Open Thread – Mon 13 Nov 2023


Paris Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, Eugène Galien-Laloue, mid-20th C

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Johnny Rotten
November 15, 2023 11:50 am

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Nov 15, 2023 10:31 AM
Well I never knew that Gaza has a parliament. I wouldn’t fancy being the Speaker.

Would you be able to ban honorable members carrying assault rifles into the house?

I’d like to know who the Opposition is and Question Time should be a hoot. Or a shoot.

H B Bear
H B Bear
November 15, 2023 11:51 am

Another corker from Albrechtsen in Teh Paywallian .In the firing line today HR and in-house counsel. And a brown called Brown.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
November 15, 2023 11:52 am

Labor faces state revolt over infrastructure funding changes

How dare Canberra make us pay half of the bill for our giant white elephants infrastructure? The nerve!

bespoke
bespoke
November 15, 2023 11:52 am

“The reality is that infrastructure is costing more than ever, because of global supply chains and labour shortages,” Mr Dick said.

So that’s why the local road works is over budget and the opening is long past its date.

Not because the new drainage has been dugup three times and the surface has tobe redone to match.

Sure!

rosie
rosie
November 15, 2023 11:59 am

Please let this mean they are rescuing hostages.

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
November 15, 2023 11:59 am

Starlink: Game Changer in Communications for Remote Travellers

When planning a four-month caravanning trip from Melbourne to Cape York this year, one of the many things we had to consider was communications.

I was working from the road so needed access to office systems and to colleagues via video calls. And we wanted to be able to communicate with family and friends, regardless of location.

It’s a very simple system to provide users with satellite-based, high-speed internet connectivity. You purchase the hardware kit (currently $599) which includes everything you need to connect to the internet — the Starlink satellite dish, wi-fi router, power supply, cables and base.

One of the advantages of Starlink is its simplicity. The dish comes with a base which you can sit on the ground, on top of your vehicle, on a table or wherever — but it does need clear, unobstructed access to the sky.

If you are camped in a treed area, this can be problematic, and it will affect Starlink’s performance.

However, the cable is 15 metres long so you can move the dish to the most suitable location. If you have your dish sitting on the ground, you’ll have to be aware of nearby vehicles and, depending on where you’re camping, you might want to bring it inside while you’re away from camp for security reasons.

My partner rigged up a stand for our dish with an extendable pool pole from Bunnings which is secured inside the front toolbox of our van, so it stays up the entire time we are camped.

In terms of power consumption, the router does need 240V power which is a consideration for those who like to get off-grid and free camp. It doesn’t draw much power though — about 50W — so even a small inverter will be enough to keep it going from your batteries.

Connecting to the network involves downloading the Starlink app which allows you to customise settings, receive updates, access support and see real-time performance data such as download speed, latency and uptime. It will also tell you how many devices are connected and whether there are any obstructions, among other things.

So, arrive at camp, set it up (it really only takes a few minutes) and you have immediate access to high-speed, low-latency internet on an as-needed basis at any destination where Starlink provides active coverage. And that coverage is pretty wide, even in the most remote areas of the country.

It means data has a shorter distance to travel which means quicker download speeds, so online services such as video conferencing should in theory feel less laggy and it’s true — I’ve experienced sharper Zoom calls from outback Queensland than suburban Melbourne on the NBN.

There are plans to deploy more than 12,000 small satellites with a possible later extension to 42,000 (according to Wikipedia) so it must be getting pretty crowded up there. In May 2023, there were 1.5 million subscribers.

Starlink offers various plans but for travellers, the roam or portable option at $174 per month on top of the hardware is a great option. Plans can be paused when not in use with billing in monthly increments.

For those who like to have the internet while they are travelling, the in-motion package is designed for a permanent installation on your vehicle and is resilient in harsh environments. With a wide field of view and enhanced GPS capabilities, the Flat High Performance Starlink can connect to more satellites, allowing for consistent connectivity on the go.

The mobile-on-vehicle hardware costs start at $399 per month with a one-time hardware fee of $3740. Installation on your vehicle is an additional cost. There are also Starlink packages for business and residential purposes.

Anyone who has travelled recently will attest to the increasing popularity of Starlink.

Pull into any caravan park or campground and you will see a handful, if not more, of dishes pointed to the southern sky.

On our way to Cape York, the campground at Moreton Telegraph Station was using Starlink to provide internet to campers at $5 for 24 hours.

duncanm
duncanm
November 15, 2023 12:05 pm

Washington Pro-Israel Rally.

That’s big.

https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1724560764160081959

OldOzzie
OldOzzie
November 15, 2023 12:06 pm

China promises to strictly control coal then started 182 coal power plants instead

By Jo Nova

Two and a half years ago President Xi promised to “strictly control coal-fired power generation projects” in China. Before this solemn pledge the CCP had approved a blockbuster 54 gigawatts of coal fired power plants in just two years.

Afterwards, to show how committed they were to Net Zero principles and international agreements, they *only* approved 131 GW. As President Xi promised — he’s “strictly in control” (of a massive increase). He’s also strictly in control of the world’s manufacturing.

The UN, Greenpeace, and Joe Biden promptly did nothing at all — it’s not like the future of life on Earth is at stake. And John Kerry found “agreement” and “hope”.

The BBC told the world about China’s green power surge instead, and mentioned the coal in passing. China had spawned a world record in coal plant construction, but apparently these coal plants are not so bad because many are built on renewable parks, “partly as backup for all the new wind and solar farms”.

Meanwhile the International Energy Agency (IEA) — a kind of mini UN energy bureaucracy — predicts China’s peak coal will happen next year. Apologists, all of them for planet destroying polluters.

Labor Blackout Bowen eat your heart (if you have one ) Out

Just for comparison: Australia has one 1,000 MW plant in the “pre-permit” stage. (Collinsville). It’s so “pre” that even though it was suggested four years ago, and awarded $4m to for a feasibility study, no feasibleness has been announced.

In the same years, China built about 300 coal plants.

Interesting Comment – Point I had never thought about

– China wants to switch from cars powered by imported oil to cars powered by locally produced coal.

That is why EV production in China has been promoted

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
November 15, 2023 12:07 pm

A: when every Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighter is burning in Hell and every building in Gaza is rendered into rubble. Next question.

‘Where do you draw the line?’: Senior Israeli advisor pressed on intense fighting around Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City (Sky News, 15 Nov)

A senior advisor to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been questioned over the military’s decision to engage in intense fighting dangerously close to Gaza’s largest hospital.

Speaking to Sky News Australia on Wednesday, Mark Regev maintained the Israeli government has offered to evacuate patients and displaced civilians from the site.

“We have also bought petrol for the generators especially for the babies in the incubators there,” he told host Peter Stefanovic.

“They said there was a lack of energy but unfortunately Hamas has prevented any humanitarian solution.

“From their point of view, I think they want pictures of suffering, that helps their propaganda.”

Adding to the hospital’s woes, Israeli troops have surrounded the site, acting on intelligence a Hamas command centre is located underneath the building.

Nice to see Mark Regev back in the saddle. As well as being an Aussie he’s a righty and an extremely talented communicatior.

Johnny Rotten
November 15, 2023 12:11 pm

Bruce of Newcastle
Nov 15, 2023 11:52 AM
Labor faces state revolt over infrastructure funding changes

I’d like to know how Florence is going with Snowy “The White Elephant” 2.

Zebedee would like to know as well –

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

shatterzzz
November 15, 2023 12:13 pm

Today’s GAZA update ..
Specially designed drones for tunnels .. just WOW!

https://youtu.be/1IWq4O_QIdk

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
November 15, 2023 12:46 pm

One of the more baffling features of the bank profit reporting season is the surprising multi-billion dollar jump in the amount of money customers of the big banks are holding in their mortgage offset accounts.

Be baffled no more.
Assume a marginal tax rate of 33%.
If mortgage interest rates have just moved to 6%, an offset account represents a risk free return of 9% on an “At Call” account.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
November 15, 2023 12:53 pm

rosie

Nov 15, 2023 11:59 AM

Please let this mean they are rescuing hostages.

I think the only hope for hostages is if their captors reach a conclusion that the only way to save their own lives is to surrender themselves with hostages alive.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
November 15, 2023 12:55 pm

What I mean by that is that the physical captors are isolated from their command structure and end up seeing the risk of breaking ranks as lower than taking on a fight to the death.

Winston Smith
November 15, 2023 12:58 pm

calli

Nov 15, 2023 1:13 AM
Something I just can’t get my head around here…
Salmon farming is huge. As in gigantically, mind bogglingly huge. Double plus good.
Oil production is also huge and produces amazing benefits for the economy. Also double plus good.
Tasmanian salmon farming – double minus bad.
Coal mining for domestic and export – double minus bad.
What the hell did Aussies do to deserve this sh*t?

We kept on voting for Socialism. And getting it.
Simple really, Calli.

duncanm
duncanm
November 15, 2023 12:59 pm

Sancho Panzer
Nov 15, 2023 12:46 PM
Be baffled no more.
Assume a marginal tax rate of 33%.
If mortgage interest rates have just moved to 6%, an offset account represents a risk free return of 9% on an “At Call” account.

‘xactly.

Risk-free, tax-free return. You’d be an idiot not to park a chunk of free cash in an offset.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
November 15, 2023 1:01 pm

duncanm

Nov 15, 2023 12:05 PM

Washington Pro-Israel Rally.

That’s big.

Let me preface this by saying that I understand the threat is very real for Jewish communities in the West, and I don’t underestimate it.
However, I’d say to Cassie and others with similar concerns to try not to be gaslit by the media coverage of a noisy and loathsome minority.
Because they are a minority, but the media is trying to present it as an overwhelming majority of public opinion.

Sancho Panzer
Sancho Panzer
November 15, 2023 1:08 pm

Duncanm

‘xactly.

Risk-free, tax-free return. You’d be an idiot not to park a chunk of free cash in an offset.

I guess what struck me was the reaction of the j’ism writing the story.
You’ve moved the pre-tax return on a risk free at-call account from, say, 3% to 9% and it’s a head scratcher that funds have poured into this option?
I’m surprised that they’re surprised.

Miltonf
Miltonf
November 15, 2023 1:15 pm

When we don’t vote for socialism or net zero we get it anyway. Piss off.

Winston Smith
November 15, 2023 1:25 pm

We’ve got easy times and weak leaders.
Why is everybody so surprised it’s all turning to shit?

Dot
Dot
November 15, 2023 1:28 pm

Candace Owens blows herself up over Palestine.

Allah’u akbar!

Winston Smith
November 15, 2023 1:40 pm

Lizzie:

Marcia working hard to redeem herself after the Yes debacle and her suggestions before the vote of a following ‘intifada’ should the Yes vote fail ..
Good to see her changing her words and tune.

What’s the point?
As soon as the wind changes direction, her tune will change as well.

Winston Smith
November 15, 2023 1:46 pm

Rufus T Firefly

Nov 15, 2023 9:01 AM
In other really bad news, Indi Gregory – 8 months old, was executed in the UK yesterday.
Magistrate Robert Peel, said that Indi had to die, because she was in discomfort from her treatment and condition, so she was taken off of life support.

A critically ill baby girl has been removed from life support after judges ruled that she should be allowed to die, a campaign group supporting her parents has said.

Not the Judges job to decide – it’s the parents.
Aktion T4

JohnJJJ
JohnJJJ
November 15, 2023 1:57 pm

Sancho Panzer
Nov 15, 2023 12:53 PM
I think the only hope for hostages is if their captors reach a conclusion that the only way to save their own lives is to surrender themselves with hostages alive

There was a sort of similar situation with hostages in the tunnels under the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979.

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
November 15, 2023 2:07 pm

Candace Owens blows herself up over Palestine.

What did she say? I heard she has brought the ire of Ben Shapiro upon herself but don’t know what she said.

JC
JC
November 15, 2023 2:16 pm

Bought a coffee at Cafe Aronni this morning. They turned adversity into a business. I didn’t notice it, but wifey did. They’re selling T-shirts now. It was later in the morning so there wasn’t a line.

I’m not just saying this for effect. The coffee there is one of the best I’ve tasted. It’s perfect. Out of town patrons were taking pics of themselves there 🙂

Bill P
Bill P
November 15, 2023 5:52 pm

Dot
No, but he did drug racehorses later on in Australia as a pharmacist!
Sgt Pillco?

Indolent
Indolent
November 15, 2023 6:42 pm

Robin Monotti
@robinmonotti

Professor of Oncology at St George’s Hospital Medical School, London:

“At the end of last year I reported that I was seeing melanoma patients who had been stable for years relapse after their first booster (their third injection). I was told it was merely a coincidence and to keep quiet about it, but it became impossible to do so. The number of my patients affected has been rising ever since. I saw two more cases of cancer relapse post booster vaccination in my patients just this last week.

Other oncologists have contacted me from all over the world including from Australia and the US. The consensus is that it is no longer confined to melanoma but that increased incidence of lymphomas, leukaemias and kidney cancers is being seen after booster injections. Additionally my colorectal cancer colleagues report an epidemic of explosive cancers (those presenting with multiple metastatic spread in the liver and elsewhere). All these cancers are occurring (with very few exceptions) in patients who have been forced to have a Covid booster whether they were keen or not, for many so they could travel.

So why are these cancers occurring? T cell suppression was my first likely explanation given that immunotherapy is so effective in these cancers. However we must also now consider DNA plasmid and SV40 integration in promoting cancer development, a feature made even more concerning by reports that mRNA spike protein binds p53 and other cancer suppressor genes. It is very clear and very frightening that these vaccines have several elements to cause a perfect storm in cancer development in those patients lucky enough to have avoided heart attacks, clots, strokes, autoimmune diseases and other common adverse reactions to the Covid vaccines.
To advise booster vaccines, as is the current case, is no more and no less than medical incompetence; to continue to do so with the above information is medical negligence which can carry a custodial sentence.

No ifs or buts any longer. All mRNA vaccines must be halted and banned now.” Angus Dalgleish

Indolent
Indolent
November 15, 2023 7:12 pm
Indolent
Indolent
November 15, 2023 7:13 pm
Cassie of Sydney
November 15, 2023 7:19 pm

I’m not just saying this for effect. The coffee there is one of the best I’ve tasted. It’s perfect. Out of town patrons were taking pics of themselves there ?

Good to hear, JC.

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