Open Thread – Tues 25 April 2023


The Raising of Lazarus -after Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, 1890

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Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 10:19 am

Lowest ratings, relentless bias, still working from home. ABC staff get 11% pay rise.

It is funny how people (like myself) complain about ATSIC 2.0 (The Voice) as a form of nouveau shiftless immemorial aristocracy that we would have to pay feudal rents to when we ALREADY have the ABC.

Unbelievable. A pay rise above inflation in these times and under those circumstances but also in the budgetary positions of the governments of this nation.

rosie
rosie
April 28, 2023 10:19 am

I wonder what Team Elbow think about environment lawyers and their aboriginal allies putting a spanner in the Narrabri gas works.
It puts their oil to gas to zero on a precarious footing if successful.
And just think what a voice with substantial legal powers will be able to do.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 10:20 am

The low, low, too-cheap=to-meter $83/MWh Q1 2023 average NEM price is still ~60% higher than the Q1 2021 average price.

And wholesale prices are trending upwards again.

The Guardian was also pushing the same line (link upthread, fwiw).

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 10:26 am

Speaking of ABCers working from home, it’s amazing the social step change since 2019.

The Daily Chart: Towering Infernos of Bank Assets? | Power Line (27 Apr)

Fully half of wukkas are still not coming in to wuk, instead are working from home. This is despite threats and enticements from increasingly unhappy management. Inner city commercial real estate is going to be a bloodbath. Won’t much help either that all those eateries will have half as many customers.

Zipster
Zipster
April 28, 2023 10:27 am
bespoke
bespoke
April 28, 2023 10:27 am

‘even’
Cheers Gabor

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
April 28, 2023 10:31 am

America Today prefectly described “Semi Lobotomized Quasi Retarded Population”

Ex-US Army Psyops Expert: Fox News Fired Carlson To Maintain “Semi Lobotomized Quasi Retarded Population”

The remarks were made by US counter-terror expert Scott Bennett.

Carlson and Fox News “parted ways” on Monday with speculation still raging as to the specific reason why the network canned its highest rated and most popular host.

According to Bennett, Carlson posed too much of a threat to institutional power because he turned Americans into proper “researchers and thinkers”.

Carlson offered an “intellectualism, truthfulness, and an analytical depth that no other news personality has ever done in the history of the United States as far back as I can remember,” said Bennett.

Tucker needed to be “silenced” because he represented too big a threat to the “powers and principalities, institutions and agendas that seek an unenlightened uninformed semi lobotomized quasi retarded population that do not question, do not research, do not analyze but simply digest and follow instructions,” according to Bennett.

“Tucker Carlson also exposed the fraud and money laundering racketeering crimes of FTX and the Democrat Party in Ukraine involving the United States government. He exposed the US biochemical labs in Ukraine and their connection to the Democrat Party, President Barack Obama, Vice President Biden, Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Bill Gates, and other US government agencies and pharmaceutical companies,” Bennett told Sputnik.

The ex-host’s anti-regime rhetoric “could no longer be tolerated by the corrupt American media and political establishment,” said Bennett, adding that his exit signals “the death of American media”.

The former US army psyops officer suggested that Senator Chuck Schumer had threatened to utilize the CIA and the FBI to deploy secret government operations against Tucker to get him off air unless he was fired.

Schumer previously called for Carlson to be taken off air after he broadcast footage showing the January 6 ‘riot’ leaders were actually allowed into the Capitol and chaperoned around by authorities.

As we highlighted earlier, one of the reasons behind Tucker’s dismissal is a lawsuit fired by former show producer Abby Grossberg, who claims she was bullied and subjected to sexist and anti-semitic harassment.

However, Grossberg’s own lawyer revealed that she has never even met Carlson.

Muddy
Muddy
April 28, 2023 10:34 am

The Democrats must have farms where they raise herds of women just waiting to accuse Republicans of rape.

While making false accusations in such circumstances is not new, the greater frequency of such claims can only be detrimental to genuine victims (male as well as female, if we include the male prison population).

It’s only a matter of time before the legal definition of sexual assault is reworked, to match the now-flexible social definition. This is a deeply misogynist form of feminism.

Bar Beach Swimmer
April 28, 2023 10:34 am

There’s a WA petition asking that McGowan’s inVoice legal advice be released. It’s only for residents of WA. Currently, it has 5420 signatures. It finishes on 5/5/23.

https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/parliament/lcepetitions.nsf/petitions

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 10:35 am

Schumer previously called for Carlson to be taken off air after he broadcast footage showing the January 6 ‘riot’ leaders were actually allowed into the Capitol and chaperoned around by authorities.

As we highlighted earlier, one of the reasons behind Tucker’s dismissal is a lawsuit fired by former show producer Abby Grossberg, who claims she was bullied and subjected to sexist and anti-semitic harassment.

However, Grossberg’s own lawyer revealed that she has never even met Carlson.

It would be funny if it wasn’t our planet.

Nelson_Kidd-Players
Nelson_Kidd-Players
April 28, 2023 10:35 am

‘Just remain mute’: The Notorious Crime Family’s 19 commandments
ByChris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola
April 26, 2023 — 7.45pm

The first rule of the Notorious Crime Family is you don’t talk about the Notorious Crime Family.
“Do not say your name, date of birth or ‘no comment’, just remain mute. This is non-negotiable.”
The second rule is never discuss family business with anyone outside the family.
George Marrogi came up with NCF commandments in prison.
Members are free to party, just not to the detriment of business. Cocaine, weed and ecstasy are OK. But the third rule bans anyone using ice, heroin and GHB — “non-negotiable”.
So begins the “constitution” of the Notorious Crime Family, a list of 19 commandments the gang was expected to live and die by, laid down by its founder, George Marrogi, from inside his maximum security cell in Barwon Prison.
At the time in 2019, Marrogi was awaiting trial for the murder of Kadir Ors whom he had gunned down three years before in broad daylight in the car park of a Campbellfield shopping centre.
It was the latest in a series of violent crimes that had meant the then 27-year old underworld figure had spent less than 12 months of his adult life outside prison.
That year, Marrogi, a former bikie who had become a central player in a shooting war between rival Middle Eastern organised crime groups, decided to form his own gang.
The Notorious Crime Family (aka NCF) was modelled on the strict code of a mafia family or a bikie club, but practised by a membership addicted to notoriety and led by a domineering figure who insisted on exerting uncompromising control from inside his prison cell.
The NCF’s business was drug trafficking, fraud and extortion – and Marrogi was determined it would be run like a business. An executive “commission” was created to plan crimes, run operations, enforce discipline and mete out punishments to wayward members and enemies.
“Commission will be set up that has the final say on all matters. Non-Negotiable,” Rule 4 said.
“Commission meets every month to discuss everything membership related and in what direction the membership is headed, after meetings all members will be updated.”
Members were ordered to send a percentage of their illicit profits to a “secure offshore account” to pay for lawyers and support the families of members in trouble with the law, according to Rule 9.
Even legitimate business activities were tightly regulated. Members looking to buy a car or a house, get financing or find a builder were ordered to go to other members first.
Above all this was the promise of unconditional solidarity and safety. “Membership guarantee’s [sic] protection and full support of every member, no-matter what right or wrong,” said Rule 10.
Marrogi went so far as to select a motto for the gang based on the Old Testament Bible passage Jeremiah 11:11 – “I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape. Although they cry out to me, I will not listen to them.”

The passage became widely known in 2019 after it was referenced several times in the American horror blockbuster, Us, spurring a flurry of online articles aiming to explain its prophetic meaning.
Other gang accoutrements included a custom-designed NCF logo that was tattooed on members and used to create a line of branded clothing.
How many of these rules dreamt up inside a prison cell were actually implemented on the streets is impossible to tell.
A former associate, who does not want to be identified for safety reasons, said the rigid and detailed constitution was born partly as a result of Marrogi’s boredom after spending years on 23-hour-a-day lockdown.
Marrogi was no stranger to the mind-numbing effect that comes with serving huge stretches of solitary time. During a previous nine-year sentence for manslaughter, Marrogi had secretly and meticulously assembled a home-made crossbow just to keep busy.
Those who know Marrogi have painted a picture of an often erratic and domineering man who had a fascination with control and notoriety.
“NCF was George’s cell dream, and it really remains George’s cell dream,” said a former friend turned enemy, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
And while bikie clubs have been around for decades and the Italian mafia for more than a century, the Notorious Crime Family lasted barely three years before police dismantled it.
This was not a secretive crime organisation.
Gang members brazenly showboated their affiliation and wealth on social media.
A brawl in a nightclub escalated into a drive-by shooting and exchange of gunfire at the home of one of the gang’s top members, Jimmey Barkho.
As both a cover story (and an inside joke), outsiders were told NCF actually stood for “Nurturing Christian Families”. It was even registered as a business name.
It was claimed that “NCF” was established in honour of Marrogi’s deceased sister Meshilin to support Middle Eastern Christian refugees and immigrants settling in Australia through the sale of branded hoodies.
The initials, NCF, were also used in the name of a logistics company allegedly used as a front business for the gang’s illegal activities.
Victoria Police’s Echo taskforce began an active investigation of their activities within a year and the Australian Federal Police followed soon after.
But the NCF’s downfall actually began because Marrogi himself repeatedly broke Rule 11, albeit in a very inventive but not quite foolproof way.
“All communication between members, whether personal or not but especially membership related must be made through commission approved devices. E.g. Ghost phone,” the directive said.
Encryption devices were not an option inside prison, so Marrogi found a way to manipulate the prison phone system that allowed him to make up 20 calls a day under the noses of corrections authorities.
A telephone line was set up that purportedly connected to a legal firm but actually diverted to a mobile phone held by his girlfriend and partner-in-crime, Antonietta Mannella. Under prison rules, calls to lawyers cannot be intercepted or recorded.
They spoke business using codes, nicknames, and Assyrian words: “Shula” meant drug-related work; “Zuze” meant cash; and “kittens” were active drug imports.
Marrogi is also suspected of attempting to organise two murders.
But the charade couldn’t last once authorities realised the phone hook-ups were a deception.
Beginning in 2021, Victoria Police and the AFP began dismantling the Notorious Crime Family in a series of operations that seized $55 million worth of methamphetamine and heroin and froze tens of millions of dollars worth of property, cash, cars and a yacht alleged to be the proceeds of drug crime and money-laundering.
Marrogi received a 32-year sentence in 2022 for the murder of Kadir Ors and another 16 years were added after pleading guilty to drug trafficking in 2023.
It’s unclear how many members were in NCF at the height of its “power”, but nearly all known members are now in jail or facing major charges.
“They’re finished,” a police source said.

rosie
rosie
April 28, 2023 10:37 am

Pope Francis visited Poland in 2016.
Seems three visits to Hungary ended up as one official visit and a seven hour stop over to celebrate mass.
Orban and Francis both want Ukraine and Russia to cease fire and negotiate.

I’d say he has every good reason to visit Hungary right now.
Plenty of Catholics in Hungary, not that it matters, he’s visited several other countries with very small Catholic communities.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 10:37 am

How are you supposed to defend yourself against a claim that covers a window of 6-9 months?

His lawyers can use it to his advantage in regard to her credibility.

Zipster
Zipster
April 28, 2023 10:38 am
Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 10:38 am

Trying not to swear.

Some idiot on TimCast IRL reckons “using a shot gun is much harder to use for an untrained person than an AR-15”.*

Tim, shut up, get some better guests.

“Oh don’t use it for home defence, you’ll put holes in the walls and they’ll have a 10″ hole in their chest”

I’d rather pay for repairs than miss with a 1911 or Glock. Ir try to use a rifle in a “confined” space.

*First time I used a shot gun, no real training, I couldn’t miss.

I wonder if they’re a little drunk or high, what absolute nonsense. Rogan can be blazed off his rear and he won’t say stuff as dumb as this.

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
April 28, 2023 10:39 am

Apparently the Florida Gay Pride parade is being cancelled because Florida has just passed a law banning the attendance of children at adult sexual performances.

Now, your typical gay man and woman like men and women. I think the parades are awful tacky things, and all too often used to mock people who merely disagree with them, but there you are.

So who is in control of the QWERTY+ parade that not having children there makes it pointless? I don’t think it is the gays running these things any more.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 10:40 am

How are you supposed to defend yourself against a claim that covers a window of 6-9 months?

Conversely, that’s precisely the point. Throw in a rape shield law and a 6- 9 month window becomes five minutes of fact.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 10:41 am

I don’t think it is the gays running these things any more.

Did they ever?

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 10:42 am

Re DeSantis and the media onslaught if he wins the primary

Some MSMers are already getting in early. But I think every time one of them does so them/they get clobbered by central HQ to stay on Orange Man Bad message.

Right on Schedule, the Media Decide DeSantis Is ‘Worse’ Than Trump (19 Mar)

Pretty clear worserer-than-Trump will be the line though.

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
April 28, 2023 10:42 am

Defence reveals 50 per cent ‘contingency’ for cost overruns inside $368 billion AUKUS project

A breakdown of costs for the $368 billion nuclear-powered submarine program reveal Defence has provisioned for a separate 50 per cent contingency of $122 billion, which is not allocated by year but instead “is triggered on the occurrence of a contingent event”.

As contingencies often are.

Technical Note: In my humble experience, a 50% contingency is what you might put on a low value, non-critical item – and if you have more than a few of them in a capital budget, this is a warning bell and a clip round the ear for the lazy pillock who couldn’t be arsed to check out a couple of prices.

An overall 50% project contingency is the equivalent of saying ‘Sorreee. We couldn’t find a second beer coaster…’ – and calls for a Performance Managed exit…

Speedbox
April 28, 2023 10:42 am

OldOzzie says:
April 28, 2023 at 9:48 am
I’m going to be blunt, Australian lane etiquette is amongst the worst I’ve experienced anywhere in the world.

Ha, not just lane etiquette. Generally, Australians are crap drivers – notably city based drivers. Insular, selfish with precious little understanding of their cars or the physics that surround them when they drive.

Our roads and speed limits are designed to cater for the lowest common denominator when built or established and that’s probably a good thing. Next time you’re out driving, just take a moment to actually watch your fellow motorist. Does that person represent a risk to themselves or others at 130km/h?

I’d love the speed limits to be higher personally and there are many motorways that could easily accommodate the increase from a road design perspective – but Australian drivers are (mostly) not equipped for the additional speed.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 10:44 am

Ir –> or

Man I was riled up about that silly comment about shotguns.

bons
bons
April 28, 2023 10:44 am

Of course security at Newcastle Airport is rigorous.
There is a certain mad scientist who must be prevented from boarding.

Rabz
April 28, 2023 10:46 am

Thanks, BBS.

Muddy
Muddy
April 28, 2023 10:46 am

Wouldn’t it be a laugh if the Trump vs. DeSantis antagonism was a set-up, and just at the right moment, Trump announced that in fact, the whole thing had been a charade, and DeSantis was his Vice Prez candidate?

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 10:48 am

Common law, its debt to Christian natural law or classical legal tradition, more broadly, and the idea of ‘separation of church and state’.

Thank you.

That’s still a bit vague.

Separation of church and state can, and has, meant different things.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 10:50 am

Generally, Australians are crap drivers – notably city based drivers.

Whenever I find myself driving in an urban area I’m disturbed by the number of drivers I see looking down, presumably at a screen.

Miltonf
Miltonf
April 28, 2023 10:50 am

I have driven in heavy traffic in Sydney and Melbourne and generally find my fellow real workers polite and considerate. So lay off about Australians being crap this and crap that.

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
April 28, 2023 10:51 am

The Guardian was also pushing the same line (link upthread, fwiw).

Oops.
Showcasing my dodgy soshul meeja skills.

Bar Beach Swimmer
April 28, 2023 10:52 am

Cassie, it was just a courtesy of acknowledgement of our usual concordance on most things.

As to the subject of meat, why don’t you believe meat should be cheap, and how, in a free market, do you do make that so?

shatterzzz
April 28, 2023 10:52 am

If your a fan of BERNIE GUNTER books you should enjoy this one!
Georg Heuser is another WW2 era German detective who’s life is turned around once the police dept is seconded into Reynard Heidrich’s Security Dept. .. But Georg chooses a , slightly, different career path to Bernie in this “new” KRIPO set-up …….. Covering Georg’s WW2 and post war career you’ll begin to understand why, unlike Bernie, this is not the beginning of a series of plod tales but a one off biography .. Well worth the read … OSTLAND .. David Thomas …..
https://www.goodreads.com/nl/book/show/17556134-ostland

duncanm
duncanm
April 28, 2023 10:54 am

Tomsays:
April 28, 2023 at 4:09 am
Matt Margolis.

wonderful office space reference. Kamala is a people person!

H B Bear
H B Bear
April 28, 2023 10:54 am

Dot at 10:04 – Yeah, referring to it as common law was a bit loose.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 10:56 am

Oops.
Showcasing my dodgy soshul meeja skills.

No worries.

Not surprising that both outlets ran that line.

I wonder when they’ll be fact checked?

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 10:59 am

No way Biden is that popular even among Democrats.

Mother Lode – The type of Dem that votes in primaries is a fanatical climate bedwetter who thinks the world will end if we don’t ban cow farts.

So what they want is a vegetable, who can enact the agenda of the Bernie bro wing of the Democrat Party. They don’t want a typical politician who might have sufficient gusto to defy them.

It’s often said that these people are cult members of a new religion. That is true: they want an Iran-style theocracy with themselves in charge, forcing the rest of us to adhere to their kooky rituals.

Which is why they’re going to steal the 2024 election. They think they’re doing it for the planet.

Muddy
Muddy
April 28, 2023 11:02 am

Trump is doing what he was expected to do: Be aggressive; the same as he has done previously.

His opponents are, broadly speaking, likely to use the same tactics in response as they used previously (and which, to varying degrees, worked).

To know what to expect from an opponent, you need to analyse how they have responded to you in past interactions. Nothing is 100% predictable, of course, but any advantage you can gain is, well … an advantage. (Stating the bleeding obvious there, but I couldn’t think of how to finish that thought).

I’m not claiming this IS what Trump & DeSantis are doing (How would I know?); it’s simply an entertaining thought: The unexpected.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 11:03 am

Even if you take the narrowest meaning, its still incongruous for the UK as they have an established Church. In the broadest sense, that religion should not have a place in the public square, even more incongruous with the classical legal tradition.

Agree on the second point.

In regard to the CofE, yes, various legal requirements give the state a role in superintending church law and appointments, but in practice the church has a high degree of autonomy, regrettably so at times.

sfw
sfw
April 28, 2023 11:04 am

Shatterzzz, seems to me that if you are at a regional airport and travelling in a relatively small plane there’s no security screening. If I catch a Rex out of Albury to Sydney, no screening but when you get to Sydney you don’t disembark into the main terminal, you have to exit straight into the luggage collection area, if you want to enter the main terminal it’s search time again. If I fly Qantas to Sydney out of Albury you have to be screened but walk off the plane straight into the main terminal.

Next time I’m going to try Bonza, I didn’t know they existed, the only way to book with them is on their app but the prices are amazing, limited departure airports and destinations but hoping that will improve.

While in Hervey Bay my wife booked a day trip to Lady Ellis Island at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. I’ve scuba dived and snorkelled in many places around the world and I have to say that the snorkelling was amazing, the best close to the shore I’ve ever had, only 100 metres from the beach. The bad, the island stinks, really stinks, like being in a chook shed, birds everywhere and they crap everywhere. I wouldn’t want to stay there overnight.

duncanm
duncanm
April 28, 2023 11:06 am

OldOzziesays:
April 28, 2023 at 9:32 am
Sydney’s richest and poorest postcodes: How does your area compare?

really quite a stupid measure if you don’t take it with a grain of salt — there are a few wealthy retirement postcodes which are ‘low income’, but high wealth.

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 11:07 am

Look, I am not one for divulging personal facts about my health but i know there are some Cats who have a good insight into various meds… and I guess this is all part of getting older…

Any Cats taken catapres (or I think is called “clonidin?”). I started a course last night and is, according to my doc is pretty much meant to be an ongoing dosage now for the foreseeable future… but, looking for advice (other than a “googlenosis”) on whether other cats know of this… makes me feel like I’m off-my-face… which, don’t get me wrong, can be “fun” in the evenings but not so much when work priorities are at hand… do the effects normalise after your body gets used to it???

duncanm
duncanm
April 28, 2023 11:09 am

This rape, according to the victim, occurred between autumn of 95 to spring 96.

don’t forget this ‘rape’ occurred, according to her, when she willingly tried on some lingerie for Trump and invited him into the change room for some nooky.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 11:15 am

Trump is doing what he was expected to do: Be aggressive

The “he fights” meme resonates. Very Grant-at-Vicksburgish. DeSantis does too, but not in the same total-war bonkers way, which is what currently is required.

Boambee John
Boambee John
April 28, 2023 11:15 am

Bruce of Ncl

India is also building coal power plants at a record rate. They don’t seem to be too concerned about global warming, do they?

And if the rabid enviros think that either or both of India and China are going to end rice production, they are p1ssing into the wind.

Bar Beach Swimmer
April 28, 2023 11:17 am

Mother Lodesays:
April 28, 2023 at 10:39 am

Now, that’s revealing, no pun intended.

A change of law, which is wholly unrelated to the regulation of the main demographic, can ensure that that demographic cancels their celebration. Showing that much of that celebration is designed for other purposes.

It reminds me a bit of Yes, (Prime)Minister. Something about which group is the prime customer of a certain department.
Dept of Education – teachers – not students or parents;
Dept of Health – doctors/nurses – not patients etc.

What other things could it work with?

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
April 28, 2023 11:18 am

I am not against Trump running but if he does I want him to win. He is so hated by some they would do anything to stop him winning. Things they might balk at doing against DeSantis.

Oh Lizzie, at your age and still so naive in the face of everything we know about the American media. The minute DeSantis becomes the nominee he will be declared the new Hitler by the entire media, including Fox.

Crossie, I’ve seen a lot in my many years. Trump will draw all sorts of Democrat law-fire, we haven’t seen the end of that yet, and they will renew all of his baggage in a big doubt campaign. Of course they would go after DeSantis – they already are. But their success rate would be far less than with Trump, DeSantis has a cleaner slate and is a better family man. That’s all.

A minority view here I see, but one worth pondering? As I said, I’m no oracle, just taking a perspective.
If it ends up as Trump, then I’m right there with him. Some on the right would not be though. Hell, they might even vote for Kennedy on a vaxx reward impulse (a/c to some here) and I can’t think of a worse disaster. The Kennedy Democrat name pushing the global warming scam to greater heights. No thanks.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
April 28, 2023 11:21 am

Further on – War Threatens Ukraine Auto Empire Of Biden Megadonor And Lender Who’s Urging Greater U.S. Role

Authored by Paul Sperry via RealClear Wire,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky isn’t the only one demanding more military assistance from President Biden to protect Kiev from Russian forces. So too is a close Delaware friend and financial backer of Biden, who owns several luxury car dealerships around the Ukrainian capital.

By sending billions of dollars in weapons and other military aid to help defend Ukraine, Biden also is securing the investments of millionaire car magnate John Hynansky, a Ukrainian American and longtime supporter of the president.

Over the course of Biden’s political career, Hynansky and his family have contributed more than $100,000 to his campaigns, including $8,000 in 2020, Federal Election Commission records show. Hynansky family members have been guests at the White House, and Hynansky has floated hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans to Biden family members, property records show. Hynansky’s son, Michael, who helps run his car empire, lent the use of his Lear jet to Biden when he was a senator.

Since Russia started shelling the area around Kiev in February 2022, the U.S. government has spent $77 billion to help Ukraine rebuild and repel future attacks.

Government ethics watchdogs say the president’s friendship poses a potential conflict of interest that demands a full accounting of how the massive foreign aid, which includes open-ended humanitarian and economic assistance, has been used and who has benefited from it. On the military side, moreover, billions of dollars have gone to unspecified areas, such as “security,” “intelligence,” and “training.” In the past, Hynansky has supplied the police cars and ambulances in several regions of Ukraine.

The Biden administration helped Hynansky’s team in Ukraine prepare for the invasion, including placing calls to his top executive in Kiev 13 days in advance of Russian tanks crossing the border. It has sent billions of dollars to help rebuild war-torn cities where Hynansky operates the largest share of the country’s car showrooms and service centers specializing in Porsches, Jaguars, Land Rovers, and Bentleys, among other non-American brands he imports.

Although supporting Ukraine is a policy with widespread – though not universal – bipartisan support in Washington, the president’s close relationship with Hynansky illustrates larger ethical questions that have long surrounded Biden and his family members, who often have financial interests directly affected by policies he endorses.

While serving as President Obama’s point man in Ukraine in 2015, Biden famously demanded the firing of a prosecutor who was investigating a natural gas company, Burisma, that was paying his son Hunter $80,000 per month to serve on its board.

Recent revelations of lucrative dealings with concerns tied to China’s Communist government while Joe Biden was both in and out of office have also raised questions about his current policy toward Beijing.

Many of Hynansky’s dealerships are organized under the Winner Group Ukraine ‒ are located around the Kiev airport.

Though the American head of Winner Group Ukraine fled the country after Russia’s invasion, the dealerships are still “operational,” according to a spokesperson at Hynansky’s headquarters in Delaware. All told, his Ukrainian subsidiary controls some 55 dealerships and service centers employing more than 800 workers.

Winner executives have been clamoring for more U.S. military aid and direct intervention by Biden and other Western leaders. Before the invasion, the company had reported its best year in Ukraine.

Rondiak, Hynansky’s top executive in Ukraine, has called for greater military intervention from America and the West, including setting up a “no-fly zone” over Ukrainian airspace. “Dear western ally politicians,” he tweeted in December, “when will the gloves come off?”

Added Rondiak, “The flow of weapons must increase quickly.” He’s also called for a military counteroffensive “to punish Putin.”

Although car sales are down, he said virtually all of Hynansky’s “dealers are operating” in Ukraine thanks to Biden administration support.

He also praised the State Department for calling him to warn him to leave Kiev for his own safety two weeks ahead of the invasion.

From the Comments

10% of every car sold goes to the big guy!

– Which 10% of the car does he take? He must have a lot of spare wheels stored next to his corvette.

– Can hunter biden be stopped?

https://vidmaxviral.com/video/218743-hunter-biden-may-have-been-banging-tony-blinken-s-wife-as-blinken-was-coving-up-hunter-s-laptop-story

At this point its easier to work out what he didnt stick his **** in.

– I can’t think of a better reason to send young men to their death than to protect this man’s business… every time you think we have outed all the scum another one rears it’s head…

Corruption on a new level. The Biden level.

P
P
April 28, 2023 11:21 am

Re Pope’s visit to Hungary in April – Link

More than half of Hungarians are Christian, and at least 37 percent of the population identify as Catholic.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, nearly 1 million Ukrainian nationals have travelled through Hungary as refugees, according to local sources.

Vicki
Vicki
April 28, 2023 11:24 am

Of course they would go after DeSantis – they already are. But their success rate would be far less than with Trump, DeSantis has a cleaner slate and is a better family man. That’s all.

I’m with you Lizzie. I think DeSantis will attract many voters, including Republicans, who are “never Trump’.

Boambee John
Boambee John
April 28, 2023 11:24 am

Rogersays:
April 28, 2023 at 9:14 am
And with the poor figures on the US economy just out, the “anyone but Biden” crowd should continue to swell.

A lot more of the dead are going to have to vote.

areff
areff
April 28, 2023 11:25 am

If your a fan of BERNIE GUNTER books

Only the first three in the Berlin Noir trilogy.

Kerr has written some absolute rubbish since.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 11:32 am

Political death of the National Party is sad but inevitable.

Liddell Power Station’s shutdown was ‘sad’ but ‘inevitable’: David Littleproud (Sky, 28 Apr)

Will the last Nat voter please turn out the lights? Belay that, he won’t need to.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
April 28, 2023 11:32 am

Only One Question Remains As Susan Rice, Biden’s Shadow President, Leaves The White House

Authored by Sundance via The Last Refuge (emphasis ours),

In the game of test-match cricket, a game that can last three(correction five) days at peak professional level, you have to ‘get out‘ to ‘get in‘.

You have to ‘get out‘ of the clubhouse in order to ‘get in‘ to the game. The same is true for this story about Domestic Policy Advisor, Susan Rice, leaving the Biden administration.

Rice has to get out of the administration in order to get in to the 2024 game.

Susan Rice is the pliable foot soldier, the protege’ of the Lightbringer, Chicago Jesus. Rice is the female version of the entire apparatus of the Obama team. Susan Rice is Barack Obama in female form, and as Ric Grenell said eloquently, Susan Rice is “the shadow president.”

A Newsom/Rice or Rice/Newsom ticket is a no brainer. Both are foot soldiers for the Lightbringer movement’s fundamental change agenda, although Rice is the apex player and Newsom is the ideological, intellectual and cognitive equivalent of John Fetterman with better style. Most people still do not understand that Barack Obama is not just a person, he is a complete political construct -a movement in a box- consisting of multiple component groups all working in synergy.

The focus of the Obama movement is domestic and ideological. The “fundamental change“, as outlined previously by the front man for the group, is domestic – exclusively domestic. The Lightbringer doesn’t care about foreign policy stuff; all of that angle is sold to the multinationals and highest bidders.

Foreign policy is not a thing for Teh One true bringer of enlightenment; their focus is USA domestically centered. In her capacity as Domestic Policy Advisor, Susan Rice was the guiding hand behind every element of Biden domestic policy.

The microphone from the Obama basement does not transmit into the earpiece of Biden; it communicates into the two-way radio of Rice.

If Susan Rice is departing, the question becomes how the club removes Biden from the 2024 race?

There are a multitude of approaches and leverages available for the Lightbringer’s team, which includes Deputy AG Lisa Monaco at Main Justice.

The criminal activity of Hunter Biden, and the potential for outcomes – or lack therein, can be leveraged. The direct connection to the action of the principal, “the big guy” Joe Biden, could be leveraged.

The Biden administration’s interference in any number of related investigations can be leveraged, and… keep in mind…. it is not coincidental the evidence of the interference is manifest by the same team that would remove the principal. Yeah, think about that for a moment.

Put aside the 2024 contest participants for a moment (ie. the shiny things), and instead focus on what peripheral risks exist to Joe Biden that could be deployed at any moment to push him to a graceful off ramp.

There are many club-installed insurance policies, political landmines all around Joe Biden. Which one will they show him?

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
April 28, 2023 11:33 am

For what it’s worth, I’ve always said that Trump’s 2020 election was stolen. I was at the CPAC dinner when the counting was stopped and the unbelievable then happened when it restarted. Clearly manipulated. Also the level of postal and other ‘fortification’ for Biden was a major factor when you looked at the supposed hearty incoming approval of the basement geriatric teleprompter creep. The Demonrats had been hard at work organising this getting out the vote (they are still at it; Republicans need to do the same).

However, a lot has happened since 2020. The midterms were a dud, and America is tired of it all. I was there for the midterms. The anger was just not palpable. It’s diffused now, there’s fear about personal economic survival and Trump may find it harder to sustain the rage. People are looking for a way out of it, a new broom to bring in changes that mean improving circumstances that people relate to. Florida’s wealth and stability is what they want, and DeSantis could offer that, not a Trump New York shitfight redux.

That said, if Trump is the choice then I hope he fights very hard on the economy and drops the past.

Plasmamortar
Plasmamortar
April 28, 2023 11:37 am

I don’t think people here have realised yet that it doesn’t matter who runs on the republican side.
Trump, DeSantis, it makes no difference when elections have already been blatantly stolen twice an nobody did anything…

I’m sure conservatives will peacefully protest again, when Captain Paedophile wins his second term, but the democrats are certain to win.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
April 28, 2023 11:42 am

There are many club-installed insurance policies, political landmines all around Joe Biden. Which one will they show him?

Yes. They will offer him a graceful exit as the price of the Presidency.
The Obama-movement has been behind Biden, may swing behind Rice, vagina good etc.

Trump will be sour old news then.
I think this is what DeSantis is waiting to see. A tactical and cautious long game.
This is politics. Not an episode of Rogue Heroes.
Which was great again last nite, btw.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
April 28, 2023 11:42 am

Democrats Attack Gaetz Ukraine Audit Resolution As ‘Divisive & Ill-Advised’

Legislation introduced by Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) which calls on the White House to release documents related to the war in Ukraine passed a voice vote on Wednesday. With debate on the resolution divided along party lines, the House Foreign Affairs Committee is set to vote on the measure on Friday.

The bill, H.Res.300, would urge President Joe Biden to grant lawmakers access to “all documents indicating any plans for current or future military assistance to Ukraine,” as well as any material “indicating whether any United States Armed Forces, including special operations forces, are currently deployed in Ukraine.”

Since Russia invaded its neighbor 14 months ago, Congress has authorized over $100 billion in aid for Ukraine. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Washington has provided $80 billion in military and financial aid throughout the conflict.

Though support for the resolution was limited to Republicans, it passed a voice vote and is set for a full committee vote on Friday. Several Democrats attacked the legislation during Wednesday’s debate.

Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC) blasted the measure as “divisive and ill-advised,” claiming “It is a partisan political ploy, and the height of legislative irresponsibility that jeopardizes the national security of the United States, of our Europe allies and partners as well as the courageous Ukrainian people.”

Manning took issue with the resolution because it threatened a consensus in Congress that support for Kiev must be unwavering and indefinite.

“The entire Congress has remained resolutely bipartisan for Ukraine as it fights against Russian aggression,” the lawmaker continued, adding “Measures like this put bipartisanship in jeopardy.”

She also asserted that the bill amplified Russian propaganda and claimed that reporting on legislation “favorably” would be “irresponsible.”

“It plays directly into [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s hands by seeking to force the disclosures of all present and future military plans,” Manning said. “Passage of this measure would represent a gift to Putin and his Kremlin cronies and provide visibility into the plans our military and intelligence leaders strive to protect at all costs.”

However, she failed to explain how increased congressional oversight for US military policy in Ukraine could actually help the Russians on the battlefield.

Congressman Daryl Issa (R-CA) said any documents provided to the House would not be made public, and that “every bit of the information requested could be and would be held at the Select Intelligence Committee.”

Further, dozens of documents detailing weak points in Ukraine’s defenses were alleged to have been leaked by a 21-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guardsman over the course of several months on Discord.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) said that it was not an appropriate time for transparency regarding the billions in US tax dollars pouring into Ukraine.

“Timing matters when this committee actions,” he argued. “There will be a time in insisting [on oversight], but now is not that time.”

duncanm
duncanm
April 28, 2023 11:44 am

The Dem’s want Trump to run – they figure he’ll be easier to beat because of the real ‘never trumpers’ plus the pumped up demographic of phantom ‘never trumpers’ they can conjure at voting time.

The Dems are so corrupt that I hope the entire election cycle is spent exposing their treasonous behaviour.

bespoke
bespoke
April 28, 2023 11:44 am

Lysander
My wife says if the effects don’t go away shortly ask to try something else.
Assuming it for the blood pressure and not ADHD LOL.

Boambee John
Boambee John
April 28, 2023 11:45 am

dover0beachsays:
April 28, 2023 at 10:31 am
This rape, according to the victim, occurred between autumn of 95 to spring 96.

How are you supposed to defend yourself against a claim that covers a window of 6-9 months?

You’re not. The aim of the claim is political headlines, not justice.

shatterzzz
April 28, 2023 11:48 am

been around awhile but a meme that not only never ages but guaranteed to draw another laff .. LOL
https://postimg.cc/1gxvjkG7

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
April 28, 2023 11:50 am

dover0beachsays:

April 28, 2023 at 10:31 am

This rape, according to the victim, occurred between autumn of 95 to spring 96.

How are you supposed to defend yourself against a claim that covers a window of 6-9 months?

known as the pell dilemma in legal circles

Alamak!
Alamak!
April 28, 2023 11:55 am

possibly of use to anyone interested in calling out BS, a course on calling BS contained in data

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 11:57 am
Vicki
Vicki
April 28, 2023 11:57 am

Also the level of postal and other ‘fortification’ for Biden was a major factor when you looked at the supposed hearty incoming approval of the basement geriatric teleprompter creep. The Demonrats had been hard at work organising this getting out the vote (they are still at it; Republicans need to do the same).

Obama had it all worked out “way back then”. I recall that he had an army of supporters out in the electorate preparing people (especially the aged) for a postal vote. He similarly had huge numbers sitting on phones contacting people and spruiking. It was a very well run machine that the Dems have employed ever since. Don’t know why the Republicans haven’t learned the same game. It’s weird because it would seem that the Dems expected that they would – this explains the pre-election accusations against the Republicans that they were stealing postal boxes.

shatterzzz
April 28, 2023 11:57 am

If your a fan of BERNIE GUNTER books
Only the first three in the Berlin Noir trilogy.
Kerr has written some absolute rubbish since.

I’ve read the entire series (14) and have enjoyed most tho will admit that once Bernie emerged from the WW2 years several have been .. boring .. rather than rubbish to me .. anyway ..!
And now that Philip Kerr has gone (Cancer, 2018) there won’t be anymore Bernie good or poor …!
His later series introducing a “fitba” amateur detective are, definitely …… AWFIE!

P
P
April 28, 2023 11:57 am

Federal Court to rule on legality of euthanasia telehealth
Opponents of changing the federal law argue telehealth is not appropriate for euthanasia

A push to allow euthanasia medical consultations to occur via telehealth will be decided by a Federal Court judge next month, unless the Albanese Government acts sooner. Source: The Australian.

areff
areff
April 28, 2023 12:00 pm

the unbelievable then happened when it restarted. Clearly manipulated.

Always thought the Dominion stuff was suckerbait. Might be true, might not — but no way ever to prove it one or the other, not given state and local Democrats’ control of rolls and records. Meanwhile, it brought out kraken fanciers who only served to give all claims of electoral malfeasance a patina of ratbaggery.

Meanwhile, the unsolicited mailings of ballots far and wide, the harvesting, the counting behind shuttered windows, the ejection of GOP scrutineers, it all went both largely unremarked and, more to the point, uninvestigated.

I fear for the US if 2024’s election is stolen with as much brazen aplomb as was 2020. Economic downturn + the imposed culture of the mad Left + the gulf between NYC/LA and flyover country, it all adds up big trouble.

Then again, when the State and its octopus agencies and organs have been captured by filth, perhaps big trouble is the only answer.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 12:02 pm

They will offer him a graceful exit as the price of the Presidency.

If that’s the case, has Biden just upped the ante by announcing his 2024 run?

Or is she serious?

(By “she” I mean Dr. Jill, of course.)

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 12:08 pm

Federal Court to rule on legality of euthanasia telehealth

So they want to let you get a telehealth script to top yourself, but they don’t trust you enough to give you a script for pain medication the same way. Is it just me or do I detect an inconsistency?

Winston Smith
April 28, 2023 12:10 pm

Zipster:

What Happened to the Aussie Spirit?
Senator Alex Antic

Very good video, Zipster.
Unfortunately he misses the point that the different issues facing us today all stem from from one fight – the fight between collectivism and the individual.
The hydra of Trans/AGW/all the other ‘isms cannot be defeated unless the Collectivist monster is slain.
And no. I have no idea how it can be done, but resistance is never futile. And yes, the one thing where collectivisms power lies is in the institutions that govern us. That’s where the fight begins.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
April 28, 2023 12:13 pm

Supreme EUCOM Commander Gives Eye-Opening Testimony on Russia in House HASC Hearing

SIMPLICIUS THE THINKER
28 APR 2023

General Cavoli is the commander of United States European Command (EUCOM) and Supreme Allied Commander Europe. He’s highly educated, with a BA from Princeton and MA from Yale, and specialized in Russia:

He entered the Russian Foreign Area Officer program in 1995, and graduated from Yale University with a Master of Arts in Russian and East European Studies in 1997.

Yesterday he gave testimony at the House of Representatives HASC (House Armed Services Committee) hearing, alongside Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander.

I thought I’d share some of the more revealing of the responses.

Let’s go through the video together:

First he reveals to a stunned congressional audience that Russia has hardly taken any damage during the conflict. His attempt to appease his bosses doesn’t come across well, as he uncomfortably stammers through trying to qualify his description of Russian forces as ‘degenerated…somewhat.’ Although, he adds shame-facedly, they are bigger today than they were at the beginning.

But the fun only begins there.

The second side-splitter comes a moment later when he explains how the U.S. is learning a huge lesson in Ukraine as regards consumption rates of munitions. Once again this proves how utterly unqualified American generals, planners, military ‘experts’, and think-tankers were in ever estimating a near-peer type of conflict.

“They are off the charts!” – the bonehead concedes. For those who might protest at whether this is an admission on their part, he goes on to state that NATO has now ‘incorporated this lesson into their plans.” Conveniently, he adds this will now ‘drive defense spending higher.’ As if it wasn’t high enough already. It’s no wonder General Milley was forced to comically admit that if Ukraine loses, the U.S. will have to literally double its defense budget.

At the 1:55 mark, Cavoli openly admits that NATO/U.S. has been moving east even before the start of the conflict, and is now moving further east. The congressman then thanks him, acknowledging the U.S. should continue moving east. Doh!

The next section is even more risible.

The congressman notes that studies showed U.S. would run out of ammo in a week or two against China. He asks Wallander for some clarification, and she regurgitates her office’s standard boilerplate about Ukraine’s resupply being done with an eye on keeping U.S. stockpiles adequate for any potential encounter with China.

But when asked to specify, she predictably can’t, and has no clue how long it would actually take to rebuild the critically depleted American supplies being drawn down to prop up the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine.

The next section should simply leave you speechless.

The congresswoman has to remind clueless Wallander that only congress is supposed to have the power to declare war, as per the constitution. She references a new report from the recent leaks—which continue to trickle out—which had claimed that the U.S. considered assassinating Wagner commanders in Africa.

In an awkward exchange, the congresswoman skittishly requests that Wallander consider notifying congress prior to striking Russia and starting WW3.

Wallander smirks and gives some sort of smugly bureaucratic non-response in what I can only characterize as a bizarro-world satiric scene from something out of Dr. Strangelove.

The reason this absurd scene had me gobsmacked is because of how it gives a frighteningly eye-opening look behind the walls of power, and freights us with the realization that we are being led by actual craven, juvenile, and low-intelligence man-children and woman-children.

The fact that the congresswoman has to remind the smarmy technocrat that the constitution in fact forbids their starting WW3 without congressional approval, and the fact that the congresswoman appears to have this milquetoast, servile whipped-dog mien to her entire exchange, is truly frightening.

It seemed to me more like the congresswoman was asking the deep-state technocrat for permission, rather than vice versa. These are supposed to be the people representing ‘us’, yet they are cravenly cowed before a bunch of unelected technocrats who are playing not only with our lives, but with the fate of the entire world.

And consider the fact that this congresswoman, Ms. Jacobs, is a sitting member of the HASC committee responsible with the budgetary oversight of the DOD, which means she, like every member of these select military committees, is supposed to have the highest level clearance.

Yet here she is asking Wallander about a story she read in the newspaper whose ramifications verge on WW3? How is a sitting member of a DOD oversight committee only just hearing about U.S.’s plans of assassinating Wagner commanders in a newspaper report about the leaks? Why is she and every other such committee member not already fully apprised of what the secret compartmentalized, unelected quadrants of the government are doing behind not only the taxpayers’ backs, but apparently behind the congress’s own back?

These are startling revelations given that normally we would brush them off, as countless such meetings and interactions have revealed similar things, but concerning geopolitical areas of much smaller consequence. It’s one thing for congress to be clueless as to what the secret cabinets of the government are doing in Syria or some backwater part of the globe, but when it concerns Russia, there is a distinct existentiality to the repercussions of something going wrong.

So it’s doubly infuriating that not only are these congress-people obliviously clueless, but that they address these technocrats in such tepid, nebbishly servile manners as if it was Wallander who was the elected representative of the people, to whom everything is accountable, rather than the undemocratically appointed technocrat that she is.

The next section sees Cavoli demurring from ‘publicly’ admitting to Ukrainian weaknesses as to the upcoming offensive.

But, he claims, they are ‘ready’ and that the U.S. has meticulously modeled the offensive out and likes what they’d seen. He goes on to give the open admission that the U.S. is in fact commanding the Ukrainian forces when he says that they ‘worked on the surprise’ with the AFU; meaning, that the U.S. helped create the strategies and vectors of the upcoming ‘Grand Offensive’.

Just another in a long line of admissions and exhibits for our record books of U.S./NATO’s complicity and guiding hands in this war.

The last segment is another doozy.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 12:16 pm

So they want to let you get a telehealth script to top yourself, but they don’t trust you enough to give you a script for pain medication the same way. Is it just me or do I detect an inconsistency?

…and you certainly can’t buy codeine for yourself without a script and being treated as a criminal.

We are being hugboxed into a failure to thrive.

dopey
dopey
April 28, 2023 12:24 pm

Liddell power station closing today. Should bring prices down even more.

P
P
April 28, 2023 12:26 pm

Memorial of Saint Peter Chanel – 28th April 2023

Holiness Off the Beaten Path: St. Peter Chanel, Protomartyr of Oceania
God seems to like to write salvation history in places like Bethlehem and Nazareth — and Futuna

Winston Smith
April 28, 2023 12:29 pm

Lysander:
I’ll leave it to the docs here, but you may have to see your own doc if you’re getting these effects.

“…makes me feel like I’m off-my-face… which, don’t get me wrong, can be “fun” in the evenings but not so much when work priorities are at hand… do the effects normalise after your body gets used to it???

Common side effect include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, hypotension, and sleepiness.[10] Severe side effects may include hallucinations, heart arrhythmias, and confusion.

Vicki
Vicki
April 28, 2023 12:30 pm

Trump loses some Ind and Bush Republicans but he attracts voters that will not otherwise vote and overall that pool is net+. I’m not sure the same goes for DeSantis. Just look at the years 2008 and 2012 with McCain and Romney.

Well, of course, we just don’t know. But I don’t think that DeSantis can be put into the same bag as McCain & Romney. Totally different animals.

Zatara
Zatara
April 28, 2023 12:31 pm

Sure, Trump loses some Ind and Bush Republicans

Actually, Trump is losing many of his own former voters by his childish attacks on DeSantis (among other things).

While I have been a Trump supporter in his last two outings I have to admit his shtick is getting old quickly. I’m not alone in asking when is he going to grow up and take the presidency as something other than a chance to get even on his foes and assuage his ego? Where is his plan for draining the swamp? Repairing the election system? Restoring faith in government?

JC
JC
April 28, 2023 12:32 pm

As I asked yesterday, what evidence do we have the DeSantis will attract many voters in AZ, GA, PA, OH, or the like?

He turned a purple state into red? I want Trump to run and win for the simple reason that payback is very deserving, but I wouldn’t be unhappy if Desanctimonious won.

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 12:34 pm

Thx Cats, can get better medical advice here than anywhere else!!! But am going to see my Doc…

Kneel
Kneel
April 28, 2023 12:35 pm

“So they want to let you get a telehealth script to top yourself, but they don’t trust you enough to give you a script for pain medication the same way. Is it just me or do I detect an inconsistency?”

They also use an alcohol wipe to sterilise your arm before injecting with a lethal injection…

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
April 28, 2023 12:43 pm

dr faustus at 1042 on project contingency

quite so

two of my pet hates in reviewing major project proposals were the old standard ten pussent contingency and contingency also buried in base estimates

rule one
base estimates should be derived using reasonable norms for the tasks and quotes or estimates for procured items

rule two
contingency to be based on a proper risk analysis across major wbs components and calculated based on the likliehood of adverse events

using an arbitrary ten pussent can have one of two bad outcomes
real project risk is higher and you win the job with a loss baked in
or
the contingency should be sfa and your price is uncompetitive

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 12:45 pm

I was rejected for a tender once for being both too cheap and too expensive.

???

Vicki
Vicki
April 28, 2023 12:49 pm

The Australian”
Subject: BREAKING: Prime Minister’s $2.2bn plan to ease hospital pressure

Every occasion we have been to Emergency in the last 6 months (RNS & Northern Beaches) the waiting room is full of people nursing minor injuries or even no ostensible illness while they are busily on their mobiles.

Is there any compelling reason why these public hospitals can’t permit GPs (who agree to bulk bill) to set up a surgery in the many rooms adjacent to ground floor Emergency waiting rooms? Triage staff could then direct (with insistence!) those patients with non life threatening minor ailments to this appropriate consultation.

After uneventful Covid years, in the last 6 months husband (impacted bowel, infection that looked like cellulitis , and a head injury requiring assessment & stitches) and I (injury to eye – Eye Hospital) have required fairly urgent treatment for unexpected emergencies. But we were dismayed at the trivial complaints in said waiting rooms.

Top Ender
Top Ender
April 28, 2023 12:51 pm

And the message here is?

Thirty minutes of work experience could leave a veterinary student more than $100,000 out of pocket after she left a scathing review about the clinic on social media, leading to a wild court battle.

Ellie Eppinga was just half-an-hour into her first shift at Beacon Hill Veterinary Clinic in Sydney’s northern beaches in January 2019 when a row broke out between her and Dr Mahmoud Kalil, as nurse Kylie Eather watched on.

The row has led to an expensive four year fight in the NSW courts.

The NSW District Court heard earlier this year that Dr Kalil claimed the row started when, not long after arriving at the clinic, Ms Eppinga was caught “attempting to steal drugs” from a medicine cabinet, only to then launch into a rant filled with a “range of vile and racist profanities” when confronted.

Ms Eppinga told the court she denied trying to steal drugs, but that the real reason for the dispute and that she was kicked out of the clinic was that she had raised concerns about the vet clinic’s “hygiene standards”.

What was not in dispute was that just hours after her brief stint at the vet came to an end, the TAFE student began a campaign to get the vet clinic “shut down and prosecuted”, using Facebook to launch a vigorous attack and then calling the RSPCA, Dee Why Police Station and then NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“This morning I went to what I thought was going to be valuable work experience, at Beacon Hill Vet Clinic, which turns out is run by a real life monster,” Ms Eppinga’s Facebook post, tendered to court, began.

She went on to describe what she claimed were the “extremely unhygienic and hazardous areas” where the animals were being kept and treated, before vowing to “stop … this vile man and his brainwashed sidekick”.

A day later she took to a local northern beaches group to continue her Facebook posts against the clinic.

“Please please please I just did some work experience at Beacon Hill Vet and their standards are absolutely disgusting and the vet actually assaulted me out of the clinic when I asked about the standards they set,” it read.

The court heard that when Ms Eppinga’s relative commented urging her to press charges against Dr Kalil, she replied: “The police are on the fkn Muslims side it baffles me!”

The Facebook posts led to Ms Eppinga being sued by the vet clinic workers for defamation, leading the two sides through the NSW District Court. Dr Kalil and Ms Eather eventually discontinued the defamation suit.

Ms Eppinga launched a cross-claim against Dr Kalil and Ms Eather over a Facebook post the Beacon Hill Veterinary Clinic had made in its defence after her initial rant.

In that post the vet outlined their claims about Ms Eppinga being “caught red-handed” as she tried to “steal drugs” from the clinic’s medicine cabinet.

The court also heard how Ms Eppinga’s post and a Change.org petition had led to a sudden drop in the vet clinic’s Google ratings and a drop in business.

Judge Robert Weber SC oversaw the matter in the NSW District Court earlier this year and last week found in favour of the veterinary clinic.

Judge Weber ruled Ms Eppinga was not as credible a witness as Ms Eather. Dr Kalil did not give evidence.

“Ms Eppinga refused to accept that she had made a public attack on Dr Kalil,” Judge Weber ruled.

“In fact the proposition that Ms Eppinga was attacking Dr Kalil in her posts, could scarcely be gainsaid (denied).”

Judge Weber ruled that Ms Eppinga pay the court costs for Dr Kalil and Ms Eather, but the court battle will continue after the vet clinic pair made an application for indemnity costs order – which could see them paid more money.

Dr Kalil and Ms Eather’s veteran solicitor Barrie Goldsmith said the case was the most wild he had covered in three decades.

“I have specialised in it (defamation law) more than 30 years … I have given many interviews on radio and television, (I have) never seen anything like this,” Mr Goldsmith told The Daily Telegraph.

“It is a poor reflection on how the legal system is designed to operate and does operate.”

Daily Tele

rosie
rosie
April 28, 2023 12:53 pm

His lawyers can use it to his advantage in regard to her credibility.

And she won’t give a narrower time frame because public figures like Trump can often pin done where they were on a particularday , even 20 some years later.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 12:56 pm

Is there any compelling reason why these public hospitals can’t permit GPs (who agree to bulk bill) to set up a surgery in the many rooms adjacent to ground floor Emergency waiting rooms?

Would there be a sufficient number of GPs who’d be willing to do that sort of work for a relatively low return?

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 12:59 pm

Geez Crowder looks stupid and insufferable now.

Pro tip.

Don’t be a “debate bro” with your 8 month pregnant wife.

“We’re at an impasse, become someone Hillary”

(Okay bro. I will become a multi millionaire and marry someone else).

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 1:03 pm

And the message here is?

Be careful how you review small businesses (& not for profits) on social media.

Vicki
Vicki
April 28, 2023 1:05 pm

Would there be a sufficient number of GPs who’d be willing to do that sort of work for a relatively low return?

Valid point, Roger. But they sure would not be short of patients! It would be a conga line.

shatterzzz
April 28, 2023 1:08 pm

Is there any compelling reason why these public hospitals can’t permit GPs (who agree to bulk bill) to set up a surgery in the many rooms adjacent to ground floor Emergency waiting rooms? Triage staff could then direct (with insistence!) those patients with non life threatening minor ailments to this appropriate consultation.

Ever since opening Fairfield Hospital at Wetherill Park had a bulk billing surgery with several, rotating, trainee doctors getting on-the-job experience before being loosed on the general public .. worked great, no shortage of “customers” but then 2 years ago, during renovations. they (management) decided they wanted the space for other uses and closed it down .. nearest in-hospital doctor surgery now at Liverpool Hospital .. a fair distance from Fairfield, especially, if you don’t drive ..!
Typical gummint policy .. If it’s working, change it! …

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
April 28, 2023 1:09 pm

Lysander, I replied to your query re Clonidine, but the Cat is simply saying already received, but it’s not up. Don’t know what went wrong.

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 1:10 pm

Valid point, Roger. But they sure would not be short of patients! It would be a conga line.

Largely a result of GPs not bulk billing for a number of reasons.

Top Ender
Top Ender
April 28, 2023 1:10 pm

Bruce Lehrmann can pursue his defamation action against two major media outlets, a judge has ruled, meaning both organisations will now set out to prove their allegation that the former Liberal staffer raped Brittany Higgins.

On Friday Justice Michael Lee in the Federal Court ruled that Mr Lehrmann could proceed with his defamation action against the Ten Network and News Corp even though he failed to launch the action within the required 12-month time limit.

Oz

shatterzzz
April 28, 2023 1:11 pm

But we were dismayed at the trivial complaints in said waiting rooms.

Trivial complaints only ever apply to other people ….

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
April 28, 2023 1:12 pm

Typical gummint policy .. If it’s working, change it! …

yes. I am wondering if insurance issues may have been at play here. Who is responsible for diagnostic failures with an outside GP, especially if a student (presumably under supervision) – the hospital or the GP?

Seems to have been resolved elsewhere in the area though.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
April 28, 2023 1:21 pm

Wiki is OK on Clonidine, Lysander.

It seems similar to Catavit, an off-script focus booster we all took before exams in the 60’s.

If for blood pressure, and it has bad effects, there are many other drugs available.
I found the Calcium Channel Blockers horrible – got swollen legs – and dumped them after a week but the Angiotensin 11 receptor blockers were fine.

Boambee John
Boambee John
April 28, 2023 1:21 pm

rosiesays:
April 28, 2023 at 12:53 pm
His lawyers can use it to his advantage in regard to her credibility.

And she won’t give a narrower time frame because public figures like Trump can often pin done where they were on a particularday , even 20 some years later.

This happened with “chocolate drop eyes”, whose first nominated date for his claimed “assault” by Cardinal Pell happened to be a time when Cdl Pell was out of the country. Nothing abashed, VicStapo allowed him to keep guessing until he found a date when Cdl Pell was in Australia, and the cathedral was not being refurbished.

Such is the state of justice now.

shatterzzz
April 28, 2023 1:23 pm

yes. I am wondering if insurance issues may have been at play here. Who is responsible for diagnostic failures with an outside GP, especially if a student (presumably under supervision) – the hospital or the GP?

No, it was just a management decision .. there was a staff initiated petition out for several weeks but despite umpteen hundred signatures got the, usual, we’ve made “our” feelings known outcome …

Bear Necessities
Bear Necessities
April 28, 2023 1:24 pm

As I asked yesterday, what evidence do we have the DeSantis will attract many voters in AZ, GA, PA, OH, or the like? Sure, Trump loses some Ind and Bush Republicans but he attracts voters that will not otherwise vote and overall that pool is net+. I’m not sure the same goes for DeSantis. Just look at the years 2008 and 2012 with McCain and Romney.

I think DeSantis has more ‘conservative’ credentials than McCain and Romney. He is much more of a fighter than either of those two. I would say he is much better fighter than Trump for conservatism. This is the reason Trump and co are bringing up the alleged sleeze and innuendo about him.

Trump is afraid that once DeSantis gets on the campaign trail he will expose Trumps greatest weakness. That is he is just a grump old troll compared to a more vibrant and young DeSantis.

C.L.
C.L.
April 28, 2023 1:25 pm

Bruce Lehrmann can pursue his defamation action against two major media outlets, a judge has ruled, meaning both organisations will now set out to prove their allegation that the former Liberal staffer raped Brittany Higgins.

Jury or judge only?

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 1:28 pm

Thanks Lizzie,
It for blood pressure so the doc thinks we might need to take less and slower…. we can work our way up over a month or so… 🙂

Zipster
Zipster
April 28, 2023 1:31 pm

Harvard Professor Sentenced to House Arrest and Fines for Hiding China Ties, Foreign Bank Account – China in Focus – NTD

00:50 Harvard Prof. Sentenced to House Arrest, Fines for Hiding China Ties, Foreign Bank Account
02:36 Rapper Found Guilty of Helping China Influence U.S.
04:56 Chinese Nationals Smuggled into the U.S.; Mother, Son Risked Lives to Cross Southern Border
08:33 Record High Number of Chinese People Crossing U.S. Southern Border, Mainly Young Men
08:56 Chinese ship blocked philippine vessel
11:01 China Formally Arrests Taiwan Activist
11:52 Exposed: Whistleblower Secretly Convicted in China
14:58 Woman Chants ‘Down with the CCP’ at Tiananmen
16:16 Beijing May Have Issues Dealing with AI: Experts

Crossie
Crossie
April 28, 2023 1:32 pm

OldOzzie says:
April 28, 2023 at 9:32 am
Sydney’s richest and poorest postcodes: How does your area compare?

Erskineville, the small inner-west suburb wedged between bohemian Newtown and the once-industrial area of Alexandria, has emerged as the surprise winner of Australia’s top-ranked postcode, based on a mix of household income, occupation and education measures.

What do you know? I lived for three years in the early 70s in the most economically advantaged suburb – Erskineville. If my parents were still alive they would be amazed seeing as at the time it was a very working class and migrant suburb.

I am not surprised at its current position as some years ago I drove through Erskineville and noticed that it had become very gentrified with lots of signs on houses and building for ad agencies and similar. It’s also a gay stronghold. Or is that one and the same?

John H.
John H.
April 28, 2023 1:38 pm

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bearesays:
April 28, 2023 at 1:21 pm
Wiki is OK on Clonidine, Lysander.

It seems similar to Catavit, an off-script focus booster we all took before exams in the 60’s.

If for blood pressure, and it has bad effects, there are many other drugs available.
I found the Calcium Channel Blockers horrible – got swollen legs – and dumped them after a week but the Angiotensin 11 receptor blockers were fine.

A couple of days ago I was reading about the use of calcium channel blockers as a means to restore cerebral blow flow after concussion; which is a serious problem. It’s very difficult to understand. One issue relates to the loss of nitric oxide production which results in the creation of a dangerous oxidant. That same process is implicated in high blood pressure. I found out something unusual about statins, they increase nitric oxide production, which is vital for blood pressure regulation. A month after starting a statin my blood pressure is the lowest since my youth! The drug Lysander is on, it is not surprising there are cognitive effects because one of the chemicals inhibited is an important arousal neurotransmitter and the other is an arousal hormone. I wonder if the dose is too high or perhaps he is better off on an angiotensin inhibitor.

Zipster
Zipster
April 28, 2023 1:39 pm

14:58 Woman Chants ‘Down with the CCP’ at Tiananmen

Another visitor for Beijing Organ Harvesting Plant #863B

Roger
Roger
April 28, 2023 1:41 pm

‘AAP
Water model to have flow-on benefits for First Nations

The federal government has announced $9.2 million in funding to develop a First Nations water holding model, in partnership with Indigenous organisations.

First Nations peoples hold rights to about 40 per cent of Australian land through native title, yet own and control less than 0.2 per cent of the surface water entitlements.

Under native title legislation there is no clear right to take or manage the water itself, other than small amounts for cultural purposes.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said this lack of water has robbed Indigenous people of economic opportunities, particularly in rural Australia, and disrupted cultural practices.

She said the government will work with the Committee on Aboriginal Water Interests, the Coalition of Peaks, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and other stakeholders to develop a model for First Nations to own, access and manage water.’

Zipster
Zipster
April 28, 2023 1:41 pm
Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 1:45 pm

Thanks John – i just feel a bit pissed…

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
April 28, 2023 1:50 pm

She [Plibersek] said the government will work with the Committee on Aboriginal Water Interests, the Coalition of Peaks, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and other stakeholders to develop a model for First Nations to own, access and manage water.’

If we take Stradbroke Island, or Mt Warning as a guide we can expect a significant water crisis across this dry brown land.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 1:50 pm

Thirty minutes of work experience could leave a veterinary student more than $100,000 out of pocket

Having supervised twenty or thirty work experience students over the years, I see why a lot of businesses have reservations about taking in work experience students. You can get some shockers.

Steve trickler
Steve trickler
April 28, 2023 1:50 pm

Stew Peters Show:

We are on the brink of WW3 and the U.S. media is chiefly responsible for it.
Jose Vega is here to talk about his verbal take down of mainstream media liars.
Professional liars who work at publications like the New York Times disdain the practice of real journalism.
Ignoring Seymore Hersch’s report that the U.S. bombed the Nordstream II pipeline shows the mainstream media is now an outlet of tyranny.
Members of the Black Socialist movement have been indicted for opposing the war.
Globalists have targeted Russia in proxy wars because Putin refuses to cooperate with immoral ideals of the West.
Taiwan is being set up to be the next proxy war where the U.S. will be fighting against China.
Trump is a threat to the establishment and anyone who is a threat is targeted by the empire of lies.
The firing of Tucker Carlson should inspire more citizen journalists to hold their local elected representatives accountable.

MUST WATCH Video: Man DESTROYS Media LIES: Activist SHUTS DOWN Fake News Press Gaggle With FACTS

Boambee John
Boambee John
April 28, 2023 1:50 pm

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said this lack of water has robbed Indigenous people of economic opportunities, particularly in rural Australia, and disrupted cultural practices.

She said the government will work with the Committee on Aboriginal Water Interests, the Coalition of Peaks, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and other stakeholders to develop a model for First Nations to own, access and manage water.’

Arev these Voices that Blabbersack hears in her head?

Top Ender
Top Ender
April 28, 2023 1:55 pm

Political storm erupts over Anthony Albanese DJing at Kyle Sandilands’ wedding: ‘Spinning decks at a million dollar wedding when people can’t afford their rent’

Daily Mail

Crossie
Crossie
April 28, 2023 2:06 pm

Boambee John says:
April 28, 2023 at 11:15 am
Bruce of Ncl
India is also building coal power plants at a record rate. They don’t seem to be too concerned about global warming, do they?
And if the rabid enviros think that either or both of India and China are going to end rice production, they are p1ssing into the wind.

Just think, a dictator like Xi does not hate his people as much ans our leaders hate us.

Crossie
Crossie
April 28, 2023 2:08 pm

Kneel says:
April 28, 2023 at 12:35 pm
“So they want to let you get a telehealth script to top yourself, but they don’t trust you enough to give you a script for pain medication the same way. Is it just me or do I detect an inconsistency?”
They also use an alcohol wipe to sterilise your arm before injecting with a lethal injection…

Evil does not have to be consistent. Actually, it’s in the job description.

John H.
John H.
April 28, 2023 2:14 pm

Lysandersays:
April 28, 2023 at 1:45 pm
Thanks John – i just feel a bit pissed…

Alcohol increases the production of a neurotransmitter that relaxes us. Anxiety drugs often target that neurotransmitter. Not the same effect but similiar. Hope you find a solution. If you continue the drug don’t stop cold turkey, can have serious consequences including a big rebound effect.

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 2:21 pm

Thanks John,
I didn’t know it was an anxiety drug!!! I am using it for blood pressure!!! At any rate, the doc has halved the amount and we’ll build up slowly back up to the 100mgs…

Perplexed of Brisbane
Perplexed of Brisbane
April 28, 2023 2:24 pm

Sometimes though not always, ER’s are full because – after hours or weekends so no GP’s available, GP clinics are full and not taking new patients (even if willing to see a pay as you go GP).

Or your family Doctor retires and the clinic doesn’t bother to let their patients know and then treats you as persona non grata. My family is going through that at the moment.

Plus the usual not enough Docs being trained (even worse for regional areas I’m sure). We probably can’t keep up with the rate of immigration.

It would be worse in the US where all their potential future Doctors are being shot while not committing a crime they are committing.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
April 28, 2023 2:25 pm

‘Spinning decks at a million dollar wedding when people can’t afford their rent’

B-b-b-but Albo fights Tories – it’s what he does..

C.L.
C.L.
April 28, 2023 2:26 pm

Mr Whalley said despite the seriousness of the case, the state was not seeking a “never-to-be-released” sentence for Hawke.

He told the court the case was not an appropriate one for such a sentence…

Explain why, Mr Whalley. I’d be fascinated to know.

Muddy
Muddy
April 28, 2023 2:26 pm

Inspired by this Powerline article, I predict that if Biden wins the next U.S. presidential election, there will be a life-sized cardboard cutout of him used as an occasional ‘back-up’ (Age Affirming Care: Respect your elders!), the use of which will become normalised. “It’s a symbol of the POTUS. Why do you have a problem with that?”

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 2:27 pm

Plus the usual not enough Docs being trained

And sadly, the new generation of docs coming through have the Gen Y attitude… a mate of mine is a Doc who runs a clinic in a hospital. He’s employed two young docs – both of whom have asked for flexible hours, part time arrangements through to not wanting to do the 6am handover at the end of their shift as they “just want to go home…”

Zatara
Zatara
April 28, 2023 2:31 pm

Sure, but do you think those still loyal to Trump are going to turnout in 2024 following a bruising R primary if Trump loses?

The real question is: Do you think Trump cares? Or would he put out the word to support the Rep primary winner if he loses? Because that’s the different between ego and dedication to principle.

One year ago, Desantis signed a voter integrity law that curtailed ballot harvesting, the use of drop boxes, and Zuckerbucks (private money to run electoral functions). That law just survived court challenge. So DeSantis has actually done something to correct one of the most critical issues facing the US. Far more than Trump did in fact (for whatever reason).

I’m not sold on either of them yet, there are many innings left to play in this one. But if Trump doesn’t start acting like an adult I wouldn’t vote for in the primary.

P
P
April 28, 2023 2:48 pm

Collapsing at Home, DeSantis Travels to Israel and Proclaims He Moved U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, Not President Trump
April 27, 2023 | Sundance

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was in Israel Thursday, doing the obligatory indulgency tour all Republican presidential candidates must undertake before they officially announce. During his pre-planned events, DeSantis took credit for moving the U.S-Israel embassy to Jerusalem.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had no independent source of wealth, prior to this 2024 endeavor and collaborative operation. Together with the multinational financing operation around him, in combination with the Murdoch book deal and advance payment, the $300k Governor is now worth millions.

John H.
John H.
April 28, 2023 2:51 pm

Lysandersays:
April 28, 2023 at 2:21 pm
Thanks John,
I didn’t know it was an anxiety drug!!! I am using it for blood pressure!!! At any rate, the doc has halved the amount and we’ll build up slowly back up to the 100mgs…

It isn’t used for anxiety. My point was alcohol has an effect similiar to anxiety drugs. Individuals vary in drug responses, doctors can’t anticipate every response. For example, my blood pressure drop is probably not common in statin users but I am on the highest dose. I should have started a statin earlier because all my siblings have elevated cholesterol and all with differing lifestyles. It’s genetic, no amount of lifestyle intervention is going to change that.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
April 28, 2023 2:52 pm

breaking
Diane Miller: Pregnant mum’s teen killer jailed for ‘cowardly act’
Headshot of Sarah Steger
Sarah Steger
The West Australian
Fri, 28 April 2023 12:17PM
Sarah Steger

The teenager who threw a 2kg concrete block through the open window of Diane Miller’s car, killing the pregnant mother, has been jailed for five years.

Children’s Court President Judge Hylton Quail described the death of the 30-year-old as a “triple tragedy” which also ended the life of her unborn child Leroy, and deprived her eight-month-old baby of a mother.

“Ms Miller was a completely innocent and blameless victim of your senseless and cowardly act,” he told the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

“You will have to live with the consequences of what you’ve done for the rest of your life.”

H B Bear
H B Bear
April 28, 2023 2:58 pm

Come back Barry Jones. It turns out he really wasa genius. Baz’s “spaghetti and meatballs” diagram was actually a diagram of the Population Ponzi, just 30 years too soon. Everything wrong with government always in a single picture. Should be stapled to every politician and public servant’s head in perpetuity.

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 2:59 pm

Fair enough John!!!

Although, you do tend to get a bit anxious when you take a med for the first time and it starts having a weird effect on you!!! 😛

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 3:00 pm

Big Serge
Armchair Warlord

Those guys are nearly as much fun as the Prig!

Wagner Group chief admits horror death toll with ‘five Russians dying’ per one Ukrainian (26 Apr)

Not many spring offensives going on in either direction. It’s looking more and more like a miserable stalemate.

H B Bear
H B Bear
April 28, 2023 3:05 pm

Lowest ratings, relentless bias, still working from home. ABC staff get 11% pay rise.

La Tingle really bringing home the bacon for the hive. Viva la wukkas!

DrBeauGan
DrBeauGan
April 28, 2023 3:08 pm

The teenager who threw a 2kg concrete block through the open window of Diane Miller’s car, killing the pregnant mother, has been jailed for five years

Bring back capital punishment.

We don’t need this kind of subhuman scum walking the streets three years from now. And three years is what it will be.

Howsabout we start thinking about the rest of society and not the welfare of murderous slime? Why not improve the gene pool? Does anyone really believe he’ll be consumed with guilt and shame for the rest of his life? Nobody with that kind of mind could have done what he did.

Speedbox
April 28, 2023 3:10 pm

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha says:
April 28, 2023 at 2:52 pm
The teenager who threw a 2kg concrete block through the open window of Diane Miller’s car, killing the pregnant mother, has been jailed for five years. “You will have to live with the consequences of what you’ve done for the rest of your life” the Judge said.

I have wondered whether the Judges are self-aware that their comments sound so shallow. The woman has no more life left and her son will never know his mother for the rest of his life.

Whatever shame or remorse the offender may have will wilt over time. Life, for some at least, simply moves on.

BTW – I’m not suggesting the offender be locked up forever. My comment is more about the Judge’s remarks.

John H.
John H.
April 28, 2023 3:12 pm

Lysandersays:
April 28, 2023 at 2:59 pm
Fair enough John!!!

Although, you do tend to get a bit anxious when you take a med for the first time and it starts having a weird effect on you!!!

The worst side effect I’ve had was from escitalopram. A very good SSRI antidepressant. The doctor warned that for the first week I would feel much more depressed. It was a shocking week, I was bailed up in my bedroom and often curled up on my bed. I’ve stopped taking any antidepressants. Now my attitude is I either survive another major depression episode or it beats me. At present I’m losing the fight, psychomotor retardation(a technical term that can be understood as apathy) is overwhelming and I can’t find a solution. Disturbing anxiety dreams aren’t helping.

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 3:16 pm

Sorry to hear John!!!!! Hopefully up from here!!!

For the record, I think docs are too quick to dish out dangerous things like SSRI’s! I went through a rough patch about 12 years ago and a doc gave me deluxatine (it wasn’t delux at all) and the pupils of my eyes went so wide they ended up covering my eyes entirely!!!

DrBeauGan
DrBeauGan
April 28, 2023 3:26 pm

At present I’m losing the fight, psychomotor retardation(a technical term that can be understood as apathy) is overwhelming and I can’t find a solution.

A short walk before breakfast does more than any number of antidepressants. It takes considerable will power to get started, but start at five minutes and build up to thirty minutes.

Winston Smith
April 28, 2023 3:31 pm

Outdoor advertising petition rated G.
https://www.acl.org.au/pet_outdoor_advertising

Everywhere you look – on billboards, bus shelters and in shopping centres – there are explicit and offensive images

Fair enough – you get tired of advertisers who keep pushing the boundaries like 8 year olds.

H B Bear
H B Bear
April 28, 2023 3:32 pm

Hylton Quail and the Perf Childrens Court are the personification of circular justice. Blak on Blak violence so who knows what the real story was.

dopey
dopey
April 28, 2023 3:32 pm

ABC reporting Liddell closure. “LIGHTS OUT” Someone might be getting a visit from Ita.

bespoke
bespoke
April 28, 2023 3:33 pm

At present I’m losing the fight, psychomotor retardation(a technical term that can be understood as apathy) is overwhelming and I can’t find a solution. Disturbing anxiety dreams aren’t helping.

Please take no offence John but I can’t see obsessively reading articles on the topic helping at all. Do have other hobbies?

DrBeauGan
DrBeauGan
April 28, 2023 3:33 pm

A short walk before breakfast does more than any number of antidepressants.

I got post-infective depression after a bout of cfs.

Indolent
Indolent
April 28, 2023 3:33 pm

I’ll take Trump thanks. Plenty of opportunity for DeSantis later, if actually democracy ever does return to the U.S.

Breaking911
@Breaking911

TRUMP: “I will sign a law prohibiting child sexual mutilation in all 50 States.”

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 3:34 pm

Translated, please attack our flanks while the assault teams continue their advance through the centre, I promise you they are undefended!

He’s a funny guy! Loves a joke.

Russian Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin says talk of ceasefire in Bakhmut was just ‘military humour’ (ABC, 28 Apr)

If the Ukies are still fighting in Bakhmut then the Russians are struggling. I’m just as sceptical about the Ukies having a spring offensive also, despite several news reports in that direction recently. If the Russians do have more guys on the front line, even if without much heavy weapon support (due to limited ammunition), they can pretty much prevent the Ukie soft-spot attacks that worked elsewhere.

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 3:42 pm
Chris
Chris
April 28, 2023 3:43 pm

A short walk before breakfast does more than any number of antidepressants. It takes considerable will power to get started, but start at five minutes and build up to thirty minutes.

D’accord, Dr BeauGan.
I suffered depression a while back (at a very mild level compared with you, John) and medication did nothing. Being in the gun for retrenchment, and other factors…
Cycling to work wiped it out. I have been a mostly happy little vegemite ever since.

Winston Smith
April 28, 2023 3:47 pm

Kneel:

“So they want to let you get a telehealth script to top yourself, but they don’t trust you enough to give you a script for pain medication the same way. Is it just me or do I detect an inconsistency?”

They want you to be so miserable and in pain, that you take the Black Pill.
And if you think I’m joking, I’m not.
Think of how much they can save if every old bugger in Australia was to drop off the twig a year early. That’s the way they look at the ‘problem’.

Winston Smith
April 28, 2023 3:49 pm

Dover Beach:

He savaged his primary opponents in 2016 and Cruz and Rubio was no slouch and the latter had the ‘young and vibrant’ aura too.

So did “The Light Bringer” Obama.
And here we are.

turnip
turnip
April 28, 2023 3:52 pm

Farmer Gezsays:
Currently trying to locate two 3.5 mt augers that were on a truck from Wagga and meant to be delivered in Bendigo.
Are they in Bendigo?
Not on your Nelly.
Anyone who has a job dealing with freight companies deserves a medal.

A mate of mine was the local manager of the transport company that lost Duncan Armstrong’s Olympic gold medal.

Maybe your transport company has a “one owner” medal ready for you when the augers eventually arrive ?

PS. My mate is now CEO of a major transporter….so it didn’t kill his career.

Speedbox
April 28, 2023 3:55 pm

Bruce of Newcastle says:
April 28, 2023 at 3:00 pm

As I was reading the article I was thinking WTF? Then, in the final two paragraphs……

Since the Wagner Group’s assault on Bakhmut, which began roughly 10 months ago, Prigozhin has continually proffered misinformation to the Russian milblogger community to help undermine support for Putin’s war generals.

It is believed he is using the purported successes of his mercenary outfit to assert his authority and power, which he could subsequently take advantage of during a bid for influence in the Kremlin and with Vladimir Putin, with whom he is friends. For this reason, Prigozhin’s remarks cannot be taken purely at face value.

Stalemate? Yes partly because the winters in eastern Ukraine are miserable. No doubt you’re aware of the terrible weather compared to our local cold. Snow everywhere, ground initially frozen then just muddy slush. Biting cold wind – taking a breath(1) feels like being stabbed in the chest.

(1) On one of my first trips to Ukraine I arrived in Kiev in mid winter. Off the plane, down the aerobridge, collect bags, through Customs etc….. all very organised in an air conditioned environment. Then I walked out the airport doors ……Jesus H Christ!!!! Blowing a gale with chill factor around -20C. The walk to the taxi, of only about 25 metres, was an exercise in endurance. Ok, I wasn’t 100% prepared for that level of wind pushed cold, but it feels like hundreds of little needles simultaneously stuck into your skin. Each breath was a sharp ‘knife’ in your lungs. To work/fight outdoors in those conditions would only be possible for the best trained and hardiest.

Winston Smith
April 28, 2023 3:55 pm

Dover Beach:
Hit the go button too early – haven’t finished the rant…

If he were sensible he would simply take the VP spot and go for the Presidential in 2028. That would be the prudent course, and he get a taste of what he would be up against as President as VP.

Yes, that’s the prudent course, so why isn’t he doing just that?
I think he’s aware that he’s a stalking horse for the Democrats and will split the vote but he doesn’t care. I wouldn’t mind betting the Democrats have quietly hinted a degree of support in the Primaries for just that purpose, and he thinks he can win against them on election day.
The idiot is being played.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 4:05 pm

Speedy, yes, except the MSM have been all excited about Spring Offensives in both directions for months now. Nothing much is happening. (The weather hasn’t been all that bad from what I’ve seen, although General Mud does look to be in command right now. This guy does regular weather reports of the battlefield area.)

Both sides appear to be critically short of heavy ammunition, and armoured vehicles. Given the nature of the current 21stC tactical balance I’m not surprised that means not much progress either way.

Bluey
Bluey
April 28, 2023 4:06 pm

DrBeauGansays:
April 28, 2023 at 3:08 pm
The teenager who threw a 2kg concrete block through the open window of Diane Miller’s car, killing the pregnant mother, has been jailed for five years

Bring back capital punishment.

We don’t need this kind of subhuman scum walking the streets three years from now. And three years is what it will be.

Howsabout we start thinking about the rest of society and not the welfare of murderous slime? Why not improve the gene pool? Does anyone really believe he’ll be consumed with guilt and shame for the rest of his life? Nobody with that kind of mind could have done what he did.

There are some people out in the world where the best thing you can do for society is put them down. Sharks in a human skin, unrestrained by morality or ethics.

Chris
Chris
April 28, 2023 4:07 pm

Woof!

Talk about an overstatement – with references to two bob down the back of the couch (despite the fact that the 2 shillings coin went out of circulation six decades ago), a bung TV set, failure at sport, a limping dog and so on. Surely one bit of hyperbole would have been enough. However, at least there was no reference to coal or candle sticks. Your man Wright needs an editor with (in old-fashioned terminology) a sharp blue pencil to cancel such verbal sludge. In the meantime, the question arises – Can You Bear It?

I love Gerard’s work and have been reading him since Algore invented the Internet, but FMD the man has written turgid sludge that would have been better stillborn before the blue pencil got anywhere near it. I am sure he started doing it so the ‘usual suspects’ he repeatedly names would be bored to death after lunch every Friday, even as they diligently hunt MWD for quotes to pad their next book’s blurbs.
Can you bear it?

Zipster
Zipster
April 28, 2023 4:07 pm

You Can Use ChatGPT To Browse the Web, Buy Groceries
The buzzy AI chatbot just received a massive upgrade.

If you ever tried asking ChatGPT about current events, you know the chatbot could only manage to spit out a limited set of answers, if at all. That’s changing.

On Thursday, the artificial intelligence company OpenAI announced that it’s gradually rolling out plugins for ChatGPT, in a move that significantly expands the chatbot’s functionality.

The first wave of plugins, which are now available in alpha to select ChatGPT users and developers, allow ChatGPT to tap new sources of live data from the web, including third-party sources such as Expedia, Kayak and Instacart. This empowers ChatGPT to browse the web and execute tasks such as booking flights and even buying groceries, among many other tasks. Prior to this upgrade, ChatGPT was restricted to drawing information from its training data, which ran until 2021.

“Though not a perfect analogy, plugins can be ‘eyes and ears’ for language models, giving them access to information that is too recent, too personal, or too specific to be included in the training data,” OpenAI said on its website.

Winston Smith
April 28, 2023 4:07 pm

ZK2A:

The teenager who threw a 2kg concrete block through the open window of Diane Miller’s car, killing the pregnant mother, has been jailed for five years.
Children’s Court President Judge Hylton Quail described the death of the 30-year-old as a “triple tragedy” which also ended the life of her unborn child Leroy, and deprived her eight-month-old baby of a mother.
“Ms Miller was a completely innocent and blameless victim of your senseless and cowardly act,” he told the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Hang the little bastard.
You might start making some headway against the antisocial behaviour if you do.
5 Years? For killing a blokes wife and unborn child on a whim? Pathetic. Just pathetic.

Muddy
Muddy
April 28, 2023 4:16 pm

I think we’d be surprised how many of us have juggled mental health challenges – both short & long term.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
April 28, 2023 4:18 pm

5 Years? For killing a blokes wife and unborn child on a whim? Pathetic. Just pathetic.

I’ll bet good money he goes on to re-offend.

Chris
Chris
April 28, 2023 4:18 pm

Hang the little bastard.

Unfortunately, my views are modified by experience in African and Papua New Guinea.
I would not be so narrowly focused in my jurisprudence.
And therefore I refrain from offering such specific responses.

H B Bear
H B Bear
April 28, 2023 4:20 pm

Maybe get an Uber to the afternoon’s street violence. Completely unfamiliar with the case but I doubt it was anyone’s first rodeo. The violence endemic to these communities is completely unknown to most Australians.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
April 28, 2023 4:21 pm

In sentencing on Friday, Perth Children’s Court Judge Hylton Quail said the incident was a “triple tragedy”.

“You took (Diane Miller’s) life, you deprived baby Lloyd (her toddler son) of a mother and you stopped her baby being born into a life with his family,” Judge Quail said.

“I want to make it clear you were not acting in self-defence or in defence of another. Ms Miller was a blameless and innocent victim in a senseless and shameful act.

“I’m satisfied you (threw the block) deliberately to hit Mr Edmonds’ car … you did not intend to hit anyone.

“You did not think you might hurt anyone in the car when you threw the rock, but you did know Mr Edmonds, Ms Miller, and a child were in the car.

“Most people would stop themselves throwing a rock in that circumstance … but you are not most people.”

Judge Quail acknowledged the boy has impaired cognitive function due to brain damage caused by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which would have affected his decision making ability in hurling the projectile.

He sentenced the boy to five years detention but granted him the chance for supervised release after having served 26 months, backdated to his arrest.

That means he could be back in the community in under two years.

From the Hun. Under two years. Words fail me.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 4:26 pm

Judge Quail acknowledged the boy has impaired cognitive function due to brain damage caused by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which would have affected his decision making ability in hurling the projectile.

People really want to execute this kid? What he has is not a made up condition. He’s literally brain damaged.

I blame his mother. She (and perhaps any father figures he may have or not have had) are also at fault.

cohenite
April 28, 2023 4:27 pm

Muddysays:
April 28, 2023 at 10:46 am
Wouldn’t it be a laugh if the Trump vs. DeSantis antagonism was a set-up, and just at the right moment, Trump announced that in fact, the whole thing had been a charade, and DeSantis was his Vice Prez candidate?

Trump’s VP will be a woman, probably Kari. DeSantis has to stay in Florid to prevent fraud. If fraud doesn’t occur in Florida and Texas they’re in with a shot. Trump will have private security in the swing states where fraud occurred in 2020.

Speedbox
April 28, 2023 4:32 pm

I will admit I haven’t been watching the winter weather in Donbas BoN. I’ve seen the various excited utterings about a Spring Offensive but have adopted a wait-and-see approach.

Various reports have suggested a scarcity of heavy ammo and whilst that is almost certainly true for Ukraine, and also possible for Russia, the slush/mud would make moving any artillery piece (not to mention trucks/troops) an exercise in frustration. It also exposes them to a greater risk of enemy attack as they are delayed by slogging through the mud. It seems to me that both sides have used winter as ‘regrouping’ and ‘rearming’.

The sad thing is that many more, on both sides, will die or be injured. I saw a brief piece on SBS the other night about the shortage of prosthetic limbs for injured Ukrainian soldiers. Young men without one or more arms, legs etc.

H B Bear
H B Bear
April 28, 2023 4:36 pm

Sounds like she had driven the boyfriend to the fight and was just sitting in his car so he didn’t have to catch the bus home afterwards. Throwing a lump of concrete is much like sticking someone with a knife, the consequences are very much variable and unknowable at the time. It was a reckless act with the consequences about as serious as could be imagined but keep things in perspective.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
April 28, 2023 4:39 pm

Trump’s VP will be a woman, probably Kari.

I’m thinking more likely a guy like Tim Scott, who has thrown his hat in the ring already. Winsom Sears would be excellent, but she’s not US born unfortunately. Be nice if Trump could get Candace Owens to be his running mate, she’s great, but she has a very young family.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 4:40 pm

Be nice if Trump could get Candace Owens to be his running mate, she’s great, but she has a very young family.

Jesus no. She’s suing crazy Crowder. Trump has enough court room drama.

Vicki
Vicki
April 28, 2023 4:42 pm

John H – I understand that you have been experiencing severe symptoms & that prescribed anti-depressants aren’t working. At the risk of sustained laughter and derision from Cats, I am going to suggest a technique that many people use successfully in the US and in Australia & is recommended by Kinesiologists. It involves successive “tapping” on selected acupressure points. It will take a few weeks to take effect, but takes only a short time each day. It is believed to work by diminishing high levels of cortisol in the body. Who knows? If it works, it works. It certainly won’t have any adverse effects. All the very best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL_bSl7SGmc

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 4:43 pm

Elise Stefanik would be a good running mate for Trump!

DrBeauGan
DrBeauGan
April 28, 2023 4:53 pm

That means he could be back in the community in under two years.

Silly me thought three years. Oh well.

I quite understand that he is brain damaged beyond help. That’s sad. But the issue is, what will be the probable consequence of letting him loose?
The poor bugger is no use to himself or anyone else, and a menace to everyone. Executing him would be a kindness.

Bourne1879
Bourne1879
April 28, 2023 4:55 pm

Dot mentioned Steve Crowder.

A few months ago Crowder had a go at Daily Wire over a contract offer that he thought was an insult to him. After hearing DW version I ended up on DW side.

However seems he had his own contract issues with Dave Landau who went into details on recent episode of Michael Malice. Landau has quit Crowder. He mentioned Crowder insisting Landau work on Fridays which made it more difficult to do his own comedy gigs. Significant uncompensated overtime involved and said could do his own show but just would not earn income from it. A major issue was Crowder not letting Landau promote his shows during their podcasts.

Crowder recently did a short clip about break up of his marriage which has been going on for a year. She is leaving him. He was not happy that others had used the breakup against him and specifically mentioned Candace Owens who mentioned it in a very indirect way by saying something going on behind the scenes with Crowder.

Whilst Crowder could be funny I prefer Tim Pool or Megyn Kelly. Like Rogan but probably only 20% of his guests are of interest to me.

Interesting part about Tucker story is that although taken off air I don’t think he has technically been fired. That may be a breach of contract. He has called in a high powered lawyer. What is to stop Fox saying will still pay him for remaining contract which is based on US$20m per year but don’t actually let him do any work. This would prevent him competing with Fox and taking away viewers. It also means he would have no impact during lead in to next election.

With the streaming subscription model even if he walked away he could make far more than $20m per year. He does not need big corporate advertiser’s if using subscription model.

calli
calli
April 28, 2023 4:56 pm

I think we’d be surprised how many of us have juggled mental health challenges – both short & long term.

Yes, Muddy. That old Black Derg.

All the social frustrations and powerlessness and cruelties of Covid were enough to tip some of us, some worse than others. And there’s the day to day stuff – in my case care of parents…and a rotten injury to nurse.

Walking (or hobbling :D), the garden, and my trusty sewing machine have been a great help. I also think doing stuff for other people goes a long way too, takes you out of yourself and makes you useful.

And here, of course. Endless information and entertainment.

DrBeauGan
DrBeauGan
April 28, 2023 4:58 pm

People really want to execute this kid? What he has is not a made up condition. He’s literally brain damaged.

That’s a good reason for executing him.

I’m not into the moral responsibility thing. I’m into consequences. Letting him live isn’t doing anyone a favour.

cohenite
April 28, 2023 4:59 pm

Elise Stefanik would be a good running mate for Trump!

She’s ex-Bush and Paul fu.king Ryan’ that’s some baggage. She has however endorsed Trump for ’24 and defended Jan 6.

calli
calli
April 28, 2023 5:00 pm

I saw all that Crowder/Candace stuff. Meh.

The guy looks as though he’s been hit for six. I’ve seen it with so many friends…a breakup out of the blue, still loves the missus and she wants out. Unfortunately it’s all playing out in public, and being a class enemy, the vampires are salivating. Horrible stuff.

Lysander
Lysander
April 28, 2023 5:03 pm

Cohen – i was thinking she’s young (born 84) and she wouldn’t steal the limelight… she’s also Catholic and, yes, defended J6.

bespoke
bespoke
April 28, 2023 5:09 pm

but keep things in perspective

Indubitably bear. But facts get in the way of virtual signalling for some.

bespoke
bespoke
April 28, 2023 5:26 pm

Virtue…

johanna
johanna
April 28, 2023 5:27 pm

calli says:
April 28, 2023 at 5:00 pm

I saw all that Crowder/Candace stuff. Meh.

The guy looks as though he’s been hit for six. I’ve seen it with so many friends…a breakup out of the blue, still loves the missus and she wants out. Unfortunately it’s all playing out in public, and being a class enemy, the vampires are salivating. Horrible stuff.

I’ve seen it too, calli, and in my experience it’s not so much ‘out of the blue’ as head in the sand. So, to him it seems ‘out of the blue’ but she has been sending signals for ages which have been ignored or rebuffed.

One of the most dramatic ones I’ve seen involved two very old friends, who had been together for more than 20 years – and yes, they were married. When she sacked him, he completely went to pieces. He lost a lot of weight, almost lost his job because he was such a mess and generally disintegrated. Yet, he admitted to me that he had been having affairs for a long time. And, I know that she wasn’t.

Mind you, he put himself back together and was shacked up with someone else within a couple of years.

Men can be very obtuse when it comes to matters of the heart.

Plasmamortar
Plasmamortar
April 28, 2023 5:29 pm

The munitions shortages for both Ukraine and Russia is fairly likely.

People need to remember though, it has been the Russian munitions vs all of what NATO is supplying and will continue to supply (while stocks last!!)

The difference is that Russian arms factories are not political, they are churning out new rockets and artillery rounds while NATO is not.

Eventually, Russia will grind Ukraine/NATO down through attrition and greater productive output. (Like the U.S. in WWII)
This is Russia’s stated battle strategy…

This is all assuming that the West’s economic system doesn’t break first.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 5:31 pm

DrBeauGan says:
April 28, 2023 at 4:58 pm

People really want to execute this kid? What he has is not a made up condition. He’s literally brain damaged.

That’s a good reason for executing him.

No. F*** off to some bizarre alt right web site.

Dot
Dot
April 28, 2023 5:32 pm

Crowder was acting like a total beta and fake alpha male at home. There might be something more to it but he seems kind of nuts, his wife was being calm and rational.

John H.
John H.
April 28, 2023 5:36 pm

DrBeauGansays:
April 28, 2023 at 3:26 pm
At present I’m losing the fight, psychomotor retardation(a technical term that can be understood as apathy) is overwhelming and I can’t find a solution.

A short walk before breakfast does more than any number of antidepressants. It takes considerable will power to get started, but start at five minutes and build up to thirty minute

Exercise works for mild depression. There is a huge difference between what is diagnosed as depression today which is usually reactive depression that typically lifts of its own accord. Mine is biologically mediated depression, twice over. Worlds apart.

calli
calli
April 28, 2023 5:37 pm

Joh, when it comes to relationships, we can only look from the outside in. My fallback position is never to take sides when it comes to friends and their marriage woes. And man, have there been some messy ones.

No one ever tells you the whole story. Why would they? And even more to the point, why should they?

I tend to simply do a bit of cleanup and emergency cooking and keep the hell out of it.

  1. It’s amazing she can do all this given the long arduous hours being an MP. (Lol) all of this is…

  2. The book’s foreword instead comes from the more wholesome former vice-president Mike Pence, the man a violent pro-Trump mob tried…

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