Open Thread – Thurs 10 Aug 2023


Boulevard de la Madeleine, Edouard Cortes, early 1900s

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

1.1K Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 2:04 pm

We’ve made using them illegal or punitive.

We the people haven’t done it Dotty Dot of Dottiness. The donkeys in charge of the Feral Guv’ment and State Guv’ments/Territories have dun’ it.

Steve trickler
Steve trickler
August 11, 2023 2:14 pm

calli
Aug 11, 2023 1:59 PM
Steve…is he picking up the leaves with a leaf blower?

Justifiable homicide.

That reminds of a movie, lovely lady … I’ll go a check. 5km walk first.

Steve trickler
Steve trickler
August 11, 2023 2:16 pm

and check…

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
August 11, 2023 2:19 pm

Joh-successor Mike Ahern dies at 81

By sarah elks
Senior Reporter
@sarahelks
and michael mckenna
Queensland Editor
@McKennaattheOz
1:13PM August 11, 2023
No Comments

Former Nationals Premier of Queensland Mike Ahern, who promised to implement the Fitzgerald Inquiry’s anti-corruption recommendations “lock, stock and barrel,” has died at 81.

Born in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast in 1942, Mr Ahern was an agricultural scientist and was mentored by former Premier Frank Nicklin, before he was elected to parliament in March 1968 for the electorate of Landsborough.

He was just 25, and remembered in a later interview with political scientists Rae Wear and Chris Salisbury that it was rare to be so youthful in parliament.
Read Next

“Young people in those days were unheard of, even the staff called me ‘son’,” Mr Ahern said.

After he ousted seven-term premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen in an acrimonious leadership spill, Mr Ahern became Premier on December 9, 1987, in the midst of the landmark Fitzgerald Inquiry into police and political corruption under the Bjelke-Petersen government.

When Tony Fitzgerald delivered his findings, Mr Ahern famously vowed to fulfil the state-changing recommendations “lock, stock and barrel”.

He reformed the public service and the corrective services department, and introduced ministerial guidelines and the members’ register of interests, requiring MPs to declare all of their financial holdings.

Mr Ahern also introduced legislation to establish the Electoral and Administrative Review Commission, to independently and comprehensively review the state’s administrative and electoral laws.

Police Minister Russell Cooper challenged Ahern for the leadership in September 1989, before the Nationals were defeated by Wayne Goss’s Labor at the state election in December, ending more than three decades of conservative rule.

Ahern retired from parliament on May 16, 1990, and began a successful business career. Labor Premier Peter Beattie appointed him as a special trade representative in December 1999.

Former PremierRob Borbidge said Mr Ahern was a “good honourable man”.

Alamak!
August 11, 2023 2:29 pm

Is there a managed fund or ETF that holds low-ESG score companies. Sort of like an UNethical fund?

bet on carbon, specifically fossil fuels, and you won’t go wrong.

One interesting funds you may be able to access:

– Strive U.S. Energy ETF (yes, its Vivek…)

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 2:34 pm

Is there a managed fund or ETF that holds low-ESG score companies. Sort of like an UNethical fund?

You can do it yourself and construct your own Investment Portfolio. Simple really. Just follow your own conviction.

ESG is Economic Suicide Guaranteed. Along with Build Back Worse. LOL.

Lysander
Lysander
August 11, 2023 2:36 pm

Rocketman is getting itchy fingers:

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/10/asia/north-korea-top-general-replaced-intl-hnk-ml/index.html as North Korea told to “prepare for war”

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
August 11, 2023 2:39 pm

From the Hun.

Victorian magistrates’ courts make ‘Standard Indigenous question’ compulsory in all criminal cases

Knowing if an alleged criminal is Aboriginal is now compulsory for any court case to proceed, as police consider adding Indigenous status to charge sheets.

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 2:48 pm

Victorian magistrates’ courts make ‘Standard Indigenous question’ compulsory in all criminal cases

“Did you do it.”

Boambee John
Boambee John
August 11, 2023 2:48 pm

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Aug 11, 2023 12:46 PM
There were some indications that the pilot of the F/A-18 that ended up on Cape York also had a Tom Criuse complex.

Was that the one where the pilot liked to unsnap his oxygen mask, and fling it to one side, in imitation of Tom Cruise?

Allegedly.

Real Deal
Real Deal
August 11, 2023 2:49 pm

Add the overlay that the instructor was a “Weekend Warrior” reservist with a Tom Cruise complex.
Pity the gung-ho fckwit took others with him.

I did read somewhere (and may be wrong). That the CVR transcript revealed that there was some acrimonious argument in the cockpit when they knew they were lost.

Robert Sewell
August 11, 2023 2:55 pm

Crossie:

This is why I have seen enough of Europe and hope they crash and burn economically. Nothing else will bring them to their senses. I don’t think there will be a Muslim takeover of Europe if that happens, the illegals are there for what they can get out of European taxpayers and when payments stop they will go elsewhere.

Exactly. Any nation filled with illegals on public money only has to stop the payments and they will leave. Nearly all of them anyway – the rest are making enough illegally to stay.

Boambee John
Boambee John
August 11, 2023 3:00 pm

Sancho

I see that my “deliberately provocative” comment has caused an interesting discussion.

It was about that time that I realised that the internal politics of careers caused a lot of problems in Defence. I know, I am a slow learner.

PS, the RAAF reservist on the 707, was he always Qantas, or did he start in the RAAF, then head to supposedly greener pastures at Qantas, but manage to sneak up the reserve promotion stream?

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 3:01 pm

Rocketman is getting itchy fingers:

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/10/asia/north-korea-top-general-replaced-intl-hnk-ml/index.html as North Korea told to “prepare for war”

Oh? Teaming up with Xi?

Crossie
Crossie
August 11, 2023 3:01 pm

Spinning Mouse
Aug 11, 2023 1:35 PM
Mr Cannon-Brookes

Wanker.

You’re being too circumspect.

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 3:02 pm

We the people haven’t done it. The donkeys in charge of the Feral Guv’ment and State Guv’ments/Territories have dun’ it.

Who keeps on voting them in?

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 3:06 pm

Um?

???

Did I wake up in a strange and messed up reality?

Germany: Daycares Introducing Sex Rooms for Toddlers to Get Naked and Touch Each Other (Not Satire)

…parents were sent an e-mail which presented a list of ten rules explaining how children in the “body exploration room” would be encouraged to “pet and examine” themselves and other children.

What’s the catchphrase…”wow, just wow”?

Robert Sewell
August 11, 2023 3:06 pm

I suggest every Member of Parliament be strapped to a (Hotel) bar randomly picked every Friday night. With someone from the upper echelons of the pubic service to talk to them.
Just so they can be made aware of how much we dislike them.
No other reason. Just because.

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 3:14 pm

For those interested, Gina Rinehart has sponsored a series of national telecasts, one in every state, to discuss the current problems in the bush called The Bush Summit. I discovered this program only today -& watched part of the NSW telecast via the internet. It is very well put together – as you would expect – & is simple to view. You can register your interest and submit questions in real time to the speakers. You can only participate in person in the current state.

https://bushsummit.splashthat.com/?utm_source=TheAustralian&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Editorial&utm_content=TA_DAILY_AM-CUR_02&net_sub_id=284221075&type=free_text_block&position=8&overallPos=16

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 3:15 pm

That should have read “You can ALSO participate in person…”!!!

Salvatore, Iron Publican
August 11, 2023 3:15 pm

I suggest every Member of Parliament be strapped to a (Hotel) bar randomly picked every Friday night. With someone from the upper echelons of the pubic service to talk to them.
Just so they can be made aware of how much we dislike them.
No other reason. Just because.

What’s with the requirement for a senior public serpent?

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
August 11, 2023 3:17 pm

Mushrooms for lunch today: two big field mushies, fried in butter, served on a sourdough crouton (Frog for slices of bread, buttered both sides and frizzled in the sandwich press) spread with olive tapenade (Frog for Greek dried olives, pits removed, blitzed with a splash of olive oil).

Meanwhile. The Mrs Mushroom tragedy is making headlines in the UK:

Tragic twist in deadly mushroom lunch tale: Australian woman cooked meal to ‘win back her estranged husband and convince his parents she was good enough’ before three were killed from eating death caps in her beef wellington

Possibly not too convincing.
But tip top sub editing.

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 3:20 pm

I suggest every Member of Parliament be strapped to a (Hotel) bar randomly picked every Friday night. With someone from the upper echelons of the pubic service to talk to them.

Robert, I responded (by email) to a newsletter “thingy” of my local (Sydney) state MP (Tim James, Willoughby) & telling him that if he wanted to get reelected he needed to return to sound Liberal values. I promptly received a telephone call from his office manager saying that he wanted to speak with me & could I attend at his office.

Would I ??? Damn oath!! I have an appointment with him next week. Will let you know what transpires.

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 3:25 pm

Dot
Aug 11, 2023 3:06 PM
Um?
???
Did I wake up in a strange and messed up reality?

Dot, we all wake up every morning to a “strange and messed up reality”. This is why I read this blog – to convince myself that the western world IS indeed “gone to Gowings”……it is not just me that sees it…..

Alamak!
August 11, 2023 3:33 pm

I suggest every Member of Parliament be strapped to a (Hotel) bar randomly picked every Friday night.`

It could be called Vox Publicus and be made mandatory for all reps to get their public emoluments paid.

Salvatore, Iron Publican
August 11, 2023 3:33 pm

I promptly received a telephone call from his office manager saying that he wanted to speak with me & could I attend at his office.

Would I ??? Damn oath!! I have an appointment with him next week.

100 x thumbsup.

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 3:34 pm

Dot
Aug 11, 2023 3:06 PM

Curious, isn’t it? This afternoon I did my online refresher course for WWC registration. Compulsory for anyone in a leadership/pastoral role in the church.

What is described here would be classified as a Notifiable Offence and I would be required (and quite happy) to phone the police.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 3:36 pm

Dot
Aug 11, 2023 3:02 PM
We the people haven’t done it. The donkeys in charge of the Feral Guv’ment and State Guv’ments/Territories have dun’ it.

Who keeps on voting them in?

Plonkers like you maybe. You know that they will always break their Erection promises.

I live in the Sydney CBD and only a Lefty will get in. Tanya Plebersuck is the local Federal Member with a Greenie as the State Member and Clover No More is the Mayor.

For the ‘InVoice’ though, it will be a Big Fat NO from me. Tennis Elbow has blown it Big Time.

Cassie of Sydney
August 11, 2023 3:36 pm

“Robert, I responded (by email) to a newsletter “thingy” of my local (Sydney) state MP (Tim James, Willoughby) “

Vicki, Tim’s okay, not a bad guy. The problem for Tim though is that his seat is now Teal Green. After Glad’s demise he only won by a few votes and I think in March, he only just scraped through. Every election he’ll face a local green “Liberal lite” independent, so I just don’t know how long he’ll last, which is sad because he’s a nice guy.

It all confirms my belief that the Liberal Party, if it has any future, must walk away from electorates like Willoughby (state) and North Sydney (federal).

Salvatore, Iron Publican
August 11, 2023 3:38 pm

Anybody not recall when Ken Henry happened into the pub in Jericho Qld, (pop. circa 200) & got into discussion with a local business operator, & was shocked to learn all the different ways barbed fencing wire could be taxed?
He’d had no idea & was until that moment utterly clueless as to the vagaries of taxation on farm business inputs.

These wallies are so far removed from the reality of operating a business, holding down a job, paying your bills, living in suburban/regional Australia that, like he, they’re gobsmacked & chattering in wonder like a 6yo girl telling mummy how many eggs were in the chookyard.

These wallies believe they’re our best & brightest. 🙂

They should be strapped to a random public bar every Friday night, to handle all-comers.

Old Lefty
Old Lefty
August 11, 2023 3:39 pm

VicPol have dropped the most serious if the charges they had laid against the former Mrs Setka:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-11/emma-walters-john-setka-serious-charges-dropped/102718930

The process is the punishment? And the real offence? Daring to be the ex Mrs Setka?

Salvatore, Iron Publican
August 11, 2023 3:40 pm

If strapping them to a public bar doesn’t work, perhaps they could be nailed to one.

Indolent
Indolent
August 11, 2023 3:41 pm
Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 3:44 pm

Anyone who thinks green tinged social democracy isn’t popular is deluded.

At best, the libertarian, populist or conservative desire is about 25% – equal to the rusted on ALP and Liberal voters each.

There is about 16% of the people who vote like us and there is 18% (roughly) who are not enrolled, don’t bother voting or vote informal. There’s no guarantee they would break majorly to our side.

There is a possibility that we might get a plurality one day but it is wishful thinking right now. A majority to actually form government is a giant task on top of that.

You have to accept the reality that Kevin Rudd was the most popular Prime Minister we have ever had (and Howard was going off the deep end at the time) and his popularity lasted far past his election.

Indolent
Indolent
August 11, 2023 3:45 pm

Of course he does. We don’t want the hoi polloi sticking their oar in. It might interfere with our plans.

CNN Guest Calls Small Donors ‘One Of The Biggest Problems For Democracy,’ Praises Wealthy Elite

Indolent
Indolent
August 11, 2023 3:53 pm

One of the comments below the Covid Vaccine Studies link above points out that it’s more old news. That this was known two years ago. And that’s correct, it was. Even before that.

Indolent
Indolent
August 11, 2023 3:54 pm
Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
August 11, 2023 3:56 pm

This afternoon I did my online refresher course for WWC registration.

Is this something to do with women’s cage wrestling?

cohenite
August 11, 2023 3:56 pm

Best Tom’s toon:

comment image

Boambee John
Boambee John
August 11, 2023 4:00 pm

Salvatore, Iron Publican
Aug 11, 2023 3:15 PM
I suggest every Member of Parliament be strapped to a (Hotel) bar randomly picked every Friday night. With someone from the upper echelons of the pubic service to talk to them.
Just so they can be made aware of how much we dislike them.
No other reason. Just because.

What’s with the requirement for a senior public serpent?

To bring the utter stupidity, if not criminality, of much of their “advice” to politicians into close focus. Say, as close as the knuckles on other drinkers’ hands.

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 4:01 pm

Working With Children.

Although my role is with much older people…horrid old ladies like myself. 😀

But the general rules of abuse and influence still apply. All spelled out in the training.

This is an area where jelly might have some crossover. Wrestling, delicious snacks and dentures.

Salvatore, Iron Publican
August 11, 2023 4:02 pm

What’s with the requirement for a senior public serpent?

To bring the utter stupidity, if not criminality, of much of their “advice” to politicians into close focus. Say, as close as the knuckles on other drinkers’ hands.

I’m beginning to grasp the genius of this concept.

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
August 11, 2023 4:03 pm

Germany: Daycares Introducing Sex Rooms for Toddlers to Get Naked and Touch Each Other (Not Satire)

Reminds me of a section in the book Brave New World, where the some senior official, conducting a tour for a group of new students, to an area where small children play sexual games. He astounds them when he explains that before Ford it was considered shocking for children to be involved in erotic games.

Remember the people in Germany who introduced this see themselves as the Alpha Plus caste, and just about everyone else Gammas or Deltas, or on the right Epsilons.

Rabz
August 11, 2023 4:03 pm

Blob Gorbidge said Mr Ahern was a “good honourable man”

Yeah, no.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 4:11 pm

Indolent
Aug 11, 2023 3:38 PM
Australian Senator Gerard Rennick: “I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.”

Australia did and it was the CBA. And who floated it on the Stockmarket? The LayBore Partee that’s who. Along with ‘Quaint Arse’ and CSL. Great Business people.

There is always the Reserve Bank though. Any buyers?

Robert Sewell
August 11, 2023 4:12 pm

Salvatore, Iron Publican

What’s with the requirement for a senior public serpent?

To order the drinks while the MoP is getting educated into the realities of life on the ground.

Robert Sewell
August 11, 2023 4:18 pm

Salvatore, Iron Publican

Aug 11, 2023 3:38 PM
These wallies believe they’re our best & brightest. ?
They should be strapped to a random public bar every Friday night, to handle all-comers.

There’s a picture forming in my mind that only beer will remove.

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 4:20 pm

The problem for Tim though is that his seat is now Teal Green. After Glad’s demise he only won by a few votes and I think in March, he only just scraped through. Every election he’ll face a local green “Liberal lite” independent

Cassie, I am not as sure that his seat (Glad’s electorate) is as Teal or Green as North Sydney or Mosman. There are a lot of traditional families in places like Northbridge, Castlecrag, Willoughby, Naremburn and so on. I don’t think the demographics are quite the same.

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 4:25 pm

Australian Senator Gerard Rennick: “I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.”

Me either. It would solve the problem for the elderly for whom even credit cards are “new fangled”. These people need traditional banking services, the continuation of cheques for transactions, and access to cash.

At the moment our seniors are being cold-heartedly ignored by the financial sector. These are the people who laid the foundation for the riches of the banking sector. It eats me up to watch them being mocked and pushed aside.

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
August 11, 2023 4:29 pm

Working With Children.

Interesting that in Queensland you don’t have to do any form of training or refreshment. It’s just a criminal history, police and DOCS check – if you’re not on a register, you’re good to go.

Vicki
Vicki
August 11, 2023 4:31 pm

Reminds me of a section in the book Brave New World, where the some senior official, conducting a tour for a group of new students, to an area where small children play sexual games

It’s extraordinary how Huxley and Orwell foresaw the wickedness of what was to come. Much was prefaced by the totalitarian regimes, but so much was so very prescient. I always struggle to comprehend pure evil.

Razey
Razey
August 11, 2023 4:32 pm

Biden Announces By 2025 All Wildfires Must Be Electric

https://twitter.com/TheBabylonBee/status/1689773628210970624

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
August 11, 2023 4:32 pm

They should be strapped to a random public bar every Friday night, to handle all-comers.

There’s a picture forming in my mind that only beer will remove.

Oh dear.
Yes, that’s a very nasty thought.

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
August 11, 2023 4:37 pm

It’s extraordinary how Huxley and Orwell foresaw the wickedness of what was to come.

Thanks to exposure to the moral quagmire of the Fabian Society.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
August 11, 2023 4:41 pm

Hope Downs trial: The threat made by Lang Hancock to daughter Gina Rinehart that could have cost her billions
The West Australian
Fri, 11 August 2023 11:27AM
Tim Clarke

The noxious clashes between mining magnate Lang Hancock and his daughter Gina Rinehart — prompted by his late-life marriage to his housekeeper Rose Porteous — have been further detailed in the trial battling over billions of dollars in Pilbara iron ore resources.

It has been revealed that at the heights of their feud in the mid-1980s, father even offered to buy out his daughter from the Hancock companies for $5 million.

The sliding doors moment was one of many outlined as lawyers for Hancock Prospecting came to the close of their opening arguments defending a claim against some of the company’s Hope Downs mines.

Large parts of the past two days had seen the bizarre sight of lawyers for the company bearing the Pilbara pioneer’s name, lashing the late Mr Hancock for breaching his duty to the firm by moving then spending “tens of millions” of dollars on his third wife.

The notorious mansion Prix D’Amour — designed to mirror that featured in Gone with the Wind — jewellery and even a private jet were on the shopping list, Noel Hutley SC said.

The grave concerns of Mrs Rinehart over the spending, the future of the company and her father’s dealings with the then communist regime of Romania, prompted her to repeatedly challenge her dad by letter.

The handwritten letters were shown in WA’s Supreme Court on Friday — graphically showing the depth of rancour between the pair at the time.

“The companies were haemorrhaging money, through certain Romanian bartering deals … which proved to be disastrous,” Mr Hutley said.

“And because Lang Hancock had taken tens of millions of dollars out … most of which went to Rose to pay for things like mansions, luxury cars, jewellery and a private jet.

“That is what led Lang Hancock to selling off various of the tenements.”

The fracture within the House of Hancock is being outlined as part of the Hancock defence against a claim by Wright Prospecting and its matriarch Angela Bennett to royalties and part-ownership of some of the Hope Downs mines.

Wright Prospecting says an agreement in 1987, made between Lang and his partner Peter Wright, entitles them to a slice of the Hope Downs billions.

Hancock counters that when its founder moved the Hope Downs ownership in the 1980s, he was not doing for it the partnership but for himself — and his much younger wife.

“He could decide who would get any benefit and it did not need to be any member of the family,” Mr Hutley said.

“Ultimately he decided that Rose Porteous — who was not a shareholder — should be the one who benefits from the tenements.”

Documents are understood to show that such was Mr Hancock’s spending that by the late ‘90s, the Hancock companies were “quickly running out cash”

The court was told that as Mrs Rinehart’s concerns rose, so did tensions with her father — to the point where he threatened to force her to sell her shares in Hancock to him, which was allowed under the company rules.

“In July 1985 Lang married Rose and that in turn created a schism … already Lang had been taking money out of Hancock to give to Rose Porteous to which Mrs Rinehart had strong objections,” Mr Hutley said.

In one letter, Mrs Rinehart asks: “What are you going to do to safeguard our company from any further spending on her?”

Mr Hutley said: “And rather than grapple with her questions … Lang responded with an offer … of $5 million to buy her out of Hancock, along with a thinly veiled threat.”

The “threat” was a reminder that Mrs Rinehart could be forced to sell her shares, on the company’s valuation, at any time.

The threat was not followed through. In November 2022, Hancock Prospecting reported a profit of nearly $6 billion.

The trial continues.

Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
August 11, 2023 4:50 pm

Johnny Rotten
Aug 11, 2023 4:11 PM
Australia did and it (public bank) was the CBA

Not forgetting the Rural Bank of NSW, which became the State Bank of NSW before privatisation.

Delta A
Delta A
August 11, 2023 4:58 pm

the Alpha Plus caste, and just about everyone else Gammas or Deltas

Oi!

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 5:06 pm
thefrollickingmole
thefrollickingmole
August 11, 2023 5:06 pm

They should be strapped to a random public bar every Friday night, to handle all-comers.

There’s a picture forming in my mind that only beer will remove.

Blue oyster bar?

Crossie
Crossie
August 11, 2023 5:12 pm

Indolent
Aug 11, 2023 3:38 PM
Australian Senator Gerard Rennick: “I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.”

So the government can debank anybody they don’t like without having to go through an intermediary?

How about the government make a law that nobody can be debanked? Even criminals in prisons have a right to a bank account therefore nobody can be treated differently.

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 5:13 pm

Amazing that the LNP bank is a Labor man.

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
August 11, 2023 5:15 pm

You would not mind, Delta.

Your conditioning would have convinced you that, for example, “Alphas have to think about really hard stuff. They always have to solve problems. You are so glad you are not an Alpha.”

“Betas have to do difficult technical work all day long. You would just die of boredom. You are so happy you are not a Beta.”

And so on until finally:

Orangeman bad. I am glad I am not an Epsilon.

Alamak!
August 11, 2023 5:17 pm

Australian Senator Gerard Rennick: “I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.

Or enable what is happening in other countries, the capacity to offer banking services by non-banks.

People need banking services, not banks.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 5:21 pm

JC
Aug 11, 2023 5:06 PM
This is more like it.

The three Amigos without the hats. Destroyers of Australia. And on Taxpayer funded lifetime pensions or Tennis Elbow will be when he is booted out in 2025. Crooks. FFS.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 5:26 pm

A bit of discussion on military-type reservists this afternoon, including but not limited to:

the instructor was a “Weekend Warrior” reservist with a Tom Cruise complex.
Pity the gung-ho fckwit took others with him

I believe that being a reservist is a good thing, although I am not one myself. Learn some skills in your spare time which could conceivably one day be of use to someone other than yourself, and all that.

However:

As much as the ADF spruiks this sort of thing, it is effectively a hobby for which you are paid by your actual employer.

As such, never ever believe your own press, and especially never ever form the view that you are anywhere near as good as the professionals who do that sort of thing for a living.

Learn from them, sure, if the opportunity presents itself, but don’t ever think you’re on par with or exceeding their skill sets.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 5:28 pm

Stevie T at 2.14:

That reminds of a movie, lovely lady

Oh.

lovely lady

I knew it.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 5:33 pm

Also:

SOME reservists unfortunately develop a hero complex, in the manner of SOME volunteer firefighters. These people wreck the broader reputations of both organisations.

I distinctly recall some commenters late on ExCat and early on FlashCat, and in the early stages of the covid shitfight running stories along the lines of:

‘My mate’s a reservist. He got a letter in the mail saying he may have to report for duty. And to get his affairs in order. He says it’s pretty serious, but can’t say too much. Official Secrets Act and all that.’

Of course, that was and remains first-class, commercial-grade horseshit.

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 5:38 pm

It would solve the problem for the elderly for whom even credit cards are “new fangled”. These people need traditional banking services, the continuation of cheques for transactions, and access to cash.

Credit cards have existed in Australia since 1974. They’re like a reusable chequebook you can’t bounce, float or write blank.

We have had ATM/key/debit cards for ages (since at least EFTPOS in the early 1990s) ATMs are tap and touch screen and couldn’t be easier to use.

There is nothing stopping you from using cash in most instances outside of large purchases and carrying your own pocketbook and a calculator.

Short of using cheques if the power goes down, people can sign proforma sales contracts which are effectively IOUs authorising a (debit or credit) card transaction. A cheque is merely a fully funded IOU a bank has promised to facilitate.

JMH
JMH
August 11, 2023 5:40 pm

Indolent
Aug 11, 2023 3:54 PM

Senator Malcolm Roberts doing stellar work.

UPFRIGGIN’TICK.

Bring them back. Dover.

JMH
JMH
August 11, 2023 5:46 pm

Vicki
Aug 11, 2023 4:25 PM
Australian Senator Gerard Rennick: “I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.”

Me either. It would solve the problem for the elderly for whom even credit cards are “new fangled”. These people need traditional banking services, the continuation of cheques for transactions, and access to cash.

I concur with Vicki’s full post.
Would have “upticked” but – alas.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 5:48 pm

JMH
Aug 11, 2023 5:40 PM
Indolent
Aug 11, 2023 3:54 PM

Senator Malcolm Roberts doing stellar work.

UPFRIGGIN’TICK.

Bring them back. Dover.

LOL. If upticks then let’s have downticks,

2dogs
2dogs
August 11, 2023 5:49 pm

“I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.”

What we really need is more institutional separation in the finance industry. It would end the “too big to fail” problem that caused the GFC. It’s been 15 years and we still haven’t fixed that problem.

Gabor
Gabor
August 11, 2023 5:52 pm

Johnny Rotten
Aug 11, 2023 5:48 PM

JMH
Aug 11, 2023 5:40 PM
Indolent
Aug 11, 2023 3:54 PM

Bring them back. Dover. LOL. If upticks then let’s have downticks,

Been done to death, let it be Indolent.

JMH
JMH
August 11, 2023 5:53 pm

J. Rotten:

LOL. If upticks then let’s have downticks

Yeah, why not? Should sort the wheat from the grass! 🙂

DrBeauGan
DrBeauGan
August 11, 2023 5:58 pm

How much effort does it take to pick up your rubbish and wipe down a table? Or dig a hole to dispose of food scraps?

Dirty buggers.

It’s just visual proof that “activism” is really nihilism. It has zero to offer and debases its practitioners.

They’re basically communists. Each one leaves the job of cleaning up to someone else.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:00 pm

What we really need is more institutional separation in the finance industry. It would end the “too big to fail” problem that caused the GFC. It’s been 15 years and we still haven’t fixed that problem.

The alleged GFC was caused by speculation and greed. Try and legislate for that.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:00 pm

let’s have downticks

John Donne (1572-1631):

Send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 6:02 pm

A poet writes a 4 – 5 – 4 death haiku?

How avant-garde.

Perplexed of Brisbane
Perplexed of Brisbane
August 11, 2023 6:04 pm

Dr Faustus
Aug 11, 2023 4:29 PM
Working With Children.

Interesting that in Queensland you don’t have to do any form of training or refreshment. It’s just a criminal history, police and DOCS check – if you’re not on a register, you’re good to go.

True, though churches (at least the Presbyterian Church does and I would imagine most if not all other denominations do too) has annual on-line training for all Blue Card holders. This is even if you have no contact with children (etc Sunday School etc) but hold a position in a church.

I would think that most secular organisations would have some sort of training but with the sort of things we are hearing I wonder if it is more “how to.”

I agree that the Blue Card system is pretty weak overall.

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 6:07 pm

From the big yellow and black bastard:

We may block purchases from certain websites or merchants if we have reason to believe:

– the products or services contain offensive material;

I always look to banks that were bailed out by the taxpayer for moral guidance.

Perplexed of Brisbane
Perplexed of Brisbane
August 11, 2023 6:07 pm

Johnny Rotten
Aug 11, 2023 4:11 PM
Indolent
Aug 11, 2023 3:38 PM

There is always the Reserve Bank though. Any buyers?

I thought the Rothchilds already owned it along with every other reserve bank in the world?

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 6:08 pm

Oh god.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:08 pm

How avant-garde.

Donne was the Austin Powers of his time.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:10 pm

I thought the R********s already owned it along with every other reserve bank in the world?

Strap in, people.

Here we go, yet again.

JMH
JMH
August 11, 2023 6:12 pm

A poet writes a 4 – 5 – 4 death haiku?

How avant-garde.

Oh yes. I do agree. However, Austin Powers is/was a moronic screen capture.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:13 pm

LOL. If upticks then let’s have downticks

Yeah, why not? Should sort the wheat from the grass! ?

The Jo Nova Blog has no problem with upticks and downticks. Are the Cats here Pussies or what?

And it’s the wheat from the chaff BTW………..Lol

Boambee John
Boambee John
August 11, 2023 6:15 pm

That sounded like sarcasm.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:16 pm

The Jo Nova Blog has no problem with upticks and downticks

Off you go then.

Be sure to take your toby jug, knotted hankie and Mick Jagger-signed bedazzler pants with you.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:19 pm

Knuckle Dragger
Aug 11, 2023 6:10 PM
I thought the R********s already owned it along with every other reserve bank in the world?

And strange that when the Reserve Bank of Australia pays a dividend (when it makes money that is) to the Australian Feral Guv’ment and not to the R people.

Very strange that. Are you one of these Conspiracy people perchance? I bet that you believe in the Gold Standard.

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 6:20 pm

That sounded like sarcasm.

I’m certain it was.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:23 pm

Are you one of these Conspiracy people perchance?

Perchance not, you muddled-up old kipper-fancier.

I was quoting someone else.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:23 pm

The Jo Nova Blog has no problem with upticks and downticks

Off you go then.

You probably have so many ticks on you that you couldn’t stand any downticks. Feral.

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 6:26 pm

Are you one of these Conspiracy people perchance? I bet that you believe in the Gold Standard.

The gold standard delivered international macroeconomic stability and decades of growth that eliminated the underclass in the West.

I have no idea what this has to do with bizarre Jewish conspiracy theories.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:27 pm

You probably have so many ticks on you that you couldn’t stand any downticks

None can overcome my Cloak of Upticks.

Feral.

As opposed to native? Because by your own definition you’re the introduced species, not me.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:27 pm

Perchance not, you muddled-up old kipper-fancier.

Kippers with poached eggs for Breakfast. Tops. Empires were made of it. Still speaking English or one of the 300 local languages? LOL.

JMH
JMH
August 11, 2023 6:28 pm

And it’s the wheat from the chaff BTW…
……..Lol

LOL – you foiled my leg rope tactic JR! Go stand in the corner and hang your head in shame! 🙂

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:30 pm

The Swedes look good in this match against Japan. A long way still to go though.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:32 pm

Kippers with poached eggs for Breakfast. Tops. Empires were made of it.

Smelly empires. If only the Empire in question had soap in it instead of cardigan waistcoats, gravel beaches and fish pudding we’d all be better off.

Alamak!
August 11, 2023 6:33 pm

The gold standard delivered international macroeconomic stability and decades of growth that eliminated the underclass in the West.

check the data and you’ll find that gold had its bubbles, like every asset dug out of ground, and it played no part in eliminating the underclass. That was down to improved plumbing, extended education and technology applied to consumer products.

Diogenes
Diogenes
August 11, 2023 6:33 pm

As such, never ever believe your own press, and especially never ever form the view that you are anywhere near as good as the professionals who do that sort of thing for a living.

Will never forget our RSM on the night we were commissioned (6 of us)…
“Congratulations Sirs, but remember you are now qualified to lead 33 men to their deaths.” Sobering words indeed!

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:34 pm

LOL – you foiled my leg rope tactic JR! Go stand in the corner and hang your head in shame! ?

Apologies but I could not resist it. No offence meant BTW.

In the ‘nawty’ corner I go then. LOL.

Cassie of Sydney
August 11, 2023 6:35 pm

“Australian Senator Gerard Rennick: “I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.””

I know this will rankle some here but I agree with Rennick.

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 6:36 pm

Kippers are better than roll mops. Both fall under the general classification of cat food. If you can’t find something better for breakfast you’ve wasted your ten pounds.

Alamak!
August 11, 2023 6:41 pm

I agree with Rennick.

Same here. Use the Post Office as a base or perhaps run on state by state basis if its too hard.

I know there are risks but the Oligopoly we have is holding back the country and collecting excess profits while failing to provide service coverage.

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 6:43 pm

If governments shouldn’t own media companies they shouldn’t own banks, airlines, blood companies either. CSL has benefited greatly from being freed of the dead hand of government. CBA and the Mangy Roo less so.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:43 pm

Alamak!
Aug 11, 2023 6:33 PM

check the data and you’ll find that gold had its bubbles, like every asset dug out of ground, and it played no part in eliminating the underclass. That was down to improved plumbing, extended education and technology applied to consumer products.

I agree. The wealth of a Nation is in its people and what they can achieve by hard work and with their brains. Money in ancient times was sea shells, rice, and all sorts of stuff. The Gold Bugs are just a whole load of wannabees. Sad really because Gold and Silver are still valuable but not money for transacting with on a daily basis.

Cassie of Sydney
August 11, 2023 6:44 pm

“Cassie, I am not as sure that his seat (Glad’s electorate) is as Teal or Green as North Sydney or Mosman. There are a lot of traditional families in places like Northbridge, Castlecrag, Willoughby, Naremburn and so on. I don’t think the demographics are quite the same.”

Maybe, however the demographics are changing. Remember Tim James only scraped through in the seat after Glad vacated and in this year’s state election.

Tonight I ran into Dave Sharma at the supermarket. I said hi. He’s a nice man, quite vanilla when you speak to him, however I don’t feel sorry for him for losing his seat, nothing personal but he represented everything wrong with the Liberals under Scumbag….however, it’s still just a hunch, and I might be wrong come 2025 (for which you can all hold me to account) but I think most if not all of the Teals will be one hit wonders.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 6:45 pm

The gold standard delivered international macroeconomic stability and decades of growth that eliminated the underclass in the West.

Did it really though? It didn’t eliminate recessions and don’t forget, that economies were doing really well if they experienced growth rates of .5% to GDP when currencies were fully convertible to gold.

If you’re going to essentially harden monetary policy by gluing it to gold you’d better make sure, government spending is balanced, labor markets are flexible and labor rates are market determined, prices of goods and services free from any government influence.

Monetary policy that is glued to gold requires all those things I mentioned.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 6:46 pm

Yeah, why not? Should sort the wheat from the grass! ?

Don’t overdo it Kez, you’re so tightly wound up, one down-tick alone would send you to a psych unit for some well needed “rest and rec”.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:49 pm

H B Bear
Aug 11, 2023 6:36 PM
Kippers are better than roll mops. Both fall under the general classification of cat food. If you can’t find something better for breakfast you’ve wasted your ten pounds.

Ha, ha, ha. As I have explained many times on this pussy cat site, I paid my own way here in 1976 when the assisted passage for British migrants was long gone and over with. You had so many British here that Gough got the collywobbles. Tosser. Look it up and learn somefink’.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 6:52 pm

2dogs
Aug 11, 2023 5:49 PM

“I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a public bank.”

You do. You can pay most bills at the Post Office.

Does anyone think paper currency will still be in use by 2100? I’m not suggesting the big currencies will survive, but whatever it is, people won’t be carrying notes around in their wallets.

Imagine the Liar’s Party playing around with a “public bank” and the mess they will leave.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
August 11, 2023 6:56 pm

This one’s for Cassie.

Took delivery of Saul David’s account of “Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport.”

Don’t ever fvck with the I.D.F!

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 6:56 pm

What we really need is more institutional separation in the finance industry. It would end the “too big to fail” problem that caused the GFC. It’s been 15 years and we still haven’t fixed that problem.

Why would you need separation, 2 dogs? I’ve never understood this argument because the GFC wasn’t caused by brokerage and banking being under the same holding company umbrella. It was caused by a sudden and vicious bout of deflation as a result of central bank mismanagement destabilizing the financial system.

Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
August 11, 2023 6:57 pm

I’m still laughing at the Babylon Bee’s take on USA women’s soccer from a couple of days ago
Megan Rapinoe Gets New Job With Galactic Empire Training Stormtroopers To Shoot

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 6:59 pm

Knuckle Dragger
Aug 11, 2023 6:32 PM

Yes. and you could always speak french. Sacre Bleu !!!!!!

dragueur d’articulation……….LOL.

Alamak!
August 11, 2023 6:59 pm

JC> Provide payment channels via PO + Chemists + RSL and payment processing via any company capable and connect large payment providers to RTGS. That will enable 95% of banking services people need.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 6:59 pm

Whinging Pom

noun

British person. Their natural state is to complain about the weather and immigrants. This is fueled, in part, by a deep-seated feeling that they should still rule the world.

Orright guv, innit?

Also a deep-seated feeling they should be French. Dilettante wannabe Eurotrash.

Alamak!
August 11, 2023 7:01 pm

It was caused by a sudden and vicious bout of deflation as a result of central bank mismanagement destabilizing the financial system.

An asset bubble that came to an end and exposed banks that did not take care of ALM and Liquidity as they should. banking 101 in other words.

Delta A
Delta A
August 11, 2023 7:03 pm

Big exodus of musos just now as our House Buddies head off to a major gig. Grandson is staying behind with us to watch The Blues Brothers for the 325 th time*.

We were privileged to hear the auditions this afternoon. Such beautiful music and voices, my opinion prejudiced not in the slightest by a Granny’s perception. Now for the doorstop rib-eye steak that best man is tending.

To quote our emminently perspicacious bespoke: life is good.

*May be traces of exaggeration. It just feels like 325 times.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:06 pm

Regular soccer is pretty freaking boring. No game should regularly end as nil all, one apiece for 90 minutes divided by 2. But how boring could women’s soccer be. Who could watch such a ridiculous game.

I’m not down on female sports at all. Female UFC and boxing is great because there’s always a knockout. Women’s tennis is actually more watchable than the men because there are far more rallies due to upper body strength issues. Men’s tennis has become a game of smashing the serve with a metal racket and either preventing or causing a weak return.

Steve trickler
Steve trickler
August 11, 2023 7:06 pm

These blokes are mental!

It sh*ts all over the Monaco GP ( Most boring race on the globe )

World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars | Knoxville Raceway | August 10, 2023 | HIGHLIGHTS

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:07 pm

An asset bubble that came to an end and exposed banks that did not take care of ALM and Liquidity as they should. banking 101 in other words.

Oh, what asset bubble was that, that you’re drawing attention to without mentioning that asset bubble?

Tom
Tom
August 11, 2023 7:10 pm

Apologies if already posted. Pauline Hanson’s Please Explain.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 7:11 pm

Does anyone think paper currency will still be in use by 2100? I’m not suggesting the big currencies will survive, but whatever it is, people won’t be carrying notes around in their wallets.

Go to Africa and many other places. They love US paper dollars. Go to Sydney’s China Town. They love paper money.

Maybe Crypto one day. But by 2100 it will be a far different World. Yuan anyone?

JMH
JMH
August 11, 2023 7:12 pm

JC
Aug 11, 2023 6:46 PM
Yeah, why not? Should sort the wheat from the grass! ?

Don’t overdo it Kez, you’re so tightly wound up, one down-tick alone would send you to a psych unit for some well needed “rest and rec”.

Bwahahahaha. In comes the stalker.

Mark from Melbourne
Mark from Melbourne
August 11, 2023 7:19 pm

https://twitter.com/AmboRudd/status/1689777081679597572

Dover, please ban JC (and his heirs and successors, in perpetuity) for posting this. It is nearly as bad as that horrible I Love Rock and Roll clip.

Dot
Dot
August 11, 2023 7:19 pm

check the data and you’ll find that gold had its bubbles, like every asset dug out of ground, and it played no part in eliminating the underclass. That was down to improved plumbing, extended education and technology applied to consumer products.

That’s a half truth.

Let’s try to have the same outcome WITHOUT macroeconomic stability.

You won’t get as much investment in new capital or consumer goods production with high and/or unpredictable inflation.

There isn’t an example of a significant increase in living standards with macroeconomic instability as an antecedent.

The internal price mechanism, intentional or not was marvellous.

The most stable country macroeconomic ally in the recent past was Panama – it had no central bank.

https://mises.org/library/panama-has-no-central-bank

The absence of a central bank in Panama has created a completely market-driven money supply. Panama’s market has also chosen the US dollar as its de facto currency. The country must buy or obtain their dollars by producing or exporting real goods or services; it cannot create money out of thin air. In this way, at least, the system is similar to the old gold standard. Annual inflation in the past 20 years has averaged 1% and there have been years with price deflation, as well: 1986, 1989, and 2003.

Panamanian inflation is usually between 1 and 3 points lower than US inflation; it is caused mostly by the Federal Reserve’s effect on world prices. This market-driven system has created an extremely stable macroeconomic environment. Panama is the only country in Latin America that has not experienced a financial collapse or a currency crisis since its independence.

Outside of COVID, their GDP growth has been high and sustained.

Let’s be sane here and agree with the Washington consensus: three cheers for macroeconomic stability. Hip hip hurrah!

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 7:21 pm

Knuckle Dragger
Aug 11, 2023 6:59 PM

You are not very smart at all. A Pom is English and not just British. Call a Scotsman (British) a Pom and you will get your teeth (if you have any) knocked out. Call a Welshman (British) a Pom and you will lose the rest of your teeth. Call a Northern Irishman (British) a Pom and you will be blown sky high.

I can see why you like the handle Knuckle Dragger. ‘Dragueur d’articulation’ in french. The most obnoxious people in the World who were saved in 2 World Wars by the British Commonwealth. Such an arrogant ungrateful people.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:24 pm

Go to Africa and many other places.

Dollarization comes from necessity because of currency debauchery in these countries. Neither Africa nor South America are a good example considering factors like backwardness.

They love US paper dollars. Go to Sydney’s China Town. They love paper money.

Sure, but these examples are exceptions that don’t prove the rule.

Maybe Crypto one day. But by 2100 it will be a far different World. Yuan anyone?

Yuan? Why would anyone in their right mind hold Yuan when you don’t know if the regime will simply take your assets, and that’s that. That’s not to suggest, US is perfect as we’ve seen with the remarkable attack on people’s wealth/assets who happened to be Russian.

At least there’s an 80% chance of getting your money back in the US, UK , Switzerland etc. I used to say 95% until the actions against the Russians.

The idea that the Yuan, which has pretty strong capital controls could become a freely accepted reserve currency is amusing.

If China allowed the Yuan to become freely convertible, the mountain of money wanting to leave to be invested in Western countries would be the size of Everest on the first day.

I can’t imagine a single rational human being wanting to move money to China.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:29 pm

I don’t know, if it’s changed. Around 2006 I went to China and converted some Australian Dollars into Yuan. either here at the airport or there. I can’t recall.

I always take some cash in case the card doesn’t work.

Anyways. on the way back I wanted to convert the yuan back to Aussie at the airport. You weren’t allowed to because of exchange control – even for a foreigner. In other words the screwed you.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:33 pm

Alamak
Where’s that bubble, bubble-boy?

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
August 11, 2023 7:37 pm

In a resort at Coffs, half-way to Brisbane. Not our usual place, which is easy, and has lifts. Booked this one sight unseen, just for a change, and it turns out to be a major complex where you book in at one place, get handed a map, and you’re on your own to drive to where you belong. Ocean view, so that means three flights of stairs up with your luggage, no lift. They text you your room key number. As reception had my Drivers Licence I played the age card. Can we get help with the luggage. She texted her son who was busy and he texted his dad, so we three ‘oldies’ managed the luggage together. Makes one long for the days of the simple motel.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 7:37 pm

The whole idea of a Central Bank was as a Lender of Last Resort. That is what the Bank of England was when it first started. Now, a Central Bank/Reserve Bank has to deal with inflation, unemployment and all sorts of shite which it was never designed for.

Meanwhile, and a great example of this is the US Guv’ment as it spends money like a drunken sailor and blames the Federal Reserve for all of the US problems. Look in the mirror you corrupt ‘Pollies’. YOU are the PROBLEM. FFS. Stop spending money that you don’t have.

The same with Tennis Elbow and the other Commies here.

Steve trickler
Steve trickler
August 11, 2023 7:38 pm
Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 7:41 pm

I can’t imagine a single rational human being wanting to move money to China.

Of course not JC as you and I will be long gone by then. Did anyone in 1949 see China where it is now?

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:43 pm

Now, a Central Bank/Reserve Bank has to deal with inflation, unemployment and all sorts of shite which it was never designed for.

Central banks generally curve ball the “maximum employment” remit by arguing that currency stability must be primary before you can aspire to full employment. No one really disputes that.

The one objective of the major central banks is maintaining the inflation rate below target.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 7:44 pm

The proponent of the English Empire, as opposed to the more commonly known British Empire:

You are not very smart at all. A Pom is English and not just British. Call a Scotsman (British) a Pom and you will get your teeth (if you have any) knocked out. Call a Welshman (British) a Pom and you will lose the rest of your teeth.

I can’t tell. You Poms all look the same. Pasty, and either spindly or morbidly obese.

Call a Northern Irishman (British) a Pom and you will be blown sky high.

There’s that public school mentality again.

The most obnoxious people in the World who were saved in 2 World Wars by the British Commonwealth. Such an arrogant ungrateful people.

Doubt it. Your nation of shopkeepers was saved from being turned into a German car park – twice – by the denizens of this wide brown land.

You don’t like the blog because people don’t accept your apparent innate superiority, drawn from an attachment to grifters (Armstrong) and pouves (Jagger). You don’t like the people in this country for the same reasons.

Off you trot then. Nothing holding you back.

By the way, the ‘English Empire’ consists of lichen and drizzle. And the island of Jersey.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:44 pm

Whoops, should read…

maintaining the inflation rate at target.

Wally Dali
Wally Dali
August 11, 2023 7:46 pm

Please Explain has come of age as top notch satire.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 7:47 pm

Oh, and:

you will lose the rest of your teeth

Ah yes, the English.

Renowned for their dentistry.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 7:48 pm

Please Explain has come of age as top notch satire.

My word it has. The last line of that clip was first rate.

Robert Sewell
August 11, 2023 7:50 pm

J.R:

I bet that you believe in the Gold Standard.

Damn straight.
I believe in Gold in much the same way a Baptist believes in Jesus.

Robert Sewell
August 11, 2023 7:50 pm

https://youtu.be/pWAHO3Dc9OU
Interesting aircraft video.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
August 11, 2023 7:51 pm

In a resort at Coffs, half-way to Brisbane.

Lizzie – I hope you visited the Big Banana. It’s an important icon.

(I grew up on the mid nth coast, Nambucca Hds and Kendall. Pretty good part of the world. And yes a friend of our family owned an actual banana plantation. Hard work!)

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 7:54 pm

From a leading travel blog:

Chicken Tikka Masala is widely considered the country’s national dish, even though the origin of this dish is India.

Ahahahaaaaaa.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 7:55 pm

I can’t tell. You Poms all look the same. Pasty, and either spindly or morbidly obese.

You are so well balanced with a chip on both shoulders.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 7:56 pm

Of course not JC as you and I will be long gone by then. Did anyone in 1949 see China where it is now?

Sure but that doesn’t mean all predictions for the longish future are worth zero. I think it’s an easy prediction to make that paper currencies will be gone by 2100 in the developed world. or at least what is considered the developed world by then. I reckon possibly what.. 80% of transactions these days are digitally based? I write perhaps 20 cheques a year and only do that to piss them off. ATO, land tax, rates.

mem
mem
August 11, 2023 7:58 pm

Hope you bring back up ticks Dover. The site has lost its excitement and interaction. I am not able to contribute much at the moment in terms of written comments but would dearly like to give those that make pertinent and researched comments encouragement. Besides I love seeing someone’s comments get well deserved approbation. A dead silence speaks for itself, so no need for down ticks.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 7:59 pm

I can’t tell. You Poms all look the same. Pasty, and either spindly or morbidly obese.

LOL. Go into yer’ local watering hole and have a good look at the beached whales hanging off of the pokie machines. LOL. Obese is being too kind. They are fat farkers. Probably just like you.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 7:59 pm

From Vice, on the Poms and their food:

They live in morbid fear of running out of fennel seeds. They spend their days wandering around faux-farmers’ markets 50 miles from the nearest tractor, looking for unusual mustards. If this sounds like an improvement, try experiencing our merry hell of fusion-Mexican pulled-pork pasties and you’ll soon wish you could still find someone to sell you a grey piece of chicken slathered in salad cream and imprisoned between two slabs of sliced white bread.

Oh dear.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 8:02 pm

Seriously, this Vice site is gold. On Poms and complaining:

Not only are they moaners; moaning is a traditional form of social bonding in Britain. Like bonobo monkeys picking fleas out of each other’s fur, when you hear a Brit telling you about how bad the service is on First Great Western, he is grooming you.

This is basically a form of mutual masturbation and you should always respond in kind, no matter how punctual your last train was. Come to Britain and you will see how this sort of thing goes on all day, every day in tea shops, branches of The Post Office and police trauma rooms.

Bonobo monkeys. Funny ’cause it’s true.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:04 pm

I write perhaps 20 cheques a year and only do that to piss them off. ATO, land tax, rates.

I do something similar and just love paying by cash. They don’t like it up em’ when you do that.

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

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 8:05 pm

They are fat farkers.

Was that a complaint from a Pom?

How unusual.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:06 pm

Knuckle Dragger
Aug 11, 2023 8:02 PM

You are the only one moaning here. And you are not very good at it either.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 8:07 pm

Did anyone in 1949 see China where it is now?

Someone did in 1988, which is something I’ll never forget and that was 35 years ago.

I recall reading an interview (in Barron’s) with a fund manager. The fund manager was talking about recent things happening in China at the time. He talked about Deng Xiaoping’s recent moves to open and deregulate the Chinese economy. There was one thing that always stuck in my mind. He mentioned that one of Deng’s objectives was to ensure that every Chinese person had the ability to scoff down an egg for breakfast. The fund manger figured out that there wouldn’t be enough eggs in the world at the time to satisfy that sort of demand.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:08 pm

Knuckle Dragger
Aug 11, 2023 8:05 PM
They are fat farkers.

Was that a complaint from a Pom?

No. It was a compliment. Are you a fat farker?

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 8:09 pm

You are the only one moaning here. And you are not very good at it either

You wouldn’t say that if you had a chicken tikka in front of you.

You know. Your national dish.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:11 pm

JC
Aug 11, 2023 8:07 PM
Did anyone in 1949 see China where it is now?

Someone did in 1988, which is something I’ll never forget and that was 35 years ago.

Yes, but not in 1949. By 1988 Mao was gone and Deng saw the future for China.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:12 pm

You wouldn’t say that if you had a chicken tikka in front of you.

You know. Your national dish.

Fish and chips for me. You can have snags and snags.

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 8:13 pm

Chicken Tikka Masala is widely considered the country’s national dish, even though the origin of this dish is India.

Pommy style curries are the best thing about the place. Usually served up by some Bangladeshi who would be driving for Toll if they were in Oz.

Delta A
Delta A
August 11, 2023 8:16 pm

I hope you visited the Big Banana. It’s an important icon.

We first visited the Big Banana on our honeymoon, summer, 1969. 50 years later we returned to find that nothing had changed much, apart from acres more banana trees.

Love Coffs.

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 8:17 pm

If you’re looking for a disappointing meal, try the full English breakfast at a Pommy caff.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:18 pm

It is so refreshing to have some banter here at night without some of the abuse that seems to happen often times.

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 8:19 pm

Ahahaha! JC posts a horrid Turdbull “selfie” with Krudd and Elbow…

and my internet crashed!

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 8:20 pm

Now to backtrack…did I miss anything?

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 8:21 pm

The Big Banana is pretty small. The Big Merino is more like it. I tried to take in a few big things on my road trip back to Perf. Remember being disappointed by the Big Prawn too.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:21 pm

If you’re looking for a disappointing meal, try the full English breakfast at a Pommy caff.

LOL. The Grace Hotel in Sydney does a lovely full English Breakfast. Black pudding and kippers as well. Luverleeeeeeeee.

Delta A
Delta A
August 11, 2023 8:22 pm

I was looking at recipes for tikka masala just this afternoon. According to my go-to cook for all things culinary:

a British aristocrat was served Chicken Tikka (chicken on skewers chargrilled in a tandoor) and sent it back to the kitchen, complaining it was dry. In response to which the enterprising chef added a curry sauce and sent it back out again where it was well received.

And thus, one of the most popular curries in the world was born. And even though it’s not a traditional Indian dish, the roots of it certainly are!

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 8:22 pm

That photo. I’ve been wondering.

Is Toto a hostage? I still worry about Reuben. He looked uncomfortable too.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 8:24 pm

Fish and chips for me.

Cod (or kippers) and potatoes. Got it.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:24 pm

Remember being disappointed by the Big Prawn too.

Well, that’s the Kevin Rudd for you.

Pogria
Pogria
August 11, 2023 8:25 pm

Mem,
particularly well stated. I agree.
By the way, how are you travelling?

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 8:26 pm

a British aristocrat was served Chicken Tikka (chicken on skewers chargrilled in a tandoor) and sent it back to the kitchen, complaining it was dry

A Britisher? Complaining?

Nooooo!

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 8:27 pm

Australian cafes are miles ahead of anything you’ll find in the UK. No wonder Starbucks still operates there serving US dishwater.

Pogria
Pogria
August 11, 2023 8:28 pm

Bear,
someone stole the Big Prawns’ head a couple of days ago. 😀

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 8:29 pm

Remember being disappointed by the Big Prawn too.

Imagine living nearby and having that thing looking at you through the bedroom windows. Apparently it was lit up at night.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 8:31 pm

My nephew-in-law works for us at the family business. Great kid, who was a little lost and the parents asked if I could hire him. He did civil engineering but doesn’t want to go into that field. He’s living at his sister’s place. who last year graduated (or whatever they call it) as a general surgeon. She’s 32. He told me that he hasn’t seen her for most of this week because she gets home at midnight and leaves around 5 in the morning to get to work at 6 am. She’s getting perhaps 4 hours sleep and then expected to cut crap out of people and not kill them. All that on 4 hours sleep? If this is common practice, it’s really dangerous.

H B Bear
H B Bear
August 11, 2023 8:33 pm

I got stuck in Coffs for a few days when my bike battery died. They were running a tarmac rally around the surrounds. Some good roads for fanging from memory.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:33 pm

calli
Aug 11, 2023 8:19 PM
Ahahaha! JC posts a horrid Turdbull “selfie” with Krudd and Elbow…

and my internet crashed!

Don’t panic Mr. Mainwaring. I have a backup on the Cloud.

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 8:34 pm

The British do two meals well – breakfast and afternoon tea.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
August 11, 2023 8:35 pm

Remember being disappointed by the Big Prawn too.

Bear – the movie Michael has Big Things as a subtheme. I should watch it again, it was a gentle and warm comedy. Here in Ncl we are blessed by the Big Mosquito, which figures.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:36 pm

Knuckle Dragger
Aug 11, 2023 8:26 PM

A Neanderthal – Knuckle Dragger – who doesn’t like the English and speaks English. Kind of sad really.

JC
JC
August 11, 2023 8:38 pm

calli
Aug 11, 2023 8:34 PM

The British do two meals well – breakfast and afternoon tea.

I hate breakfast. I can’t stand seeing people scoffing down food in the morning. I even despise the word.

But, is there anything in his world better than tea and scones (butter and jam) in the afternoon. I can’t think of a better treat. Coffee and a canoli comes close but it doesn’t doesn’t quite make it.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:39 pm

calli
Aug 11, 2023 8:34 PM
The British do two meals well – breakfast and afternoon tea.

Thank you calli. Now I know why I am so slim and trim at age 70 years and not a fat farker. LOL.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
August 11, 2023 8:39 pm

South Africa’s ex-president Zuma avoids return to jail
Carien du PlessisReuters
Fri, 11 August 2023 5:21PM

South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma, who spent only two months of a 15-month sentence in prison in 2021, has been granted a remission approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa, avoiding a decision that could have sent him back to jail.

Zuma was jailed in July 2021 for defying a court order to appear at an inquiry into corruption.

He was released on medical parole after two months, but a court judgment upheld by the constitutional court found that decision unlawful.

The head of South Africa’s prisons service was due this week to announce whether he would return to jail.

Friday’s remission appears to make that decision moot.

Zuma’s imprisonment in 2021 triggered violent protests in which more than 300 people were killed, and there were fears there could be more rioting if he was sent back to jail.

South Africa’s national commissioner of correctional services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, told reporters Zuma had appeared for about an hour on Friday morning at the Estcourt correctional facility in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) where he had been held in 2021.

He was subjected to “administrative processes” before the remission took effect.

Prisons officials will remain in contact with Zuma, as they do with other offenders released under the remission process, the commissioner said.

The country’s biggest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said in a statement it was planning a legal challenge against the decision to grant Zuma the special remission.

A spokesman for Zuma’s foundation said Zuma was at home consulting his legal team.

Zuma, 81, retains a loyal following in KZN and within parts of the governing African National Congress (ANC) party led by his successor Ramaphosa.

Dragnet
Dragnet
August 11, 2023 8:41 pm

I stayed in a motel near the Big Prawn one night.
My eldest son was conceived that night with the Big Prawns blessing.

Jorge
Jorge
August 11, 2023 8:41 pm

A while back, some very rash punters placed bets on Collingwood to win this year’s premiership. One was for K100. The other for $1m.

Christmas coming early for the books.

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 8:42 pm

They do breakfast so well that Hobbits have Second Breakfast. And I suppose Elevenses is really an early afternoon tea.

Everything else is either boiled or fried to death. Apart from The Roast. Now that is another speciality which has found its way southwards. One of the easiest meals for a crowd.

calli
calli
August 11, 2023 8:44 pm

My eldest son was conceived that night with the Big Prawns blessing.

That is so peculiar even I am lost for words.

Johnny Rotten
August 11, 2023 8:45 pm

I hate breakfast. I can’t stand seeing people scoffing down food in the morning. I even despise the word.

The word is derived from the phrase ‘break the fast’. After sleeping overnight you needed food in the morning when you woke up. No need for any scoffing at all. Unless some people were pigs. Oink, oink.

Knuckle Dragger
Knuckle Dragger
August 11, 2023 8:46 pm

Knuckle Dragger – who doesn’t like the English

I love the English.

As long as they’re not moaning like an unpaid ladyboy.

Razey
Razey
August 11, 2023 8:48 pm

The average Cat knows WTF is going on.

https://twitter.com/Skeletor_1981/status/1689655172354785281

  1. Terribly sad that my church, the Lutheran Church of Australia, is about to be split (again) due to women’s ordination.

1.1K
0
Oh, you think that, do you? Care to put it on record?x
()
x