day he chucked a wobbly and changed his handle because he didn’t want readers confusing him with [the unfailingly polite] Grigory M.
That’s when I started to suspect that perhaps he wasn’t a Legit part of the Libertarian Centre Right.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:33 pm

hmmmm there’s a new one I hadn’t seen before – it may come in handy next year.

Sorry Tinta.

White-collar upbringing, but my formative were very green-collar, and my latter-day professional years have been very blue-.

This is one of the milder non culturally-specific ones I learnt…

Dot
Dot
December 31, 2021 8:33 pm

Sure Brad? I think?

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/coronavirus/brad-hazzard-urges-increased-take-up-of-covid-vaccine-says-majority-of-icu-patients-are-unvaccinated/news-story/a7dacd36c6ddab32d37049aa34b3d1bd

“Today we have 69 people in our intensive care, in our hospitals across the state, 39 of those are not vaccinated,” Mr Hazzard said on Friday.

“As Health Minister on behalf of our entire public health team – whether it’s the nurses, the doctors, the paramedics, all emergency staff – please just think about them and go and get vaccinated.

He may have a point.

“And as I’ve said, we are all probably going to get this virus at some point in the next year or two as it’s going to be around for a long while.”

Why would everyone get it if 95% of the population was vaccinated Brad?

Top Ender
Top Ender
December 31, 2021 8:33 pm

The Pancho Villa Expedition 1916 sounds like the making of a good film.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:34 pm

Anyway, Riccardo Bosi first appeared here as Grigory P

OK, now. that’s actually funny

Grigs is claiming Riccardo Bosi as one of his socks…

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:34 pm

[the unfailingly polite] Grigory M.

Fuck off, Grigory.

Miss Anthropist
Miss Anthropist
December 31, 2021 8:38 pm

Why anyone would be worried about what someone else says about them on the internet is beyond me.
People don’t give offence, it is taken.
It is anonymous.
Some people should grow up.
Kiss my arse.

Miss Anthropist
Miss Anthropist
December 31, 2021 8:40 pm

Top Ender,
Been done. Might have been a wee smidgeon of historical licence.

Boambee John
Boambee John
December 31, 2021 8:40 pm

Pedro

The presentation of the place is fabulous, the artefacts and their history are priceless and among the most impressive was the light and sound show surrounding the Lancaster bomber G-George.

Did you see the WW I aerial combat light and sound show? It was done by Peter Jackson of LotR fame. Back story is that the then Director proudly showed the Lancaster show to Jackson during a visit in the early noughties, and asked what he thought. Jackson responded along the lines that it was OK in a 1990s clunky way, and offered to do a WW I show for the Memorial.

Apparently, most of it is CGI, but there were three replica WW I aircraft in the show, owned by Jackson.

Ed Case
Ed Case
December 31, 2021 8:40 pm

Aren’t the Indian and Nazi versions of the swastika mirror images of each other.

Versions of the Swastika are uncountable.
Some have short facets through the upper part the vertical members, basically it symbolises a couple engaged in Coitus.
It can be a good luck symbol, though it also affects viewers on an emotional level.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:41 pm

As it turned out, I booked into my hotel at Ainslie for an extra two days and spent most of the time wandering round the AWM, chatting with the very knowledgeable guides, most of whom seemed to be old Diggers and only too eager to flesh out the stories behind the exhibits.

My first school excursion in Year 11 led me to want a job as a Military Historian, even to the point of writing to the Army History Unit to find out what might be involved.

18 months later, I’d become one by default in the Army Reserve. A Custodian of (at the time and in that Regiment) some 100-odd years of History, Tradition and Battle Honours in the Hunter and New England region, stretching all the way back to the Boer War…

Tintarella di Luna
Tintarella di Luna
December 31, 2021 8:42 pm

Sorry Tinta.

no apology necessary Rex Anger – it’s a boon to the insult larder where I keep my insults for the folly-muppets – besides I’m a farmeer’s daughter so earthy language is close to home

Miss Anthropist
Miss Anthropist
December 31, 2021 8:42 pm

Rex,
Blue collar? Not a RAAFie. That isn’t very heterosexual.

Megan
Megan
December 31, 2021 8:43 pm

Mrs TE does a mean scone.

My scones are all light-hearted and kind. Sorry you have to put up with the meanness.)

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:43 pm

It can be a good luck symbol, though it also affects viewers on an emotional level.

In which case, put it away Grigory.

Megan
Megan
December 31, 2021 8:44 pm

I’m a farmeer’s daughter so earthy language is close to hom

The Prince blames my being dragged up in Fitzroy.

Ed Case
Ed Case
December 31, 2021 8:46 pm

Film on Zapata, circa 1970, he was a Mestizo Nationalist Leader around 1910.
Don’t remember any American Films about Pancho Villa, Mexico may have made a few.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:46 pm

Rex,
Blue collar? Not a RAAFie. That isn’t very heterosexual.

Nah. Traditional blue-collar.

I spent a year breaking wheel rims for sandblasting and repairs, and learning to paint the finished product before I started on the railways this year.

Though I was seriously looking at applying for Ground Defence Officer position at one stage when my med science career abruptly wound up.

Because someone needs to show them how to do that ground-fighting thing properly… 😉

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
December 31, 2021 8:47 pm

Thinking of you Tinta, and Happy New Year to you and the Sunbather.
Thank you too for letting your favorite Saint have a look at me and mine.
One of my adult sons still has severe Sinovitis in both wrists, caused by the second Pfizer.
No-one will admit it of course, nor give him an MRI under Medicare (I had to pay for it, which proved what it was) except my sister, good old GP of years experience and now a specialist (retired). She has no doubt whatsoever that it is an auto-immune reaction, she’s seen it before with other vaccinations. Sadly she cannot treat him. Please keep that special Saint looking in for him. We are trying to get him some better treatment. Good luck too with your Big Boy over the celebratory duff duffing.

Tintarella di Luna
Tintarella di Luna
December 31, 2021 8:48 pm

The Prince blames my being dragged up in Fitzroy.

So you got a good grounding then Megan??

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
December 31, 2021 8:49 pm

My scones are rock cakes. It’s better to call them that, so people are not taken unawares. 🙂

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:49 pm

Don’t remember any American Films about Pancho Villa, Mexico may have made a few.

Grigory’s goofle-fu fails again.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancho_Villa_(film)

1972. British/American/Spanish co-production.

Have you dubbined Mummy yet? I can hear her starting to crackle from here…

Tintarella di Luna
Tintarella di Luna
December 31, 2021 8:52 pm

Please keep that special Saint looking in for him. We are trying to get him some better treatment. Good luck too with your Big Boy over the celebratory duff duffing.

Everyday Lizzie, everyday. All the best to you and Hairy and so glad you taking some getaway time — vis a vis the vaccine damage — is your son able to access the ScumMo ‘We admit there are dangers ‘ fund for those damaged by the vaccines?

rickw
rickw
December 31, 2021 8:55 pm

Second-hand machines are fascinating- I’ve no idea where he got it from, nor how it got out of the Soviet Union and into Australia in the first place. But it did. And with a build date of 1956, it was a fascinating piece of industrial archaeology… ?

Did it’s build plate have “Stanko” on it? This was one of their export brands. The USSR exported quite a few machinetools to Australia in the 50’s to 70’s. Generally very heavily built and reasonably well made, certainly not junk. One lathe I looked at had been shipped with a complete set of spare bearings and gears for the headstock. Clearly the design brief / order was “must still be serviceable after 100 years of use”.

Runnybum
Runnybum
December 31, 2021 8:55 pm

Ya gotta admit choo choo has had more adventures than noddy.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
December 31, 2021 8:56 pm

Time for Hairy’s cooked fish dinner. And we may go up to join all the neighbours at midnight in the reserve above us where the bridge fireworks are visible. Cracking open some champagne perhaps?

Sad little party dress now hanging up in the wardrobe with nowhere to go right now. …. 🙁
Next year perhaps. Always look on the bright side. 2022, here come the Cats and Kittehs!

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:56 pm

Did it’s build plate have “Stanko” on it? This was one of their export brands

I think it did…

Tintarella di Luna
Tintarella di Luna
December 31, 2021 8:56 pm

My scones are rock cakes. It’s better to call them that, so people are not taken unawares

Made scones only once in my life — for, of all people, my mother-in-law whose scones were so light she had to throw a tea-towel over them to stop them floating away. Needless to say they were ninja stars — she was very polite, I should have just served up some panettone or some amaretti morbidi — but being the first and only wog to marry into the Sunbathers very Anglo family I wanted to fit in. Ha!

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 8:57 pm

Ya gotta admit choo choo has had more adventures than noddy

You are welcome to feel jealous and small, anklebiter.

It is an unfortunate indictment on you and your character, but if that is how you wish to live your life and relate to others, then who am I to get in your way…

rickw
rickw
December 31, 2021 9:01 pm

finely detailed swastika lace edging around it.

Needless to say, barely used.

Come on Megan, unleash your inner garage nazi!

My ex sister in laws name was Swastika. I used to call her Hitler to her siblings amusement.

Megan
Megan
December 31, 2021 9:10 pm

So you got a good grounding then Megan??

Built upon the strong intro provided bymy former RN CPO grandad who could curse for 20 minutes without repeating himself.

Tintarella di Luna
Tintarella di Luna
December 31, 2021 9:14 pm

Built upon the strong intro provided bymy former RN CPO grandad who could curse for 20 minutes without repeating himself.

. Wow, that some pedigree Megan.

Miss Anthropist
Miss Anthropist
December 31, 2021 9:17 pm

If I could be bothered to walk to the other side of the ward I could have seen the fireworks.
I’m trying to finish off some rather heavy reading so I’ll wish everyone a happy new year.
Who will be the first for the year on the new open thread?
Find out tomorrow.
Best wishes to all for 2022. Please don’t tell my acquaintances I said that.

Rabz
December 31, 2021 9:18 pm

the tiles at Customs House

There’s an ornate ol’ gazebo style crypt in Rookwood that’s full of those symbols (err, mosaic swastikas, that is).

Laid before the nayzees were a thing (my guess is the 1920s).

Rabz
December 31, 2021 9:21 pm

If I could be bothered to walk to the other side of the ward I could have seen the fireworks

I’m having no trouble hearing the bloody things, that’s for sure. Was about to go out and give the neighbores a blast (“stop disrupting mah Rock ‘n’ Roll, you infuriating imbeciles”) when I realised what it actually was …

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 9:26 pm

Built upon the strong intro provided bymy former RN CPO grandad who could curse for 20 minutes without repeating himself.

It’s one of those unwritten requirements of being an NCO. With progressively increasing levels of mastery as you gain rank.

#MurderOfCorporals

Boambee John
Boambee John
December 31, 2021 9:32 pm

Rex A

It’s one of those unwritten requirements of being an NCO. With progressively increasing levels of mastery as you gain rank.

Read in a book about the British Army years ago, about an alleged incident in which a REME sergeant emerged from the engine bay of a tank to announce in a loud voice that “The fvcking fvcker’s fvcking fvcked”.

A prize for the most informative use of a single core word?

johanna
johanna
December 31, 2021 9:34 pm

OMG, it’s Dear Diary by Lizzie (age 13) again.

Today I sorted my love letters into alphabetical order, to make a change from chronological order. Got to keep life interesting! Then, I made up a food parcel for my peasant relatives, and braved muddy roads and a strong breeze to deliver it. They were so grateful!

Some silly boys and girls along the road threw stones at me. I don’t know why.

My ankle is still sore after Snowdrop threw me, but both Dr Leach (our General Practitioner) and the specialist he called in, Mr Johnson, say that with appropriate treatment it should heal. So kind.

I got another love letter today from the heir to the massive estate next door.

Sigh. I suppose I shall have to answer it. We all have responsibilities.

Boambee John
Boambee John
December 31, 2021 9:34 pm

Or should I have said “root word”?

calli
calli
December 31, 2021 9:36 pm

Re. the swastika…I personally find it confronting but I don’t want to dig up the tiles at Customs House.

Or just about every copy of Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So” stories.

I look at my copy and think Thunbergian thoughts…how dare they. Such a potent symbol, abused and debased.

Like a cross around a gangsta rapper’s neck.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 9:37 pm

A prize for the most informative use of a single core word?

Pretty good.

After all, one of the core skills you gain from a military career of any length is the capacity to use the word ‘fuck’ 11 times in a 12 word sentence.

And still come out perfectly understandable.

(We’ll save the concept of military folk being able to hold entire meaningful and productive conversations comprised solely of acronyms and profanity for another time… 😉 )

calli
calli
December 31, 2021 9:45 pm

Because I’m feeling rather venerable tonight, I will wish all here a Happy New Year now.

The house is full to bursting with small children and fractious adults just back from watching the kiddie fireworks at the Bay. I stayed home with Mr 2 who is a little young just yet. Watched Rogue One (my favourite Star Wars) and a couple of glasses of Lodge Hill. Mellow.

I will make a broad brush prediction. Next year will be better.

MatrixTransform
December 31, 2021 9:49 pm

year of the tiger … 2022

Real Deal
Real Deal
December 31, 2021 9:49 pm

Ben Hall’s story varies according to who is telling the tale. The locals held a Kangaroo Court to try him not long ago and found him innocent (he was never tried). The best known song is here. And here is one about the men of the Lachlan, men like Ben. Ben and his mate Gilbert carved their names in a bench outside a slab hut where they were visiting a girl; you can see a remnant of the bench with the carved names in the museum. Up close and personal with the lads.

Lizzie, the Melbourne country rock band, “Stars” had a great song about Ben Hall called “Land of Fortune”. Great song and rather sympathetic to Hall.

Real Deal
Real Deal
December 31, 2021 9:51 pm

Meant to say Land of Fortune song is from 1979 and is on YouTube.

Franx
Franx
December 31, 2021 9:54 pm

2022 has a lovely ring to it. Easy on the senses. Needs less concentration than 2021. Fireworks going off already in town, and that augurs well, so much better than 2021. But no, without being ungrateful, 2021 was a good year; so many people did so well in that difficult time. Howzat. Well done and thanks, this site. Happy new year.
Ps we hear them yet unless on site we get to see the fireworks as reflections in buildings. Simulacra of the simulations of joy.
So 2022 I mean to get real.
Again, happy new year.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
December 31, 2021 9:55 pm

Okay.

Just watched something called Money Masters on youtoob.

Turns out the RBA is indirectly owned and completely controlled by the Queensland Freemasons.

I know right? Runnybird, applause to you for bringing this to my attention.

Megan
Megan
December 31, 2021 10:00 pm

If everything continues to proceed as it should, I hope to have a fellow tiger grandchild to roar with by mid 2022. That event alone will make it a much, much better year.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 10:00 pm

Queensland Freemasons.

That’s completely wrong, if my mates in the Goblin Illuminati and Norfolk Island Mafia have anything to say about it…

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 10:06 pm

Year of the Tiger, you say?

I believe the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns is well on track to have its own example fully restored and in running order in 2022.

Quite appropriate, I reckon… 🙂

Rockdoctor
Rockdoctor
December 31, 2021 10:09 pm

Honestly what is it with Freemasons and this oooh aaah spooky type image. There are lodges in just about every town in Australia. A mate years ago could have joined as his dad was fairly high up, he had no wish. From what I was told it sounded like a pre-internet Linkedin type of thing. Networking and connections.

The again I might be as a Gen X type a bit young.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
December 31, 2021 10:13 pm

Anyway, Sliante to all on the Cat. Crayfish and Greek salad for dinner, washed down with Veuve Cliquiot and a couple or three of single malts.

A Happy and Prosperous 2022 to all on the Cat!

Baba
Baba
December 31, 2021 10:22 pm

Was Papa John Creach the best fiddle player ever?

https://youtu.be/n6kIJnZu4IU

Miltonf
Miltonf
December 31, 2021 10:23 pm

Love your analysis Joanna

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
December 31, 2021 10:25 pm

RD,

I am in no way anti-Mason. In no way.

Runnybird seems to be convinced that a certain group is behind the inner workings of the RBA. I picked another group at random.

I should have said the Queensland Lions Club.

Frank
Frank
December 31, 2021 10:32 pm

From what I was told it sounded like a pre-internet Linkedin type of thing. Networking and connections.

Don’t forget the paddlin’. Also the aprons, but mainly the paddlin’.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 10:32 pm

I should have said the Queensland Lions Club

Nuh.

The Grong Grong Football Club…

Rockdoctor
Rockdoctor
December 31, 2021 10:35 pm

KD no issues, just since I was a kid have heard all sorts of spooky stuff about masons. I am just genuinely curious where the legend came from, seems quite benign organisation in modern times, though with a few quirky customs to me. Bit like Royal Order of the Buffalo.

Didn’t mean to derail your line of argument but the depth of knowledge in this place hopefully someone would scratch an itch that has perplexed me for quite a while now.

Rockdoctor
Rockdoctor
December 31, 2021 10:37 pm

Frank, this sort of Paddlin’?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKiLfH3DVGc

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
December 31, 2021 10:38 pm

After all, one of the core skills you gain from a military career of any length is the capacity to use the word ‘fuck’ 11 times in a 12 word sentence.

Disagree. I always thought the true masters of the art could remind you of your total unworthiness to serve Her Majesty, in any capacity bar the most menial, without using a single obscenity.

From out of my past, there comes the rising bellow of an infantry R.S.M. in full cry

“Now listen young……you horrible disgusting creature. You addresses a lady officer as “Ma’am” and NOT “Madam” because a MADAM IS A CREATURE WHAT RUNS A BROTHEL!!! GETTIT? GOTTIT? GOOD!”

I saw him on the street one day, in civilian clothing, and he didn’t resemble the God – like creature, who could eat three lance corporals, without salt, before breakfast…

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
December 31, 2021 10:38 pm

Was that the Black Prince? He had a high opinion of himself.

PS, do you know an ex-RAAFie who worked on some aircraft restorations. UH 1 man, first name Dennis?

I don’t think the Black Prince was a Director if its the guy I’m thinking of and he’s on his last legs sad to say only three years older than me. He also got things done. Dennis doesn’t ring a bell. The dyke brigade drove out any talent and promoted the hopeless.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 10:41 pm

KD no issues, just since I was a kid have heard all sorts of spooky stuff about masons. I am just genuinely curious where the legend came from

Some of the more cult-like religiosity concentrated in the highest echelons of the organisation.

Added to the fact you historically found them amongst all the highest movers and shakers in society for a long time.

Frank
Frank
December 31, 2021 10:42 pm

Frank, this sort of Paddlin’?

If someone you the brothers would have to kill you.

Frank
Frank
December 31, 2021 10:43 pm

If someone told you…

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
December 31, 2021 10:47 pm

Had my 16 month grandson over today helping. He likes to help and doesn’t break as many things as his Nan when she helps. I can’t believe how beautiful he is. Best for everyone especially the little ones, they’re gonna need it. The pain and the drugs have caught up, time for bed. Toodle Pip.

DrBeauGan
DrBeauGan
December 31, 2021 10:58 pm

Abbey nude ear to everyone. It’s just short of 20:00 here and I doubt if I’ll stay up. Rather arbitrary points along the Earth’s orbit don’t interest me.

Rabz
December 31, 2021 11:01 pm

Year of the Tigger

Sacré bleu! Having one (or more) of those outsized metal monsters lumbering towards you on the steppes in ’43 or Normandy in ’44 would have been bloody terrifying …

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
December 31, 2021 11:09 pm

Watching Choomah Island 3 – Denouement.

A fitting way to end 2021.

Rex Anger
Rex Anger
December 31, 2021 11:12 pm

Sacré bleu! Having one (or more) of those outsized metal monsters lumbering towards you on the steppes in ’43 or Normandy in ’44 would have been bloody terrifying …

Several were abandoned and captured during Operations Epsom and Goodwood post-Normandy, Rabz. The Pom tankies in particular were awed, based on some of the Regimental histories I have read.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
December 31, 2021 11:12 pm

Sacré bleu! Having one (or more) of those outsized metal monsters lumbering towards you on the steppes in ’43 or Normandy in ’44 would have been bloody terrifying …

Watching your anti tank rounds bounce off the armor wouldn’t chuff you to little green mint balls, either…

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
December 31, 2021 11:24 pm

Several were abandoned and captured during Operations Epsom and Goodwood post-Normandy, Rabz.

Don’t have an exact reference, but James Holland’s (excellent) on the Normandy campaign claims a high percentage of Tiger tanks were lost because they ran out of fuel, or broke down, at the wrong time and place.

H B Bear
H B Bear
December 31, 2021 11:36 pm

“You know that Rapid Antigen Test we said you need to have on Day 6? It turns out we don’t have any and you don’t need it anyway.”
“Yeah, it’s on medical advice.”
“No you can’t see it.”

Dot
Dot
December 31, 2021 11:51 pm

Built upon the strong intro provided bymy former RN CPO grandad who could curse for 20 minutes without repeating himself.

Outstanding.

Dot
Dot
December 31, 2021 11:53 pm

Knuckle Draggersays:
December 31, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Watching Choomah Island 3 – Denouement.

A fitting way to end 2021.

Happy New Year, Dr K.

But take ya fucken research with ya!

H B Bear
H B Bear
December 31, 2021 11:53 pm

Grampian Nazis v Queensland Masons. Who wins?

Thefrollickingmole
Thefrollickingmole
December 31, 2021 11:56 pm

One of our town ladies has seen off 2021 in style.

Stepping on a whip snake ( probably) at 0600, me mummying up her leg from toe to top of the leg then RFDS to town.
Only a little snake 10” or so but they detected a bit of poison in her bloods.
And to really tempt fate she had her second vax shot today.
Hope she’s used up all her bad luck for the coming year already.

Arky
December 31, 2021 11:59 pm

Civilisation is over.
There is a party next door.
There is no music as an actual human from any other time in history or place in culture would recognise it.
Just the same beat over and over again for hours and hours.
Doof Doof Doof, de de de de doof doof…
I don’t get it.

Arky
January 1, 2022 12:00 am

I mean, there aren’t even any lyrics or human voices or even any faintly interesting electronic bits.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
January 1, 2022 12:01 am

Goodbye 2021.

And take ya fuckin’ research with ya!

Thefrollickingmole
Thefrollickingmole
January 1, 2022 12:02 am

Arky misses tunes of sophistication and grace from his heydays.

Stuff like this.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=njRE9TQynZQ

Crossie
Crossie
January 1, 2022 12:03 am

I’m watching the fireworks on TV and the local ones from my veranda.

Crossie
Crossie
January 1, 2022 12:05 am

It seems a lot of people in my area bought fireworks. It’s fabulous!

Happy New Year 2022 and may it be kinder to all of us.

Megan
Megan
January 1, 2022 12:05 am

Happy New Year, fellow Cats! A blessed farewell to the challenges and science of 2021 and a big hello to 2022 and the opportunity to do better.

It can’t be that hard.

MatrixTransform
January 1, 2022 12:05 am

thank fuck that’s over

Arky
January 1, 2022 12:08 am

thank fuck that’s over

..
It’s not over until I say it’s over.
I hereby declare this year as 2021 Part 2: The Shittening.

Thefrollickingmole
Thefrollickingmole
January 1, 2022 12:09 am

Is it too early to remind people that hope was the last of the horrors in Pandora’s box and soon 2021 will be “ the good old days”…

Hope everyone has a better one this year anyway.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
January 1, 2022 12:10 am

Just the same beat over and over again for hours and hours.
Doof Doof Doof, de de de de doof doof…

They’re playing the same music next door – in protest, I’m playing “Chanson Des Partisans” and “Tiens, Viola Le Boudin” at full throttle , but I don’t expect their tiny, uncultured, little minds to have the slightest idea….local cops will be along soon…

Arky
January 1, 2022 12:10 am

Or is it 2020 Part 3: The Shit Strikes Back?

Rockdoctor
Rockdoctor
January 1, 2022 12:11 am

Happy New Year y’all…

Thefrollickingmole
Thefrollickingmole
January 1, 2022 12:12 am

200 people rioted in Feraldton on Boxing Day.
In Rangeway.
Which explains why it’s both not really reported, and everything you need to know about who was likely to be involved.

Arky
January 1, 2022 12:15 am

.. They’re playing the same music next door

..
Music? You’re a generous man.

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Border Closure

Arky’s neighbours must have brothers, who live next door to me.

Crossie
Crossie
January 1, 2022 12:19 am

I think Arky’s neighbours have family in every suburb in Australia, I’m surprised my neighbour’s house is quiet tonight, must be at someone else’s party.

Indolent
Indolent
January 1, 2022 12:19 am

Happy New Year everyone.

Arky
January 1, 2022 12:19 am

It’s so bad, I’d kill for bagpipes right now.

MatrixTransform
January 1, 2022 12:21 am

wished the missus a happy new year and held out my arms
she moved in, “pash… pash … new year’s pash”, she says.

lasted a second

dont pash or everybody gets covid

Arky
January 1, 2022 12:24 am

Oh great. It’s coming back around to that part that sounds like someone tipped five kilograms of half inch UNC nuts and bolts into a washing machine…

Rabz
January 1, 2022 12:26 am

Happy new year, Cats, although it will probably be worse than the last two years combined.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
January 1, 2022 12:26 am

It’s so bad, I’d kill for bagpipes right now.

If somebody can link to the howlingly lovely Scots lass, preforming “Loch Lomand”…

Rabz
January 1, 2022 12:32 am

Arks – just go with it, Squire. Grab the heaviest pot or pan in the kitchen you can quickly rustle up and start bashing your head with it.

Repeatedly.

Think of it as an example of performance art, if nothing else: “Arks re-enacting Australia’s response to Bat Flu from February 2020 on …” 🙂

You know it makes sense … 😕

areff
areff
January 1, 2022 12:57 am

Tina Arena doing in Black in Black sorta sums up 2021.

srr
srr
January 1, 2022 1:09 am

Dug out the dirt in 2021, planted the little feller’s tree in 2022, found the pup to be as solid with all manner of nearby explosives going off as the dog. who’s as solid as a rock, joyfully chatted with the distant family … I hope everyone has a New Year as grand as all all the other stuff I’m not free to talk about.

MatrixTransform
January 1, 2022 1:11 am

Tina Arena doing in Black in Black

what’s with the space suits?

that was weird

MatrixTransform
January 1, 2022 1:13 am

one thing I noticed in the burbs was that it was very very subdued

things aint right

areff
areff
January 1, 2022 1:22 am

missed the space suits.

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:11 am

Next door neighbours gone to bed.
My turn, bitches.
The chain, Fleetwood Mac, Fucking eleventy.
Anyone else want to fuck with me?

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:14 am
Arky
January 1, 2022 2:14 am

You loving me now, fuckers?

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:15 am

Listen to the wind blow, homos.

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:19 am

Watch the sun rise…
With a hangover to the tune of a two stroke at full noise…

bespoke
bespoke
January 1, 2022 2:19 am

callisays:
December 31, 2021 at 11:55 am
On “niceness”. I take your point. Some of us are natural (or perhaps more accurately, acquired) peacemakers.

The need to be seen as ‘nice’ can be very toxic. On the extreme end you have battered wives repeatedly forgiving and ending up dead. It can make you blind to the obvious sines.

Every one of those cases likely has an enabler that thought he was a quiet, helpful etc.

When people continue to excuse/enable out of solidarity they forget there are other parties involved that bare the real world consequences.

And we’ve both read many stories of men and women who are very good at playing the victim exploiting genuine empathy.

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:20 am

I can go days without sleep
You?

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:24 am

Hear that?
That’s Stevie Nicks.
Screeching her syphillitic lungs out.
Get used to that.
That’s all you are going to hear every time your head hits the pillow.
Cunts.

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:28 am

I can still hear you say, you’re never going to break the chain…

srr
srr
January 1, 2022 2:29 am

If they can do it in California, what the hell’s wrong with Australians –

Royal?Peasant @Shazlandia
10m
·
Here’s how it’s done?
After thousands of parents and children refused to comply, the California School District was forced to reverse its COVID19 VaccineMandates, after a San Diego judge struck down the order.
https://greatgameindia.com/california-children-refused-vaccine/

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:30 am

Wow.
Bespoke actually becomes literate after midnight.

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:33 am

Damn your love, damn your lies…

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:34 am

Whiskey, baileys and milk.
Don’t judge me, cunts.

srr
srr
January 1, 2022 2:36 am

Happy New Year, New Mind & New Life –

The role of doubt in a life of faith | John Lennox

Jan 1, 2022
The Veritas Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6soFUlzEIoQ

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:37 am

Running in the shadows…

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:40 am

Teeing The Chain up for the fourteenth time.
You feel me?
Doof Doof Doof it ain’t’t.
You likey?

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:43 am

People who mistake me for a nice guy make a huge mistake.
A warning to the terminally stupid and the musically illiterate.

bespoke
bespoke
January 1, 2022 2:54 am
Arky
January 1, 2022 2:56 am

anyway.
Bespoke.
I know you have had it hard.
All the best to you in 2021 bloke.

Arky
January 1, 2022 2:57 am

Or 2022 even.

Arky
January 1, 2022 3:24 am

Alcohol poisoning.
Great way to start Thea year.

Helen
Helen
January 1, 2022 3:34 am

Yeah well hope this year is better for you one and all

No brilliant would be better

Hope this year is brilliant

Some brats with crackers woke me up at 12.30 I thought about ringing the police and then nah what sort of an old bag thing would that be. Go for it chillen.

Now I smell smoke, best check the house is safe.

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Border Closure

Just closed up now.
Verrrry quiet, far more quiet than could normally be expected.

Vaccination requirement to enter a pub is I believe the reason for extremely low public turnout.
Wasn’t just my place. The street was dead. Nobody had more than a half-dozen or so people, at best.
Traffic of almost zero.

They’ve spent 2 yrs upending everyone’s lives.
Then…. they walk away from the whole Covid caboodle, coz numbers have got out of hand & they’re unable to cope with the spread, so redefine “contact” as having been more than 4 hrs in a clinch with a confirmed case, and they just walk away from everything, coz too hard. Testing doesn’t matter, isolation doesn’t matter, thousands nay tens of thousands of cases and they shrug shoulders; “Take panadol &.. er.. don’t get in touch again

Not that long back just one case was enough to have them shutting down entire cities, contact tracing (albeit ineptly) every supermarket and newsstand a positive tester visited, & generally putting on a panic like as if Milat was on a spree.

Now it’s “meh”
Yet today cops came & checked vaccination certificates, lectured the pub next door as if he’s a truculent child in case he’s forgotten about the vaxx mandate. (ffs; they really have no idea what life is like off the govt teat: Since the day of the vaxx mandate his trade would be reduced by 70% or more & he’s laid off several staff)

Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:03 am
Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:04 am
Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:05 am
Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:07 am

Morten Morland. Brilliant.

Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:08 am
Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:09 am
Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:10 am
Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:11 am
Tom
Tom
January 1, 2022 4:12 am
Gabor
Gabor
January 1, 2022 4:24 am

Hey Tom!
Just in case you haven’t noticed, you are on the old OT.

Happy New Year, one an all.

Boambee John
Boambee John
January 1, 2022 8:18 am

GreyRanga

I don’t think the Black Prince was a Director if its the guy I’m thinking of

A retired senior officer?

Arky
January 1, 2022 9:06 am

Ohhhh.
Now I remember why I stopped drinking heavily.
Because I become a complete raving lunatic arse.
Sorry everyone. Sorry..
Sorry neighbours.
Sorry 2022.
Sorry.

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