Open Thread – Mon 6 Jan 2025


Richard the Lionheart Receives Communion in Hagia Sophia, Gaspare Fossati, 1849

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Harlequin Decline
January 6, 2025 12:06 am

First again?

Rossini
Rossini
January 6, 2025 12:26 am

Lonely at the top?

Dr Faustus
Dr Faustus
January 6, 2025 12:52 am

Lunch – a pint and a stottie – after a morning spent in the falling snow on the Scottish Borders, heaving building stone out of a long abandoned slurry pit.

It’s great. Everyone should try it.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 6, 2025 4:27 am
Reply to  Dr Faustus

We had snow when in Scotland too, and this morning Manchester airport was snowed out and closed. However, in Richmond last night, walking to the restaurant with family for a farewell dinner, we were only graced with sleet, freezing sleet that turned to rain as it hit the ground. This morning, to the airport, handing in the trusty hired Mazda CX-5, and it’s raining. Tomorrow is Twelfth Night. We will depart for India earlyish in the morning from the Hilton Airport hotel where I write this, having spent fifteen days over the Christmas season here. Glad to leave and not have to regret all of the trimmings coming down and lights turned off.

What are our timings? I asked Hairy hopefully, but ask me later, he replies. He’s just got back from the gym here and doesn’t want to hear again my arguments against JIT planning.

Harlequin Decline
January 6, 2025 1:27 am

Got company now. I’m 4 hours behind Sydney otherwise I’d have no chance of first.

Dr Faustus , what’s a stottie, anything like a tottie?

KevinM
KevinM
January 6, 2025 2:09 am

Harlequin Decline
January 6, 2025 1:27 am

Dr Faustus , what’s a stottie, anything like a tottie?

Stottie, You are welcome.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 2:44 am

https://youtu.be/IzB9yhTsaMI
Elon Musk has sent a stark message to Nigel Farage on X – The message is clearly, REIGN IT IN.
Katie Hopkins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grTI7lGOCmQ
Nigel is making the classic mistake of confusing his aims with the Reform Party’s aims.
” L’État, c’est moi ”
Nigel obviously fears Tommy getting headlines ahead of him.
I’ve said it before – Nigel: “Late to the fight, but prominent in the victory celebrations.”

Last edited 12 days ago by Winston Smith
Harlequin Decline
January 6, 2025 2:47 am

Thank you KevinM, so nothing like tottie.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 2:56 am

Ooops!
Elon withdrawing support from Farage?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTgKcvy6WBA
Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to stand down as Reform UK leader, saying he “doesn’t have what it takes.”

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 6, 2025 4:29 am
Reply to  Winston Smith

That’s a bit serious.

Are Trump and Vance in on this too?

Salvatore - Iron Publican
January 6, 2025 4:31 am
Reply to  Winston Smith

I’d say the $100 million is on hold until Farage is replaced.

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 6:46 am
Reply to  Winston Smith

That sounds like a message to Farage, either you are in favour of democracy and freedom or only your own fame. I thought Nigel was better than that.

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 7:53 am
Reply to  Winston Smith

Farage distancing himself from Tommy was a political move and absolutely not the right thing to do.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 3:19 am

https://youtu.be/4L15sNaJJ7o

Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” shares a clip of European Parliament voting for a gas car ban in all European Union countries to promote the use of electric vehicles.

Look at the smug gits cheering themselves.

Last edited 12 days ago by Winston Smith
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:00 am
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:01 am
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:02 am
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:03 am
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:04 am
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:05 am
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 6, 2025 4:05 am

The Royal Academy, Mayfair, London

Once back in London from our Scottish adventures and the gruelling trip down the M4, Hairy wants to spend our last day taking in the ‘Michaelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Florence, c. 1504’ exhibition at the Royal Academy (a historic place for doyens of Art). We brave the train from Mortlake to Waterloo for a start, listening for news of shutdowns which always happen somewhere. Luckily none of these affected our journey this time.  Were to now? I ask at busy Waterloo. To a place called ‘follow me’ he answers as usual. So that is what, as usual, I do. On to the grimy Bakerloo tube and then off to Mayfair, (Monopoly Hotels $400), with Regent Street still lit up for Christmas, the Royal Arcade and the Burlington Arcade a delight for diamond and other sparkly shopping, Saville Row nearby too, as well as all of the big couture brands where custom seemed brisk enough.
 
We had booked a time for the exhibition and had time for lunch first, which we took in an English pub called the Goat’s Tavern, just opposite the more famous King’s Head hostelry, though the Goat’s Tavern was interesting too. It was once a haunt in the late 1600’s of Royal Navy Officers and later for astronomers for the Royal Astronomical Society founded in 1820. The exhibition itself was timed for one hour per session, which was long enough to see the way in which the younger Raphael did drawings (‘cartoons’) copying the works of the other two masters, and then putting similar thought slightly different movement and action into his own pictures. All three masters had pieces exhibiting and all three were awe inspiring to see. Security was tight and they took my water bottle off me. No soup from idiot climateers wanted in these precious precincts, and guards were standing around everywhere. The clientele of viewers was definitely of a certain social class.  Obvious from accents and clothes. Polite Britain on display, culture hand-held in the consulted catalogue.

I had a great time afterwards, taking a rest stop where coffee was served at the main entrance in front of the dramatic staircase. I was fascinated that it seemed to be a meeting place for well-off young people who likely had conversed first on the internet then phone. It became unavoidable not to hear one young swain trying to impress a beautiful princess (in his eyes) that he had just met. What are your brands? she asked him by way of conversation. In watches? Oh, Cartier and Omega, he answered, which seemed to go down well. They sipped their champagne glasses containing some concoction of coffee froth and scattered coffee beans, chatting away.

They seemed to be asking what they thought of each other. I did catch her saying jokingly that she would find him more forgettable than he would find her. I moved a little away from them, not wanting to intrude. Are we done now? I heard him ask as he stood up, the glasses empty. My friend comes back from Italy on Friday, she answered, teasingly. As they walked off I saw that he went to put his arm around her, and then dropped it back, obviously thinking better of the move. And on they both went with their lives, together through the entrance at any rate, perhaps for ever. Or perhaps not. 

noted a few other scenes of arrival and departure with great interest, not all of them romantic ones, simply of friends or family, until Hairy returned from the loo and we too went off in the darkening afternoon. We walked by the Ritz on the other side of the road, all lit up with Christmas lights still, completely glamorous. A sad man about forty years old sat on the pavement on our side under his coat, huddled against the cold, looking at the Ritz, his begging cup empty. I emptied my coin purse into it, more than three pounds, as we had no further use for coins. His gratitude was humbling. I don’t care it it ‘only encourages them’. I can’t comfortably walk by that.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 6, 2025 4:35 am

The M40, not 4.

Annie
Annie
January 6, 2025 3:00 pm

That sounds more like it!

Bungonia bee
Bungonia bee
January 6, 2025 6:37 am

Goats Tavern! I reckon there’s an opening for a Galoots Tavern in Sydney. It’s a word that gets inadequate recognition or usage these days.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 10:16 am

His gratitude was humbling. I don’t care it it ‘only encourages them’. I can’t comfortably walk by that.

Good girl. “The standard you walk by, etc.”
I may seem a harsh bastard at times, but if I see a hungry kid – I’ll feed him/her.
Won’t give to aid organisations, far too many are scams. In fact there’s one doing the rounds something about clean water for the subcontinent. I certainly had my bit to say about affording nuclear weapons but not clean water for the lower castes.

Last edited 12 days ago by Winston Smith
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:05 am
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:06 am
Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 4:07 am
KevinM
KevinM
January 6, 2025 4:38 am

Cats.

cat
KevinM
KevinM
January 6, 2025 4:39 am

Plumbers never change.

472546490_10226311313599813_7883702820007564850_n
KevinM
KevinM
January 6, 2025 4:42 am

Anyone old enough to remember Rundle St Adelaide, 1961?

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Foxbody
Foxbody
January 6, 2025 9:13 am
Reply to  KevinM

Only just within my recollection, Kevin.
I remember how busy the footpaths were and noticed how many ladies wore gloves – my Mother was young and never did.

Delta A
Delta A
January 6, 2025 9:30 am
Reply to  KevinM

I remember it well. Spent many happy hours window shopping in the 60s. Thanks for the pic, Kev.

Eddystone
Eddystone
January 6, 2025 10:33 am
Reply to  KevinM

I was in grade 6 at Christian Brothers College in Wakefield St that year. I would cross Rundle St on my way to catch the 4.13 to Elizabeth after school.
(Funny what little details stick in the mind.)

Wyndham Dix
Wyndham Dix
January 6, 2025 5:06 pm
Reply to  KevinM

Thank you KevinM.
Halcyon days. Full employment, young families buying homes on single incomes, birth-rate almost 1½ times replacement level, the nation manufactured almost everything it needed, wool and wheat dominated exports. Hot summers, cold winters, no climate change baloney.
Brunette with swinging left arm in the centre foreground bears a striking resemblance to my then young wife. But not her, we think.
The picture seems to have been retouched to remove trolley bus overhead wires. These buses last ran in July 1963.

Louis Litt
Louis Litt
January 7, 2025 1:16 pm
Reply to  KevinM

Before my time but that is how a town centre should look.
No buildingings over 7 stories, and facade built with pride to attract people.

KevinM
KevinM
January 6, 2025 4:45 am

This I like. excellent condition too, would be a shame to touch the body other than clean it up and give it a bit of polish.
Just fix the mechanical needs.
Ford 25T

25t
Steve trickler
Steve trickler
January 6, 2025 5:06 am

So proud of us sending over those resources to Bali. I hope the Indo’s have invested cash to keep it up.

One thing that jogs a memory is when is was in Thailand in 2006. Like most, we hired 150cc bikes. One night after copius amounts of drinks we decided to do a lap of Koh Samui at 2am in the morning. We fanged it!

Myself and friends were clocking speeds over 100kph! No dramas ensued.

Got back to Perth and my brothers friend asked, do you have a motorcycle license?

Nup!

Travel insurance would not have covered me if I f*cked up. Don’t be a d*ckhead like me at the time.

Live and learn.

Drowning Teenagers Pulled From Sea | Bondi Rescue: Bali – Episode 3 (FULL Episode)

Steve trickler
Steve trickler
January 6, 2025 5:54 am
Bungonia bee
Bungonia bee
January 6, 2025 6:30 am

I’d better say my goodbyes now, as the latest set of panic memes about drinking alcohol will have me dead soon!

Jock
Jock
January 6, 2025 8:46 am
Reply to  Bungonia bee

I’m in the very long queue as well

calli
calli
January 6, 2025 6:50 am

Christmas season over today, the tree and all the decorations come down. All lovingly returned to their boxes ready for December 1. Another season of the Christian calendar done and dusted.

Two months, and it’s Lent. That’s when you can give your liver some respite, Bungey! Until then, party on.

Bungonia Bee
Bungonia Bee
January 6, 2025 9:55 am
Reply to  calli

There are at least twelve hours every day when I am not drinking!

Annie
Annie
January 6, 2025 3:08 pm
Reply to  calli

Christmas technically lasts until the 2nd of February. I leave decorations until I feel ready to put them away.
This year is different as we were away for December and I have only a miniature Nativity scene bought in the Christmas shop in Eastleigh! Oh, and surrounded by mini lights bought in Carrefour in Dubai. We put them up in our hotel rooms, with a mini wreath of white snowflakes.

Bungonia Bee
Bungonia Bee
January 6, 2025 6:51 am
Bungonia Bee
Bungonia Bee
January 6, 2025 6:54 am

Pot, Kettle, black! NBC’s anti-Trump Kristen Welker says Schumer lied about Biden’s mental acuity!
The entire left-leaning MSM lied about that and many other things.
WOW! NBC’s Kristen Welker Calls Out Schumer For Lying About Biden’s Cognitive Decline (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit | by Cristina Laila

calli
calli
January 6, 2025 7:00 am

Ahaha! Head line from ABC (US not Oz):

Lawmakers brace for Trump’s promised Jan. 6 pardons. Some are urging restraint

Suuuure. Like Biden has been restrained in pardoning and awarding the nation’s ne’er do wells. A “restrained” orgy, if you like.

They’re still madly gaslighting about the 2020 election, of course. They have to, there is no other option for them.

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 7:04 am
Reply to  calli

Biden commuted the death sentence of a real life cannibal.
His meal was a young girl who he raped & murdered.
Yes, this is what the commutation & pardon process was meant for.
And right before Christmas.

Bungonia Bee
Bungonia Bee
January 6, 2025 7:05 am

Odds on a March election must be shortening as Albo starts his Vote Buying Tour in Queensland. Seven Billion for the Bruce Highway.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:22 pm
Reply to  Bungonia Bee

Wonder what Curtin will get? Gold plated footpaths would be nice but would reflect too much heat in summer. Airconditioned footpaths? Renewable, of course.

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 7:06 am

For those that are interested, Zelensky did a 3 hour interview with Fridman.
I’ll leave it to others to decide if he’s a crook or a hero or something in between.

mem
mem
January 6, 2025 7:10 am

Have been trying to get my head around the Musk vs Farage “spat” and really can’t get a handle on it. The timing seems bizarre and I wonder why now? Any thoughts on what it is really about? Has Musk over-reached? Is it a concocted diversion? Is Musk a loose cannon? I’m befuddled. ‘Certainly has the potential to be very damaging to one or both gentlemen and I can’t imagine Trump allowing it to go much further unless he is in on it, whatever it is.
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/01/05/musk-throws-farage-under-the-bus-claims-surging-reform-party-needs-new-leader/

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 6, 2025 9:03 am
Reply to  mem

I have similar feelings, Mem.

Helen
Helen
January 6, 2025 11:06 pm
Reply to  mem

On the outside looking in, Elon is calling out Farage over Farage not backing Tommy Robinson who is in jail, for contempt of court where he is in solitary for his own safety.

It is getting quite abusive, but so was the cat fight over the visas.

I think Farage did not read the leaves very well. Raheem says they were onto the rape gangs before Tommy, but so what? What happened. They were each as ineffectual as the other, then. Nothing really happened until Elon came along.

Douglas Murray says that being anti Tommy is to be anti-working man, the very class of society those poor girls (and boys) came from. These are also the very people Farage wants votes from.

It is more than Tommy is in jail for contempt of court, the length of the sentence,the whole time to be spent in solitary, in prison, when many are allowed to serve at home, or have overnight visits away and so on.

I feel the Government really does hate Tommy, I also feel this will backfire on them. I think the public have had enough of lock down and shut up.

I dont see how Starmer can survive this.

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 7:10 am

MPs left ‘speechless’ at police HIDING ethnicity of grooming gangs

The video discusses concerns about grooming gangs currently operating and being inadequately investigated by police. It highlights the lack of proper data collection by law enforcement and local authorities, including the omission of details on victims’ and perpetrators’ ethnicity. The absence of this data impedes distinguishing between different grooming gangs. The speaker expresses dismay that police are seemingly unable or unwilling to address these data gaps, particularly regarding ethnicity, which is considered a basic competence in child protection. This oversight has left some MPs “speechless” at the police’s approach to such serious crimes.

Foxbody
Foxbody
January 6, 2025 9:24 am
Reply to  Zippster

Same here re crime in general – tribal/national/cultural background never mentioned by the media in case we notice some groups are WAAY over represented.
Remember Dan Andrew’s police pretending African “ no gangs here” crime rates were the same as the general crime rate?!
Achieved by comparing African crime to a general crime rate that included the high African figures; no allowance for all the “ no conviction recorded” outcomes; and included as Africans Saffie farm contractors, Kenyan schoolteachers and Ethiopian mechanics. Gotta massage those numbers – it’s what Labor does best.

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 7:20 am

Why Grooming Gangs Target White Girls: A Survivor’s Story
Triggernometry
The transcript of the video discusses a survivor’s account of being targeted by grooming gangs that specifically chose white girls, focusing on racial and religious motivations behind the crimes. Despite going to the police five times with evidence of abuse, the survivor was met with inaction. The police, influenced by training aimed at maintaining good interracial relations and avoiding accusations that might lead to anti-Muslim sentiment, did not recognize these as racially or religiously motivated crimes. The gangs justified their actions through a mix of racial hatred and religious narratives, targeting non-Muslims based on their interpretation of religious texts and cultural practices. The survivor emphasizes the need to acknowledge these crimes as identity-based violence, highlighting systemic issues that fail to protect victims who are not considered part of “protected groups” under current hate crime guidelines.

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 7:23 am

n the video “Women Question Their Marriage For Pixels…” from the Thinking-Ape channel, the creator discusses the influence of a mobile game called “Love and Deep Space” on women, particularly focusing on how it can lead them to question real-life relationships. The game, which features anime-esque characters and romantic storylines, has a subreddit where women share how it affects their emotions and perceptions of relationships. The creator critiques what he sees as delusional behavior, highlighting posts where women draw connections between their dissatisfaction in marriages and the game’s portrayal of ideal relationships. He argues that such games exploit emotional weaknesses by offering fantasy solutions disconnected from reality, and describes the online support among women as enabling delusion rather than offering critical perspectives. The overarching theme is that these games encourage unrealistic expectations and self-delusion, ultimately affecting real relationships negatively. The narrator concludes that catering to female delusion could have detrimental social implications as games like these become more prevalent.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 10:30 am
Reply to  Zippster

Who knows, maybe it will result in men and women who are less cunning and more intelligent.

Black Ball
Black Ball
January 6, 2025 7:25 am

Posted on other fred, so reproduce here. Andrew Bolt with a suggestion:

So let me suggest some transparency to clear the air.

Let every welcome to country start with an acknowledgment of how much the welcomer got to give it: “I acknowledge the $1500 I was paid …”

Then we’ll at least know if their welcome comes from the heart or the wallet.

We’ll know if we’re welcomed as fellow Australians or just more customers.

Outstanding.

WolfmanOz
January 6, 2025 9:38 am
Reply to  Black Ball

Bolt still writes very well.

However on TV he’s sh!t.

Damon
Damon
January 6, 2025 10:32 am
Reply to  Black Ball

You reckon QANTAS stewards are being paid to deliver ‘Welcomes to Country’? On a trip from Canberra to Brisbane?

Lee
Lee
January 6, 2025 12:55 pm
Reply to  Black Ball

Bolt is not suggesting that the welcome to country promoters are insincere money-grubbers?

Shirley not!

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 7:27 am

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Ukraine, War, Peace, Putin, Trump, NATO, and Freedom | Lex Fridman Podcast #456

In this episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine discusses various geopolitical issues, focusing primarily on the ongoing conflict with Russia. The conversation highlights Ukraine’s ongoing struggles with disinformation and corruption accusations, battling the perception of corruption during wartime, and the importance of transparent operations. Zelenskyy emphasizes that Ukraine’s war effort is primarily supported through military aid rather than financial aid directly, and underscores the complexities and misinformation surrounding this aid. The dialogue further delves into the impact of the Russian language in Ukraine, where Zelenskyy shares personal anecdotes about his language preference and its symbolic significance amid the war. The conversation covers the symbolic nature of language choices in war, reflecting on Ukraine’s fight for freedom and national identity. Zelenskyy also addresses peace prospects, exploring potential paths for peace with Russia. He expresses a willingness to negotiate but with conditions that ensure Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. The discussion touches on potential roles Donald Trump and Elon Musk might play in supporting Ukraine, whether in peace talks or technological aid. Finally, Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for secure and lasting peace, mentioning ideas like NATO membership and international alliances that could provide Ukraine with necessary security guarantees. He insists that any form of ceasefire or peace agreement should involve strong security measures to prevent future conflict aggression from Russia

Rufus T Firefly
Rufus T Firefly
January 6, 2025 3:17 pm
Reply to  Zippster

Just a couple of points.
1. Why did the US not allow auditing of the rivers of gold, that flowed into the pockets of St Volodymyr the pure and his Ministers?
Wouldnt that be a “prudent” step?
Oh sorry, I forgot about “ten percent for the big guy!
2. St Volodymyr himself, wrote into the Ukraine constitution that NO talks could ever take place, between Ukraine and Russia, so, there is that.

It is all an irrelevance anyway. The Russians have had enough and they will dictate terms, not negotiate.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
January 6, 2025 7:37 am

You first son, lead by example.

Aussie Govt ABC: “If we want to learn to live in the Anthropocene, we must first learn how to die” (4 Jan)

Roy Scranton is another writer who advocates for a deep and scary thought experiment to move past terminal inaction and sluggishness on climate change. He boldly suggests: “If we want to learn to live in the Anthropocene, we must first learn how to die.” The practice of coming to terms with an extinction of human beings and the existence of a planet without us can lead to a humbling, realistic and truly ecological way of thinking.

Humble, realistic, and truly ecological ABC journos should inspire the population by their own heroic sacrifices too. For the Planet!

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 7:57 am

Dutton needs to pull the plug on all ABC activities, financially speaking of course.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:26 pm
Reply to  Crossie

Why not literally?

Mother Lode
Mother Lode
January 6, 2025 8:06 am

Most of the planet’s history had no humans.

mem
mem
January 6, 2025 8:39 am

Dr. Roy doesn’t work for the ABC. He is a US based writer, academic, philosopher who makes money out of writing doomsday eco porn novels and essays for a living. The ABC darlings are mostly on holidays, so they would have chosen his essay as ready-made green filler. His book on which this essay is based was published in 2016 so its been around for a decade.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:28 pm
Reply to  mem

ALPBC summer B Team still in charge. They’re usually worse. As the ALPBC found out last year.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 6, 2025 9:07 am

You first, o humble one.

Indolent
Indolent
January 6, 2025 7:47 am
Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 8:00 am
Reply to  Indolent

I can see Trump rethinking the whole Five Eyes agreement seeing as who is in power in the other four eyes.

Pogria
Pogria
January 6, 2025 8:03 am
Reply to  Indolent

haha That’s funny!

Lee
Lee
January 6, 2025 12:57 pm
Reply to  Indolent

I am sure Trump will be very cooperative with the British fascist government.

Not!

Indolent
Indolent
January 6, 2025 7:58 am
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 6, 2025 9:08 am
Reply to  Indolent

If so, there will not be a lot of compliant compliance this time.

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 9:56 am
Reply to  Indolent

That grooming is no longer effective, nobody believes anything the “officialdom” says. They blew it all in 2020-21.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 10:48 am
Reply to  Indolent

SF short story I read from many, many, years ago.

WW3 is announced and the citizenry take to the air raid shelters for a month or two.

They emerge to find the only people who didn’t seek shelter were the bikers, 2nd Amendment fanatics, crims and ne’er-do-wells.

The Liquor stores, jewellers and Dominos Pizza shops had all been trashed, and not one bed in the entire US had been made, nor had one bedroom been tidied.

The next time the air raid sirens went off, no one but the bikers, 2nd Amendment fanatics, crims and ne’er-do-wells took shelter.

The unbelieving citizenry stayed above ground and were wiped out by strange diseases

“And that’s why, in this year of 2284, we have the odd society we live in. We are all descendants of the bikers, crims, 2nd Amendment fanatics and ne’er-do-wells who refused to listen to authority.”

?

I always felt there was some form of poetic justice in the story.

Last edited 12 days ago by Winston Smith
Indolent
Indolent
January 6, 2025 8:02 am
Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 9:58 am
Reply to  Indolent

How cute? They are noticing it just now when they don’t have to do anything about it any more.

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 9:58 am
Reply to  Indolent

It’s a middle finger to over half of America.

Entropy
Entropy
January 6, 2025 8:47 am
Reply to  Indolent

Yes, asset rich but cash poor is the reality. Even in Australia.
and these inheritance tax laws are precisely aimed at forcing the sale of the property by firstly the cost of the tax, and then by the reduction in margin making the whole thing unviable (and again forcing the sale of the property). And it will be the political class and its mates that will be in a position to buy up this land as part of the restoration of feudalism.

that said, saying that small farmers are a significant producer is a laugh. The 80:20 rule applies.

Rockdoctor
Rockdoctor
January 6, 2025 8:44 am

WTF do they think they are kidding? $70bil will be just enough to repair the Bruce hwy neglect and take so long in Queensland that my grand kids will have licences when it finishes.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/on-the-road/labor-pledges-72bn-for-bruce-highway-as-fierce-qld-voter-fight-looms/news-story/16d90d30950854e9db89de5b86715f20

Gordonvale roadworks have taken over 5yrs, different hwy but illustrates the slowness of works Eton Gap that took well over 10 years near Mackay. As for crap road, Ingham to Rollingstone, last time I travelled it about an 80km stretch from Gumlu to Proserpine. I hear Gin Gin to Gladstone is an absolute mess too. $70bil not going to be near enough if they want duplications.

Hey but Palace”chook” found $20mil to build an oversized bird overpass for Cassowaries near Mission Beach blocking up the highway for 2 years with deteriorating surfaces and roadworks.

Entropy
Entropy
January 6, 2025 8:51 am
Reply to  Rockdoctor

yes the condition of the Bruce around Kennedy would have to have a massive economic cost. Every wet season.
Yet the locals keep voting for the same politician every three years.

Entropy
Entropy
January 6, 2025 8:53 am
Reply to  Rockdoctor

Re fluff spending, the barely used bikeway down the SE freeway (complete with concrete bridges and overpasses) instead of, oh a brace of regional creek crossings is a perfect example of misallocation.

lotocoti
lotocoti
January 6, 2025 9:00 am
Reply to  Rockdoctor

It took fifteen years and $2.5bn to do the ‘Roy to Curra.
Albo’s $7.2bn might get four lanes to Bundy before the heat death of the universe.

Miltonf
Miltonf
January 6, 2025 8:49 am

I think I saw that thing Rockdoc coming down from Cooktown. Didn’t know what the hell it was!

Indolent
Indolent
January 6, 2025 8:55 am

@MAGAVoice

HOLY SH*T Here is the UK admitting they will arrest you for retweets. Why would they Protect Migrant Gangs and Child R*pists

CLEARLY THE UK HAS FALLEN

calli
calli
January 6, 2025 9:51 am
Reply to  Indolent

Wormtongue.

Bruce
Bruce
January 6, 2025 10:23 am
Reply to  Indolent

“Why would they Protect Migrant Gangs and Child R*pists?”

KINDRED “SPIRITS”.

Pogria
Pogria
January 6, 2025 12:48 pm
Reply to  Indolent

I was waiting for him to state, “we have no Wogers, no Wodewicks, and NO Wudolph the Wed Nosed Weindeers”.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 11:17 am
Reply to  Zippster

AFAIC, Mister Musk has redeemed himself for his “Go Fack Your Face Comment” immediately followed by declaring the immigration bill as “The Hill He Would Die On” by immediately withdrawing from his Hill, and doing something no British Government has done for 50 years – defend the British people.
Well done on the tactical withdrawal, Mister Musk.

alwaysright
alwaysright
January 6, 2025 9:14 am

THE UK HAS FALLEN

Yep.

Eyrie
Eyrie
January 6, 2025 9:30 am

THE UK HAS FALLEN

Yep.

As we defend “freedom and democracy” (like in Ukraine) I’m looking forward to sanctions against the UK.
Yeah, dream on.

Miltonf
Miltonf
January 6, 2025 9:32 am

Contemptible place.

johnjjj
johnjjj
January 6, 2025 9:38 am

The recent Farage/Musk X stoush seems a good example of Trump’s technique of ambit trolling. Farage is described by the MSM as influenced by Musk. To get the same media to show Farage is independent of Musk you start a troll stoush. The MSM can’t help but promote it. Farage wins. Musk wins. Given Trump’s negotiation techniques described in his books (highly recommended), this looks like it was cooked up by the three.

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 10:03 am
Reply to  johnjjj

And the result is? UK is still a two tier Keir land.

mem
mem
January 6, 2025 10:18 am
Reply to  johnjjj

I think you have pretty well answered my questions posted earlier at 7.10 am. https://newcatallaxy.blog/2025/01/06/open-thread-mon-6-jan-2025/#comment-838895 Many thanks for that!

mem
mem
January 6, 2025 10:29 am
Reply to  mem

Also just learned new skill on the Cat. How to link to another post on the Cat easily. Step 1. open the dialogue box at top and write your comment. 2. Keep dialogue open while go back to the post you wish to link to. Hit link icon that appears top right and it will automatically save to your clip board. Then return to your open dialogue box and hit link and it appears 3. Highlight link, save and send.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
January 6, 2025 9:46 am
Black Ball
Black Ball
January 6, 2025 9:54 am

Old Uncle Somekhunt doesn’t need a menial job, in Bolt’s article have a look at this:

In Melbourne, for instance, Colin Hunter – who identifies as a Wurrundjeri elder – has been paid to welcome us at AFL finals and the Melbourne Cup, but he’s also done the job for a very long list of clients, including the Melbourne Central shopping centre, Berry Street child services, Stonnington council, the Hawthorn Bowling Club, Swinburne University of Technology, and the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

No job seems too small or peripheral.

Hunter has also performed welcomes for the Australian Society of Archivists, the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity and even the Preston Bullants Junior Football Club.

So Bruce o Newk helpfully led us to the Prime Minister’s office which spent 40k on ‘ceremonies’, but the true cost around Australia is in the millions.
Hunter had 10 things here, go $1000 per gig, there’s $10k for 20 minutes of bullshit.
Council of course before every sitting, it’s incredible.

Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
Zulu Kilo Two Alpha
January 6, 2025 9:56 am
Reply to  Black Ball

“who identifies as a Wurrundjeri elder” – be interesting to see if the Wurrundjeri people have ever heard of him..

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 10:05 am
Reply to  Black Ball

This is punishment for voting against the Voice.

Boambee John.
Boambee John.
January 6, 2025 10:43 am
Reply to  Crossie

But, but, but all the top “activists” assured us that they would not do such ceremonies if the Voice failed.

But here we are.

Lee
Lee
January 6, 2025 1:12 pm
Reply to  Boambee John.

These are the same sort of barking mad leftards who promised to leave the U.S. if Trump won the election.

Unfortunately for the U.S., only an infinitesimal number have actually carried out their promise.

johnjjj
johnjjj
January 6, 2025 10:07 am
Reply to  Black Ball

If there is a “Welcome Ceremony” surely there must be a “Not So Welcome Ceremony”. They could have done that for Novak Djokovic and let him in.

Roger
Roger
January 6, 2025 10:15 am
Reply to  Black Ball

I trust his tax returns are all in order.

Louis Litt
Louis Litt
January 8, 2025 3:23 pm
Reply to  Roger

He’s got a charge out rate to which I could only dream about

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:31 pm
Reply to  Black Ball

Everybody’s welcome. Who do I send the invoice too?

lotocoti
lotocoti
January 6, 2025 9:59 am

For those who were wondering:
The sentencing remarks that reignited the PRG scandal.
Those of delicate disposition should think carefully before reading.
Pretty sure most of the details offered in mitigation by the various defence barristers would’ve earned some hearty WGAFs from a less civilised Judge.

johnjjj
johnjjj
January 6, 2025 10:29 am
Reply to  lotocoti

Why are these men still breathing. Where are the fathers and brothers of these girls. If it was in Muz country these men wouldn’t make it to the court.

Last edited 12 days ago by johnjjj
Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 11:26 am
Reply to  johnjjj

To retaliate by the fathers/brothers is a death sentence carried out by the muslims in charge of the gaol system.

johnjjj
johnjjj
January 6, 2025 11:54 am
Reply to  Winston Smith

I am not so sure about that. First many muz hate the other muz, particularly pakistanis. Second, defending the honour of your family is expected in Islam. Not doing it is seen as the ultimate cowardice and just confirms their opinion of the West. Which is one reason this would never come to trial in a muz country.
As an aside, Israeli reactions to Hamas and Hezboullah are the only way to deal with the lot of them. “hit them with a hammer so hard it takes two generations for them to stand up”

Last edited 11 days ago by johnjjj
Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 1:29 pm
Reply to  johnjjj

Johnjjjj:

I am not so sure about that.

I am.

 First many muz hate the other muz, particularly pakistanis.

They hate everyone.
You need to look at the hierarchy of hate – Jews are first on the list, then Whitey, etc If there’s no one else around they will hate their sisters, mothers daughters. And they kill them if they think they have transgressed in any way.
The religion is based on anger, envy and hate.
And the sooner you get that sorted out, the sooner you will begin to understand islam.

Rockdoctor
Rockdoctor
January 6, 2025 12:04 pm
Reply to  johnjjj

My experience as well in central Asia, especially where the AK47 was ubiquitous but out of sight in every house.

An acquaintance I know who worked in Saudi told me that there were girls wanted to meet privately and he had offers but he basically said was like playing with fire.

johnjjj
johnjjj
January 6, 2025 12:47 pm
Reply to  Rockdoctor

Ha. Yep. He should’ve gone to Bahrain. As simple drive across the Bin Laden bridge. Every hotel has a bar on the second floor well stacked with – er – ladies. He could learn Russian at the same time.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 1:32 pm
Reply to  Rockdoctor

Yes. Working as an RN, I was sussed out a couple of times for organised ‘short time marriages without benefits’ for considerable sums of money.
I like my marital equipment as it is thanks – all declined.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 11:24 am
Reply to  lotocoti

They’ll get pardoned for a handful of votes from the muslim community.

Salvatore - Iron Publican
January 6, 2025 12:16 pm
Reply to  lotocoti

PRG? WGAF? WTF? IDKTFA!

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 10:21 am

The UK is to the British Empire as Italy is to the Roman Empire

Indolent
Indolent
January 6, 2025 10:28 am

Yes, they have. The hypocrites.

The “Environmentalists” Have Disappeared

Indolent
Indolent
January 6, 2025 10:29 am
Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
January 6, 2025 11:34 am
Reply to  Indolent

The beauty of Musk shining spotlights onto these travesties of justice is wonderful to behold.

Cassie of Sydney
January 6, 2025 10:44 am

Farage and Reform leaders like Richard Tice are in a pickle. They detest Tommy Robinson because he’s a white working class lad from a working class town called Luton (north of London). Tommy Robinson is someone both Tice and Farage ordinarily wouldn’t be seen dead with because both Tice and Farage, whilst neither aristocracy nor ‘London establishment’, emanate from an echelon much higher than what Robinson was born into. This is where the UK ruthless class system remains embedded and toxic. But their dislike and loathing of Robinson is also, I suspect, plain old fashioned jealousy. Why? Because Tommy has been ringing the bell on the Islamification of the UK and rape gangs long before anyone else was willing to do so, long before either Farage or Tice. Tommy’s condemned for his white working class chutzpah. But the pickle for Reform UK is that they need the votes of these same white working class men and women who are not only similar to Tommy Robinson, they adore Tommy Robinson.

I’ve long said this here, and it’s interesting because it seems others are now waking up to this fact, which is that both Tommy Robinson and Douglas Murray have long said the same things about Islam and Pakistani Muslim rape gangs but because Tommy is white working class he ‘smells’, whereas Douglas is an old Etonian and Oxbridge educated eloquent toff who doesn’t smell and his opinions are respected.

But Tommy Robinson is as intelligent as Douglas Murray, it’s just his intelligence has never been refined and airbrushed by a posh education, unlike Murray, yet both have long said and continue to say exactly the same things.

On the weekend, in Leeds, Nazi Pallie and leftist scum harassed shoppers in a Leeds CBD mall, the whole time screaming genocide against Jews (as Nazis do), and these same Nazis blockaded a UK Body Shop store because they mistakenly assumed it’s ‘Zionist’ affiliated (Body Shop stores have no ties to Israel), the whole time this was going on the spineless UK plod stood by and did nothing and the MSM didn’t report it, however a groups of white working class football lads decided to take the war of words to the Nazi scum, shouting that ‘Palestine’ is a lie (which it is) and shouting support for Israel! Of course, the UK MSM reported that a group of far-right white working class men shouted racist epithets.

The UK is F*CKED.

But if the UK is to be saved (and I suspect it is now too late), it won’t be saved by Farage or Tice, two men obsessed with class, it will be saved by the likes of the white working class Tommy Robinson and those white working class Leeds’ lads.

Last edited 12 days ago by Cassie of Sydney
Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 11:35 am

Wot Cassie said.

Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
January 6, 2025 11:35 am

Let’s hope Farage goes down the pathway of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”.

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 12:49 pm

I have thought for some time that if there was to be real change it will have to be football hooligans to the rescue.

Lee
Lee
January 6, 2025 1:27 pm

Mark Steyn, the Canadian commentator resident in the U.S.A. knows Farage very well but has recently expressed serious reservations that Farage is the answer to Britain’s problems.

This is in part due to Farage’s attitude towards Tommy Robinson.

Megan
Megan
January 6, 2025 4:03 pm

Spot on, as always, Cassie.

Louis Litt
Louis Litt
January 8, 2025 8:06 am

There going to win the championship now

Kel
Kel
January 6, 2025 10:56 am

New Jersey news

Governor Phil Murphy just signed into law the elimination of the literacy test for teacher certification in New Jersey, effective January 1, 2025.

If it wasn’t for the poor kids this would have me RAFLMAO

cohenite
January 6, 2025 11:02 am

Great painting.

Indolent
 January 6, 2025 10:29 am

Elon Musk Busts British Muslim Grooming Gang Cover-up Wide Open

God bless Elon. Without his statue this vileness would have been suppressed. We know islam is a monstrous ideology but the real monsters are the Western leaders who facilitate islam’s presence in the West. I can’t describe their sickness. Nominally they define islam as a victim which then justifies islamic monstrosity. Islam is obviously not a victim but a predator so why do they do this: ego, hatred of the West, vanity, fear, money. Nothing fits completely so we are left with the conclusion that they, the Western leaders and bureaucrats and especially the wallopers and judges, are the real monsters.

Anyway they should all be hung.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 11:36 am
Reply to  cohenite

>sounds of tumbrils unheard by the passengers – to – be.<

Last edited 11 days ago by Winston Smith
alwaysright
alwaysright
January 6, 2025 11:55 am
Reply to  Winston Smith

The tumbril’s wheels are greased and it’s ready for action.

alwaysright
alwaysright
January 6, 2025 12:17 pm
Reply to  cohenite

I settle for hanged.

alwaysright
alwaysright
January 6, 2025 12:22 pm
Reply to  cohenite

Although hung by the dangly bits should also work.

cohenite
January 6, 2025 11:09 am

I cancelled my Spectator sub for various reasons but this is how they describe their coverage of Rotherham:

·        In the UK the Rotherham grooming scandal, where South Asian gangs groomed, raped and terrorised young white girls over a decade ago, has erupted again. It had been all but swept under the carpet by local authorities – and possibly the Crown Prosecution Service then headed by a QC named Keir Starmer – in the name of racial harmony, and has resurfaced as a major issue, as the UK government refuses to reopen inquiries into this abominable sexual scandal. One reason it’s become a white-hot issue in Britain, and a major international that the most powerful man in the world – Elon Musk that is, not Donald Trump – has thrown his full personal and social media weight behind the victims in the name of getting them justice. Flat White – whose own tweet on Rotherham was endorsed by Musk himself, reflects on the increasing Power of One not just in America, or in Britain, but worldwide.

They can’t even say muslim. FMD. I won’t be renewing.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:35 pm
Reply to  cohenite

Pakis are routinely described as Asian in the UK. Quite different to here.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:38 pm
Reply to  H B Bear

Describing Pakis as Pakis will result in your email falling foul of routine UK public service filtering. As I found out following some cricket related banter.

Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
January 6, 2025 7:52 pm
Reply to  cohenite

The enemy of good is perfect.
The Spectator is good, doesn’t have to be perfect.

Helen
Helen
January 7, 2025 12:44 am
Reply to  cohenite

Yes they do say Muslim. Fourth para.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 11:47 am
Reply to  dover0beach

Dover:

The people were remorseful…lol. Denazifaction lasted under a year before the Western Allies placed it under German control were it was halfheartedly pursued, opposed by the new governmrnt, and had little populat support.

99% of the people who supported and fought for the Nazis are dead. D.E.A.D.
?Just how long must the German citizenry atone for crimes they did not commit, and had no part of?
And why isn’t this same standard being applied to Italy, Japan, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Croatia.
The stink of hypocrisy emanates from the West.

Last edited 11 days ago by Winston Smith
JC
JC
January 6, 2025 4:07 pm
Reply to  dover0beach

Ummm Dover, I was referring to the years immediately after the war. Surprising you didn’t catch on.

Miltonf
Miltonf
January 6, 2025 11:26 am

It’s almost like the pommy establishment tries to compensate for their own cowardice and uselessness by attacking white Brits. Don’t forget too that they’re not only destroying British society but also the real economy there. Of course the two are intertwined.

Annie
Annie
January 6, 2025 3:20 pm
Reply to  Miltonf

Green carrot tops aren’t useless. Our sheep love them.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
January 6, 2025 11:39 am
Reply to  dover0beach

Doubtful. Z made a lot of TV adverts before being elected, and was famously a raunchy comedian. He could not do either of those things in Ukraine if he wasn’t fluent.

Kel
Kel
January 6, 2025 4:03 pm

Cocaine.
A top Russian military commander when asked why they don’t assassinate Zelenskyy when they know where he is all the time said then they would see someone in office who was competent. ouch.

Cassie of Sydney
January 6, 2025 11:37 am

Back in the 1930s many in the top echelon of the British establishment sided with Nazism. They wanted to sell out the UK.

In 2025 many in the top echelon of the British establishment again side with Nazism, now called Islam. They are again ready to sell out the UK.

will
will
January 6, 2025 11:41 am

sorry, Winston has left the building; there is no-one to replace him

will
will
January 6, 2025 11:42 am
Reply to  will

the idiot Half-Kenyan even removed his bust

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
January 6, 2025 11:46 am
Reply to  will

Great trolling opportunity for Trump: tuck the Churchill bust under his arm when he first strides back into the Oval Office, then replace whoever it is Obama put there with Winston as the very first thing he does. With cameras rolling.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 1:36 pm
Reply to  will

Nooo!
I’m still here!
Oh.
You mean the other one?

Indolent
Indolent
January 6, 2025 12:12 pm

This is absolutely true. Even just reading Agatha Christie (hardly a bastion of politics) confirms it.

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 12:55 pm

They are again ready to sell out the UK.

This includes the king and his heirs.

mem
mem
January 6, 2025 11:50 am

Bjorn Lomborg is attempting to keep himself relevant and funded for his nice little keeper position. He is a foil for propping up the climate scam and AGW industry. He has positioned himself quite nicely as the voice of reason on all things AGW for conservative media. Anyone as bright as he, with access to all the stats and to all the papers, knows full well what he is doing. Watch his face as he speaks on this video link to Bolt (who thinks he’s wonderful). He is such a “paragon of virtue” while pretending he is a good guy. Sorry, I don’t buy it and never have. https://www.skynews.com.au/opinion/andrew-bolt/bjorn-lomborg-on-how-the-world-is-wasting-money-on-the-climate-problem/video/c5f06afdb9b59e0a113c96079f175b40

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
January 6, 2025 12:02 pm
Reply to  mem

I’ve thought the same for years.

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 3:52 pm
Reply to  dover0beach

The Bidens!

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
January 6, 2025 11:58 am

Cassie I brought the large container of Abela hummus with chilli. Glad you put me on to it. Great snack while watching the cricket.

mizaris
mizaris
January 6, 2025 11:58 am

Stunning painting. What the fvcking mueslis did to that Cathedral is utterly disgusting. Was there 15 years ago and it was one of the most disheartening sights ever.

To see its glory in the painting only makes it worse.

Is there nothing these satanists will not destroy??? Rhetorical question.

Last edited 11 days ago by mizaris
bons
bons
January 6, 2025 1:47 pm
Reply to  mizaris

The illegitimate occupation of Constantinople by the Turkish hordes.

johanna
johanna
January 6, 2025 3:34 pm
Reply to  mizaris

The vandalism of ancient sites by the Khmer Rouge, even the sowing of salt at Carthage.

Nothing new about it.

Kel
Kel
January 6, 2025 12:03 pm

What’s starting to emerge is who is funding Tommy Robinson. This maybe why Nigel Farage is distancing himself.

One of the people who has given Tommy Robinson a lot of money is billionaire tech CEO, Robert Shillman.

Shillman sits on the board of Friends of the IDF.

Cassie of Sydney
January 6, 2025 12:10 pm
Reply to  Kel

What’s wrong with that?

cohenite
January 6, 2025 12:17 pm

Yeah. But farage is odd: he is vehement in his opposition to the muzzies and antisemitism but he is also on record as being critical of Israeli influence.

Louis Litt
Louis Litt
January 8, 2025 3:25 pm
Reply to  cohenite

hence musk saying he does not have what it takes

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 12:25 pm

It’s a bit like noticing I bought Pizza for an IDF unit in Lebanon several years ago.
“Shock! Horror! The IDF is supported by Winston Smith, the well known Jew Supporter!”
“What’s wrong with that?”
It’s only wrong by those with an axe to grind.

Boambee John.
Boambee John.
January 6, 2025 1:09 pm

Indeed. When we have non-Muslim supporters of Hamarse parading through the streets weekly, Friends of the IDF is quite innocuous.

Crossie
Crossie
January 6, 2025 12:59 pm
Reply to  Kel

Nigel is not coming out of this scandal intact, he will lose support if he doesn’t clarify his position.

Steve trickler
Steve trickler
January 6, 2025 12:12 pm

Avi:

From six Sephardic Jews in colonial militias earning their voting rights through service, to Holocaust survivor Tibor Rubin, who earned the Medal of Honor after heroically defending his unit in the Korean War — the history of Jewish military service is both inspiring and humbling.

The UNTOLD story of Jews in the U.S. armed forces

bons
bons
January 6, 2025 12:14 pm

I was talking to my Kent based daughter last night. She appears to be becoming increasingly politically involved following the Starmer farmer outrage.

She used the term ‘Miniver effect’ which apparently refers to to the innate politeness, niceness and submissiveness of the English lower middle class.

The theory suggests that these characteristics left them uniquely unable to effectively resist the destruction of their culture and rights by authoritarian and destructive cultural elements (CofE, muzzies, BBC etc ).

It claims also to be the reason why so many victimised lower middle class people could not contemplate voting for Reform, nor resisting police tyranny. To do so is not compatible with their cultural history of compliance.

Interesting thoughts. I wonder if there is an element of this effect in Farage’s rejection of Robinson.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 12:28 pm
Reply to  bons

Perhaps, bons.
I personally think there’s a larger element of Idon’twanttomisstheinvitestoparties.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
January 6, 2025 1:00 pm
Reply to  Winston Smith

Bit more than that I think.

Reform is actively grabbing two large voting blocs from the major parties. Most recently they’ve been flipping a lot of blue colour guys from Labour to Reform because of the muslim immigration issue, and a lot of painful tax rises and green prog rubbish.

From the Tories they’ve been pulling in the righty conservatives, who are fed up with the Teal progs like slimy Rishi who have taken over the party.

The wukkas probably like Robinson, but they’re not all that pro Israel. Anti-muslim though.

The toffs probably don’t like Robinson since he’s into fairly muscular politics.

So the net thing is for Reform not to say anything much about Israel. Or Robinson, that way they maximize the number of escapees from the major parties. Since alarm about muslim immigration is a glue for both sides, that is good enough for me, and ultimately Reform is about saving Britain since Israel is quite capable of looking after themselves.

Kneel
Kneel
January 6, 2025 12:46 pm
Reply to  bons

I’d suggest that this attitude displays a “phase change” when it is taken advantage of – that is, there is no push-back until you pass some unrecognisable threshold, and then – BAM! Suddenly there is chaos as a near unanimity of opposition “suddenly” appears, and any
“push back” by the authorities only makes it worse.
This is the stuff revolutions are made of…

WolfmanOz
January 6, 2025 1:17 pm
Reply to  Kneel

And the conflagration of the grooming scandal becoming more and more widespread could well be that trigger.

Pogria
Pogria
January 6, 2025 1:23 pm
Reply to  WolfmanOz

I certainly hope so.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 12:16 pm

I’m going to go and hide in my bunker, weld the door shut and throw this little grenade onto the Intarwebs.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2314621348873064

Eyrie
Eyrie
January 6, 2025 12:18 pm

I wonder if there is an element of this effect in Farage’s rejection of Robinson.

Likely. Tommy is regarded as rude, crude, uncultured and generally beyond the pale by these people.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:50 pm
Reply to  Eyrie

Wasn’t Farage a trader? Would be looked down on by real members of the middle classes. Bankers (really anybody in finance) aren’t held in any great regard. It is all pervasive. The UK cannot be understood without it. Which is why Trump, Musk and Americans generally don’t get the UK. America has similar traits for outsiders. Culture matters.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:53 pm
Reply to  H B Bear

Want to understand the middle classes? What would Kate Middleton’s parents do?

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
January 6, 2025 1:05 pm
Reply to  Eyrie

See my comment to Bons & Winston.

Tommy is regarded as rude, crude, uncultured and generally beyond the pale by conservatives that Reform is seducing away from the Tories.

So Farage has to not alienate those voters, since there’s a lot of them. Likewise he is seducing a lot of the blue collar working class people from Labour. It’s a balancing act that so far seems to be working.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 1:10 pm

Most definitely walking both sides of the fence. Not easy in the UK. cf Howard’s battlers

Roger
Roger
January 6, 2025 1:16 pm
Reply to  H B Bear

It’s probably safe to say Farage understands UK politics better than Elon Musk.

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
January 6, 2025 1:17 pm
Reply to  H B Bear

It’s the Trump demographic. The Tories are now all RINOs and Dems are uni educated gender studies progs. So the workers (even unionists) voted for Trump and ordinary Republican voters fed up with the McConnells and Ryans did too.

Hostility from the GOP grandees vs rude crude Trump is just like the hostility of the Tory big beasts for Farage. Same here of course: Dutton is a sop to the base, but the Lib party structure is utterly controlled by the Photios/Kean/Turnbull WEF fanboi class.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beare
January 7, 2025 5:50 am

Hairy’s brother regards Farage as rude, crude, uncultured and beyond the pale. In Britain it is all relative to peculiar totem poles people adher to. These are to do with wealth, family heritage, occupation, property, accent, culture as behaviour, private schooling and aspirations to Oxbridge styles of education as well as concepts of decency and honour.

It is pervasive and inescapable.

Jock
Jock
January 6, 2025 12:22 pm

Just a question regarding the painting. Would the Eastern Orthodox church have allowed a Communion run by Roman bishops in the Cathedral? By the late 12th Century the schism was well established. Anybody know?

Roger
Roger
January 6, 2025 1:18 pm
Reply to  Jock

Is there any record of Richard visiting Constantinople? Don’t think so.
Those look like Greek clergy too.

Rossini
Rossini
January 6, 2025 12:35 pm

House Insurance due for renewal
30% increase on last year??
Lots of uninsured houses in future!

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 12:54 pm
Reply to  Rossini

Look out taxpayers.

Jock
Jock
January 6, 2025 1:06 pm
Reply to  Rossini

ours has doubled in 4 years. i was told it was because of flooding. i said i was too high for flooding, but the entire postcode is hit with the increase. what a joke.

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 3:30 pm
Reply to  Jock

Expect insurance is like banking – entirely model driven. Patel, “Computer says No.”

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 1:00 pm

House Insurance due for renewal
30% increase on last year??

Chalmers said inflation was under control.
Are you saying Chalmers is lying ?

Boambee John.
Boambee John.
January 6, 2025 1:13 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

Oh, noes. A politician lying?

Anyway, …

Roger
Roger
January 6, 2025 1:20 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

The RBA takes a different view.

Chalmers also said 2025 would see a rebound in growth, despite his MYEFO predicting a .25% contraction.

Angus Tayor should have him on the ropes.

Tom
Tom
January 6, 2025 1:04 pm

House Insurance due for renewal

30% increase on last year??

Lots of uninsured houses in future!

Insurance companies bank on you not shopping around. A month ago my sister-in-law urged me to shop around when my current comprehensive car insurer tried on a 20%+ increase in my premium.

My SiL organised a 50% reduction in my premium – not from a fly-by-nighter, but with AAMI.

PS: one of the tricks car insurers use is insuring you for the agreed value at the point of purchase and not for current market value.

Insurers are banking on your laziness in not shopping around.

DavidH
DavidH
January 6, 2025 1:16 pm
Reply to  Tom

Yes, shop around. It can take some time but more than likely you’ll find a better price, perhaps even a bargain. With car insurance last year, I was being asked for a significant policy increase. I got perhaps 15 quotes, some outrageously high but eventually went to Youi and the policy was less than the previous year’s. Actually I’ve been finding Youi to be by far the most competitive. (And no, I’m not a shareholder. I had for a long time shunned them because they had had an annoying approach to halt your online quote to call you in person. If I wanted to talk to someone, I would have rung.)

Diogenes
Diogenes
January 6, 2025 1:19 pm
Reply to  Tom

When I sold my car and purchased a new one, the insurance in the new was fifty dollars a year cheaper than the old. The market value of the old 5.5k, the new 41k … Sigh

Bruce of Newcastle
Bruce of Newcastle
January 6, 2025 1:21 pm
Reply to  Tom

Tried doing that with green slip once.

NRMA vs AAMI.

The difference in quoted premium was five cents per annum. It was amusing!

Jock
Jock
January 6, 2025 3:14 pm
Reply to  Tom

Getting back to house insurance. I did shop around to 3 other companies. With apples to apples quotes. They all can back more expensive. Which surprised me. I did notice they all used the same quote software. Which I thought was funny.

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 1:14 pm

This is not medical advice.
Purely my own experience.

Two months ago I started taking N-acetyl cysteine.
I haven’t taken a peak flow test or anything like that since I was a teenager so don’t have metric I can base anything off.

I can say I am now running faster for further than I have for a long time.
It’s the only change to my supplements I’ve made in that time.

If you’ve got breathing issues maybe something to raise with your health care professional.

Pogria
Pogria
January 6, 2025 1:33 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

That’s interesting Bern.
I have a problem with tiredness and lethargy. Five years after the Knee replacement, I really thought I’d be back to something approximating normal. Not.
My former GP was excellent, however he is now retired. I am using a local GP but, she is one of the OMG Covid!!! type docs. She has tried to talk me into taking Statins and Cholesterol meds. Have told her No Way.

I really need to find a new doc but, not easy in Country areas.

Is there a common brand name for N-acetyl cysteine?

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 1:45 pm
Reply to  Pogria

Is there a common brand name for N-acetyl cysteine

I bought mine via i-herb under that name.
Do your research.
A lot of people on-line think it’s a scam.
I was told about it by a mate not a health care professional.
At this time, it’s working for me.

Pogria
Pogria
January 6, 2025 1:56 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

Thanks Bern.
I know i-herb, will research it.

Helen
Helen
January 7, 2025 12:53 am
Reply to  Pogria

NAC

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
January 6, 2025 1:43 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

I can say I am now running faster for further than I have for a long time.

It’s the only change to my supplements I’ve made in that time.

I think we need to ask just why you’re running, and secondly, just who it is chasing you.
If it’s the coppers, you’d best ponder on what rules you’ve broken. Throwing dollar notes over your shoulder works well. Same for Judges and politicians.
If it’s an enraged husband or father, good luck – you gunna need it, son.

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
January 6, 2025 2:03 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

The only breathing issues I have is my wife holding the pillow over my face while I’m asleep.

Zippster
Zippster
January 6, 2025 4:00 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

I take NAC with Glycine

Bill From the Bush
Bill From the Bush
January 6, 2025 1:15 pm

A large modern caravan used to be at the local caravan park. Husband drove road trains for one of the local minesite haulage contracts. They were refused insurance when their renewal came up as insurance company no longer covered caravans permanently onsite in caravan parks. They moved to an industrial block in town and got coverage.
Insurance is all about perceived risk apparently.

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 1:23 pm

If insurance & all in medical costs were correctly reflected in inflation data, official rates would be a lot lot higher.

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 1:40 pm

The generic response by Albo & co re healthcare costs is usually a combination of bulk billing, access to “free” emergency care, more drugs than ever on the PBS & private health insurance increases less than inflation.

Some of that’s right.
The key issues are the real costs when you drill down into it.
How many doctors rely on bulk billing only? The co-pay to see my GP is $70.
And private health insurance. Sure premiums have gone up less than inflation (just).
The issue is very few plans cover has increased while the costs of the service has increased by over 100% since 2020.
A pair of glasses might have been 300-400 bucks.
Good luck getting a quality pair now for less than 800.
(quality = surviving a dog head butt or dog foot, not some fancy brand name).

Healthcare costs are going through household savings like a hot knife through butter.

Bill From the Bush
Bill From the Bush
January 6, 2025 3:31 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

I have used an offshore mob for some time. Zenni Optical.
Even with the Australian Peso they are still more than competitive.
Last pair of multifocal auto tint worked out at 380 Pesos May last year

Lee
Lee
January 6, 2025 1:43 pm

This POS woman I’ve never heard of says, there’re “No such thing as Muslim grooming gangs.”

In only one sense she’s right. They are not “grooming gangs” but r#pe gangs:

No wonder the UK is in dire trouble. – Michael Smith News

Last edited 11 days ago by Lee
Lee
Lee
January 6, 2025 2:01 pm
Reply to  Lee

To clarify: Muslim rape gangs.

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 2:03 pm

Trudeau you little wuss.

calli
calli
January 6, 2025 2:07 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

Bye bye blackfacebird!

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 3:32 pm
Reply to  feelthebern

Dad wouldn’t be impressed. He was a fighter.

Kneel
Kneel
January 6, 2025 2:04 pm

“Insurance is all about perceived risk apparently.”

There is no “apparently” about it.

Example 1: CTP. Price is dependent upon the postcode where the vehicle is normally garaged, but NOT on the number of km p.a. the car does.Thus, if you are in a “good” area and drive 200,000km p.a., your CTP is cheaper than if you live in a “bad” area and do 2,000km p.a. even for the exact same car. And this is third party personal (medical) – I’m not aware that it costs more to treat people in certain public hospitals vs other public hospitals.

Example 2: The “up market” variant is usually cheaper to insure than the base model with all else being equal. eg a Holden Calais is cheaper to insure than a Holden Commodore, even though the only difference is the badge and “appointments” (more gadgets in the Calais).

Example 3: in NSW, you get around a 50% discount on CTP if you have no demerit points on your license. Such demerit points now last 40 months in NSW (yes, 3.25 years!). This is not graded on how many points you may have accumulated, how severe the offense was, or even how many times over the decades you may have been fined, but only on whether you CURRENTLY have ANY demerit points against you. So a single 0-15km/h over the limit speeding fine can easily cost you and additional $3000 in extra CTP premiums.

feelthebern
feelthebern
January 6, 2025 2:05 pm

Prime ministers who resign should be forced to contest their seat again so their constituents can grade their work.

Roger
Roger
January 6, 2025 2:09 pm

They are not “grooming gangs” but r#pe gangs:

I wouldn’t dismiss the grooming aspect, which aggravated the nature of the crimes and resulted in longer sentences than a simple rape charge would have attracted.

Last edited 11 days ago by Roger
hzhousewife
hzhousewife
January 6, 2025 6:40 pm
Reply to  Roger

So how long did the “grooming” take – three weeks?, one evening? a weekend?

Roger
Roger
January 6, 2025 6:51 pm
Reply to  hzhousewife

By the nature of the process an extended period of time is involved.

Pogria
Pogria
January 6, 2025 2:12 pm

I thought this may be of interest whilst the Cricket was on. 😀

comment image

H B Bear
H B Bear
January 6, 2025 3:34 pm
Reply to  Pogria

Yep. Never get the cheese toastie at the Hay truckstop.