Open Thread – Tues 20 Sept 2022


The Tapestry Weavers, Diego Velazquez, c. 1655-1660

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Oh come on
Oh come on
September 20, 2022 1:27 am

dover plz ban ppl

Oh come on
Oh come on
September 20, 2022 1:27 am

muh upticks

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Govt Covid Stupidity

dover plz ban ppl

“Plz” = a tell that you’re just taking the mickey.
For more authentic satire try something like: “Dover you must ban ppl coz reasons [insert feminine-type complaint]”

Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:01 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:02 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:03 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:04 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:06 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:07 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:08 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:09 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:10 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:11 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:13 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:14 am
Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 4:15 am
calli
calli
September 20, 2022 4:29 am

Something very touching here in Bled.

They have a light show playing on the castle walls – a crown with ERII and then 1926-2022 with a youthful and an elderly silhouette. An English lady we are with had tears in her eyes when I pointed it out to her.

calli
calli
September 20, 2022 4:30 am

Sorry Tom. I think I have interrupted.

calli
calli
September 20, 2022 4:36 am

Thanks for the Art, Dover.

Stitch n’ Bitch! 😀

CrazyOldRanga
CrazyOldRanga
September 20, 2022 4:37 am

David Rowe. What a Canute.

calli
calli
September 20, 2022 4:39 am

What is Rowe on about? Does he think the Almighty cares about his stupid hangups and confected causes?

Johnny Rotten
September 20, 2022 4:48 am

Sorry Tom. I can’t give you any ticks for the Cartoons owing to yesterday’s palava.

JR

calli
calli
September 20, 2022 4:53 am

I, too, am tickless.

But I identify as a ticker.

min
min
September 20, 2022 5:03 am

Dover Love the art how it was for everday people.
Tom same comment how it is for eveyday people , and even the Queen.

Johnny Rotten
September 20, 2022 5:24 am

We have the best government that money can buy.

– Mark Twain

Big Pharma money is the latest along with the Climate Scam……………………….

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 6:27 am

A rich vein of replies
early morning mocking

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 6:31 am

And Adam Bandt is following in Dem footsteps and wants to forgive all student debt.
You tradies can pony up a bit more.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 6:32 am
rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 6:38 am

We all know that many/most of Andrews lockdown measures were for political not health reasons, or to make police work easier.
I don’t know why so few people still don’t have a slow burn of anger about what he did.
I chatted to two ladies at the beach who’d recently moved to the suburb about our experiences with heavy police and military presence, they had no idea how oppressive it was.
“Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has defended her refusal to make public two independent reviews into COVID-19 rules such as vaccine mandates before the November election, stating she needs time to consider advice after receiving the reports two months late.”
David Limbrick on the attack

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 6:39 am

The article btw is at the age, and paywalled.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
September 20, 2022 6:40 am

early morning mocking

More please. Here’s a suggestion.

‘Dead or alive’: Miami Beach considers paying bounty for iguanas (16 Sep)

Surber suggests instead of killing them they should be collected up and flown to Martha’s Vineyard.

feelthebern
feelthebern
September 20, 2022 6:42 am

Today the AFR reminds us of Tony Abbott’s paid parental leave program that was knocked back at the time.
Remember how it was fiscally irresponsible?

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 6:49 am

It’s different when they do it.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
September 20, 2022 6:59 am

We all know that many/most of Andrews lockdown measures were for political not health reasons, or to make police work easier.

Rosie, I will assert here and now that the activities of VicJack Inc during the lockdowns had absolutely nothing to do with police work.

I didn’t once see Tom Croydon on the telly ripping phones out of nannas’ hands while they were sitting on park benches minding their own business.

Anchor What
Anchor What
September 20, 2022 7:05 am

Much of the media seem intent on making the royal family the meanies and Harry the victim.
History teaches us that it’s dangerous for royals to marry a woman who is more sexy than dedicated.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 7:10 am
Anchor What
Anchor What
September 20, 2022 7:11 am

News dot com dot au has excelled in the clickbait stakes with an article allegedly by a woman who has attended and participated in a classy orgy in Sydney, including quite a bit of girl on girl action.
I reckon it’s all made up, and won’t believe it until I’ve seen the video.

Razey
Razey
September 20, 2022 7:12 am

Why wont the Hunchback release the IPMAC report?

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 7:13 am

Or telling ladies with cerebral palsy they couldn’t stop for a rest during their one hour of exercise
I meant police ‘work’

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 7:14 am

Good morning, uptickers!

Anchor What
Anchor What
September 20, 2022 7:15 am

Albo says King Charles III should feel free to chatter about climate change!
Anyone who thinks that the climate change is not a scam and is non-political is naive or complicit.
The smoking ceremonies at the Academy of Science in Canberra are very revealing.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
September 20, 2022 7:17 am

Lyn’s Law to be put to NSW parliament, ensuring ‘no body, no parole’ rule for Chris Dawson

EXCLUSIVE
Max Maddison
NSW Political Correspondent
@maxmaddison
10:30PM September 19, 2022
11 Comments

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet will toughen his state’s “no body, no parole” laws, ensuring con­victed killer Chris Dawson spends the rest of his life behind bars ­unless the remains of his wife Lyn are ­recovered.

Weeks after Attorney-General Mark Speakman was commissioned by Mr Perrottet to begin ­examining similar legislation in Queensland and other states, amendments to the Crimes ­(Administration of Sentences) Act were approved by cabinet on Monday afternoon.

Once legislated, the Bill will bring NSW into line with other ­Australian jurisdictions and ­require prisoners to satisfactorily co-operate with authorities to find their victim’s location before the State Parole Authority can grant their parole.

Forty years after Lyn Dawson, 33, went missing, judge Ian Harrison – in a five-hour judgment in the NSW Supreme Court in late August – found her husband Chris Dawson guilty of murdering her.

Lyn’s brother, Greg Simms, said while the law – which he has championed as “Lyn’s Law” – may not ultimately lead to the discovery of her remains, the legislation would ensure other families of murder victims did not have to suffer as his family had.

“If this was to go ahead with the Premier pushing it … it will be the greatest thing since sliced bread,” Mr Simms said. “It will be justice.”

Merilyn Simms, his wife and Lyn’s sister-in-law, praised Mr Perrottet for having the laws examined by Mr Speakman, then considered by the cabinet so swiftly.

“We can’t have Lyn, but to have a law in her name that would help so many other people would be wonderful,” Ms Simms said.

Hedley Thomas, The Australian’s investigative journalist who pulled together The Teacher’s Pet podcast and reignited interest in the cold case, labelled the NSW government’s decision as a “powerfully important and positive step” for the families of murder victims.

“Killers who have been justly convicted of the crime can make a choice – reveal the whereabouts of the victim to get out on parole, or stay tight lipped and behind bars,” he said.

Ms Simms paid tribute to ex-lead detective Damian Loone and Bev McNally – the Dawsons’ former babysitter whose petition for uniform “no body, no parole” laws garnered 30,000 signatures – as the driving forces behind the introduction of the legislation.

There are six offenders con­victed of murder or homicide currently in the state’s prison system who could be impacted by the ­introduction of the Bill.

Mr Perrottet will give the Legislative Assembly notice on Tuesday that the legislation will be introduced later this week.

“We will make it impossible for offenders who wilfully and deliberately refuse to disclose information about their victim’s remains, to be granted parole,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Being unable to locate a loved one’s body is extremely distressing and traumatic for the families and friends of victims and it denies a victim the dignity of being laid to rest appropriately.”

Judge Harrison dismissed Dawson’s claims of having received calls from Lyn after her disappearance, concluding that for 40 years the former Newtown Jets player had lied about his wife abandoning their two daughters at their home on Sydney’s northern beaches.

The reforms were modelled on laws from other jurisdictions and would apply to current and future inmates in NSW, Corrections Minister Geoff Lee said. They would also capture prisoners who were yet to be considered for parole.

“Any offender in prison coming up for parole should really think hard about maintaining their ­refusal to co-operate with police if they want to retain their prospects of getting parole,” Dr Lee said.

Razey
Razey
September 20, 2022 7:17 am

Anchor Whatsays:
September 20, 2022 at 7:15 am
Albo says King Charles III should feel free to chatter about climate change!

But only if says it’s real.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
September 20, 2022 7:17 am

While Her Majesty is still topical – the NT News:

Tennant Creek’s giant lizards gateway project is back on track after the Northern Territory Government and Stephen Langton settled their dispute over the Tennant Creek project.

A Queensland-based artist, sculpture and musician, Mr Langton was commissioned to build two giant nyinkka lizards but the project stalled last year following a falling out between the artist and the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics.

This will cost over $2.6 million. Apparently.

The two nyinkka – or spiny-tailed goanna – are being fashioned out of forged steel and each are 9m in length.

Friends of Mr Langton have told of him working in stifling Tennant Creek heat crafting the lizards and of painstaking efforts in conjunction with local Indigenous representatives to ensure the sculptures accurately represent the lizards.

The local Indig reps – presumably lizard people themselves – must have copped a sling for this consultancy work. ‘No, no, take that fifth leg off. It’s not accurate.’ Besides, Tennant Creek heat isn’t stifling. It’s a blowtorch overlaid with the odour of human shit.

The local mayor is also on board:

Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin also welcomed news the project will be completed.

“It’s great news for the town and for tourism in the Barkly,” he said. “The two nyinkkas are 9m long each and they’ll be here when the lizard people come to take us back.

Mayor McLaughlin also made the NT Independent yesterday:

A Northern Territory mayor has been arrested for alleged drug driving and possession of cannabis plants at his home, sources have told the NT Independent.

NT Police media manager Rob Cross said in a statement that a 42-year-old man was arrested for drug driving in Tennant Creek on Monday morning, after his vehicle was stopped about 10:15am. He allegedly returned a positive road side test result for cannabis.

“A subsequent search of a Tennant Creek residence resulted in the seizure of a number of cannabis plants and material,” he said. “The man was arrested and is expected to be charged later today with drug driving, possession and supply offences.”

Dot
Dot
September 20, 2022 7:18 am

Dear struth,

I want to have this out with you.

What did I do wrong by holding out as long as I could then getting vaccinated this March to avoid being sacked by a lunatic COVID mania obsessed CEO?

Yes I did it to keep my job.

So what?

If everyone else held out for as long as I did, the mandates would have had to ended out of necessity.

I feel no guilt whatsoever. I share no blame for the absurd police state we have become.

You are wrong struth.

Now tell us all how you agree with every point I just made.

Anchor What
Anchor What
September 20, 2022 7:23 am

Mr. “whatever it takes” Richardson said on Sky yesterday that he admired the Queen but not Prince Philip, while the FF Laura Jayes said she thought Elizabeth was a super feminist.
I’d remind both of them that the Queen loved her husband and credited him with being her greatest source of strength and support apart from God.

custard
custard
September 20, 2022 7:23 am
Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 7:27 am

A Queensland-based artist, sculpture and musician, Mr Langton 

Hopefully he’s a sculptor.
Not a sculpture.

custard
custard
September 20, 2022 7:33 am
OldOzzie
OldOzzie
September 20, 2022 7:33 am

rosiesays:
September 20, 2022 at 6:39 am
The article btw is at the age, and paywalled.

Health minister defends holding back independent pandemic reviews

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has defended her refusal to make public two independent reviews into COVID-19 rules such as vaccine mandates before the November election, stating she needs time to consider advice after receiving the reports two months late.

The Independent Pandemic Management Committee — established in February under the state’s new pandemic-specific legislation to oversee decisions and ensure they are appropriate and transparent — has been scrutinising vaccine mandates and the way that public health orders were communicated to the public.

The Sunday Age on Sunday revealed the reports will not be made public before the November 26 election, unless additional sitting days are scheduled in parliament.

The reviews were supposed to be finalised in July, but the committee, chaired by Penny Armytage AM, who also chaired the state’s royal commission into Victoria’s mental health system, requested extra time to cope with an expanded breadth of scope.

Thomas received the reports last week, and has four sitting days to table them in parliament under the legislation. But just two sitting days are scheduled before the election.

The minister said it was important to properly read and consider the reports and take advice from the Health Department before tabling them.

“I look forward to considering them in detail,” Thomas said on Sunday.

Asked whether leaving them unpublished until after the election flew in the face of the intention of the legislation, Thomas said she would be tabling them within four sitting days as required.

“I have only just received the reports. I will take my time to consider them and I will lodge them and make them public as is set down in the legislation. I will meet those timelines.”

She thanked the independent committee for their work.

Shadow health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the government needed to be upfront with the Victorian public about the advice and recommendations.

“The government put in specific legislation, and they said it was for greater transparency,” Crozier said. “This is not transparency. This is a secret government that is refusing to be upfront with the Victorian public.”

Crozier said it was typical of the Andrews government, which released the Inspector-General for Emergency Management Tony Pearce’s review into the triple-zero crisis on a Saturday during the AFL finals.

“It is imperative the minister release those [independent pandemic] reports … two days we’ve got, no excuse, she could be reading that report today.”

Shadow treasurer David Davis, the leader of the opposition in the upper house, will this week move an amendment calling on the Legislative Council to return in October to finalise its work before the election.

That could allow the independent pandemic reports, as well as annual financial reports delayed by COVID-19, to be tabled in time.

Asked on Sunday whether Premier Daniel Andrews believed parliament should sit beyond the two days scheduled this week, he said: “I’ll leave it to the leader of the house to comment on that.”

A government spokeswoman did not directly respond when the office of Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes, the leader of the government in the upper house, was asked about additional sitting days last week.

The independent committee was part of the government’s initial pandemic bill, and its resourcing was guaranteed by crossbench MPs Fiona Patten from the Reason Party, Greens leader Samantha Ratnam and Andy Meddick from the Animal Justice Party.

The pandemic bill had been criticised by experts such as the Law Institute of Victoria and the Centre for Public Integrity for perceived failings to properly oversee the government, but the bodies welcomed the final legislation after the crossbench achieved significant amendments.

Broad vaccine mandates, almost all of which have been wound back after persisting beyond the health advice, received significant public backlash.

A separate, cross-party pandemic declaration accountability and oversight committee in July said the way the government communicated COVID-19 rules was often so confusing they were difficult for the public to interpret.

Crozier has asked for the cross parliamentary pandemic committee to meet and scrutinise COVID-19 rules after months without sitting because she said government MPs had been unavailable at the last minute.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 7:34 am

I’d rather listen to a five hour long speech by Elbow.

Indolent
Indolent
September 20, 2022 7:35 am
bespoke
bespoke
September 20, 2022 7:35 am

But Mr Kuzilny stressed that he thought Mr Andrews and chief health officer Brett Sutton had done a “courageous and heroic job”.

BS!

Indolent
Indolent
September 20, 2022 7:35 am
Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 7:36 am

Dot at 7:18.
There can be no discussion on this until you give him back the boat.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 7:37 am

Thanks Old Ozzie.
Looking forward to four more years of Emperor Dan.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
September 20, 2022 7:39 am

The two nyinkka – or spiny-tailed goanna – are being fashioned out of forged steel and each are 9m in length.

Nine metres sounds like a dinosaur not a lizard.
Will Bruce Pascoe include them in his next book?
Maybe he could call it The Land That Time Forgot.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
September 20, 2022 7:40 am

Pleased someone else noticed it!

Oops! How Meghan was obscured from TV viewers by a giant candle… and a jolly tall royal

. Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle was behind a candle and Tim Laurence
. TV viewers struggled to catch a glimpse of her as she was obscured from view
. Ms Markle also wore a wide-brimmed hat, making it even harder to see her

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 7:40 am

I still don’t get what they are saying, custard.

Indolent
Indolent
September 20, 2022 7:42 am

Dr. Harvey Risch: Biggest Lie of last 29 Months of COVID Pandemic Was Hydroxychloroquine – Hundreds of Thousands Died as a Result

There are clips of Fauci in 2005 or 2006 saying that Choroquine (as it was at the time) was a game changer in treating corona viruses. It most definitely was not an accidental oversight. And didn’t the couple who owned the biggest Hydroxychloroquine factory in Canada commit “murder/suicide” a year or so before Covid? All coincidental, I’m sure.

2dogs
2dogs
September 20, 2022 7:43 am

Albo says King Charles III should feel free to chatter about climate change!

This will only last until his majesty says something Albo disagrees with.

Perhaps his majesty might say something pro-nuclear while opening one of the new nukes Liz Truss plans to build.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
September 20, 2022 7:47 am

Custard’s link:

The choice should be a clear and obvious one, but no matter which side you choose to believe; no one can deny that we are in the midst of the greatest propaganda war in the history of mankind, and it will decide the fate of the planet.

Look – that’s all fine, if a bit dramatic. Fate of the planet, and all that. Still, the author (Mr. ‘Clandestine’) isn’t telling people Big Net will shut them down in 14 days, and asking for coffee.

I do have a small PROBLEM though, with pieces that HAVE at least two words in capital LETTERS in every sentence. If your proposition is adequately constructed, you shouldn’t need to yell at people you don’t know.

MatrixTransform
September 20, 2022 7:48 am

right now, all the world leaders in the UK for the Queen’s funeral

sounds like the set-up for a super-villain movie

flyingduk
flyingduk
September 20, 2022 7:49 am

The minister said it was important to properly read and consider the reports and take advice from the Health Department before tabling them.

Advice from the legal and spin departments more likely!

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 7:50 am

Grrrr!
Woof!

flyingduk
flyingduk
September 20, 2022 7:51 am

The two nyinkka – or spiny-tailed goanna – are being fashioned out of forged steel …..

As was the traditional way for the first peoples!

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 7:53 am

Will Bruce Pascoe include them in his next book?

He’s already signed off the artwork .

bespoke
bespoke
September 20, 2022 8:03 am

The townspeople were alternately irate about being put into this situation and genuinely concerned for the kids’ welfare, given the town’s limited resources. After listening to the townspeople plead for help, we got on the campaign bus and drove to the next stop. For all I know, those migrant kids are still in Lexington, and the community of Lexington is hardly unique. Hundreds, if not thousands, of American towns have had to rise to meet challenges as a result of the federal refugee resettlement.

Perhaps you can start to see why I was unimpressed with the residents of Martha’s Vineyard for harboring 50 migrants for two days before sending in the military to herd them off. And yet, because the DeSantis stunt — and there are valid objections to flinging migrants hither and yon to make a point — exposed a great deal of hypocrisy among Democrats, there is a campaign afoot to portray Martha’s Vineyard as a model of compassion for the way they treated these immigrants.

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
September 20, 2022 8:05 am

this Maroondah hospital thing is quite a monster, apparently renaming it QEII will prevent Aboriginal people from feeling safe.

How the blazes will the name make them culturally unsafe while they are receiving actual colonialist medicine into their bodies?

Naturally the people whingeing are Aboriginal groups, which is to say that in the whole lot of them there would be barely enough Aboriginal blood to insanguanate* a single Aboriginal person.

*A neologism based on exsanguinate. Never needed, apparently, until this whole opera bouffe of symbolic Aboriginal rights over actual human rights of Aborigines.

Big_Nambas
Big_Nambas
September 20, 2022 8:07 am

“Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation.”
Henry Kissinger

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
September 20, 2022 8:10 am

Tesla Is Hiking Supercharger Prices “Significantly” Across Europe

Prices are going up at the pump…err, we mean the Tesla Superchargers.

According to a new report from electrek, Tesla is increasing prices at its Supercharger stations “significantly” across Europe as the continent continues to deal with a sprawling energy crisis that shows no signs of slowing.

The additional price hikes come after Tesla has already increased prices throughout 2022.

“Due to an increase in energy prices, we are adjusting Supercharging pricing across Europe,” Tesla wrote in a letter to its owners in Europe this week. The rising prices not only are a burden for EV owners, but they are starting to challenge the narrative that EVs are cheaper to own and operate on a day to day basis.

The blog lamented that it used to cost no more than $5 or $10 for a full charge at a Supercharger. Now, prices are approaching $30.

One Zero Hedge contributor in Europe experienced the rise in prices firsthand this week when an Uber driver, sporting an EV other than a Tesla, remarked that electricity prices had soared over the past week, and that it now costs about $30 to charge fully at a Supercharging station.

A couple dollars more and it’ll almost cost the same as filling up with a tank of gas. Oh, the irony…

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 8:12 am

It’s most ridiculous Mother Lode, the only upside is that Dan Andrews is the architect.
Obviously the focus group that suggested it was an election winner didn’t include members of the most important tribe of grievance mongers.

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
September 20, 2022 8:16 am

I do have a small PROBLEM though, with pieces that HAVE at least two words in capital LETTERS in every sentence. If your proposition is adequately constructed, you shouldn’t need to yell at people you don’t know.

Pardon?

bespoke
bespoke
September 20, 2022 8:16 am

KD outs himself as a non-contributor to the blog’s finances.

I predicted some would consider there donations as a path to intitlement.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
September 20, 2022 8:18 am

Naturally the people whingeing are Aboriginal groups, which is to say that in the whole lot of them there would be barely enough Aboriginal blood to insanguanate* a single Aboriginal person.

For my money, this is what will make a sick joke of any “Treaty” and “Reparations” – all the fair skinned, blonde haired “Aborigines” receiving massive sums in “reparations” for the evils done to them by the colonialists…..

custard
custard
September 20, 2022 8:19 am

Oh well if I can find something else that will help people understand I’ll drop a link or two here.

In the meantime, we are winning, bigly.

Cassie of Sydney
September 20, 2022 8:20 am

“Albo says King Charles III should feel free to chatter about climate change!”

Of course “Albo” would say that, but his words show what an ignoramus he truly is. So, if King Charles III, who is supposed to be politically neutral, is free to chatter about “climate change”, then this same King Charles III is also free to “chatter” about any debate as to whether Australia remains a constitutional monarchy or becomes a republic.

You see, at the heart of progressive ideology is a toxic and fatal combination of ignorance, stupidity and hypocrisy. The left aim to politicise everything because they think it enables them but, because of their rank ignorance, rank stupidity and rank hypocrisy, they are unable to grasp the reality that by politicising everything a reaction inevitably occurs and that reaction is uncontrollable and not pretty. It’s akin to opening a can of worms, the worms will spill out and you can’t control the spillage.

And having a King or a Prince of Wales “chatter” about climate change, whilst people freeze, will incur a reaction that won’t be pretty.

Be careful what you wish for Mr Albanese.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 8:21 am

Those who don’t want to go to the QE2 hospital could always try the Alfred.
Oops.
What about the Royal Melb … oops again.
Interesting.
Hospitals with Royal connections have been curing people of all colours for a century.
Suddenly white fellah magic no longa work.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
September 20, 2022 8:21 am

Biden sits 14 rows back at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

President Biden may be the world’s most powerful man, but it didn’t ensure him a front-row seat at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London on Monday.

The president and first lady Jill Biden were seated 14 rows back during the service at Westminster Abbey that drew 2,000 guests — including some 500 of the world’s presidents, kings, princes and prime ministers.

Perhaps taken into consideration was that the couple was among the few dignitaries who were granted permission to travel in their own presidential limousine, nicknamed “The Beast,” for security reasons.

Most other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were escorted to the funeral on shuttle buses due to tight security and road restrictions in place across London.

Taking their own transportation meant the Bidens also apparently arrived later than scheduled after getting caught in standstill traffic, the Guardian reported.

Once they finally arrived outside Westminster, the president and first lady were forced to wait to take their seats so they didn’t interrupt the painstakingly choreographed funeral.

The couple had to wait briefly at the doors of the church as a procession of George and Victoria Cross-holders — those awarded the highest military honor — headed into the abbey.

Biden was seated behind Polish President Andrzej Duda and in front of the Czech Republic’s Prime Minister Petr Fiala, according to the seating plan released Monday.

Jill Biden was sitting next to Switzerland’s President Ignazio Cassis.

Higher up the pecking order were the leaders of Commonwealth countries and those that still consider the UK monarch their head of state.

Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were all given more prominent seats inside the abbey than Biden.

The Queen’s service marked the first state funeral in Britain since Winston Churchill was afforded the honor in 1965.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 8:23 am

In the meantime, we are winning, bigly.

Good to know.
You keep on winning.
Bigly.

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
September 20, 2022 8:24 am

I was not sure if the passing of the Late Queen might have touched some small, long dormant seed of decorum in Rowe’s heart – but now I am disabused.

I would not be surprised if he had been asked to hold off on his natural scrawly impulses until the day after the official day of mourning, to leave those who wished to reflect on the sad event.

But, nup! Like a gigantic distended bowel, creaking and straining, the twitching sphincter of his art just had to spatter copiously and stinkingly on paper.

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
September 20, 2022 8:25 am

Oh, and good morning, traitors.

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
September 20, 2022 8:25 am

The blog lamented that it used to cost no more than $5 or $10 for a full charge at a Supercharger. Now, prices are approaching $30.

Back in March, Malik, my Über driver of choice, told me that he paid $32 for a full charge of his T2 at the Valley Supercharger station.

Evidence of Australia’s EV and renewable superpower status.

Louis Litt
Louis Litt
September 20, 2022 8:26 am

Ancor What 7.05
Kate Middleton does it for all the time- Megeen Markle – even in Suits nah – but Donna she had it .
BTW how insulting having Sophie to share the car with Megan.
Sophie is a spunk.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 8:27 am

The days of free electricity for rich EV drivers are over, are they?
How sad.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 8:30 am

I liked all the mourning black, though thought Markle’s bare arms beneath the cape a little tacky, nice hat, Sarah Ferguson should have gone for the broad brim too, her little fascinator was meh.
Where’s Lizzie to give a proper review of Royal Mourning War?

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
September 20, 2022 8:31 am

Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were all given more prominent seats inside the abbey than Biden.

Whatever you think if the individuals, this fits neatly into the ‘And I should fknwell think so too’ category.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 8:32 am

That’ll learn ‘merica for warring for independence.

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 8:33 am

BTW how insulting having Sophie to share the car with Megan.

Probably hoped the slag would absorb some of Sophie’s excess class.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
September 20, 2022 8:36 am

The Full $16Bn List Of What Biden Has Sent Ukraine including Pictures

The U.S. military just told it’s own soldiers to use food stamps to keep their families fed during this ongoing period of high inflation, caused by the Biden regime’s own flawed economic analysis, coupled with the establishment’s COVID-19 lockdowns, and the war in Ukraine.

Which is why the full list of the $15bn+ in aid being sent to Ukraine by the U.S. government is likely to hit harder in the solar plexus.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there has been a whopping $15.8 billion “in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including more than $15.1 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24.”

Here’s a list of all your taxpayer-funded equipment that has been dumped into the most corrupt country in Europe:

That’s… a lot of stuff. And just like in Afghanistan, there’s no mention of what happens to all this stuff after the war is over, assuming any of it still exists.

The likelihood is, just like America’s last forever war, it’ll end up in the hands of unsavory characters.

Considering the recent bans on political opposition in Ukraine, as well as the forced national consolidation of media, you might say it already has.

caveman
caveman
September 20, 2022 8:42 am

Laura Jayes the best journalist in Australia.
– Sun Tzu ( sarc:off )

Farmer Gez
Farmer Gez
September 20, 2022 8:42 am

Sophie definitely taking one for the team.

I wonder if old Phil was still around that he would have put up with Andy and Harry being stripped of their rightful wearing of military uniforms.
Neither have faced any disciplinary action by the military that would demote their rank or record.
Petty stuff.

bespoke
bespoke
September 20, 2022 8:44 am

It’s all getting tacky and hope it ends soon. Bad enough when families use funerals for picking scabs worce with complete strangers doing it.
Not realy representative of the late queens life.

flyingduk
flyingduk
September 20, 2022 8:46 am

if King Charles III, who is supposed to be politically neutral, is free to chatter about “climate change”

King Charles has a LONG history with the green movement and the WEF. He may or may not talk about it, but we will be acting behind the scenes.

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 8:47 am

Somebody should’ve told the band The Still is the signal to shut up.
That’s why it’s called The Still.
Also, the rating who popped out of his gaiters, in the front rank of the Gun Carriage team, must’ve died a thousand deaths.

shatterzzz
September 20, 2022 8:47 am

The Queen’s service marked the first state funeral in Britain since Winston Churchill was afforded the honor in 1965.

One thing Oz definitely outdoes ’em on .. State funerals! .. we ‘as at least 3 a month .. LOL!

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
September 20, 2022 8:48 am

This will Help – German Nuclear Power Plant To Shut Down After Reported Leak

As Germany desperately attempts to stave off a winter energy crisis, most recently seizing Rosneft refinery assets, a leak at a nuclear plant reported by the country’s Environment Ministry adds to the pressure, with operations now set to be shut in for a week as repairs get underway.

Germany’s Isar 2 nuclear power plant in Bavaria on Monday reported a leak that will require it to go offline in October for repairs.

The nuclear plant is already slated for a permanent shutdown at the beginning of next year as part of Germany’s plan to phase out nuclear power. However, given the looming energy crisis in Germany as winter approaches, there has been some discussion of delaying a phase-out of nuclear power.

The leak at Isar 2 means that a week of repairs in October will be necessary if the power plant is to remain operational beyond December 31st, Reuters reported, citing the plant’s operator.

Two weeks ago, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected the idea of extending the country’s use of nuclear power and delaying the phase out of nuclear power plants. Germany’s opposition conservatives have called on the chancellor to keep the country’s two remaining nuclear reactors online. Scholz has resisted this temptation, insisting that the country will have enough energy resources to make it through the winter.

Under Scholz’s plan the remaining two nuclear reactors will be kept in emergency reserve but will not be producing any power, the Guardian reports.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
September 20, 2022 8:49 am

I wonder if old Phil was still around that he would have put up with Andy and Harry being stripped of their rightful wearing of military uniforms.

Didn’t Harry give up his right to wear uniform when he relinquished all his Royal duties and moved to the United States?

Oh, and if he’s so keen to wear his uniform, at least adhere to dress regulations, and shave his fvcking beard off.

Farmer Gez
Farmer Gez
September 20, 2022 8:53 am

How does an ex-soldier relinquish their right to wear a uniform?

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 8:55 am

Didn’t Harry give up his right to wear uniform when he relinquished all his Royal duties and moved to the United States?
Oh, and if he’s so keen to wear his uniform, at least adhere to dress regulations, and shave his fvcking beard off.

Yes and yes.

Farmer Gez
Farmer Gez
September 20, 2022 8:57 am

In my view Andy and Harry should have been allowed to wear their dress uniform for the last rank they held while in service.

Tom
Tom
September 20, 2022 8:59 am

Mother Lode at 8.24am comes up with the perfect précis of the work of David Rowe at the Australian anti-business daily:

Like a gigantic distended bowel, creaking and straining, the twitching sphincter of his art just had to spatter copiously and stinkingly on paper.

Pogria
Pogria
September 20, 2022 8:59 am

MatrixTransformsays:
September 20, 2022 at 7:48 am
right now, all the world leaders in the UK for the Queen’s funeral

sounds like the set-up for a super-villain movie”

Where is Gerard Butler when you need him?

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 9:02 am

The Queen’s service marked the first state funeral in Britain since Winston Churchill was afforded the honor in 1965.

How useless are they?
We’ve had three state funerals this year.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
September 20, 2022 9:02 am

In my view Andy and Harry should have been allowed to wear their dress uniform for the last rank they held while in service.

Wasn’t Andy stripped of his right to wear uniform as a result of certain shenanigans?

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 9:03 am

How does an ex-soldier relinquish their right to wear a uniform?

It’s not a right, but an entitlement if you’ve retired beyond a certain rank.
Otherwise tent shooting privates would be constantly sloping off to the RSL in full dress.

Dot
Dot
September 20, 2022 9:05 am

Oh, and if he’s so keen to wear his uniform, at least adhere to dress regulations, and shave his fvcking beard off.

You mean like King George V?

Vagabond
Vagabond
September 20, 2022 9:05 am

This Maroondah hospital thing is quite a monster, apparently renaming it QEII will prevent Aboriginal people from feeling safe.

And the women and children of the western suburbs must feel very safe attending the Sunshine Hospital now that it’s named after Joan Kirner

/sarc off

Dot
Dot
September 20, 2022 9:06 am

intitlement

Dude you’re killing me.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 9:09 am

Farmer Gez, sounds controversial. I’ll ask some of the chaps at the club over lunch.

Botswana O'Hooligan
Botswana O’Hooligan
September 20, 2022 9:09 am

Those medals and uniforms, many of them unearned, remind me of a huge fancy dress party held for a bunch of wankers in the main and at the expense of the taxpayers and of course, Queen Elizabeth the second.

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 9:11 am

You mean like King George V?

Grey Funnel Line rules.
Harry wasn’t in The Pus.

MatrixTransform
September 20, 2022 9:13 am

Where is Gerard Butler when you need him?

hah.

It’s got Morgan Freeman in it too.

those bad-guys are in big trouble

bespoke
bespoke
September 20, 2022 9:14 am

entitlement

Cheers

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 9:15 am

It’s all getting tacky and hope it ends soon. Bad enough when families use funerals for picking scabs worce with complete strangers doing it.

The representatives of the msm have acted like vultures.

Farmer Gez
Farmer Gez
September 20, 2022 9:16 am

I’d say Andy and Harry demotion was orchestrated by the queens in Whitehall.

Top Ender
Top Ender
September 20, 2022 9:16 am

For gawd’s sake! Arrived back in Sydney from the States and tried to get on a train to Canberra. Booked out. Next one is 5pm tonight.

Tried buses. Next three booked out. Now sitting on arses in airport waiting for a bus in three hours.

I know. A Very Fast Train would fix it!

Johnny Rotten
September 20, 2022 9:17 am

A young man and his boss have to travel to a city 500 miles away.

Due to cost cutting measures put in place by the boss, they take the train instead of the flight which was four hours faster.

As they entered their train compartment, the young man and the boss found themselves opposite to a gorgeous twenty something girl and her sixty-year-old looking mother.

Within a few minutes, the young man and the girl start giving quick glances at each other. After twenty minutes or so, the young man gets bolder and starts a flirtatious conversation with her. The mother, who noticed this, gives a stern look at her daughter and the young man. Not wanting to appear too bold and cocky in front of his boss, the young man quietens to the disappointment of the girl.

An hour later, the train enters a tunnel, resulting in no visibility inside the train compartment. All four of them hear the sound of a kiss, followed by the sound of a slap.

As the train comes out the tunnel, all four have sheepish looks on their faces.

The girl is thinking “I am so glad the guy kissed me, but I wish my mother hadn’t slapped him”.

The mother is thinking “How dare the guy kiss my daughter? Glad that she slapped him. Serves him right”.

The boss is thinking “The guy was indeed very bold to kiss that girl. But I wish the mother had not accidentally slapped me instead of him”.

The guy is thinking “This is the luckiest day of my life. I get to kiss a pretty girl and slap my boss at the same time!”

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 9:18 am

Farmer Gezsays:

September 20, 2022 at 8:53 am

How does an ex-soldier relinquish their right to wear a uniform?

Most of Harry’s stars and sashes are as a result of Royal appointments (Grand Marshall of the Corgi Cavalry and suchlike). Once he pissed orf to the US he couldn’t perform those roles any more.
As for his regular Cap’ns uniform?
Maybe.
But it represents a shameful colonial past.

struth
struth
September 20, 2022 9:18 am

Sancho doesn’t wike it when da nasty people uptick against him

It’s misinformation. ..disinformation

Where does he differ from the worst leftists………??
Remember as his shtick fails and it is…….
I picked out his tyoe yesrs ago

A true piece of shit.

Farmer Gez
Farmer Gez
September 20, 2022 9:19 am

TE.
Your about the only person on earth that is keen to get to Canberra.

Johnny Rotten
September 20, 2022 9:19 am

Top Endersays:
September 20, 2022 at 9:16 am
For gawd’s sake! Arrived back in Sydney from the States and tried to get on a train to Canberra. Booked out. Next one is 5pm tonight.

Tried buses. Next three booked out. Now sitting on arses in airport waiting for a bus in three hours.

I know. A Very Fast Train would fix it!

Welcome to Country. The Clever Country………………..LOL

Johnny Rotten
September 20, 2022 9:22 am

If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.

– Yogi Berra

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
September 20, 2022 9:23 am

The guy is thinking “This is the luckiest day of my life. I get to kiss a pretty girl and slap my boss at the same time!”

I heard a different version of that, set on a train in Occupied France in 1942. The participants were a Frenchman, a German soldier, a pretty girl and her mother.

Huh! Thinks the Frenchman. I kiss the girl, and slap a German soldier…

bespoke
bespoke
September 20, 2022 9:23 am

Hi Charlie.

Digger
Digger
September 20, 2022 9:23 am

The depth of juvenile absurdity has never been better demonstrated than the childish screeching about the biggest nothing-burger to occur on this platform… the ‘uptick saga’…

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 9:27 am

As for his regular Cap’ns uniform?
Maybe.

Only with a Royal dispensation, which he gave up for some strange.

Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
September 20, 2022 9:31 am

escorted to the funeral on shuttle buses due to tight security and road restrictions in place across London.

One comment during the telecast was that if all dignitaries had arrived in private cars, it would have taken 4 hours to get them in and 4 hours to get them out.

PS I had the grandsons at my place for breakfast and school drop off – I made sure they watched a recording of part of the funeral. The segment where the cortege moved through the countryside to Windsor Castle. For little tackers, they were absorbed by what was unfolding in front of them. Good signs I thought!

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 9:32 am

I’d never heard of them. At the ABC.
Another sad sad story of cultural appropriation.
Australian native finger limes being grown in greater quantities overseas, challenging fruit’s national identity

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 9:32 am

The BBC’s commentators might be forgiven for not being able to identify Elbow, but how could Nein’s Peter Overton & Tracy Grimshaw not recognise PM Liz Truss, who featured in the last photograph of HM? “Minor royals”, they said.

incoherent rambler
incoherent rambler
September 20, 2022 9:34 am

the ‘uptick saga’

I presume that this is a euphemism for sagging dicks?

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 9:37 am

When Fawlty Towers was dubbed into Spanish, Manuel became an Italian waiter.

Not many people know that.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 9:40 am

Que?

Dot
Dot
September 20, 2022 9:40 am

Digger says:
September 20, 2022 at 9:23 am
The depth of juvenile absurdity has never been better demonstrated than the childish screeching about the biggest nothing-burger to occur on this platform… the ‘uptick saga’…

Everything can get worse and there is always a rule 34 version of it.

Dot
Dot
September 20, 2022 9:40 am

Cui?

Cassie of Sydney
September 20, 2022 9:41 am

“Not many people know that.”

I knew that.

struth
struth
September 20, 2022 9:43 am

That upticks are a concern at all shows the level of immature , confidence lacking, needy neurosis in the sneerers that I find hilarious

When choo choo was alive he was obsessed with them.
They noticed. ….and it was fun pointing it out to them.
Anyone who has read my comments over the years knowd they would never effect my views or whst I’d say.

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 9:47 am

Que?

Che?

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 9:48 am

Report comment

Rogersays:

September 20, 2022 at 9:37 am

When Fawlty Towers was dubbed into Spanish, Manuel became an Italian waiter.

Not many people know that.
……………
rosiesays:

September 20, 2022 at 9:40 am

Que?

Si.

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 9:48 am

now I’ve visited the Fawltysite and know the actor that played Manuel had a very fortunate escape from pre war Germany.

Yes, Jewish father.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
September 20, 2022 9:50 am

Upticks are dead, St Ruth.
Upticks are dead.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 9:50 am

I wonder if I watch it again I will enjoy it, I think the last couple of times on fta many years ago, I had started to find it grating.

Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
September 20, 2022 9:51 am

For some self amusement, read the press and NSW politicians trying to explain why mask mandates for public transport are being lifted tomorrow.
Squirming. Lies. Cover up. Bullshit. All descriptors which spring to mind.
Bastards.

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 9:55 am

I confess that factoid came to mind because whenever I see Elbow I think of an Italian waiter.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 9:56 am

Visiting a maternity hospital recently it was mandatory to wear n95 masks, which I did, for the 60 seconds to walk down the hall, didn’t bother in the room, with an unmasked two year old in tow what was the point?
Now I have a small stash of them I’m reluctant to throw out. (I remember when they were $10 each).

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 9:58 am

I’m currently reading the Palin diaries about the early Monty Python days. They really scratched around for early funding and got cash from George Harrison and a Pink Floyd guy. Cleese went off and did Fawlty Towers as a side project.

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 9:58 am

Fair enough Roger.
Elbow, he know nothing.

struth
struth
September 20, 2022 9:59 am

peoplelook…JC has gone insane after the jab.
But I’ve always got under Sanchos skin because I saw through his shit immediately.

He has nothing to say and stands for nothing.
He is empty and a coward who uses sarcasm to hide it and hopes you won’t see through him
This blog is his world.
His safe space.
upticks therefore matter a great deal.
I hate certain people.
He hates the world that demanded he be a man.
He will destroy your blog…I told you this before.

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
September 20, 2022 9:59 am

Farmer Gezsays:
September 20, 2022 at 9:19 am
TE.
Your about the only person on earth that is keen to get to Canberra.

TE lives in Jerrabomberra NSW.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
September 20, 2022 9:59 am

Emma Garlett: King Charles III can help heal wounds left by colonisation
Emma GarlettThe West Australian
Tue, 20 September 2022 2:00AM
Comments

It has been a whirlwind of a week and a significant time in history which will be remembered for decades to come. Yesterday was the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II who was also a mother, grandmother, and role model for many.

It was a solemn occasion and a time of profound grief which many shared, demonstrated by the abundance of flowers, letters, and tears shed by those at Westminster Abbey and citizens abroad.

Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we have seen two sides of the coin. We have seen both profound mourning and protest in our nation. It has been a time where our emotions have taken over and dictated our words and behaviour.

This is understandable, and grief is a difficult emotion. When we experience grief and loss there are many stages which we transition through. We have seen some of these stages play out already while others are yet to be realised. We have seen many opposing perspectives voiced. This is sign of an effective and functioning democracy.

If you live in Australia, chances are you will have awareness of our First Nations people and the complicated historical relationship with the monarchy post-colonisation. But that relationship is on the mend — it is getting better. And amid the tension of those mourning and those protesting I would like to draw your attention to three aspects which have unfolded over the last week which exemplify our growth as a nation and the plight of reconciliation.

The three key aspects I would like to draw your attention to are: the profound First Nations leaders who were invited to and attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral; the perspectives shared by Stan Grant and Narelda Jacobs, allowing an Indigenous perspective in this time of shared grief and loss, and the opportunity King Charles III has before him to heal the wounds still present among First Nations people.

Firstly, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was attended by about 2000 people from all walks of life and experiences. There was inherent diversity in those who mourned. And out of those who attended the funeral were 10 “everyday” Aussies. Of those 10 were two First Nations women leaders — our matriarchs, Nauiyu elder, artist and language group activist Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann and Professor Helen Milroy.

The attendance at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral by one of our prominent Elders and one of our trailblazing First Nations academics was an act of unity, peace, and recognition for the service they have given to First Nations people. It was an extended hand to walk alongside one another and come together to remember the past we share and recognise how we can move forward as one.

Secondly, many First Nations people still feel the effects of intergenerational trauma and racism and this week we have seen two Indigenous perspectives on the Queen Elizabeth’s passing shared by prominent First Nations journalists Stan Grant and Narelda Jacobs.

Stan Grant is an experienced journalist who shared a personal story and his perspective of the colonial relationship between First Nations people and the monarch, while the historical trauma First Nations people endured and a call for an apology was led by Narelda Jacobs.

We can be proud as we as a nation are hearing, listening to and embracing First Nations voices which is an important part of our story.

Unfortunately there are still open wounds which need to be addressed. The healing will occur through commitment and action. King Charles III as the new monarch can be a part of this process.

Charles has before him an opportunity. I would like to invite him to visit our First Nations people in Australia to listen to our story.

There is a huge opportunity to walk together and move forward to ensure there is equality, justice and peace between all people in our great nation we call home.

Apologies to whoever I’m misquoting, but, aside from hospitals, medical centers, roads, motorcars, cheap and plentiful food, schools, electricity, a lengthened life expectancy, and a written language, it’s not as though colonisation ever did much for the “First Nations.”

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 10:00 am

Albo might not be too happy with Italian waiters. Or Dad as he calls them.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
September 20, 2022 10:01 am

rosiesays:
September 20, 2022 at 9:28 am
for who and why is Gamsat discriminatory? Get behind the paywall to find out.

One woman’s fight to scrap ‘discriminatory’ medical school entrance exam

Gaining entry into medical school is notoriously difficult, but Jerusha Mather believes the odds against her becoming a doctor are stacked even higher.

Mather, 27, has cerebral palsy, which affects her speech and physical capabilities. Her cognition, however, is undiminished. She has completed a biomedical sciences degree, with honours, as part of her long-held plan to study medicine.

The one barrier preventing that goal from being fulfilled, Mather believes, is the gruelling 5¼-hour admissions test facing prospective medical students, the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test, known as the GAMSAT.

For six years, Mather has sought special consideration to allow people with disabilities to sit the GAMSAT in a way that gives them the best opportunity for a good result.

The PhD student has tried to complete the exam using a scribe twice, but has not reached the interview stage set aside for those who perform the strongest.

“I’ve given up now,” she said.

“I am not one to complain but I feel like it’s really unfair what they are doing. I think people with a disability should be given a chance, they should be given an equal opportunity to do medical school.”

Mather recently filed court documents in the Federal Circuit and Family Court alleging unlawful discrimination against seven universities across Australia by making it a requirement for people with disabilities to complete the GAMSAT.

“The nature and structure of the GAMSAT discriminates against people with disabilities,” her application lodged under human rights legislation states.

“People with disabilities often learn and process information differently than abled bodies persons and are required to adapt on account of their disabilities.”

Mather said the difficulties she faced sitting the GAMSAT involved not being able to use handwriting to figure out answers and needing to tell a scribe what to write when she hadn’t worked with them before.

“You have to be articulate in your lengthy answers, that’s very difficult for me. Because I have to formulate the scenario in my head, manipulate the formulas and draw stuff and then articulate that to the scribe,” she said.

“Because of the complex working out and reasoning, it’s extremely arduous. It’s very time-consuming. You have to do a lot of speed reading as well, which is incredibly hard for me.”

The universities named in the legal action are Griffith University, the University of Queensland, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Western Australia, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Deakin University.

As part of her legal action, Mather wants the universities to reserve no less than 5 per cent of places in their medical programs for people with disabilities.

She is also seeking for the GAMSAT to be scrapped for those who have a certain level of disability and replaced by an interview process that would judge applicants on commitment and motivation; empathy and ethical reasoning; communication and teamwork, and critical thinking.

Students would need strong marks in their undergraduate degree to apply.

Mather has also started a petition calling on people to support her campaign to make medical colleges more open to people with disabilities.

The Australian Council for Educational Research, which runs the GAMSAT, offers people with disabilities the opportunity to apply for “reasonable adjustments” when sitting the exam, but no special consideration is given for test results.

“Under no circumstances will scores be adjusted to account for any perceived disadvantage,” the GAMSAT info booklet states. Since 2020, the GAMSAT has been a computer-based test.

Mather said it was a concern that people with disabilities were unable to get into medicine.

“I haven’t met anyone who entered medicine with a disability like mine, that began to worry me a bit,” she said.

“People with disabilities are the lowest group represented in medicine.”

Mather said that there were many jobs that people could do in medical fields that did not require physical capacity. She is interested in being a psychiatrist because she likes to listen to people and analyse behaviour.

“I could do well in medicine, but I can’t do the GAMSAT,” she said.

When contacted for comment, most of the seven universities named in the legal action responded by saying they could not comment as the matter was before the courts.

The University of Sydney and University of Queensland added that they were committed to being inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.

A directions hearing for Mather’s application will take place on October 14.

bespoke
bespoke
September 20, 2022 10:01 am

Projection.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 10:02 am

Narelda Jacobs.

Channel 10’s Poor Man’s sTan.

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 10:04 am

Cleese went off and did Fawlty Towers as a side project.

Yes, and he based Fawlty on an actual manager of a hotel the Python crew stayed at.

Co-written (brilliantly) with his then wife, Connie Booth, who of course played Polly.

Or Dad as he calls them.

Uptick! 😀

rosie
rosie
September 20, 2022 10:05 am

And after Gamsat, a host of other special requests so they can keep up.
(thanks OO)

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
September 20, 2022 10:05 am

Pink Floyd guy

Dave Gilmore. They also tipped a lot of money into Quadraphenia the movie. Actual police featured in the Brighton beach scenes. Not many people know that, said in voice not unlike the great Maurice Micklewhite.

rickw
rickw
September 20, 2022 10:06 am

If you live in Australia, chances are you will have awareness of our First Nations people and the complicated historical relationship with the monarchy post-colonisation.

Yeah, you never said “thanks!” for being rescued.

rickw
rickw
September 20, 2022 10:15 am

The depth of juvenile absurdity has never been better demonstrated than the childish screeching about the biggest nothing-burger to occur on this platform… the ‘uptick saga’…

Indeed. Can the upticks please be returned to the previous configuration?

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
September 20, 2022 10:19 am

“I could do well in medicine, but I can’t do the GAMSAT,” she said.

I’m sure GAMSAT is easier than medicine. I could do well in medicine too if only I could pass GAMSAT. Maybe I could pass GAMSAT but they still only take the strongest candidates. I could always go to court to force them to take me coz I’m special. She could always go to Monash where they don’t require GAMSAT coz they are shit.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
September 20, 2022 10:21 am

They should name it Ronald.

Lockheed Martin delivers record 300-kW laser weapon to US military (18 Sep, via Instapundit)

Lockheed Martin has delivered its most powerful laser to date to the US military’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering OUSD (R&E) ahead of schedule for installation in new laser weapon demonstrators designed to engage a variety of targets.

Obviously, the most important subsystem is the solid-state laser itself. In this case, Lockheed Martin has boosted the power into the 300-kW class. This is five times the power of the HELIOS tactical laser that the company delivered to the US Navy in August for integration into existing warships.

The new 300-kW laser will be used in several demonstration projects, including the US Army’s Indirect Fires Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) Demonstrator laser weapon system. Laboratory and field testing is expected later this year.

Star Wars is coming true…both of them.

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 10:23 am

If you live in Australia, chances are you will have awareness of our First Nations people and the complicated historical relationship with the monarchy post-colonisation.

Heaven forbid that we should treat “our First Nations people” (aka aboriginal people) as individuals, some of whom may have a completely uncomplicated relationship with the monarchy.

No, they must all be pressed into the service of the prog-left narrative by the reigning Establishment without being asked.

Some might call that “colonialism”.

Cassie of Sydney
September 20, 2022 10:24 am

“Narelda Jacobs.”

The same “Naaaarrreeeeeelda” who two years ago, on Channel Ten, called for the abolition of the police here in Oz. Her pronouncement even managed to dismay and confound her fellow Ten panellists, who all looked agog at her…..showing just how ridiculous Naaaarrreeeeeelda is.

rickw
rickw
September 20, 2022 10:26 am

Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were all given more prominent seats inside the abbey than Biden.

The three WEF stooges up the front and the Pedo down the back makes sense.

lotocoti
lotocoti
September 20, 2022 10:27 am

Albo might not be too happy with Italian waiters. Or Dad as he calls them.

We need a snork button.

Razey
Razey
September 20, 2022 10:28 am

The simple solution to the uptick drama is that one must be logged in to up tick.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
September 20, 2022 10:32 am

Co-written (brilliantly) with his then wife, Connie Booth, who of course played Polly.

When Python’s Grail was on at the cinema the extra feature was Romance With A Double Bass featuring Cleese and Connie. That’s the only time I’ve seen it, but I recall it being a lot of fun.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 10:37 am

Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were all given more prominent seats inside the abbey than Biden.

Should have thought about that before they started the War of Independence.

feelthebern
feelthebern
September 20, 2022 10:41 am

People actually care about seating arrangements?
As long as you’re not sitting next to the toilet, who cares?

Mater
September 20, 2022 10:41 am

Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were all given more prominent seats inside the abbey than Biden.

Roughly in the order that they joined to support Britain in both World Wars?

rickw
rickw
September 20, 2022 10:42 am

John Campbell, mass disabling event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ip9Dlf0KLg

johanna
johanna
September 20, 2022 10:43 am

Why is this news?

Outback Queensland is set for an early taste of summer today with temperatures in parts of the north-west tipped to soar to 40 degrees Celsius.

The state’s highest temperature of 41C is expected in Julia Creek.

“Those high temperatures are coming through with that northerly flow ahead of that trough,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) Helen Reid said.

Julia Creek is tipped to endure the highest temperature in Queensland today and Richmond won’t be far behind.(ABC North Queensland: Nathalie Fernbach)

The BOM expects temperatures in some outback towns to be eight degrees above average for this time of year.

Could there be some message they are trying to send? Some kind of narrative?

FFS, people in Julia Creek have managed to ‘endure’ hot weather for a lot longer than TheirABC’s work experience kids have been alive.

Oh, and virtual upticks to all those who have deplored the hair-pulling and eye-gouging and nail-scratching over actual upticks. What a bunch of crybabies – and they all seem to be males. 🙂

feelthebern
feelthebern
September 20, 2022 10:44 am

You have to hand it to Twiggy.
If the bets on green energy are a duster, he’ll be wearing it via reduced or no dividends.
Considering he owns over 30% of Fortescue he has more skin in the game than all the “green”decision makers in Canberra combined.

JMH
JMH
September 20, 2022 10:44 am

rickwsays:
September 20, 2022 at 10:26 am

Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were all given more prominent seats inside the abbey than Biden.

The three WEF stooges up the front and the Pedo down the back makes sense.

Uptick

dopey
dopey
September 20, 2022 10:45 am

The ticks were a decent guide to which cartoons might be worth looking at.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 10:45 am

People actually care about seating arrangements?

bern, a career limiting move in Foreign Affairies.

johanna
johanna
September 20, 2022 10:46 am

feelthebern says:
September 20, 2022 at 10:41 am

People actually care about seating arrangements?
As long as you’re not sitting next to the toilet, who cares?

Some people prefer to be seated next to the toilet, for a range of reasons.

Roger
Roger
September 20, 2022 10:46 am

When Python’s Grail was on at the cinema the extra feature was Romance With A Double Bass featuring Cleese and Connie. That’s the only time I’ve seen it, but I recall it being a lot of fun.

Yes, I saw that in the cinema too…all these years later I can remember it, but not the feature!

Based on a short story by Chekhov.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 10:49 am

You have to hand it to Twiggy.
If the bets on green energy are a duster, he’ll be wearing it via reduced or no dividends.

It’s the casino equivalent of putting it all on red (or green). Will open up the Cottesloe residential market too. Not sure I’ll be putting any of my meagre pile in though.

local oaf
September 20, 2022 10:50 am

Romance with a Double Bass

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1U42izMOjs

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
September 20, 2022 10:51 am

Why is this news?

Johanna – What you will never see is a comparison between the forecast and actual temperatures.

My strong impression from looking at my local BoM AWS site and the local BoM Ncl forecast over many years is the actual maximum temperature is consistently 1-2 degrees lower than the forecast temperature. I suspect this is because their underlying model (POAMA) has a ridiculous CO2 multiplier in it which is increasing the forecast numbers. But since they don’t publicly track their accuracy we can’t know if that’s the case.

cohenite
September 20, 2022 10:52 am

Rowe and moran cartoons are despicable.

m0nty
m0nty
September 20, 2022 10:52 am

In the meantime, we are winning, bigly.

Q is a religion. Adherents like custard comfort themselves by reciting their scriptures, reassuring their inner child that they are indeed special.

In reality, Q is a massive failure and probably a con all along. Its only utility these days is recruitment for white supremacist cults, whose members sway gently while making fascist salutes at Trump rallies.

It almost makes one yearn for the (relatively) innocent science fiction woo-woo of Scientology.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 10:54 am

Right now Twiggy’s strike rate is 50%. Ideally you’d want it up around Mark Creasy levels.

feelthebern
feelthebern
September 20, 2022 10:55 am

Fortescue’s commitment to green pursuits are the biggest cash investments (per year) than any other non-taxpayer funded programs in Australian history.
As I said, it’s real skin in the game.

feelthebern
feelthebern
September 20, 2022 10:56 am

Bear, I’m merely commenting on the size of the commitment & Twiggy’s skin in the game.

Franx
Franx
September 20, 2022 10:57 am

I think you may be right about intentions to destroy the blog, Struth. Not the blog in its entirety, but only that aspect of it which threatens to no longer tolerate the hunting in packs made up of the envious, the hypocritical, and the vainglorious.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 11:01 am

Bear, I’m merely commenting on the size of the commitment & Twiggy’s skin in the game.

Yep, they’re big bets. Heaps of people on Twiggy’s payroll in the West.

Franx
Franx
September 20, 2022 11:03 am

Adieu.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
September 20, 2022 11:05 am

Green Progressivism is a religion. Adherents like Monty comfort themselves by reciting their scriptures, reassuring their inner child that they are indeed special.

In reality, Green Progressivism is a massive failure and probably a con all along. Its only utility these days is recruitment for white liberal cults, whose members sway gently while making fascist salutes at Biden rallies.

It almost makes one yearn for the (relatively) innocent science fiction woo-woo of Jim Jones.

FIFY Monty.

H B Bear
H B Bear
September 20, 2022 11:06 am

Twiggy’s self belief is off the charts. Recall everyone who said Fortescue needed to raise more equity along the line. Twiggy just went and issued a bond repayable in iron ore.

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