Open Thread – Tues 11 Oct 2022


Battle of Poitiers, Charles de Steuben, 1834-37

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Eyrie
Eyrie
October 14, 2022 6:19 pm

Duk, the cholesterol theory was disproved by the 1980s

It was Ancel Keys who started it. The 7 nations study seemed to show that countries with higher saturated fat consumption had higher rates of heart disease. Magnificent case of cherry picking as it was a 22 country study and he simply ignored what didn’t support the hypothesis. The real curve was actually slightly the other way when all 22 were considered. Keys got himself into a position of influence and acted as gatekeeper. Any dissenters were not published or simply denigrated (sounding familiar?). By the early 1970’s Yudkin and others had figured out that sugar (actually carbs of any kind, they all turn to sugar quickly once ingested) was the problem, not fat.
There never was any real evidence for the fat/cholesterol theory. Ain’t “science” wonderful.
Read Malcolm Kendrick for more.

rickw
rickw
October 14, 2022 6:20 pm

The Doc told the caller that he wanted to do a study on these cases but was told in no uncertain terms that if he did, it would threaten his medical license as he would be considered an anti-vaxxer by the medical establishment.

I hope this fuckers in the medical establishment realise that they’re cruising towards some serious prison time.

In the end, there will be justice.

Speedbox
October 14, 2022 6:20 pm

From my recollection, Zelensky was asking NATO for rapid acceptance of Ukraine’s application to join in mid February (prior to Russian action). Then, in June/July, after Finland and Sweden were admitted as members, he asked again. Now, most recently, he has asked yet again.

bons
bons
October 14, 2022 6:20 pm

It is a powerful point Cassie.
The failure of conservatives in the anglosphere to recognise and fight the culture wars is the primary reason for our current distress in Oz, Canada, NZ and UK, and US.
Political king makers are not entirely to blame. Venal creeps seeing four terms and a pension as their life goal have enabled the perversion to a much greater extent than universities, the media or unions.
The memorable take from Farage’s party was the very public display of courage by his people. They spat on the elite, and the people loved it.

cohenite
October 14, 2022 6:22 pm
OldOzzie
OldOzzie
October 14, 2022 6:24 pm

JK Rowling not worried about losing fans, says her ‘royalty cheques’ help her sleep

Famed Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling said she’s not worried about losing fans thanks to her hefty stacks of cash.

Rowling — who has been repeatedly called out for making what many believe to be anti-trans remarks — shot back at a Twitter user who criticized her Thursday by citing her fortune from the Harry Potter franchise.

“How do you sleep at night knowing you’ve lost a whole audience from buying your books?” the person tweeted at the author.

Rowling signaled that she has no issues with insomnia.

“I read my most recent royalty cheques and find the pain goes away pretty quickly,” she said in a sizzling comeback.

Rowling’s net worth has been estimated to range from $650 million to $1.2 billion, according to Business Insider.

Rowley has been labeled a TERF, an acronym for “trans-exclusionary” radical feminist, by critics for her beliefs and has faced death threats since her remarks.

Eyrie
Eyrie
October 14, 2022 6:24 pm

This is why, for all your stirring and stoushing, I value your posts. You are open-minded and honest in analysis of contentious issues. And if you don’t know the topic or answer, you usually say so. You can be a pain in the butt, but you are honest.
LOL! You forgot the \sarc tag.

Boambee John
Boambee John
October 14, 2022 6:25 pm

Zulu Kilo Two Alphasays:
October 14, 2022 at 5:51 pm
And a big, cheery hello to Liability Bob, who is no doubt watching.

He’s over on Michael Smith, trying to start a stoush.

Has anyone (apart from Numbers) visited his blog lately?

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 6:28 pm

bloody hell … look at this waste of electrons

Flood Victoria

your tax dollar at work

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 6:31 pm

As I write there’s another case being heard in NSW Courts, a case that reeks of the satanic panic hysteria of the 1980s and 1990s, which saw many innocent men and women’s lives destroyed in the US, UK and here in Oz. Again, this young man’s life is on the block.

From the Oz…

Witness evidence slammed in Kyle Daniels trial

The lawyer of former swim teacher Kyle Daniels has torn into allegations the 24-year-old sexually touched his underage students.

Defence barrister Leslie Nichols continued closing remarks in Sydney’s Downing District Court on Friday as the almost two-month trial neared its end.

Mr Nichols questioned the reliability of evidence given by the students and their parents, describing many of the claims as “implausible” and some as “impossible”.

Mr Daniels is facing 21 charges relating to sexually touching nine young girls he taught at the Mosman Swim Centre on Sydney’s lower north shore between 2018 and 2019.

He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and denies ever deliberately touching the girls in an inappropriate manner.

Mr Daniels’ parents and twin brother sat in the back of the court for Friday’s hearing that coincided with his birthday, having supported him throughout the trial.

Drawing on expert testimony regarding child memory given during the trial, Mr Nichols questioned the girls’ recollections of events and asked in some cases if they had “adopted” versions that never occurred.

Mr Nichols also relied on changes to the testimony of some of the parents whom he said might have been motivated by the nature of the offences to act in a way more likely to secure a conviction.

He suggested one of the fathers of the alleged victims had adapted his testimony based on that of the mother, in violation of orders given by presiding judge Kara Shead not to discuss their evidence.

“Because of the nature of the offences, the abhorrent nature – the ‘how could someone do that to a child?’ – they wanted him convicted,” Mr Nichols said.

“They were prepared to do things they otherwise wouldn’t do because they believed he’d done something to their daughter.”

Police also provided one of the parents with a partially pre-written “script” that would become her statement and was changed by police before she signed it, Mr Nichols told the court.

“Can you rely on it?” he asked the jury.

Allegations against Mr Daniels only came to light after his 2019 arrest, which was widely publicised in the media.

Mr Nichols said the parents were aware of the allegations being aired in the media and approached their children with questions based on allegations that were already out there.

He said according to expert witness testimony, children were susceptible to adopting memories of events that didn’t occur through suggestibility.

Mr Nichols said this may have been the case with one of the alleged victims who initially denied to her father that anything had occurred.

“No matter how many times she told her father that nothing happened at swimming lessons, he was not going to accept it,” Mr Nichols said.

“When you consider the expert opinion … does that not raise a question of reliability with such a young child?

“There came a point where the child says what the father expected to hear.”

Mr Nichols described one of the alleged incidents as “so unlikely and unbelievable” that the jury would have no trouble concluding it didn’t happen.

Mr Daniels is accused of touching one of the complainants under her swimming costume during a swimming lesson that Mr Nichols said was “impossible” without her reacting in a way that would have been noticed.

“It’s impossible to envisage that happening to a consenting adult who is ready, willing and able to do it, let alone a seven-year-old child in a costume,” he said.

“But the Crown case is that happened based on what she said.

“An acquittal is the only possible verdict for that count.”

Closing statements will continue next week, with the jury expected to adjourn for deliberation on Tuesday.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 6:33 pm

Why thanks Delta. I have no issue with changing my mind when things change.

Mater
October 14, 2022 6:36 pm

Anyway, he told me that last year he saw a very uncomfortable number of young men with myocarditis and other older folk with blood clots. Myocard was associated with Pfizer and clotting with the Astra Z.
He reported his findings to the relevant medical supervisory board associated with the government. He subsequently received a phone call telling him not to report these cases to them even though it was protocol.

Kudos to your man, JC.
The problem is, he’d underplayed it when it really mattered.

JC says:
January 18, 2022 at 6:27 pm

Ive yet to find a cardiologist who knows that the vax are a cause of myo/pericarditis.

Have far down the list have to looked, Duk? Mine is in the “H’s”. He told me that he’s seen a very big increase in young men coming in with those two heart issues. Not a single one was near death and according to him, it’s something to keep a watch but not hugely serious. He also mentioned that young men in their 20s are at their fittest and don’t ever have anything wrong with them so they panic with those two side effects.

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Govt Covid Stupidity

Delta has one helluva impish sense of humour:

… And if you don’t know the topic or answer, you usually say so. You can be a pain in the butt, but you are honest.

Speedbox
October 14, 2022 6:37 pm

Just looking at some data on the lithium -ion battery supply chain.

China supplies only 13% of the raw materials but as a consequence of other miners sending their raw material to China for processing and eventual manufacture, China ends up manufacturing 70% of global battery cells.

And 78% of all cathodes and 91% of all anodes are produced in China.

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 6:40 pm

Toxic maternalism.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 6:46 pm

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Govt Covid Stupidity says:
October 14, 2022 at 6:36 pm

Delta has one helluva impish sense of humour:

Hurts huh? Spending days dissembling to protect a plagiarist gives the dissembler a sense of envy.

thefrollickingmole
thefrollickingmole
October 14, 2022 6:46 pm

“I read my most recent royalty cheques and find the pain goes away pretty quickly,” she said in a sizzling comeback.

How do you sleep at night Mr Trump”…
“With a supermodel, thanks for asking”….

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 6:51 pm

Mater

I hadn’t seen him since Jan and forgot I mentioned it then. This was the update. There’s no gotcha though is there as I don’t see it?

The doc may have been retelling the story about events in the past months so he may not have underplayed things.

thefrollickingmole
thefrollickingmole
October 14, 2022 6:52 pm

The reason for that is because they are largely liberal and they are very sensitive to the current ideological trajectory of liberalism in the Anglosphere; indeed, they find it irresistible.

I put this down to a few things.

1: Imperial cities: Scaberah! is a leftist scumhive populated by civil serpents who worship at the altar of big government. Every conservative statement will be against orthodoxy.
2: ABC: almost without saying, the pollies allow themselves to be gatekept by a leftist propaganda outfit, because they are too worried they will lose ‘profile” (and therefore their seats) if they had to rely on getting their faces on commercial FTA instead. It makes them feel important.
3: Credential creep. Being a pube requires a degree, all those wimmins studies grads have to go somewhere.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 6:53 pm

Jacarandas blooming in New Farm Park today.

Lysander
Lysander
October 14, 2022 6:55 pm

All is can say is that Parliamentary attendants/security are no saints in the watches of the night.

Seen some things I’ll take to my grave.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 6:57 pm

FMD, Chinese and Russian governments are basically criminal organizations.

China is now the money laundering capital for the Mexican drug cartels according to this pro-publica piece. The Chinese government is in on it too.

https://www.propublica.org/article/china-cartels-xizhi-li-money-laundering

Mater
October 14, 2022 7:04 pm

There’s no gotcha though is there as I don’t see it?

No gotcha.
I appreciate that you’ve relayed the story. It rings true with my experience.

However, it is another example of people who should have been kicking up a very big stink, only doing so after it really doesn’t matter. Like the 100s of thousands of supposed French Resistance fighters who appeared AFTER the war.

Good people, who had the integrity to make a noise, have been completely ostracised over the last 18 months and it’s been aided and abetted by Doctors and Specialists who knew what was going on, but stood on the sidelines and watched.

It’s not exactly backtracking to come out now, but it’s bloody close. The Pandemic order are now gone. Given their positions of trust, such people should be included in any criticism, alongside those who actively shilled for the vaccines. He knew.

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 7:04 pm

“The failure of conservatives in the anglosphere to recognise and fight the culture wars is the primary reason for our current distress in Oz, Canada, NZ and UK, and US.”

Yep, and in fact they run from culture wars, example was Morrison’s glib statement about free speech,” ‘It doesn’t create one job’. For that statement alone he should be hanged, drawn and quartered.

There are only two men in the West who refuse to run away and who are willing to fight the culture wars, one is Donald Trump and the other is Ron DeSantis.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 7:07 pm

The third match in the Soapdodger vs Straya T20 crikkit series is about to begin. In Canberra.

Early mail is that the half time entertainment consists of a nude Brih-nee spewing all over the pitch, and on a good length too.

I would imagine the discussion on whether they need to get the roller back out afterwards will be robust.

calli
calli
October 14, 2022 7:08 pm

Seen some things I’ll take to my grave.

Are they putting something in the drinking water?

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 7:09 pm

Yep, and in fact they run from culture wars, example was Morrison’s glib statement about free speech,” ‘It doesn’t create one job’. For that statement alone he should be hanged, drawn and quartered.

You’re kidding, he really said that? Lord.

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 7:10 pm

Did you hear about the guy who invented LifeSavers?
They say he made a mint.

Mater
October 14, 2022 7:10 pm

The doc may have been retelling the story about events in the past months so he may not have underplayed things.

And, no.
The VAST majority of vaccines had been administered before Jan 21.
Most of the heart problems came with the 2nd Pfizer shot, and most had been hit with that before then.
He saw what he saw before he spoke to you in January. He just feels free to express it now.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
October 14, 2022 7:10 pm

Just looking at some data on the lithium -ion battery supply chain.

Amusingly there seems to be a coming realization that lithium is extremely dirty and unGaialike.

LITHIUM mining for electric vehicles is incredibly destructive to the environment and about as far from “green” as you can imagine (13 Oct)

lithium mining for electric vehicles is incredibly destructive to the environment, and is about as far from “green” as one could imagine. Not to mention, most of the lithium-ion batteries produced today come from China and require water-intensive mining operations that ravage natural environments throughout Australia, Argentina and Chile. The process depletes ground water, and leaves behind toxic wastewater that contaminates fields and harms wildlife. The mining process is not carbon dioxide free, either. The mining process releases 15,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions for every ton of lithium that is extracted.

Be fun when the mining-phobic Greens wrap their heads around this. Do I buy a very expensive electric golf cart and destroy the environment or do I risk getting mugged on public transport?

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 7:11 pm

“JCsays:
October 14, 2022 at 7:09 pm
You’re kidding, he really said that? Lord.”

Yep, he said that.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
October 14, 2022 7:11 pm

Brown Scare, Red Scare, Fake Scare, Who’s Scared?

The demands of the American empire have been used throughout the twentieth century to influence domestic politics and popular opinion on foreign affairs. The exaggerated threat of foreign agents and alien ideologies in league with one’s political opponents has long been used to constrain the Overton Window on foreign policy, and its one of the few bipartisan institutions in Washington. Offenders from across the political spectrum have participated in a “scare cycle” that has hampered our politics and narrowed our minds.

Such is the case today, with supporters of the foreign policy status quo routinely leveling accusations of disloyalty and duplicity upon those who advocate for a negotiated end to the Russian-Ukrainian war. As in the past, these attacks obscure the deeper roots of discontent and longer histories of antiwar activism in America. Their continued use threatens to hamper the reassessment of current foreign policy and the formulation of new approaches beyond this crisis.

The current cycle of accusation and attack arguably began during the interwar period with a phenomenon historian Leo P. Ribuffo called the Brown Scare. The Brown Scare was a moral panic over domestic right-wing extremism that conflated disparate domestic political groups with the threat of overseas fascism. At home, New Deal liberals in the press and politics conflated odious groups like the Silver Shirts or the American Bund with more mainstream conservative organizations like the America First Committee (AFC), which sought to prevent an active American entry into the Second World War.

Supporters of American intervention used the Brown Scare to discipline those voices who sought to stay out of the wars raging in Europe and the Pacific.

The Second Red Scare was partially engineered by the political survivors of the preceding Brown Scare

As with the Brown Scare, the Second Red Scare disciplined future foreign policy debate, but this time on the Left. The McCarthy era incentivized Democratic aspirants to high office to take a harder line on the Soviet Union. This motivation, coupled with the Democrats’ desire for political payback, solidified the culture of liberal hawkishness within the party and helped to set the stage for the deepening of American commitment in Vietnam.

The scare boomerang narrowed the range of acceptable foreign policy opinion in the United States. Individual dissent remained outside government and within shrinking pockets of Congress, but the political power for restraint waned throughout the early Cold War.

Since 2001, political actors from both parties have used scare tactics in their foreign policy rhetoric. The Global War on Terror (GWOT) incentivized politicians and their mouthpieces in the corporate press to use external threats to discipline their political opponents.

As with previous scares, interventionists are using the immediacy of the crisis to mask more extensive histories of foreign policy dissent. Interventionists often accuse those who point to a long history of hostile Western-Russian relations visa vie NATO expansion of repeating “Putin’s talking points.” In the myopia of the moment, interventionists ignore that such “talking points” circulated within national security circles for decades, were previously espoused by President Obama, and debated in Congress long before the ascent of Vladimir Putin.

Similarly, interventionists have used this crisis to deflect domestic criticisms of American institutions. Rather than own up to decades of failed policies, interventionists have shifted blame to “Russian disinformation” as the cause of American discontent. As in the past, interventionists cast dissenters not merely as earnest Americans tired of war and empire but as enemies within.

American society is dangerously close to repeating the mistakes of the past. As with the Brown and Red scares, the obscurantist rhetoric of “democracies vs. autocracies” is being used to shape domestic politics and narrow American attitudes on foreign policy. As in the past, interventionists are recasting legitimate criticisms of America’s role in the world as dangerous and alien ideologies in need of suppression. Tragically, if the past is any guide, the United States government will continue its interventionist policies if these efforts succeed.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 7:13 pm

Do people know that in the last few days, Demented made a speech some such and told the story how his older son had died in Iraq. He didn’t. He died of cancer in a US hospital.

I don’t believe any of the MSM has reported this. It’s a pretty major lie.

https://www.newsweek.com/video-joe-biden-son-beau-lost-life-iraq-viral-1751433

Delta A
Delta A
October 14, 2022 7:18 pm

I see some Cats don’t like my acknowledgement of JC’s reevaluation of previously held opinions. Would they prefer that we all adopt a position and stand by that come what may?

Can we not assess new information and alter our opinions accordingly? Must we stick doggedly by our initial beliefs, without studying new and contrary evidence? Is it truly macho or intelligent to carp and criticise because we dislike the poster, if not the post?

Some people need to learn the scholarly art of argument.

vr
vr
October 14, 2022 7:19 pm

JC — Biden has made that claim many times including during the 2020 campaign. He was asked a tough question at diner and this what he used to get out of that tight spot.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 7:19 pm

He saw what he saw before he spoke to you in January. He just feels free to express it now.

Yea, but he didn’t sound like he recalled we’d spoken in January. I hadn’t seen him since then. As I recall, he appeared not to be hugely certain then and sounded like he was forming an opinion unlike yesterday’s chat.

Lysander
Lysander
October 14, 2022 7:20 pm

Are they putting something in the drinking water?

No water. Just booze.

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 7:20 pm

“Can we not assess new information and alter our opinions accordingly? Must we stick doggedly by our initial beliefs, without studying new and contrary evidence? Is it truly macho or intelligent to carp and criticise because we dislike the poster, if not the post?

Some people need to learn the scholarly art of argument.”

Nicely said Delta.

Lysander
Lysander
October 14, 2022 7:20 pm

Sorry, in respecting our culture… woobla.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 7:25 pm

Ms Higgins was asked whether she told Lisa Wilkinson on January 21, 2021, that Lehrmann removed her underwear.

‘No. I didn’t wear underwear that night with the dress on the basis that it had lines. I’m a 20-year-old girl, we care about stuff like that.’

Ms Higgins was shown a Q&A between her and Channel 10 TV host Lisa Wilkinson on January 21, 2021 – before her interview on The Project was recorded.

Mr Whybrow asked if she recalled being asked by Ms Wilkinson: ‘So he removed your panties?’

‘And you said “Yeah”. Do you recall giving and answer to that question?’ he asked.

Ms Higgins responded: ‘Yes. yes I do but it was wrong. I didn’t wear underwear and I was embarrassed but that wasn’t the interview itself and there was no stat dec [statutory declaration] on that… I was embarrassed by it… I continue to be embarrassed by it in front of a court.’

Why did Whybrow ask that series of questions?
Because he knew the answer.
How did he know that?
I’d say Higgins has been stitched up by Lisa.

Lysander
Lysander
October 14, 2022 7:27 pm

Well I think i will retire to the couch now and watch England beat Australia 3-0.

Ever since they sacked Langer, because they’re petals, I find myself going for whoever is playing them.

Bluey
Bluey
October 14, 2022 7:28 pm

Ed Casesays:
October 14, 2022 at 6:53 pm
Jacarandas blooming in New Farm Park today.

This would be the best post you’ve made since I’ve been reading here.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
October 14, 2022 7:29 pm

Germany’s Apokalypse Now

The worst nightmares of Europe’s sleeping giant are coming true all at once

Being a Germany watcher in the early 21st century can often feel like being an expert on ancient Greece: You kind of missed all the exciting bits. Alas, that seems to be changing. At the same time an economic cyclone is threatening to wreck one of the world’s more deceptively combustible societies, Germany is also emerging as the fulcrum of Vladimir Putin’s strategy to salvage his war in Ukraine by breaking Western solidarity—a gambit that now involves a credible nuclear weapons threat. For a country with an almost uniquely pathological fear of inflationary shocks, populist politics, and nuclear technology, the winter of 2022 is shaping up to be a horror show.

What is currently grist for German nightmares may also turn out to be a genuine tragedy for the entirety of Europe, as well as the United States. For several decades, Germany was able to build strong domestic cohesion, a solid social welfare system, and limited income inequality on the back of a strong manufacturing sector and competitive exports. This kept unemployment low, wages stable, and politics bland. Their high quality of life often came at the expense of poorer members of the eurozone, but few Germans could argue with the result: the world’s fourth-largest economy and one of its most steady and apparently sane political societies.

But the last two years, and the last seven months in particular, have revealed this model to be something of a Ponzi scheme. The entire German system, it turns out, depended on a never-ending supply of cheap Russian gas, immaculate just-in-time Chinese supply chains, and ever-expanding foreign markets. No other country bet more on the end of history, and we all know how that turned out.

Until the end of September, there had been widespread speculation that Chancellor Olaf Scholz was willing to trade sanctions relief in exchange for a revival of the halted Nord Stream gas pipelines. Now that the pipelines have exploded, the loss of the cheap energy that underpinned modern Germany is all but irreversible. Meanwhile, the Chinese market is becoming tighter and more hostile, even as Chinese firms have started to outcompete German firms in everything from cars to machine tools. Because Germany depends so disproportionately on foreign markets, remains ideologically committed to large savings surpluses, and suppresses wages to keep exports competitive, Germans themselves cannot consume enough of what they make—while German workers make things that are especially vulnerable to inflationary pressures. Baseline inflation forecasts for Germany are now in double-digit territory. Steel, fertilizer, chemical, and toilet paper plants are shutting down or on the brink of closure, and German automakers are threatening to shift more production to places like South Carolina and Alabama. The anger and frustration of a large number of increasingly nationalist voters—the worst fear of the German establishment, for obvious reasons—has benefited the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which now polls as the most popular political party in all five states of the former East Germany.

In response to all this, Berlin resolved last week not to reverse course on nuclear power or invest in economic modernization—both of which remain poisonous in German domestic politics—but to embrace a 200-billion-euro national energy subsidy that whipped a majority of the European Union into a frenzy. By opposing an EU price cap while unveiling a surprise domestic relief package to keep its own voters warm and its factories from shutting down, Germany was seen as sabotaging EU state aid programs, efforts to build a unified response to the energy crisis, and attempts to ensure that poorer member states can bid for gas on a level playing field—the union’s core reasons for existing. The German national subsidy, which has since been slightly downscaled, could still make energy more expensive for its neighbors—none of whom have forgotten that Germany’s two big contributions to Europe over the last 15 years have been the cult of fiscal austerity and dependence on Vladimir Putin.

Berlin has taken a Wilhelmine attitude to its allies’ fury. At a meeting of EU leaders last Friday, Scholz dismissed Polish, Italian, and other provincial frothing about his subsidy—which he refers to, approvingly, as a “double ka-boom”—as simple “misunderstandings.” Economy Minister Robert Habeck meanwhile recently appeared to accuse the United States of war profiteering by putting Germany in the position of having to buy expensive U.S. liquefied natural gas exports, now that its rightful cheap Russian gas is spilling into the ocean.

NATO could officially break along the lines Putin knows it is already broken.

Confidence that the Western sanctions regime will outlast Russia’s financial resources likewise overlooks the fact that the Russian central bank can print money if it needs to, which it currently doesn’t. EU countries have paid more than 100 billion euros to Russia for fossil fuel imports since the invasion began. Russia will record a current account surplus this year of some $200 billion; the West’s hit to its foreign exchange reserves, while unprecedented, was still relatively modest. Many of Russia’s Western imports are being rapidly substituted by China and even U.S. allies like India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, while markets for Russian energy are being expanded all over Asia and the Middle East.

This would almost certainly trigger some sort of NATO attack on Russia—to which Germany would never, under any circumstances, ever agree. Berlin would instead lead a small dissenting bloc within NATO, including Hungary, refusing any use of its funds, communications, weapons, or territory. In other words, Germany would violate its treaty obligations—as Putin has likely judged.

NATO would thus officially break along the lines Putin knows it is already broken. The EU’s commitment to Ukraine would also fracture. The U.S.-German alliance would be no more. Even a small nuclear explosion would send markets crashing, and the German economy would grind to a halt. All of Europe would enter a depression more severe than anything Russia has experienced to date. It would no longer make sense to speak of “the West.” This, as much as reclaiming lost territories, would be Putin’s life’s work.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 7:30 pm

vr says:
October 14, 2022 at 7:19 pm

JC — Biden has made that claim many times including during the 2020 campaign. He was asked a tough question at diner and this what he used to get out of that tight spot.

Okay, I didn’t know. Imagine if Trump had lied like that.

Interesting stuff with the demonrats. They have a brain damaged president and they’re keeping silent on Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Demon candidate, who is also brain damaged from a severe stroke.

Colonel Crispin Berka
Colonel Crispin Berka
October 14, 2022 7:30 pm

Cassie muses:

Is this how they conduct business at PH?

Obligatory Dana Scully reference.

calli
calli
October 14, 2022 7:32 pm

For Wolfman and other movie buffs – The Graduate in on SBS movies. Enjoy.

calli
calli
October 14, 2022 7:33 pm

is on

I won’t last to the end. Already a sleep deprived zombie.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 7:35 pm

She wasn’t wearing pants, eh?
Heheheheh, fucking good on her.

Eyrie
Eyrie
October 14, 2022 7:37 pm

Delta Asays:
October 14, 2022 at 7:18 pm
I see some Cats don’t like my acknowledgement of JC’s reevaluation of previously held opinions. Would they prefer that we all adopt a position and stand by that come what may?
Can we not assess new information and alter our opinions accordingly? Must we stick doggedly by our initial beliefs, without studying new and contrary evidence? Is it truly macho or intelligent to carp and criticise because we dislike the poster, if not the post?
Some people need to learn the scholarly art of argument.

Jesus wept, how unaware can you get? JC is VERY late to the party on this. This has been mentioned by many here for a very long time only to be denigrated, harangued, stalked and generally belittled by him in the most uncouth terms possible. The last couple of days with the Pfizer exec’s testimony to the European Parliament provide a perfect example. She wasn’t an exec. She’s a disgruntled former employee etc et. All bullshit and no apology.

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 7:39 pm

“Colonel Crispin Berkasays:
October 14, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Cassie muses:

Is this how they conduct business at PH?”

Colonel, I’m very flattered to be compared to calli but alas I didn’t wrote those words.

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 7:41 pm

thefrollickingmolesays:
October 14, 2022 at 6:52 pm

4: cronieism

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 7:42 pm

Interesting stuff with the demonrats. They have a brain damaged president and they’re keeping silent on Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Demon candidate, who is also brain damaged from a severe stroke.
Woody Wilson had a complete Mental breakdown after the Versailles Conference in 1919, his wife conducted cabinet meetings until Harding was sworn in 18 months later.
FDR was a Paraplegic, his driver carried him in and out of cars and up and down stairs, there are photos but the Press stayed silent.
Supposedly he died in his GF’s bathtub, but I’d say that was misdirection.
More likely, he was a [closeted] Flamer.

calli
calli
October 14, 2022 7:42 pm

Lol Cassie.

Just watching the incomparable Mrs Robinson seducing poor Benjamin.

At least she’s wearing underwear.

calli
calli
October 14, 2022 7:45 pm

Leopard print. 😀

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 7:46 pm

Ever since they sacked Langer, because they’re petals, I find myself going for whoever is playing them.

The ‘no dickhead rule’, also essential when undertaking footy and cricket end-of-season trips, went out the window.

Megan
Megan
October 14, 2022 7:47 pm

I cancelled Paypal today

Been meaning to for yonks as well. Finally did it just now.

I’ve been trying for 2 days and am now trapped in a PayPal Catch 22 somewhere crazily lurching between The Matrix and The Labyrinth. Wasted several hours on it. Still cannot make sense of it.
Only solution seems to be escalation to the Financial Services Ombudsman.

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 7:47 pm

“At least she’s wearing underwear.”

Underwear can be sexy, it’s called “lingerie” and I have quite a collection. Men love lingerie.

Boambee John
Boambee John
October 14, 2022 7:48 pm

Ed Casesays:
October 14, 2022 at 7:35 pm
She wasn’t wearing pants, eh?
Heheheheh, fucking good on her.

The question is really, “How does she define “underwear?” We already know it includes knickers, but does it include a bra? Half-slip?

If those are included, all she was wearing was a white cocktail dress. Are they still a somewhat short length?

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 7:49 pm

Brittany Commando.

*Schwarzenegger voice*

Git to the chocolaaaaaates!

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 7:49 pm

Oh look Hallward’s triggered.

Jesus wept, how unaware can you get?

Citing Denninger as a source, making ridiculous scientific claims, pretending a 1970’s science degree with a focus on weather offers a monopoly on discussing science. Ignoring all that and he’s telling people they’re unaware.

JC is VERY late to the party on this.

That’s good right? Oh hang on that’s bad.

This has been mentioned by many here for a very long time only to be denigrated, harangued, stalked and generally belittled by him in the most uncouth terms possible.

Denigrated, belittled and referring to him uncouthly sure, but stalking him, naaa. Hallward is lying again.

The last couple of days with the Pfizer exec’s testimony to the European Parliament provide a perfect example. She wasn’t an exec. She’s a disgruntled former employee etc et. All bullshit and no apology.

Of course there was no apology because the entire basis of my argument was in reference to the very first comment that didn’t accurately report what was said. Roger later offered an accurate description. I’ve caught you many times making stupid assertions and you’ve never apologized. Your battery claims being one example… You’re a very negative influence on this blog.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 7:50 pm

Just watching the incomparable Mrs Robinson seducing poor Benjamin.
In the entire history of Movie scenes, that, and the Moon Landing of 1969 are the most unbelievable.

calli
calli
October 14, 2022 7:51 pm

I take great comfort in Mr Darcy loving Brigette Jones’ nanna pants. 😀

*let’s see if IT is lurking*

Black Ball
Black Ball
October 14, 2022 7:51 pm

Ladies football and sponsor NAB have their star daubed in the rainbow colours. FMD I must be a masochist for watching this tripe. Lasted 5 minutes which is 4 minutes longer than usual

Colonel Crispin Berka
Colonel Crispin Berka
October 14, 2022 7:51 pm

Ed Case says: October 14, 2022 at 6:53 pm
> Jacarandas blooming in New Farm Park today.
> comment image]

Bluey says: October 14, 2022 at 7:28 pm
> This would be the best post you’ve made since I’ve been reading here.

The photo Ed linked to is not only from Wikimedia but was taken in Islamabad Pakistan in 2012.

comment image

Just sayin’.

rosie
rosie
October 14, 2022 7:52 pm

Chris S Friel continues to write papers on the Cardinal Pell case, this latest one popped up in my inbox today.
A reminder of how far the the scene of the crime had wandered included.
https://www.academia.edu/38575027/Pell_and_the_Jury?source=swp_share

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
October 14, 2022 7:53 pm

If those are included, all she was wearing was a white cocktail dress. Are they still a somewhat short length?

Don’t bend over to pick up anything less then a fifty dollar note…

H B Bear
H B Bear
October 14, 2022 7:53 pm

Brittany Commando.

That should have been suppressed.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 7:53 pm

The question is really, “How does she define “underwear?” We already know it includes knickers, but does it include a bra? Half-slip?

Who gives a fuck?
What’s the point of sheilas wearing undies anyway, it’s not like there’s anything hanging there?

rickw
rickw
October 14, 2022 7:54 pm

If you were a Doctor getting strong armed by health officials, wouldn’t you be fucking pissed off enough to take some action?

Establish a means of recording the conversation and get them to repeat their guidance. Make as a minimum an anonymous complaint to the health ombudsman. This is a fucking massive ethnics violation that is clearly aimed a covering a fucking massive problem with these vaccines.

https://www.nhpo.gov.au/make-a-complaint

Makka
Makka
October 14, 2022 7:55 pm

So, it appears Yellen is jawboning the Fed in preparation for them to backstop USG debt, again. Perhaps the Fed is like the BoE and BoJ after all. Snookered? On the one hand ratcheting up the cash rate and the debt service costs , while on the other providing liquidity by buying treasuries ,lowering bond yields and debt servicing costs. Noteworthy is that US debt servicing costs are now more than 12% of the Federal Budget. ;

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cited concerns about the potential for a breakdown in trading of US Treasuries, as her department leads an effort to shore up that crucial market.

“We are worried about a loss of adequate liquidity in the market,” Yellen said Wednesday . The balance-sheet capacity of broker-dealers to engage in Treasuries market-making hasn’t expanded much, while the overall supply of Treasuries has climbed, she noted.

Yes Janet. God forbid the USG would reduce the supply of debt.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 7:56 pm

The photo Ed linked to is not only from Wikimedia but was taken in Islamabad Pakistan in 2012.
Yeah.
Islamabad was where the fake Osama Bin Laden hit never happened.
Looks like a nice place for a game of Cricket.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 7:57 pm

Who gives a fuck?
What’s the point of sheilas wearing undies anyway, it’s not like there’s anything hanging there?

You never told us you’re virgin, Mr. Ed.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 7:58 pm

That should have been suppressed.

She stood up well, though.

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 7:58 pm

“Only solution seems to be escalation to the Financial Services Ombudsman.”

Megan, that’s what I’m thinking, I can’t close my account and I’m getting very, very irate.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 7:59 pm

Roger,
Venediktov was responding to Zelenskiy’s comments after the annexation speech by Putin.

That’s what I thought.

thefrollickingmole
thefrollickingmole
October 14, 2022 7:59 pm

If you were a Doctor getting strong armed by health officials, wouldn’t you be fucking pissed off enough to take some action?

Congratulations, the qualification in ‘x” specialty you spent the last 8 years getting has been revoked by the bureaucracy.
I hear Maccas are hiring.

Black Ball
Black Ball
October 14, 2022 7:59 pm

Was Osama done in Abbottabad?

rickw
rickw
October 14, 2022 7:59 pm

I’ve been trying for 2 days and am now trapped in a PayPal Catch 22 somewhere crazily lurching between The Matrix and The Labyrinth. Wasted several hours on it. Still cannot make sense of it.

Let me know when you crack the code!

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
October 14, 2022 7:59 pm

cBrittany Higgins: I was responsible for my actions

The former ministerial worker told her chief-of-staff she was ‘responsible for what I drink and my actions’ days after she was allegedly raped by a colleague in the office of a cabinet minister.

By Sarah Ison and Remy Varga
Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage
Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

From Nation
October 14, 2022
8 minute read

Former ministerial staffer Brittany Higgins told her chief-of-staff she was “responsible for what I drink and my actions” days after she was allegedly raped by a colleague in the office of a cabinet minister.

The accounts Ms Higgins gave to friends and colleagues in the aftermath of the alleged assault have been aired on the sixth day of the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, who has pleaded not guilty to raping her in the office of their then boss Linda Reynolds.

The ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday heard Ms Higgins initially said she was fine before later saying she was so intoxicated in the early hours of March 23 in 2019 it would have been “like f..king a log”.

Friends said Ms Higgins went from being bubbly and excited about work to withdrawn around the time of the alleged rape, failing to socialise and letting dirty dishes accumulate unwashed in her bedroom.

Ms Higgins’ former chief of staff, Fiona Brown, said she was alerted to the alleged incident in Senator Reynolds office by a call from the Department of Finance about three days after the fact.

Ms Brown, who had only been in the role for about two weeks, said she was “shocked” upon learning Ms Higgins and Mr Lehrmann had entered parliament drunk and asked security for access to Senator Reynolds’ suite.

She told jurors after Mr Lehrmann left Ms Higgins was discovered naked on the couch in Senator Reynolds’ office.

“Lauren described it to me that she was naked,” said Ms Brown.

“She was woken up. She woke up, she – Lauren told me that she asked – the security guard asked Brittany was she okay, would she like an ambulance or any medical assistance.

“Brittany said no, turned over and went back to sleep.”

Ms Brown said when she had a meeting with Ms Higgins about the incident, the then 25-year-old said she’d been out that evening and had quite a lot to drink.

“I said, ‘Is there something – is everything okay? Did something happen you didn’t want to have happen?’” said Ms Brown.

“She [Higgins] just sort of shook her head and ‘No,’ she said, ‘I’m responsible for what I drink and my actions.”

Ms Brown reminded Ms Higgins of her obligations laid out in the ministerial statement of standards, which Ms Higgins was asked to read, sign and return.

At another meeting two days later on Thursday March 28, Ms Brown said Ms Higgins told her she remembered Me Lehrmann “being on top of her”.

“I said, ‘Oh. Oh my god,” said Ms Brown.

“I said, ‘Are you all right? Has – has something happened you didn’t want to have

happen?’

“And she just sort of looks at me and sort of goes like this, with her – so I can’t say the word, but she’s shaking her head as a ‘no’.”

Ms Brown said Ms Higgins seemed composed and said she just wanted to speak with her dad and didn’t want to make a report.

She was woken up. She woke up, she – Lauren told me that she asked – the security guard asked Brittany was she okay, would she like an ambulance or any medical assistance.

“Brittany said no, turned over and went back to sleep.”

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 8:00 pm

“Who gives a fuck?
What’s the point of sheilas wearing undies anyway, it’s not like there’s anything hanging there?”

Eddy, do you like something hanging there?

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 8:02 pm

Probably best to get advice from those who’ve successfully closed accounts before bothering the Ombudsman.

Marty
Marty
October 14, 2022 8:03 pm

Undies, knickers, underpants, pants all good, but “panties” – yuk!

rickw
rickw
October 14, 2022 8:03 pm

Congratulations, the qualification in ‘x” specialty you spent the last 8 years getting has been revoked by the bureaucracy.
I hear Maccas are hiring.

Something like what happened to the thousands that have already taken a stand?

Why the fuck shouldn’t they being stepping up? Even an anonymous complaint would be useful and relatively safe.

If you were the ombudsman and you received 50 anonymous complaints about exactly the same ethics violation what would you do?

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:03 pm

The photo Ed linked to is not only from Wikimedia but was taken in Islamabad Pakistan in 2012.

An easy mistake to make.

If you’re not familiar with New Farm Park.

calli
calli
October 14, 2022 8:04 pm

😀

Colonel Crispin Berka
Colonel Crispin Berka
October 14, 2022 8:06 pm

Knuckle Dragger says: October 14, 2022 at 7:49 pm

Brittany Commando.

Is there room on that choppah for Brittany Terminator?

Aahl be on my baarck.

(Also tip ‘o’th’hat to the lady in number plate SXK.)

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 8:06 pm

Cassie
Have you got something ‘hanging there’?

H B Bear
H B Bear
October 14, 2022 8:09 pm

Groogs, you have been told about that. What would Mother say?

Frank
Frank
October 14, 2022 8:09 pm

“Eddy, do you like something hanging there?”

Mother? Jesus no.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 8:13 pm

So, Nicola Hamer gave Evidence that Brucie asked her to hire Higgins to Reynolds office because she “is good looking”.
The Defence hasn’t challenged that.
A few days later Brucie takes an extremely drunk Higgins to Parliament House, rings a Uber, and exits 22 minutes later, leaving the naked Higgins sleeping on the couch.
Yeah, the Jury is going to buy that.

vr
vr
October 14, 2022 8:14 pm

JC-The media always goes silent when it comes to left-wing politicians. They smother the story by completely ignoring it. Look at how they are treating the nbc reporter who said that it wasn’t clear that Fetterman understood the reporter was saying.

rosie
rosie
October 14, 2022 8:15 pm

Maybe the accuser was worried and withdrawn because she was in danger of losing her job, and had told a lie to her employer which had very serious implications.

Dot
Dot
October 14, 2022 8:16 pm

Yep, and in fact they run from culture wars, example was Morrison’s glib statement about free speech,” ‘It doesn’t create one job’. For that statement alone he should be hanged, drawn and quartered.

What an absolute disgrace of a human being. America has a booming entertainment industry because of free speech (in part).

As they embraced cancel culture, some franchises became unpopular.

Morrison is objectively wrong. The hollowest of men.

WolfmanOz
WolfmanOz
October 14, 2022 8:17 pm

Bulla from Fiji.

Been catching up on current events on this thread and it’s been terribly depressing.

I’d like to comment more but I have the worst internet connection here and could drop out at anytime.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:17 pm

Establishment/ deep state now just biding their time for Keir Starmer and Labour who they think will be a steady as she goes government.

Keir Starmer was once the editor of the journal of a Marxist sect called the Pabloites.

It’s Monty Pythonesque.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
October 14, 2022 8:17 pm

Morsiesays:

October 14, 2022 at 5:45 pm

Assuming everything that Lehrmann said is accurate why is he doing 2 hours of work in the middle of the night whilst pissed.
I am sure his advice was top shelf.

Morsie, these wankers are everywhere.
Sending emails in the middle of the night to all and sundry to show what fucking hard workers they are.
And fellow wankers can’t resist joining in with a banal reply to show their level of “commitment” too.
I had one of these deadshits working for me who used to do it all the time. Always with the vague “I have concerns, but no answers” question in the middle of the night (but pretty much a deadweight 9-5).
I raised it during his review. I could tell he thought I was going give him a pat on the back for being a 24/7 kinda guy.
I told him I was concerned about his effectiveness, having to work all hours. Offered to take a couple of plum tasks off him if it was all too hard. Threw in the “Oh, and don’t ask questions without proposing at least one possible solution” for good measure.
It stopped.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 8:18 pm

Maybe the accuser was worried and withdrawn because she was in danger of losing her job, and had told a lie to her employer which had very serious implications.

If – IF – that is the case, then perhaps the accuser who is a grown adult should put her hand up, say she lied, learn from the experience, pay the costs in instalments for the rest of her life and get a job at Bunnings.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:19 pm

Bulla from Fiji.

Bula!

Dot
Dot
October 14, 2022 8:19 pm

Marty says:
October 14, 2022 at 8:03 pm
Undies, knickers, underpants, pants all good, but “panties” – yuk!

Go back to Engerland (Airstrip One), pinko.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 8:20 pm

cancelled my paypal with a single click the other day

a bit puzzling why some are having troubles

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 8:20 pm

Sending emails in the middle of the night to all and sundry to show what fucking hard workers they are.

The exact subject of a recent Dilbert cartoon.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 8:22 pm

Maybe the accuser was worried and withdrawn because she was in danger of losing her job
And maybe she was behaving like a Rape victim
and had told a lie to her employer which had very serious implications.
Huh?

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 8:22 pm

Today in court Brittany Higgins said to Bruce Lehmann that “Nothing was fine after what you did to me‘”

I’m sure Kathy Sheriff would relate to Brittany’s comment. You see, for Kathy, it’s been over thirty years of “nothing being fine”.

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 8:25 pm

a bit puzzling why some are having troubles

Drama.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 8:26 pm

If – IF – that is the case, then perhaps the accuser who is a grown adult should put her hand up, say she lied, learn from the experience, pay the costs in instalments for the rest of her life and get a job at Bunnings.
Look out, Idiot O’clock at the Cat has arrived.
Only a Psychopath could sustain a lie like that through to Trial and an experienced barrister would destroy her on the stand.
That hasn’t happened.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
October 14, 2022 8:27 pm

I’m sure Kathy Sheriff would relate to Brittany’s comment. You see, for Kathy, it’s been over thirty years of “nothing being fine”.

Ironic, considering Brittany was one of the “You Go, Giiiiirl” brigade that snubbed Kathy Sheriff at a rally at Parliament House, not so long ago!

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 8:28 pm

Only a Psychopath could sustain a lie like that

Ed.

Walk me through your moon landing philosophy.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 8:28 pm

It stopped.

of course it did

… he wasn’t a cardio specialist by chance?

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 8:29 pm

I’m sure Kathy Sheriff would relate to Brittany’s comment. You see, for Kathy, it’s been over thirty years of “nothing being fine”.
Yeah, and she took 29 years to go to the cops, something you don’t have a problem with.
Brittany Higgins is lying because she didn’t go to the cops that same day, also according to you.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:32 pm

Bunnings is reportedly scaling down its inventory in expectation of ongoing disruptions to supply from Chinese factories. Seems the post-covid return to normal didn’t happen & they’ve had enough.

H B Bear
H B Bear
October 14, 2022 8:34 pm

Groogs, where do you leave your naked women?

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 8:34 pm

I’ll walk you thru your Moon Landing Hoax philosophy:
1. Guy asks Buzz Aldrin if he really went to the Moon
2. Aldrin punches guy in the face
3. Knuckle Dragger swoons
4. Moon Landing yay!
5. That’s it

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 8:35 pm

Bunnings is reportedly scaling down its inventory in expectation of ongoing disruptions to supply from Chinese factories. 

I better complete my inventory of Ozito tools.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 8:36 pm

Bunnings is reportedly scaling down its inventory

sales down-turn imminent

nothing like tax on shit you haven’t sold yet to fortify the directors resolve.

…must.not.impact.dividends

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:37 pm

Only a Psychopath could sustain a lie like that

You don’t say.

Ed Case
Ed Case
October 14, 2022 8:37 pm

They’ve got neither Stanley knife blades or Mickey Pins.
If you wanna Electric Ride-on Mower, yeah, they’ve got those.
[awaiting kerbside collection in 2023.]

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:39 pm

I better complete my inventory of Ozito tools.

Don’t forget the solar garden lights!

Boambee John
Boambee John
October 14, 2022 8:40 pm

Ed Casesays:
October 14, 2022 at 7:53 pm
The question is really, “How does she define “underwear?” We already know it includes knickers, but does it include a bra? Half-slip?

Who gives a fuck?
What’s the point of sheilas wearing undies anyway, it’s not like there’s anything hanging there?

Hmmm. Richard Cranium seems unfamiliar with the purpose of a bra.

Diogenes
Diogenes
October 14, 2022 8:41 pm

Bunnings is reportedly scaling down its inventory in expectation of ongoing disruptions to supply from Chinese factories.

Huh?
I thought they would be increasing stock if they were expecting supply chain issues

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 8:42 pm

nothing wrong with Ozito.

got an Ozito electric plane here that’s a decade old.
adjusted the cutters the day I bought it and it works like any other.

Boambee John
Boambee John
October 14, 2022 8:43 pm

Ed Casesays:
October 14, 2022 at 7:56 pm
The photo Ed linked to is not only from Wikimedia but was taken in Islamabad Pakistan in 2012.
Yeah.
Islamabad was where the fake Osama Bin Laden hit never happened.
Looks like a nice place for a game of Cricket.

No, Richard Cranium. That would have been Abbottabad. The name gave rise to one or two laughs at the time.

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 8:43 pm

Don’t forget the solar garden lights

Shhh! the wife is hooked on them and fairy lights, Roger.

rosie
rosie
October 14, 2022 8:44 pm

The other option is she’s now managed to convince herself it’s true.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:45 pm

Huh?
I thought they would be increasing stock if they were expecting supply chain issues

I deduce they’ve had a lot of unhappy customers ordering items in inventory that never turn up, Dio.

Megan
Megan
October 14, 2022 8:47 pm

Probably best to get advice from those who’ve successfully closed accounts before bothering the Ombudsman.

OK. Who was saying they had successfully closed their account? I’d rather deal with a successful Cat than yet another government bureaucrat but here is the shortest summary of the ridiculous situation with PP.

Back in February I recieved a communication from them telling me I must provide photo ID – passport or drivers licence – in order to continue as a PP customer. Reason? Useless excuse for an Aus Govt has new legislation that PP must comply with. To prevent money laundering apparently.

Clearly I was channelling Madame Molotova, Fairground Psychic, reading the crystal ball and seeing the Optus data breach in my future, because my first response was f*ck that for a Joke. I’ve been a customer since 2005, I don’t keep money, or have money coming into the account or sitting idle in the account, my average transaction spend would be less than $20 and mostly on dangerous things like art supplies.

So in my usual ignore it and it will go away approach to ridiculous government over-reach (obviously I had already forgotten the pandemic) I carried on using it until the day arrived when I couldn’t. When I selected PP as an option it logged me in and then displayed a message telling me my account had been limited. Because obviously I am a dangerous non- complier.

Ignoring it continued. I just used my Internet only credit card and stopped using PP altogether. Then the PP policy stupidity of last weekend happened and I thought…well, what am I waiting for? Might as well formally quit and be done with it.

But, as Cassie noted earlier in the week, hitting the ‘Close My Account’ button simply deleivered the same idiot message I had been getting since last March…my account is limited and I must contact them in order to progress further.

Predictably I am connected to American accented call centre robot in the Phillipines.

Short version –
Me: I want to close my account because I don’t want to give you photo ID.
Them: I understand your frustration. Provide us with photo ID so we can close your account.
Me: You want me to provide the photo ID I object to giving you in order to close my account?
Them: Yes.
Me: OK then, just remove my credit cards from that account and I don’t need to close it.
Them: Certainly madam. But we need you to provide photo ID in order to remove your credit cards from your account.
Me: ?????????????????WTAF?????????????

This confusion then gets progressively worse over the next couple of days. Stay tuned for the next steps into Alice’s upside down Wonderland as your fearless correspondent encounters how PP has erected barriers to me paying a $4.20 library fine which results in many, many rude words and slamming of doors at Villa Megan.

Time wasted to this point: In excess of 3 hours
Patience rating: deep into negative territory
Vindictiveness rating: into the stratosphere
Progress: Less than zero

Leon L.
Leon L.
October 14, 2022 8:48 pm

rickw says:
October 14, 2022 at 7:54 pm
If you were a Doctor getting strong armed by health officials, wouldn’t you be fucking pissed off enough to take some action?

It works the other way.
An anonymous complaint was made to the state health ombudsman and forwarded to AHPRA regarding my vaccine advice.
The complainant was never identified and from the story related by AHPRA, the entire episode was fiction.
However, one must respond.
The regulatory offices ensure that doctors comply, not report.
Of course, this is all just a conspiracy theory.

Boambee John
Boambee John
October 14, 2022 8:48 pm

Black Ball

Snap re Abbottabad.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:49 pm

Shhh! the wife is hooked on them and fairy lights, Roger.

Ideal time to get in her good books, bespoke!

“I bought before the great solar garden light drought of 2023.”

😀

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 8:49 pm

On This Day:

1943 – World War II: The United States Eighth Air Force loses 60 of 291 B-17 Flying Fortresses during the Second Raid on Schweinfurt.

One chopper down and three damaged in a raid, which was apparently what was inflicted on the Ivans by the Western Ivans the other day, does not rate as a tipping point.

Megan
Megan
October 14, 2022 8:50 pm

Bunnings is reportedly scaling down its inventory in expectation of ongoing disruptions to supply from Chinese factories.

Huh?
I thought they would be increasing stock if they were expecting supply chain issues

My local store has a notice on its website saying it is re-arranging the store to accomodate more inventory as supply chain issues are resolving.

rickw
rickw
October 14, 2022 8:51 pm

Woflman, Nadi or Suva or somewhere else?

rickw
rickw
October 14, 2022 8:54 pm

1943 – World War II: The United States Eighth Air Force loses 60 of 291 B-17 Flying Fortresses during the Second Raid on Schweinfurt.

Going after the bearing factories in Schweinfurt IIRC.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
October 14, 2022 8:55 pm

Knuckle Draggersays:

October 14, 2022 at 8:20 pm

Sending emails in the middle of the night to all and sundry to show what fucking hard workers they are.

The exact subject of a recent Dilbert cartoon.

Unfortunately, not as rare as it should be.

H B Bear
H B Bear
October 14, 2022 8:58 pm

Teh Paywallian has an opinion column from George Williams at UNSW that is always worth ignoring.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
October 14, 2022 8:59 pm

Going after the bearing factories in Schweinfurt IIRC.

Quite so.

Cassie of Sydney
October 14, 2022 8:59 pm

“But, as Cassie noted earlier in the week, hitting the ‘Close My Account’ button simply deleivered the same idiot message I had been getting since last March…my account is limited and I must contact them in order to progress further.”

Thanks Megan, that’s exactly the message I keep on getting. I tried again this afternoon to close my account and could not.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 8:59 pm

was me Megan

literally logged into paypal
went to accounts
hit close/cancel
you sure?
yep
done !!

here’s an interesting thing.

immediately got a flurry of emails …

This email confirms that you have cancelled your payment agreement with
— eBay Marketplaces GmbH.
— Dick Smith
— Google
— Village Cinemas Australia Pty Ltd

and finally

— You’ve closed your PayPal account.
— If you didn’t close your PayPal account, please contact us by clicking Help at the bottom of our website.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 8:59 pm

My local store has a notice on its website saying it is re-arranging the store to accomodate more inventory as supply chain issues are resolving.

Would be interesting to know what they put on the shelves, Megan.

With China’s zero covid policy & Xi being reappointed, supply chain issues are not being resolved any time soon.

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 9:03 pm

I think it’s plausible intitled politicians expecting staff to be available 24/7.

Diogenes
Diogenes
October 14, 2022 9:03 pm

I deduce they’ve had a lot of unhappy customers ordering items in inventory that never turn up, Dio.

I suppose it depends on definition of reducing stock… Deleting items or reducing the amount of an item

Bluey
Bluey
October 14, 2022 9:04 pm

rickwsays:
October 14, 2022 at 8:03 pm
Congratulations, the qualification in ‘x” specialty you spent the last 8 years getting has been revoked by the bureaucracy.
I hear Maccas are hiring.

Something like what happened to the thousands that have already taken a stand?

Why the fuck shouldn’t they being stepping up? Even an anonymous complaint would be useful and relatively safe.

If you were the ombudsman and you received 50 anonymous complaints about exactly the same ethics violation what would you do?

If it’s anything like the bureaucracy in Vic, it’ll do the level best to ignore it, and if pressed find any reason to delay and then rule nothing to see here.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 9:07 pm

Unfortunately, not as rare as it should be.

San Cho
and San Cho alone
know’s exactly what’s going on in somebody’s personal life when they send an email

he’s collated the stats
done the multi-variant maths
cogitated on it deeply

and the results are in and published on The Cat OT

ffs, I preferred it when you used to just bark at cars

Zipster
Zipster
October 14, 2022 9:08 pm
Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
October 14, 2022 9:14 pm

MT Vassal knows exactly the office dynamics going on in Sancho’s workplace over a twelve month period.
The late night texter/emailer is a thing.
Sending inconsequential “look at me” messages at 10:30 p.m. or on a Sunday afternoon, copying 36 people unnecessarily, but then doing fuck all when required in normal work hours?
Not behaviour to be encouraged.

Megan
Megan
October 14, 2022 9:16 pm

Thanks Matrix.

I knew my PP account was connected to eBay as I originally opened it to use on the site. What I discovered today is that if an e-commerce site uses PP as their payment gateway then naughty customers such as my good self are now shut out from purchasing using their credit card, something that was previously the customer’s choice.

I suspect that PP has taken the governments’s money laundering legislation and developed an internal ‘Process’ that has added far more restrictions than originally intended. Because they can.

Here’s the thing – I cannot provide them with photo ID because my passport is currently stuck in the long and winding DFAT passport department awaiting renewal and not likely to reappear anytime soon.
My currrent driving licence expires tomorrow and that too is stuck in the Victorian bureaucratic swamp awaiting renewal. Given the Optus debacle and affected customers also requiring new passports and licences it could be an extremely long wait.

Ombudsman’s office recommends you try to resolve it directly with the company and provides a helpful link to a PP page that lists the euphemistically named Customer Advocacy Officer based in PP head office in Sydney. When you call the (02) number given to connect to her….you get the freaking unhelpful call centre again. Where I had an identical conversation to the one I reported on previously. With a still unclosed account.

Unless I escalate, I’m effectively snookered and not at all happy about it.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 9:16 pm

how’s your Incredulity Boner from this morning going ?

settled down yet?

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 9:16 pm

The Kremlin, via Peskov, is now saying their goals in Ukraine may be achieved through negotiation.

This follows Lavrov’s earlier statement that Erdogan might prove a suitable intermediary.

The battlefield situation must be looking pretty bad when viewed from the Moskva.

Zelensky would be well advised to tone down his rhetoric and adopt a pragmatic approach.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
October 14, 2022 9:17 pm

bespokesays:

October 14, 2022 at 9:03 pm

I think it’s plausible intitled politicians expecting staff to be available 24/7.

Yep.
They do.
But not a trait to be encouraged.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 9:18 pm

I suppose it depends on definition of reducing stock… Deleting items or reducing the amount

It seems they’re deleting items.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 9:19 pm

I’m effectively snookered

I was prepared to cancel my cards but luckily didn’t need to.
maybe you should consider it?

Megan
Megan
October 14, 2022 9:22 pm

Would be interesting to know what they put on the shelves, Megan.

Indeed. The notice came with a happy snap showing smiling staff member re-arranging the power tool shelf. They know their target market. Shelves may well be close to empty at the moment.

I’ve been avoiding them for their disgusting behaviour during lockdown and am now patronising my local family owned Home Hardware store. They are more than happy to order in, cut to size and price match. Also provide free delivery for bigger/heavier items.

Diogenes
Diogenes
October 14, 2022 9:24 pm

The late night texter/emailer is a thing.
Sending inconsequential “look at me” messages at 10:30 p.m. or on a Sunday afternoon, copying 36 people

The best Principal I had needed to communicate with staff at odd hours as information came in to her at the start of the school shutdowns in 2019. She always put the disclaimer “This is being sent at a time convenient to me. I do not expect a you to action this or reply outside normal hours”. She actually adhered to this!

Megan
Megan
October 14, 2022 9:26 pm

The idea of cancelling my cards also crossed my mind, MT. But I still will not be able to access sites that use PP as a payment gateway. Such as my local library.

They’ve taken a good idea that worked brilliantly for 15+ years and made them a fortune and turned it into a bullying behemoth that cares nothing for its loyal customers. To say nothing of the stench of totalitarianism that now hangs over their their ugly operation.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 9:29 pm

I’ve been avoiding them for their disgusting behaviour during lockdown and am now patronising my local family owned Home Hardware store.

Yes, local family owned is the way to go.

But I thought the Bunnings decision was noteworthy as an example of the growing corporate trend to decouple from China, even if it’s motivated by practical rather than principled concerns.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 9:31 pm

Weekend Reading on the main page. Recommended.

This bit’s from a piece written by a Canadian bloke about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Assisted suicide, which is not only legal but apparently encouraged in Canadaland:

In May, Victoria took a hard look at their budget. They couldn’t go on like this for long. “Mom,” Joan recalled Victoria telling her, “I don’t think we can survive. We have to apply for MAiD.”

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 9:33 pm

Megan,
I was surprised to find that apparently they’d gone and set up ‘payment agreements’ between myself and other parties.
not the bloke I buy printer cartridges from
not with the fella in Mornington I bought a bespoke hardwood kitchen dresser from
not some wonk in China that sells plastic jewellers magnifying glasses

nah … but with the likes of Dick Smith and Google

would like to know the contents of the ‘agreement’ they brokered on my behalf.

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 9:34 pm

Zelensky would be well advised to tone down his rhetoric and adopt a pragmatic approach.

And the West, Roger. No way am I going to let my boys fight for those old farts (no offence).

custard
custard
October 14, 2022 9:36 pm

Number twenty one twenty nine.

DECLAS OF FISA WILL INITIATE THE RESIGNATION/RECUSAL AND/OR REMOVAL OF ROD ROSENSTEIN.
DECLAS OF FISA WILL INITIATE THE ‘AWARENESS’ THAT ALL SIGNERS WILL BE [CURRENTLY] UNDER INVESTIGATION.
DECLAS OF FISA WILL FACTUALLY DEMONSTRATE WITHOUT ARGUMENT THE US GOVERNMENT, UNDER HUSSEIN, KNOWINGLY, PRESENTED FALSE EVIDENCE TO FISC IN AN EFFORT TO OBTAIN ‘LEGAL’ US INTELLIGENCE ‘UMBRELLA’ SURV OF POTUS [IDEN TARGET] FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF INFLUENCING THE 2016 ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENCY [NOT RUSSIA BUT HUSSEIN/HRC – PROJECTION] + SAFEGUARD AGAINST POSSIBLE LOSS OF POWER [FIREWALLS].
USE OF BACKCHANNEL SURV / SPY INSERTION [BODY 1, 2, AND 5] BY UK/AUS [PRIMARY] ACTIVATED UNDER DIR BRENNAN DIR CLAPPER W/ PDB REGULAR UPDATES + [LIVE STREAMING] WH HUSSEIN NON-OVAL [SITUATION ROOM] COORDINATION.
FISA [FULL] BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE [WH].
Q

custard
custard
October 14, 2022 9:39 pm

I assume Cats are aware of the Danchenko trial just now….

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Govt Covid Stupidity

rosie says: October 14, 2022 at 8:15 pm
Maybe the accuser was worried and withdrawn because she was in danger of losing her job, and had told a lie to her employer which had very serious implications.
rosie says: October 14, 2022 at 8:44 pm
The other option is she’s now managed to convince herself it’s true.

She’s at the point where she’ll be sticking to the story so hard it would be impossible to know if she’s come to believe it, or is a ruthless fibber.

I’m not inexperienced when it comes to sheilas making up stories about me, though unlike Brittany they were doing it a calculated manner, for financial gain, under (corrupt) legal advice, rather than having to stick to a story made up in haste because backing down will mean Brittany loses her (imagined) career as Australia’s Monica Lewinsky.

Roger
Roger
October 14, 2022 9:41 pm

And the West, Roger. No way am I going to let my boys fight for those old farts (no offence).

Ditto, bespoke.

My oldest is in the army, and not behind a desk.

This is not our fight.

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Govt Covid Stupidity

I assume Cats are aware of the Danchenko trial just now….

It has been discussed on the Cat several times over the past few days.
Most would have at least a passing awareness of it.

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Govt Covid Stupidity

Sexual harassment test.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
October 14, 2022 9:42 pm

Daily Mail.

From ‘lovely and bubbly’ in her ‘dream job’ to looking ‘quite broken’: Brittany Higgins mum tells jury how her alleged rape changed her

Brittany Higgins’ mother has told jurors how alleged rape changed her daughter
She alleged Ms Higgins underwent a number of physical and mental changes
Kelly Higgins told the court Brittany lost her active social life after 2019
‘Brittany became very distant. Brittany became very quiet,’ Ms Higgins said

Zipster
Zipster
October 14, 2022 9:43 pm

Retired DEA Agent: ‘Mass Poisonings’ from Fentanyl; Google Speeds Up Exit from China
China in Focus – NTD
00:56 Google Speeds Up Exit from China
03:07 Moderna Rejects China Request for Vaccine Tech
04:38 Chipmaker Micron Gets $320m Subsidy from Japan
06:39 Defense Secretary: No ‘Imminent Invasion’ of Taiwan
08:21 Taiwan Inducts New Amphibious Ship in Defense
08:46 Lineup China Sells Excess U.S. Liquefied Gas to Europe
09:51 Chinese Businesses Keeping Europeans Warm World
11:27 World Bank Cuts China Growth Outlook
12:03 Chinese Company Buys 7.6% Stake in Aston Martin
12:35 Retired DEA Agent: ‘Mass Poisonings’ from Fentanyl

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
October 14, 2022 9:50 pm

Nothing seems to being made of “no knickers britnee” taping a Minister of the Crown at work. Doesn’t matter what it was about, it is a security breach.

Salvatore, Understaffed & Overworked Martyr to Govt Covid Stupidity

Omg, did the prosecution really trot out Brit’s mum to say “I wasn’t there, but I’m her mum & I know something is on her mind” ?

The jury may die laughing.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 9:51 pm

Haha.

The old ‘dress up the message so it looks like a Top Secret signal beamed to the Red October from Moscow’ chestnut. Complete with abbreviations. Good one Q.

****MOST URGENT OPSEC CONFIRMED*****
201514102022UTC RED
AUTHENTICATE: ONE SEVEN NINER ZERO WHISKY TANGO
SECRET INDICTMENTS UNSEALED STOP MASS ARRESTS IMMINENT STOP
TOP PRIORITY EYES ONLY CLASS 5 OPERATIVES PRIORITY TO RESCUE CHILDREN IN TUNNEL COMPLEX 015
ABORT MISSION TUNNEL COMPLEX 008 AS NO SUBJECTS REMAIN ALIVE
JUST PILES OF RED SHOES STOP
H HOUR PROJECT RHOMBOID 053017112022UTC YANKEE GREEN

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 9:52 pm

Brittany Higgins’ mother has told jurors how alleged rape changed her daughter

How is this relevant. This is an impact statement used for sentencing.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
October 14, 2022 9:55 pm

I wasn’t there, but I’m her mum & I know something is on her mind” ?

My mother always impressed on me the importance of clean underwear……

bespoke
bespoke
October 14, 2022 9:56 pm

BBS

‘Access denied’

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 9:59 pm

Brittany Higgins’ mother has told jurors how alleged rape changed her daughter
She alleged Ms Higgins underwent a number of physical and mental changes
Kelly Higgins told the court Brittany lost her active social life after 2019
‘Brittany became very distant. Brittany became very quiet,’ Ms Higgins said

And:

did the prosecution really trot out Brit’s mum to say “I wasn’t there, but I’m her mum & I know something is on her mind” ?

The prosecution, swimming in the deep end: ‘Ah, could you give me something to help me float? I’m becoming quite weak. I don’t think I’ll make it to the edge of the pool.’

Lifeguard: ‘Here, catch this anvil.’

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 10:02 pm

Sending inconsequential “look at me” messages at 10:30 p.m. or on a Sunday afternoon, copying 36 people unnecessarily, but then doing fuck all when required in normal work hours?
Not behaviour to be encouraged.

+ 13

such furious agreement … in what? …. 30 minutes?

San Cho, are you done making a fuckwit of yourself yet?

Megan
Megan
October 14, 2022 10:07 pm

Exactly, Matrix. They have morphed into a very shady operation. No doubt the references to these trade agreements they have signed you up to are covered in the 450 page, 5 point font, terms of use.

Bastards.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
October 14, 2022 10:09 pm

Diogenes at 9:24.
That is how it should be done.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 10:12 pm

Magan, I’m very troubled that some people are having real issues closing their PP off.

I would expect that when a punter lands on the PP site and logs in, they ‘should’ get the same page and back-end script that I got.

seems that isn’t the case and that there are some other shenanigans afoot

tip-of-the-iceberg is my worry

m0nty
m0nty
October 14, 2022 10:13 pm

USE OF BACKCHANNEL SURV / SPY INSERTION [BODY 1, 2, AND 5] BY UK/AUS [PRIMARY]

You can tell Q doesn’t have a clue, because he thinks Alexander Downer is a top level secret agent.

custard
custard
October 14, 2022 10:14 pm

Montifa LOL

custard
custard
October 14, 2022 10:15 pm

You’re watching a movie

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 10:16 pm
rickw
rickw
October 14, 2022 10:17 pm

I would expect that when a punter lands on the PP site and logs in, they ‘should’ get the same page and back-end script that I got.

They suspended my account about about a month ago, they want more information to allow me to enable it again so I can then close it.

They can get stuffed.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
October 14, 2022 10:18 pm

ROGER THAT Q.
RECEIVED AND UNDERSTOOD.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 10:20 pm

to enable it again so I can then close it.

they hold our bank details
and at some point we gave them the authority to use them

why would we think that they wont?

or cant?

m0nty
m0nty
October 14, 2022 10:22 pm

You’re watching a movie

If the main character is Lexi Downer as a master spy, it’s already a comedy.

m0nty
m0nty
October 14, 2022 10:24 pm

I mean, four words for you: Four Seasons Total Landscaping. The writing in this movie is terrible. The characters are not believable, the relationships are ridiculous, the dialogue is insane gibberish.

If it was an actual movie it would have been canned at the concept stage.

areff
areff
October 14, 2022 10:25 pm

https://twitter.com/damiengayle/status/1580864210741133312

Eco-activist idiots throw tomato soup all over a Van Gogh

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
October 14, 2022 10:26 pm

4,769 comments on the OTs alone this week. So far.

Smacking it. Smacking it hard.

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 10:27 pm

tomato soup all over a Van Gogh

looks like a young Nick Cave … and some blue-haired skank

MatrixTransform
October 14, 2022 10:29 pm

Red Right Hand … turns out it was tomato soup

custard
custard
October 14, 2022 10:31 pm

Q denial is big on this blog

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
October 14, 2022 10:34 pm

Knuckle Draggersays:

October 14, 2022 at 10:26 pm

4,769 comments on the OTs alone this week.

Why so few?
What is wrong, do you think?
Where is everybody?

Speedbox
October 14, 2022 10:37 pm

Zelensky would be well advised to tone down his rhetoric and adopt a pragmatic approach.

Bit late seeing as he recently signed into legislation that he/Ukraine cannot negotiate with Putin (ever, under any circumstances), or any successor to Putin, whilst Russian troops are on Ukrainian territory.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
October 14, 2022 10:39 pm

Eco-activist idiots throw tomato soup all over a Van Gogh

Unless they live in yurts, and drive Yogurt powered cars, they are hypocrites.

JC
JC
October 14, 2022 10:41 pm

Bit late seeing as he recently signed into legislation that he/Ukraine cannot negotiate with Putin (ever, under any circumstances), or any successor to Putin, whilst Russian troops are on Ukrainian territory.

Speedb
There’s an out to that. What if the disputed parts essentially become no man’s land or some form of protectorate owned by both sides, self-governed de-militarized and the people citizens of both countries? I think that could work perhaps.

  1. I think the punters are stirring, getting ansty. Normally letting politics of either persuasion slide by as we just get…

  2. Great stuff from the past. Visuals and audio are great. —— F r. David – Words Don’t Come Easy

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