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Monday, 05 June
00:36
00:28
Link "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
2-Sense property podcast
This week Owen Rask and I discussed the new land tax rules in Victoria, the role of build to rent sector, and low inventory on the market.
Tune in here (or click on the image below):
Sunday, 04 June
16:00
Responsible 'free speech' key to a fair, harmonious Australia "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Right-wing provocateurs have encouraged uncivil "freedom of speech" which targets minority groups and has no place in an open and compassionate Australia, writes Frances Letters.
MANY YEARS AGO, during the heady, hippie, revolutionary days of the early 1970s, I developed what must have been a most irritating habit. I couldnt keep my new radical opinions to myself. With evangelical zeal I pounced on every example of racism, pub-talk prejudice or talkback-radio whingeing, and harangued my relatives about them. No one in the family was safe from the jeremiad of my convictions.
Things finally got so bad that one of my sisters took me aside and told me point blank that I was an outright bolshie proselytiser and a bit of a bore! In my shock at the rebuke, I gulped in shame and stopped dead.
I kept up that restraint for years, painfully careful not to rock the family boat. So though I still burned with zeal for the old causes, to my nearest and dearest I said little. And the less I said, the less I could say. People who might once have warily minded their Ps and Qs around me gradually felt comfortable blurting out any old thing that popped into their heads.
But at a big family gathering one day I could take it no more. At the time Pauline Hanson was big news. A few minor grumbles around the table Aboriginal claims over our back yards; Asian migrants swamping Australia were arrows in my heart. To my own amazement I exploded in a fit of screaming and swearing and door-slamming that left everyone stunned and gaping.
"Why on earth didnt you say something all this time?" they demanded when I crept back hours later, shamefaced and red-eyed. "We knew you used to have strong views about things, but we thought theyd faded away years ago!"
Now, in a cowardly way, Im glad if family and friends speak cautiously around me. But is this right? What of the need for honest, brawny, no-holds-barred debate on such vital "woke" matters as race, Aboriginal reconciliation, refugees, white supremacy, religion and feminism? And these days, urgently, on the...
14:46
Ticketing Woes: The Patchy Record of Myki "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
What is it about government contracts that produces the worst results and poorest returns? Those clods behind such deals, notably in the poison chaliced field of public transport, seem so utterly incapable at even modest competence. In public transport, muddles, bungling and oh so much fumbling are common; the whole show comes into view when
The post Ticketing Woes: The Patchy Record of Myki appeared first on The AIM Network.
13:10
The Evolution of Working Hours: From the 8-Hour Day to the Four-Day Week "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
I wrote this piece for the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia following a presentation I gave along with other researchers and members of Four Day Week Global. (Video the title A long weekend every week? Its time.
More than 150 years ago, workers in New Zealand, closely followed by Australia, were the first in the world to secure an eight-hour working day. And 75 years ago, we achieved that great boon, the weekend.
Over subsequent years, until the 1980s, we saw a steady reduction in standard hours of work, including the achievement of four weeks of annual leave, widespread long-service leave and the reduction of the standard work week to 38 hours. Thanks to sustained technological progress, productivity and living standards improved steadily over this period.
The decades since have seen further technological advances, most obviously in information technology. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just the latest example. Yet there has been no general reduction in standard working hours in more than 30 years.
This may finally be about to change, with New Zealand again taking the lead. After successfully implementing a four-day week in their own company, New Zealanders Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart established 4DW Global. As the name implies, the organisation has promoted the four-day week in a number of countries, primarily by helping to implement pilot programs.
The central idea of 4DW is summed up as 100-80-100. Workers receive 100 per cent of their previous wages while working 80 per cent of previous hours and attempting to maintain 100 per cent of previous productivity.
Initial results from trials in Australia and New Zealand have just been released with very positive outcomes. The trial was undertaken by 26 companies in sectors that included professional services, marketing, manufacturing and construction.
All but one indicated an intention to maintain the four-day week after the trial. Companies rated the impact of the four-day week to attract new employees at an 8.3/10, with productivity scoring a 7/10 and performance 6.8/10.
Employees were even more positive, and there was a big increase in self-reported productivity, with more than half (54 per cent) reporting an increase in their current work ability compared to their lifetime best.
Almost all participants (96 per cent) reduced their work time, with 88 per cent gettin...
13:07
Chatham House reviews The Palestine Laboratory "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Chatham House is one of Britains leading policy institutes.
Its monthly magazine, The World Today, has published a review of my new book, The Palestine Laboratory, by the International Crisis Group Senior Analyst on Israel/Palestine, Mairav Zonszein.
Its a largely positive review with some pointed criticisms. It feels like 8 out of 10.
Heres an excerpt:
Loewenstein wants to expose Israel as a hostile regime on a par with Russia and China. He conveys a palpable frustration with the fact that Israel has managed to excel at developing tools to maintain ethnonationalist rule and export them to dozens of countries, and at both a financial and diplomatic gain.
He also writes at length about private Israeli companies, staffed by former Israeli intelligence officers and often operating with a government licence, that have, for instance, provided surveillance drones to Russia which were used in the Syrian civil war. These private companies, Loewenstein shows, often do the bidding of the Israeli government, blurring the line between public and private sector, between defence and commerce.
The West is complicit in this network, too. Surveillance technology developed in Israel has also been sold to the United States, in the form of watch towers on the Mexican border, and to the European Union, whose own border agency Frontex has used Israeli drone technology to monitor refugees.
Loewenstein also argues convincingly that growing numbers of regimes globally [are] learning how Israel gets away with politicide, citing the definition by Israeli academic Baruch Kimmerling as the dissolution of the Palestinian peoples existence as a legitimate social, political, and economic entity. This is a serious concern, considering explicit calls from senior members of the current Israeli government for the expulsion of Palestinians.
Read the whole thing: Review: Why Israel tests its spyware on Palestinians | Chatham House International Affairs Think T
The post Chatham House reviews The Palestine Laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
09:16
Namatjira..act#4..the final scene. "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
(On the moment of Albert Namatjiras passing.)
Albert : Tjamu!..comeI call you as an equal to come to speak with me.
Tjamu*: I am here, NamatjiraI never go away.What is it you want?
A : No adviceTHAT.. I have had plentyNonow I want you to listen..for I have come to my last daysand I want to reason my situation.
Tj : Your situation, Namatjira?
A : Yes..my situation, for as you can see, I am back to where I starteda hovel for a home, myself deserted, left alone and the shame of jail time hanging over my name.
Tj : Yesas I warned..once you ventured into white-mans territory, you were a marked man.
A : I can see that nowbut I keep asking myself..: What did I do that so enraged them?for I was but an artistmany lauded my works and paid a lot of money for them..I was told that I was so very clevera genius..some would exclaim!I raised no alarm for radical change, no call to protest or arms to our peoplesI was no trouble to their administrationwhy the hatred?
Tj : Yes, Namatjirayou were all those clever things to themexceptexcept..you brought your talent from inside of youyou brought the colours of the land from deep in your soulyou needed only little training you needed NO coaching, for the world of your paintings was already captured within you..and THAT is why they hated youyou made look easy what THEIRS...
09:00
Ben Roberts-Smith: The breaking of a plaster saint "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The dismissal of Ben Roberts-Smith's defamation case has reverberating consequences, reports Dr Binoy Kampmark.
IT WAS an ugly case lasting five years with a host of ugly revelations. But what could be surprising about the murderous antics of a special arm of the military, in this case, the Australian Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, which was repeatedly deployed on missions in an open-ended war which eventually led to defeat and withdrawal?
Ben Roberts-Smith was meant to be a poster boy of the regiment, the muscular noble representative who served in Afghanistan, a war with sketchy justifications. Along the way, he became Australias most decorated soldier, raking in the Medal of Gallantry in 2006, the Victoria Cross in 2010, and a Commendation for Distinguished Services for outstanding leadership in over 50 high-risk operations in 2012. He came to be lionised in the popular press, even being named 'Father of the Year' in 2013.
A number of his colleagues, keen to take him down a peg or two, saw through the sheen. As did journalists at The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. The deployments by the special forces to Afghanistan had not, as the narrative would have it, been paved with heroic engagements of military valour. Roberts-Smith, it seemed, was less plaster saint than ruthless executioner and bully.
Some of the transgressions reported on by the papers were very much of the same type investigated by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. The findings were eventually made available in the stomach-churning Brereton Report, released in 2020.
But even prior to that, a...
08:00
In which the pond sets out with a Polonial prattle, carries the Angelic one's cross for a yard, sticks a toe in fetid Dame Slap water, and then does the usual epic nattering "Ned" Everest climb ... "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Week after week, the pond yearns to return to English sport of the Marina Hyde kind. Who wouldn't want to jump fences of the For a prime minister who phoned it in, Boris Johnson is having a lot of trouble handing over one mobile kind? And never mind little England, the pond can't keep up with required US reading, such as Trumps Lawyers Cant Find Classified Doc Mentioned in Damning Tape.
But the pond promises it will all come together in a climactic punchline or cosmic joke at the very end, and meanwhile, for some reason, the pond couldn't help but think of prattling Polonius when it read the opening line in the latest grundling, The ABC at its worst is vastly better than its competitors. Time to defend it without apology (paywall).
The lede ran Management need to stop the racial guilt trip and state the obvious: public broadcasting strives to represent Australia, while the commercial networks manufacture Anglo whiteness.
The opening line, almost worthy of Bob Ellis, ran ...
Remember the IPA? Its still kinda going, even though its lost its direct line to government, and its megaphone, The Australian, is a ruin, gutted by cuts. Now Tim Wilson et al are in some weird crypto unit at RMIT (public) university, and bearded Senator James Paterson looks like the aromatherapist your divorced mother married.
There were a few other lines the pond liked ...
...I mean theres something surreal in having a
week-long harangue of the ABC for racism, in a mediascape that
includes Channel Nine, Channel Seven and Sky As Dark AF. The latter
has derisory ratings Sharri Markson will be going round to
individual living rooms to do her show in six months time but the
former are big beasts. They remain, as they have always been,
white, Anglo, and racist, not least by who and what they
omit.
Channel Seven, the runt of the commercial litter (Ten is youf; Nine is king) has always been casual about straying into a white Anglo chauvinism/racism; a race-baiting horror factory as Nadine von Cohen described it.
Watching Channel Nine, part of the conglomerate Faruqi has a gig at, is like watching TV in a world where the Germans won WWII. Married At First Sight? Despite a few recent additions, it looks like a blondes breeding camp...
Channel Seven, the runt of the commercial litter (Ten is youf; Nine is king) has always been casual about straying into a white Anglo chauvinism/racism; a race-baiting horror factory as Nadine von Cohen described it.
Watching Channel Nine, part of the conglomerate Faruqi has a gig at, is like watching TV in a world where the Germans won WWII. Married At First Sight? Despite a few recent additions, it looks like a blondes breeding camp...
Not that the pond has anything against blondes, but it seemed like good, solid prep for the pond's weekly encounter with the ABC-bashing indulged in routinely by Polonius, with a short cut on his keyb...
00:15
What Australian Unions declared to be "the largest increase to minimum and Award wages in Australias history" occurred on Thursday 1 June 2023 - effective 1 July "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
This was Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Secretary Sally McManus writing on the Australian Unions website, 2 June 2023:
Today the Fair Work Commission announced that workers on the national minimum wage will receive a pay rise of 8.6 per cent. Workers on Award wages will have their pay increased by 5.75 per cent. Both of those increases will come into effect in the first pay period after 1 July 2023.
The union movement fought hard for this pay increase. Up against us were the big business lobby who argued for a real-wage cut.
All union members should be proud of this pay rise. Its the largest increase to minimum and Award wages in Australias history.
Its what unions do we use our strength in numbers to ensure that working peoples pay gets moving again.
Increasing pay is the most important step to reducing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
Come July 2023 the approx. 20.5 per cent of Australian employees (est. 2.75 million individuals) who are paid in accordance with minimum wage rates in modern awards and the...
Saturday, 03 June
19:06
Passwords. "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
A close friend told me that not long before their mother passed away, she was given a smartphone by her children so as to be ready reachable and in case of emergencythey paid the connection fees etc. all she had to do was sign on.
Of course, signing on to such services has a security obligation and so one is called upon to use identity clues for a secure connection..clues that no other person will knowbut being older, she knew from experience that she had best write those clues down just in case she would be called upon to repeat them verbatim at some future time.
So there, under the lid of the box the smartphone came in was a slip of paper with three items that were the answers to three obvious requests from the service provider..:
My first pet ..: Taby..
I was called ..: Peggy when young.
My parents met in the city of ..: Sydney
These three little insights into a past life give clue to the gentle humanity of us alllittle songs shall we say, of those moments that are held softly and secretly within our hearts, like a faded flower holding a special memory, pressed between the pages of an old novel.. Strange then, that we will share them with an anonymous machine without compunction, yet not be inclined to freely reveal such to other peoplePerhaps it is that machine-like anonymity that reassures us..some people seem to have that same encouraging feel whereupon you can unload worries or confidences into a sensitive ear.
This, to my way of thinking is a failing of history..of our local history, where incidents and events are recorded minutely in committee records and local government archives etcbut wher...
16:00
Scott Morrison announces his retirement "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Member for Cook and former PM Scott Morrison fronts a press conference to address his future plans.
MORRISON: Thank you for your attendance. I wish to shed light on and end the current rumours regarding my future plans.
My comments regarding the Voice to Parliament have apparently unleashed a tsunami of allegations of racism on my part. Let me set the record straight I am not a racist. Some of my favourite Cronulla players are Indigenous. Nicho Hynes and Jesse Ramien amongst others.
What isnt commonly known about my culinary skills is that before cooking my famous Sri Lankan curries, I often fry up a bowl of witchetty grubs as a delicious entre. Me, a racist? Never! Next youll be accusing me of holding a hose.
Some have claimed my speech regarding the Voice was very much my valedictory speech. I wont lie to you never have, never will.
I do intend to retire from parliament and politics, and expect in the next few days to be appointed Richmonds new coach. Not as an interim fill in, but as their new, ongoing senior coach. I have been working the phones, which means McQualter can go back to the assistant role.
I shall, of course, in my manner, give my full attention to my role as Richmonds senior coach. And I will not stop there.
As is my want, I will not limit myself to only coaching the Tigers. The times are exceptionally uncertain and demand exceptional leadership qualities. I have those.
Whilst taking on the role of senior Richmond coach, I will also become the new CEO of the Hawthorn Football Club. I believe the current situation at Hawthorn demands a person of great compassion and a deep understanding of Indigenous issues to fill the current vacancy. Please refer to my recent acknowledgement, my appetite for a bowl of fried witchetty grubs, to highlight my credentials...
15:52
Labor shuffles to centre-right as three-party system waltzes in "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
A year after the Albanese governments election win, Labors strategy for its first term in office is clear.
On the issues where the Coalition has historically had an advantage, most notably economics, defence and foreign policy, Labor has adopted those policies and sought (so far successfully) to more competently implement them. On everything else climate, health, education, human rights Labor has pitched just far enough to the left of the Coalition to provide a point of difference while minimising the risk of losing votes on the centre-right.
Examples of the first part of the strategy are the stage three tax cuts and AUKUS, but theyre only the most prominent. As well as promising to implement the stage three cuts, the government allowed numerous initiatives of the previous government funded for a limited time to expire on schedule. Most notable was the low- and middle-income earners tax offset, which ensures the tax system will be more regressive by the end of the governments first term than it was at the start, even if the stage three tax cuts are trimmed.
In foreign policy, as well as AUKUS, the government has outdone its predecessor in supporting the Quad alliance to contain China. Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses embrace of the ethno-nationalist Narendra Modi government, and (literally) of its prime minister, goes beyond anything seen under former prime minister Scott Morrison.
The government has interpreted its House of Representatives majority as a mandate to do precisely what was contained in its election platform (and nothing more), but one major promise has been watered down and, for practical purposes, repudiated.
In 2021, Albanese promised a renewed commitment to full employment. The plan included a jobs summit, leading to the issue of a white paper on full employment. Its title echoed that of the 1945 white paper on full employment in Austr...
15:49
Draconian: South Australia just topped NSW, Tas, Victoria, Queensland with new laws penalising peaceful protesters "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Michael West Media, by Wendy Bacon | Jun 3, 2023
A bill introducing harsh penalties and extending the scope of a law applying to those who obstruct public places has been passed after an all-night sitting by the South Australian Legislative Council this week. Veteran investigative journalist (herself twice imprisoned for free speech) Wendy Bacon reports.
South Australia now joins New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland, states which have already passed anti-protest laws imposing severe penalties on people who engage in peaceful civil disobedience. South Australias new law carries the harshest financial penalties in Australia.
Thirteen Upper House Labor and Liberal MPs voted for the Bill, opposed by two Greens MPs and two SABest MPs. The government faced down the cross bench moves to hold an inquiry into the bill, to review it in a year or add a defence of reasonableness.
The Summary Offences (Obstruction of Public Places) Amendment Bill 2023 was introduced into the House Assembly by Premier Peter Malinauskas the day after Extinction Rebellion protests were staged around the Australian Petroleum and Exploration Association (APPEA) annual conference on May 17. The most dramatic of these protests was staged by 69 year old Meme Thorne who abseiled off a city bridge causing delays and traffic to be diverted.
Meanwhile the gas lobby APPEA which is financed by foreign fossil fuel companies has stopped publishing its (public) financial statements. Questions put for this story were ignored but we will append a response should one be available
The new law introduces maximum penalties of $50,000 (66 times the previous maximum fine) or a prison sentence of three months. The maximum fine was previously $750, and there was no prison penalty. If emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) are called to a protest, those convicted can also be required to pay emergency service costs. The scope of the law has also been widened to include indirect obstruction of a public place.
This means that if you stage a protest and the police use 20 emergency vehicles to divert traffic, you could be found guilty under the new section and be liable for the costs. Even people handing out pamphlets about vaping harm in front of a shop, or workers gathering on a footpath to demand better pay, could fall foul of the laws. An SABest amendment to the original bill removing the word reckless restricts its scope to intentional acts.
Peter Malinauskus tol...
15:47
EDITORIAL: Government turns a blind eye to lessons from nuclear disaster "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14923055 June 2, 2023
It appears that the lessons learned from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster have been taken so lightly.
The government and a majority of the Diet are heavily responsible for pushing through a reversal of the nations nuclear policies without careful deliberation, shifting from a reduction of dependence on nuclear power and heading to its maximum utilization.
We must keep asking ourselves whether we can solve the many difficult problems plaguing nuclear power plants and whether they could end up haunting future generations.
This week, a bill related to promoting nuclear plants was passed by the Diet.
The governments responsibilities and measures aimed at the active utilization are stipulated in the Atomic Energy Basic Law.
The new law also relaxed restrictions on nuclear reactors operational periods introduced after the catastrophic disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, opening a path to allowing reactors to operate beyond 60 years if certain conditions are met.
The Asahi Shimbun in its editorials has opposed the bill and called for its reconsideration.
That is because nuclear plants are plagued with a mountain of issues such as the ever-growing nuclear waste and Japans nuclear fuel cycle that has reached an impasse, not to mention safety and economic concerns.
And it is unacceptable for the government to reverse its stance to restarting nuclear plants without showing a path to solving the problems.
Now is the time to speed up reforms to make renewable energy a primary power source from the standpoint of the overall energy policy.
Returning to dependence on nuclear plants could lead to going down the wrong path.
The bill was also rushed along as the government adopted the new policy last year after only several months of debate.
The Diet was supposed to do everything in its power to scrutinize the bill from multiple perspectives, but no deep discussions ensued.
We cant help but be disappointed.
Reasons cited for the about-face were the need for a stable supply of energy and the decarbonization of energy sources.
But how much of a role do nuclear plants actually play in these goals? And why is it necessary to treat them differently?
The government shied away from answering these questions head-on and repeatedly said it was important to pursue all possible options, including nuc...
15:45
Unlimited money to Ukraine is now allowed, through USAs Debt Sealing arrangement. "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Debt Ceiling Deal Puts No Limits on Ukraine Aid https://scheerpost.com/2023/06/02/debt-ceiling-deal-puts-no-limits-on-ukraine-aid/
Emergency spending that has been used to arm Ukraine is exempt and it could also be used to arm Taiwan
June 2, 2023, By Dave DeCamp / Antiwar.com
The debt ceiling agreement reached between the White House and House Republicans places no constraints on spending on the war in Ukraine, a White House official told Bloomberg.
The $113 billion that has been authorized to spend on the war in Ukraine so far was passed as supplemental emergency funds, which is exempt from the spending caps that are part of the debt ceiling deal.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, funding designated as an emergency requirement or for overseas contingency operations would not be constrained, and certain other funding would not be subject to the caps. The deal suspends the nations debt limit through January 1, 2025.
Hawks in Congress are looking to use emergency spending to increase the $886 billion military budget that was agreed to as part of the deal. The emergency funds could go beyond Ukraine and might be used to send weapons to Taiwan or for other spending that hawks favor as part of their strategy against China.
We are almost certainly going to need a supplemental for Ukraine, which is, in my view, one of the most pressing defense challenges we have right now, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), according to Roll Call. And the other obligations flow from China and Taiwan on one hand and Russia and Ukraine on the other.
Other senators said they favor using the emergency funding to raise military spending altogether. The $886 billion budget is what President Biden asked for 2024, but Republican hawks have blasted the request as inadequate.
Clearly our support for Ukraine will be outside the budget, as it has been in th...
15:43
Panellists discuss nuclear documentary Atomic Bamboozle and warn against return of nuclear power . "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Activists show, discuss nuclear documentary Atomic Bamboozle at Kiggins in Vancouver, Film, panelists warn against return of nuclear power,
By Scott Hewitt, Columbian staff writer, June 2, 2023, https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/jun/02/activists-show-discuss-nuclear-documentary-atomic-bamboozle-at-kiggins-in-vancouver/
Get used to the phrase small modular nuclear reactor and its abbreviation, SMR. A global debate about this old-made-new energy idea is already heating up, with big implications for the people and environs of the Pacific Northwest.
SMRs are either the cleaner, safer, cheaper future of nuclear power or the return of the same old bundle of hazards, dressed up in newly attractive camouflage.
Theyre going to make nuclear energy cool again, said former Trump administration energy secretary Rick Perry (consistently mispronouncing the word nuclear) in a news clip featured in the new documentary film Atomic Bamboozle.
Atomic Bamboozle is the latest in a series of timely, social-issue documentaries directed by Jan Haaken, a retired Portland State University psychology professor. Last year, Haaken produced a film about the courtroom victories of local oil-train protesters called Necessity: Climate Justice and the Thin Green Line, which screened, along with a panel discussion, at Vancouvers Kiggins Theatre.
The same will happen at a Wednesday screening of Atomic Bamboozle at Kiggins. Environmental activists featured in the film will discuss the potential resurgence of nuclear power in the Pacific Northwest through supposedly safe, small, factory-built nuclear plants.
Panelists are Cathryn Chudy and Lloyd Marbet of the Oregon Conservancy Foundation; Desiree Hellegers, English professor and director of the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice at Washington State University Vancouver; public interest attorney Dan Meek; Dr. Patricia Kullberg, former medical director of the Multnomah County Health Department; Atomic Days author Joshua Frank; and film director Haaken.
(Franks book about...
15:42
Dismay in the region over Japans plan for nuclear waste water "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Nuclear Waste in Pacific Ocean: Japans Plan Triggers Controversy
Japan plans to discharge millions of metric tonnes of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. This wastewater has been accumulating since disaster struck the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011. Japan is running out of storage space for this wastewater, which is why it is desperately trying to dump the waste in the ocean. But Tokyos plan is marred with controversy, with physical protests being arranged against it as well. Watch this Vantage report to know more.
15:41
British anti-nuclear campaigners support Canadian counterparts over nuke dump "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
| In an act of international solidarity, British anti-nuclear campaigners have written to the Premier of Ontario in support of fellow Canadian activists who on 30 May presented a petition to the Legislative Assembly of that state opposing the transportation and dumping of nuclear waste.The Chair of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) English Forum, Cllr David Blackburn, was joined by co-signatories Marianne Birkby from Radiation Free Lakeland / Lakes against the Nuclear Dump; Jan Bridget from Millom against the Nuclear Dump / South Copeland against the Geological Disposal Facility; and Ken Smith from Guardians of the East Coast in making an appeal to Premier Doug Ford calling for Canadian nuclear waste to be retained at the sites at which it was generated and stored in purpose-built secure facilities coupled with constant monitoring and active stewardship, rather than trucked for thousands of miles and dumped underground. |
In Canada, the Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO), established by that nations nuclear power plant operators, is seeking a site for a so-called Deep Geological Repository for all of Canadas nuclear fuel waste. As 90% of the waste is held by Ontario Power Generation, a major shareholder in the NWMO, two sites in that state have been short-listed.
Campaigners here in the UK face a similar threat from a Geological Disposal Facility with government-funded Nuclear Waste Services currently investigating the possibility of locating an underground / undersea nuclear waste dump in West Cumbria or East Lincolnshire. As in Canada, many people bitterly object to the plans and have coalesced around local campaigns to oppose them. It is therefore natural that British campaigners should want to express support for Canadian colleagues facing a similar threat.
The petition was formally presented to the Assembly by three elected representatives, Lise Vaugeois, Sol Mamakwa and Mike Schreiner on behalf of the people of Ontario and We the Nuclear Free North an alliance of people and groups opposing a nuclear waste dump, or in Canada a Deep Geological Repository, in Northern Ontario. Members of the Alliance include Indigenous Canadians from the First Nations.
Commenting Cllr David Blackburn, Chair of the NFLA English Forum, said: Our Canadian counterparts are calling specifically for a proximity principle to be adopted by the State of Ontario in the storage and stewardship of nuclear waste. This mirrors the position of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities and the Scottish Government that waste should be kept near to the site where it was produced and......
15:40
China swelters through record temperatures. And vulnerability of old people to heat waves "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Temperatures across China reached or exceeded their records for
the month
of May, the countrys National Climate Centre has said. Weather
stations
at 446 sites registered temperatures that were the same as, or
greater
than, the highest ever recorded for the month of May, deputy
director of
the National Climate Centre Gao Rong said at a press briefing on
Friday. On
Monday, the Shanghai Meteorology Bureau reported that the city had
recorded
a temperature of 36.1 degrees Celsius. The previous record for May
was
35.7C, which occurred in 2018. Over the next three days, most of
southern
China is expected to be hit by temperatures of more than 35C,
with
temperatures in some areas exceeding 40C, according to national
forecasters
on Friday.
Guardian 2nd June 2023
New heatwave warnings could miss vulnerable older people
who arent
online. Email alerts to warn public about dangers of hot weather
will be
voluntary and will give advice on how to stay cool.
Telegraph 1st June 2023
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/06/01/new-heatwave-warnings-not-nanny-state-health-officials/
15:39
Female health care workers need better protection from radiation, doctors say "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Finnish study showed that breast cancer rates were 1.7 times higher than expected among radiologists, surgeons and cardiologists when compared to female physicians who dont work with radiation.
Finnish study showed that breast cancer rates were 1.7 times higher than expected among radiologists, surgeons and cardiologists when compared to female physicians who dont work with radiation.
London A group of physicians is calling on health care employers to provide female workers who are exposed to on-the-job radiation with added protections to minimize their risk of breast cancer.
In an editorial recently published in the journal BMJ, the physicians point out that ionizing radiation is a known human carcinogen, and breast tissue is highly sensitive to radiation. As such, there are concerns that regular exposure to ionizing radiation during image guided procedures may be linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in female health care workers.
Although measuring occupational radiation-induced breast cancer risk is a challenge, examining the available evidence and improving personal protective equipment options can help reduce that risk for the rising number of female workers entering X-ray and imaging occupations.
PPE such as lead gowns that are used to shield the body from radiation leave the area close to the armpit exposed, the physicians write, and that area is a common site of breast cancer.
A small Finnish study showed that breast cancer rates were 1.7 times higher than expected among radiologists, surgeons and cardiologists when compared to female physicians who dont work with radiation.
The London-based Society of Radiographers Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 state that radiation levels delivered to all health care workers should be as low as reasonably achievable. Actions include reducing the duration of exposure, in...
12:00
Paul Simon reigns glorious with 'Seven Psalms' surprise "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
<p><a href= "https://independentaustralia.net/life/art-display/paul-simon-reigns-glorious-with-seven-psalms-surprise,17572?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=IA_Feed" title= "View Information: Paul Simon reigns glorious with 'Seven Psalms' surprise"> <img alt="Paul Simon reigns glorious with 'Seven Psalms' surprise" src= "https://independentaustralia.net/_lib/slir/w1000/i/article/img/article-17572-hero.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin: 20px 0;"></a></p> <p class="lead">At 81 years young, <a href= "https://www.discogs.com/artist/106474-Paul-Simon" target= "_blank">Paul Simon</a>, formerly of revered duo <a href= "https://www.discogs.com/artist/232157-Simon-Garfunkel" target= "_blank">Simon & Garfunkel, is back with yet another left turn in a career full of twists and surprises.
'SEVEN PSALMS' SURPRISE
Seven Psalms is his new album, but it is uploaded to streaming platforms as a single track: in seven parts (with two reprises of the opening song).</p> <p>Simons dexterous fingerpicked guitar is ever present and is at the forefront of the mix, which is cushioned by layers of unusual instrumentation, including percussion, flute and a string quartet. It also includes vocals from his wife <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/edie-brickell-mn0000179191/biography" target="_blank">Edie Brickell</a>.</p> <p>Simon has never been above ruminating on the mystery of our existence. His train of existentialist thought turns this time towards spiritual belief and mortality.</p> <p>This is truly an amazing piece of music, best experienced in one sitting from start to finish while paying full attention. It is a journey, a flow, a puzzle that unwraps itself over the course of just over half an hour.</p> <h4><strong>GEORGIE WINCHESTER: BECOMING 'FRIENDS WITH THE FLIES'</strong></h4> <p><a href="https://www.georgiewinchester.com/" target= "_blank">Georgie Winchester</a> is a musical <a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath" target= "_blank">polymath</a>.</p> <p>Originally from the upper hunter region of NSW just north of Maitland, now residing in Newcastle, she is an acoustic singer-songwriter in solo guise but is also the vocalist fronting a full-tilt indie rock band called <a href= "https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/turpentine-babycino/" target="_blank">Turpentine Babycino</a>.</p> <p>In whatever guise she is performing, Winchester is an artist who brings to the table a rare magic that makes her music special.</p> <p>Her latest solo single,<em> '<a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4CwpdN8jNE" target= "_blank">Friends With The Flies</a>'</em>, features an in...
11:27
What we know about the Australian Department of Defence's (lack of) interest in UAP "IndyWatch Feed National"
Freedom of Information Act requests
From Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by Melbourne researcher Grant Lavac, and myself; correspondence between Grant Lavac and the Office of the Australian Minister for Defence; and other reporting, it can be stated that:
1. "Defence does not have a protocol that covers recording or reporting of UFO sightings." [June 2019.]
2. "Defence does not have a protocol that covers recording or reporting of unidentified aerial phenomena..." [June 2019.]
3. DOD has no internal emails, generated between 1 January 2021 and 16 June 2021, which refer to keywords "Unidentified drone;" "Unidentified aircraft;" "Unidentified object;" or "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena." [July 2021.]
4. The former Chief of Air Force Air Marshall Mel Hupfield said "...he had not seen any reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena or UAPs - in Australian airspace." [October 2021.]
 |
| Former Chief Of Air Force - Mel Hupfield |
5. In early 2022, the DOD prepared an internal briefing paper on UAP, for possible use in responding to UAP related questions in Senate Estimates Committee Hearings. Included in this briefing paper were the following:
a. The RAAF ceased handling UFO reports in 1996.
b. "Defence Safety flight incidents, including those posed by UAP are handled by the Defence Aviation Safety Authority." [Note: Grant Lavac was advised by the DOD in an FOIA response, that no DASA reports between 2017 and 31 March 2022 referred to UAP.]
c. "...the United States nor any other nation or ally has requested or offered to collaborate on any...
11:20
Establishment of the US Department of Defence All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office "IndyWatch Feed National"
Media release
On 20 July 2022, the U.S. Department of Defense published a media release titled "DoD Announces the Establishment of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office." The text of the release reads:
 |
| https://media.defense.gov/2021/Mar/03/2002592680/-1/-1/0/210212-A-BI463-0003.JPG |
"On July 15, 2022, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence [DNI], amended her original direction to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security by renaming and expanding the scope of the Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group [AOIMSG] to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office [AARO], due to the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2022, which included a provision to establish an office, in coordination with DNI, with responsibilities that were broader than those originally assigned to the AOIMSG.
Today, USD (I&S) Hon Ronald S. Moultrie informed the department of the establishment of AARO within the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and named Dr. Sean M. Kirkpatrick, most recently the Chief Scientist at the Defense Intelligence Agency's Missile and Space Intelligence Center, as the Director of AARO.
The mission of the AARO will be to synchronize efforts across the Department of Defense, and with other US federal departments and agencies, to detect, identify and attribute objects of interest in, on or near military installations, operating areas, training areas, special use airspace and other areas of interest, and, as necessary, to mitigate any associated threats to safety of operations and national security. This includes anomalous, unidentified space,...
11:17
NASA's Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Study "IndyWatch Feed National"
Background
My 12 July 2021 blog article titled "NASA and UAP: an updated official statement is available," drew attention to a 10 June 2021 interview with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, by U.S. media outlet "Politico."
 |
| https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-administrator-bill-nelson/ |
In the "Politico" article, Nelson revealed that, as a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, he was briefed, on observations of UAP by Naval aviators. So, he had later, once he joined NASA, directed a senior member of staff, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, to look into the topic.
In my own article, I described then recent statements by NASA personnel about UAP; and the contents of part of NASA's own website, which presented a then current statement about UAP.
NASA study of UAP
On 9 June 2022 a NASA media release came out titled "NASA to Set Up Independent Study on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena." It read:
"NASA is commissioning a study team to start early in the fall to examine Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) - that is, observations of events in the sky that cannot be identified as aircraft or known natural phenomena - from a scientific perspective. The study will focus on identifying available data, how best to collect future data, and how NASA can use that data to move the scientific understanding of UAPs forward.
The limited number of observations of UAPs currently makes it difficult to draw scientific conclusions about the nature of such events. Unidentified Aerial Phenome...
10:43
Limp-lettuce-leaf tee-totaller CDF driving members to drink "IndyWatch Feed National"
From the magnificent Ross Eastgate. Limp lettuce leaf enough to drive old Digger to drink MICK Benson recalled the exact date and time Australians involved in the 1941, 241-day Siege of Tobruk were each issued two warm bottles of Fosters Lager. In a military career spanning four and a bit...
10:43
Climate Surprise: Frost Season Growing Longer Across Australia "IndyWatch Feed National"
Introduction by Dee McLachlan
Frost How does it affect Australians? From the Australian Bureau of Meteorology
The occurrence of frost can have a devastating effect on vegetation and crops Frost is a localis...
10:42
The Butt Light Story The Damage From Woke Companies "IndyWatch Feed National"
by G5
The Butt Light Story is not going away. The damage is far deeper and fully intentional. More than is initially Understood
In 2008 Belgian INBEV bought Anheuser-Busch for $52 billion. That puchase delivered ABI which among other investments owns Butt Light.
Its history and what is termed Stake Holder Capitalism; attempting to dictatorially force ideologies onto consumers, rather than acting as a genuine commercial enterprise of meeting consumer demands; has cornered INBEV-ABI which is not only facing consumer rejection; beyond boycott; over The Mulvaney Curse; but now has banks as HSBC downgrading the viability as an investment of the sewered stock of the holding company itself.
The toxicity of Davos WEF is at the centre of the Woke insanity that has infected a number of corporations. All o...
10:30
Central Bankers Beer Goggles are Masking an Ugly Crisis, Again "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
This week, my Blues-supporting close personal acquaintance Greg Canavan tweeted a cryptic message about the impact of central banks recent interest rate hikes:
The lagged impact of rate rises starting to hit. Six months ago, the spread between Aussie 10-year and 2-year govt yields was around 40bpsnow its 9bps. Bond market says Aussie economy slowing fast.
No doubt the slowing Aussie economy is of interest to investors. But I want to focus on the first bit instead. Because the lagged impact of rate rises could unleash economic chaos which will make any recession look boring.
You see, monetary policy doesnt work as fast as you might think. In fact, although theres plenty of debate on the matter, estimates are that it takes between one and two years for higher interest rates to kick in.
The Reserve Bank of Australias rate hikes began you guessed it a year ago. This means those rate hikes have only just begun to have their intended effect.
And over the next twelve months, a thirty-eight-and-a-half-fold increase in interest rates is going to smack into the economy, even if inflation were to slow to zero and the economy to slow down in the next six months. Which, you might argue, could be problematic in a long list of ways
Should, for example, the RBA have only needed to hike rates to, say, 2% in order to bring down inflation, then theyve rather dramatically overdone the tightening by now. Which would imply they are going to cause a recession, or worse. And, no matter what they do now, that future is baked into the cake for twelve months at least.
Before we explore the implications of this lag a bit more, I better mention what youre probably thinking: why has inflation already turned the corner if it takes so long for monetary policy to work?
The answer is that monetary policy is not the only factor driving prices. A lot of the inflation was from an energy and lockdown price shock. Indeed, the fact that it took inflation so long to spike in the wake of COVID reveals the inherent delay in how these issues unfold.
US house prices peaked in 2006, financial trouble began in 2007, and all hell broke loose in 2008 if I remember correctly. These issues take years to play out, from cause to effect.
This creates a rather challenging situation for policymakers. Imagine having to set todays monetary policy based on what the economy will be like in a years time
Its no surprise they get it so wrong and constantly seem behind the times.
There are plenty of real-world analogies thatll help explain the phenomenon at play here.
Anyone who has driven a narrowboat will be familiar with the delayed reaction on the tiller. It causes beginners to overcorrect back and forth, leaving an embarrassing wake that spells out I dont know what Im doing......
10:30
Welcome to the Global Financial Crisis of 2023 (Part One) "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
At least thats what the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said on 10 March. By Sunday, 12 March, the story had turned 180 degrees.
In a joint statement, the Federal Reserve System (Fed), US Treasury, and FDIC said deposits would not be wiped out after all. All deposits would be fully insured regardless of the amount.
The US$250,000 limit on FDIC insurance was completely shredded. There was now no limit. Some accounts had as much as US$3 billion on deposit with SVB. The government said, no problem and promised to keep the entire amount protected.
Not only that but another bank, the Signature Bank of New York, was closed on Sunday, 12 March. Its deposits were also protected 100% without regard to size.
The Fed also created something they called the Bank Term Fund Program (BTFP). This program allows any bank to send its Treasury bonds and mortgage securities to the Fed in exchange for cash. The amount of cash would be 100% of the par value of the securities, even if the market value were 20% or 30% lower.
Bonds with an original value of US$1 billion could be pledged to the Fed for that amount even if they were only worth US$850 million in market value today. This under-collateralised loan would be for one year at an interest rate close to the Feds policy rate. But the one-year term could easily be extended by the Fed this time next year.
Developments happened so quickly between 912 March that it was hard to keep up, let alone comprehend the meaning of it all. By the time the dust settled on Monday, 13 March, we could see at least a few things clearly.
This emergency rescue was bigger than the Savings & Loan crisis of the 1980s (about US$150 billion), the LTCM rescue in 1998 (about US$4 billion), the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 (about US$4 trillion added to the Feds balance sheet), and the pandemic panic of 2020 (about US$6 trillion added to the Feds balance sheet).
This was the largest financial bailout in history
The bailout of 12 March was not just a bailout of SVB and Signature Bank. It was a bailout of more than 50,000 depositors of SVB with more than US$170 billion in deposits. It was a bailout of all SVBs customers, its employees, its suppliers, and the entire high-tech startup ecosystem in Silicon Valley and around the world. It was a bailout of the billionaires and high-powered venture capital firms that own those startups. And while the Fed may not have intended this, it was also a bailout of the US$1 trillion cryptocurrency market.
...09:49
Biden earpiece audio "IndyWatch Feed National"
Thank you Jeff!
08:45
In which the pond writhes with the dog botherer, before selling out with the bromancer ... "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
So quickly they change ... from annotated evidence one day to ... (click on to see the evidence large)...
Relax, correspondents, it goes without saying that the pond attended to the venerable Meade, as the pond always does, but apart from the Stokes gambit, the pond reeled away wondering just how Tom Switzer remained a thing at the ABC. He disappoints? In reptile land, he'd have been shown the door on the spot.
Speaking of showing the door, the pond won't be attending to Dame Slap ...
Sure, it's not on the voice or the Lehrmann matter, but as soon as the pond sees "virtue signal" in a reptile header, it blanches a...
08:43
Tax office accused of dont ask, dont tell culture on PwC breach "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Tax office accused of dont ask, dont tell culture on PwC breach
We could not provide that information to the assistant treasurer or the treasurer, Jordan said. In fact, we could not provide it to Treasury.
08:00
Victoria Police are failing to 'protect' the LGBTQ+ community "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
It's telling that Victoria Police, which has the capacity to protect queer-friendly public events, is repeatedly recommending that they be cancelled instead, writes Tom Tanuki.
YET AGAIN, a queer community event has been shut down by a local council. This time it was the Rural City of Wangaratta "delaying" the Rainbow Ball, an event for LGBTQ+ youth billed as part of a pride weekend in Wangaratta.
The pattern is the same as with all queer-friendly local events cancelled recently cancellations numbering more than ten and counting this year. The Far-Right make online threats to councils; VicPol makes a risk assessment to the councils behind the events and the councils buckle and announce a cancellation.
Ive written about it repeatedly in this column space. I have focused on the responsibility of local governments to protect the queer community and said they should refuse to cave before anonymous online threats particularly when the community is offering to rally popular support to protect events.
But now I want to address Victoria Polices fundamental role in these cancellations.
When the Rainbow Ball was cancelled, VicPol issued a statement saying:
'Ahead of the planned event, Victoria Police was asked to provide information to help inform the Rural City of Wangarattas risk assessment. Victoria Polices role ahead of al...
07:04
From Matt Walsh, the magnificent documentary 'What Is A Woman?' "IndyWatch Feed National"
Thanks to Bill Thompson for the tip, Bill writes: One of the most horrifying videos Ive ever seen Its the movie they really dont want you to see: #WhatIsAWoman? Watch the explosive documentary starring @MattWalshBlog FREE on Twitter for 24 hrs. pic.twitter.com/qDi7thCNid Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) June 2, 2023 I...
07:00
Ben Roberts-Smith undoing was Kerry Stokes failed legal strategy and his own witnesses colluding "IndyWatch Feed National"
When some of the SAS witnesses Nine Entertainment subpoenaed refused to give evidence about alleged war crimes on the grounds of self-incrimination it was game, set and match as far as proving []
06:31
US unemployment rate rises to 3.7pc "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
US unemployment spikes
It was a strong headline result for US nonfarm
payrolls in May, with employment up +339,000.
However, unemployment jumped by +440,000 to 6.1
million, taking the unemployment rate up from 3.4 per cent to 3.7
per cent.
Average hourly earnings increased by only +0.3 per
cent in the month, taking the annual growth back down to 4.3 per
cent.
Data king James Foster ran the charting so I don't have to (thanks James!):
Asking rents are now likely to be lower over the
year in June and July, which suggests that inflationary pressures
will continue to abate.
Indeed, market-based expectations of inflation
(5-year breakevens) fell to 2.07 per cent, the lowest since all the
way back in January 2021.
...
06:00
The rebirth of Donald Trump has biblical overtones. But can he win? "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Who else but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would be game enough to shape up to Donald Trump? A man who encouraged a pack of lowlifes to overthrow the Government because he felt (and still does) he had been robbed of a presidential victory. Millions of his followers side with him, despite the evidence to the
The post The rebirth of Donald Trump has biblical overtones. But can he win? appeared first on The AIM Network.
02:48
Construction loans crash to 2008 lows "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Construction loans crash
Housing finance pulled back -2.9 per cent in
April, following the surging rebound in March.
The Easter break might have played a role in this,
with lending approvals to owner-occupiers dropping back over the
month.
Construction finance has also completely crashed,
and will continue to be in a diabolical state for as long as tight
lending settings are persisted with.
Lending for the purchase and construction of a new
home hasn't been this low since the global financial crisis of
September 2008, reported the Housing Industry Association:
Source: HIA
The good guys at Westpac economics have saved me
the bother of charting these disastrous figures in the neat graphic
below:
What a mess.
The Fair Work Commission has announced a...
01:14
Chinese Investment in Europe Is Changing "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Chinese companies are investing less in Europe, but they are raising the bar for the investments that are being made.
00:15
Tweet of the Week "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Thank you ladies.
SharynM (@SharynLeeMcG) May 29, 2023
Morrison won the lowest percentage of female votes in the history of the Liberal Party. Im pretty sure Dutton hasnt won a single one back. pic.twitter.com/RTVIBBK0Qp
Friday, 02 June
23:41
Australias Ben Roberts-Smith: The Breaking of a Plaster Saint "IndyWatch Feed National"
All Global Research articles can be read in 51 languages by activating the Translate Website button below the authors name.
To receive Global Researchs Daily Newsletter (selected articles), click here.
Click the share button above to email/forward this article
The post Australias Ben Roberts-Smith: The Breaking of a Plaster Saint appeared first on Global Research.
23:04
The triumph of form over content "IndyWatch Feed National"
Thats all ChatGPT is. Emily Bender explains.
When you read the output of ChatGPT, its important to remember that despite its apparent fluency and despite its ability to create confident sounding strings that are on topic and seem like answers to your questions, its only manipulating linguistic form. Its not understanding what you asked nor what its answering, let alone reasoning from your question + its knowledge to come up with the answer. The only knowledge it has is knowledge of distribution of linguistic form.
It doesnt matter how intelligent it is it cant get to meaning if all it has access to is form. But also: its not intelligent. Our only evidence for its intelligence is the apparent coherence of its output. But were the ones doing all the meaning making there, as we make sense of it.
I think we know this from how we learn language ourselves. Babies dont lie there with their eyes closed processing sounds without context they are associating and integrating sounds with a complex environment, and also with internal states that are responsive to external cues. Clearly what we need to do is imbed ChatGPT in a device that gets hungry and craps itself and needs constant attention from a human.
Oh nosomeone, somewhere is about to wrap a diaper around a server.
22:50
From Waste to Nutrients: Exploring the Benefits of Food Waste Composting "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Food waste is a growing global problem, but one that can be effectively addressed through the practice of food waste composting. This ... Read more
22:42
Links 2 June 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Bronze figurine of a scribe riding a wyvern,
from Germany, 12th century
Two Chinese shipwrecks full of porcelain found in the South China Sea, dating to the early 1500s. Amazing piles of valuable dishes.
Woman wins cheese-rolling race after being knocked unconscious.
Something very weird is happening in the US economy, where overall GDP is down even though employment is up, which means productivity must have gone down a lot. Nobody seems to understand what is happening. (Kevin Drum, Tyler Cowen)
NASA's UFO task force holds its first public meeting, says 98% of cases have obvious explanations, and "better data" is needed on the rest.
Indonesian boats found in Australian rock art, more evidence of trade between Indonesia and Australia before European contact.
Why George Orwell did not believe in progress.
Heavy rains expose carvings at a Roman fort in Spain.
Freddie deBoer responds to people who attacked him for saying that Jordan Neely should have been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital. His opponents, he says, keep refusing to wrestle with the reality of mental illness, saying things like "All Jordan Neely needed was a home."...
22:17
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Reaches Supply Chain Agreement "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
That IPEF member countries have come so far since the group's establishment a year ago suggests that there is a near unanimous view about supply chain vulnerabilities.
21:47
Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More! "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
On Friday 12 May, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted arriving into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.
 |
| File photo |
While Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1
bizjet VH-SIY flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport
before then continuing further North. It later returned to
Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield.
And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK
as "Navair 141" flew up from Dubbo and Sydney to Hamilton Island
Airport before then flying back down to Dubbo.
Meanwhile, also on Friday 12 May, Auscott
P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew up from Toowoomba and
Archerfield to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then
flying back to Toowoomba.
UPDATE! A week later on Friday 19
May, VH-NMW did the opposite flight up from Toowoomba to
Proserpine Airport and then down to Archerfield and back to
Toowoomba.
Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT flew down from the
Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour down to my local Clermont
Aerodrome. It then departed to Bundaberg Airport and then
Archerfield.
It seems that VH-MPT had flown North from Archerfield via
Bundaberg Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour two
days prior.
Locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF flew
back to Clermont Aerodrome from Caboolture having flown down there
two days earlier as well.
NSW based Cessna 310J VH-DKY flew down from the Whitsunday
Airport at Shute Harbour to Bundaberg Airport before continuing to
Coffs Harbour.
It seems to have flown up from its Coffs Harbour base to the
Whitsundays...
21:38
"IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica" "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on May 30, 2023, Patrick talks with 21WIRE writer and commentator Blake Lovewell, about the recent Bilderberg Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, where the global elites and captains of industry gathered to decide their secretive agenda for managing the masses over the coming year. Microsofts CEO was promoted to top Bilderberger this year, as the CBDC agenda goes into high gear. Will they be able to pull it off? Republican Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has passed a law in Florida banning CBDCs and supporting crypto instead. Will others follow suit? All this and more. Listen:
More from Blake:
21stcenturywire.com
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LIVE to TNT RADIO for the Patrick Henningsen Show every MON-FRI at
12PM-2PM (NEW YORK) | 5PM-7PM (LONDON) | 2AM-4AM
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20:38
7 Rekomendasi Wisata Terbaik di Indonesia yang Mendunia "IndyWatch Feed National"
Indonesia memiliki banyak sekali objek wisata yang memukau. Rasanya akan sulit memilih mana yang terbaik dari semua tempat wisata di tanah air ini. Namun, mengunjungi semua tempat pun sepertinya juga tidak mungkin, apalagi jika waktu untuk berlibur hanya sebentar.
Nah, untuk memudahkan kamu memilih destinasi liburan, kami telah merangkumkan tujuh tempat wisata yang bisa dikunjungi. Penasaran? Berikut 7 rekomendasi tempat wisata terbaik di Indonesia:
1. Candi Borobudur, Jawa Tengah
| Lokasi | Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah (Cek di Google Maps) |
| Jam buka | Setiap hari, 06.30-16.30 |
| Harga tiket masuk (HTM) | Umum (10 tahun ke atas): Rp50.000/orang Anak-anak (3-10 tahun): Rp25.000/orang Rombongan pelajar: Rp20.000 |
| Rating objek wisata | 4,7/5.0 86.742 ulasan Google |
Siapa yang tidak familier dengan objek wisata satu ini? Ya, tempat yang merupakan candi Buddha terbesar di dunia ini merupakan destinasi wisata sejarah yang sangat populer di kalangan wisatawan. Tak hanya di tanah air saja, nama Borobudur juga sangat populer di mancanegara. Tak heran jika ketika berkunjung ke sini, kamu akan menemukan banyak turis dari berbagai negara.
Candi Borobudur merupakan sebuah puzzle raksasa yang tersusun dari kurang lebih 2 juta balok batu vulkanik. Berbatuan itu kemudian dipahat sedemikian rupa sehingga bisa saling mengunci satu sama lain.
Salah satu yang menjadi daya tarik dari candi ini adalah reliefnya. Setidaknya, candi Borobudur memiliki 2.672 panel relief. Jika panel-panel tersebut disusun bisa mencapai panjang hingga 6 km. UNESCO sendiri sampai memberikan pujian relief Buddha di sini adalah yang terbesar dan paling lengkap di dunia. Dalam hal seni, relief ini sungguh tak tertandingi, setiap adegannya merupakan mahakarya yang utuh.
Kalau ingin mengikuti cerita d...
20:34
Hoi an definitely a tourist town "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
On both sides of me, young people were busy taking selfies and were totally engrossed in their mobile phones. They were with their friends, but also on their phones. Clearly, its a global phenomenon.
While the rest of the tour group went in search of a pedicure, I was eager to find a spot in a cafe, grab an iced coffee, and enjoy the ambiance. Read the rest Hoi an definitely a tourist town
20:30
10 Friday AM Reads "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
My end-of-week morning train WFH reads:
Wall Street Banks Are Using AI to Rewire the World of Finance: Lenders are experimenting with artificial intelligence. Not even Warren Buffett is sure what happens next. (Bloomberg)
The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Dennys: AI made Nvidia the worlds most valuable chip maker. So did three guys sipping diner coffee and planning to conquer markets that barely existed. (Wall Street Journal)
Is Apples weird headset the future? Apples new goggles arent for normals. Not yet, anyway. So why does Apple want to show them off? (Vox)
The rare license plates selling for millions: A simple lesson in Supply & Demand: If you thought luxury cars were a status symbol, wait until you hear about the market for heritage license plates. These are handmade, low-digit numeric license plates. Theyre increasing in popularity around the world, but especially in Australia. Over the past six years, the market has gone into overdrive. People are now paying millions. For a license plate. (Alts.co)
Why Youre Losing More to Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip: Gambling companies shift betting further in their favor, raising minimums at blackjack tables and tipping the odds in roulette. Innumeracy is expensive! (Wall Street Journal)
BuzzFeed and the Education of Ben Smith: What kind of business models support good, high-quality journalism? (Bloomberg)
Big Tech Isnt Prepared for A.I.s Next Chapter: Open source is changing everything. It also takes control away from large companies like Google and OpenAI. By providing access to the underlying code and encouraging collaboration, open-source in...
20:22
An insight into what a P.O.S. Dan Andrews really is. "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
3AW reports, A mans car registration is in jeopardy, after his personalised number plate DANOUT was deemed inappropriate by VicRoads. The 'inappropriate' personalised number plate which VicRoads wants recalled 3aw.com.au Is Andrews such a weasel that he cares about this? If the public service in Victoria so perverted that this...
20:09
Hanois famous egg coffee, with a difference. "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Although a few friends had recommended having a drink at the Metropole, our tour guide, Duc, suggested some other places to enjoy the sunset. Duc said the Metropole was a little expensive, so he pointed us in the direction of a few bars around a square in the middle of town. Read the rest Hanois famous egg coffee, with a difference.
19:01
18:55
It's hard to stop watching these rolling train crashes. "IndyWatch Feed National"
Thank you UnderMinder Underminder again!
18:39
Letter from The Cape Podcast Episode 8 "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Episode 8 for my Podcast Letter from The Cape is now available. In this episode we examine the veracity of the progressive call to Tax the Rich which proponents think will provide the government with more spending capacity to improve health and education services. We learn that there is no zero-sum game
18:31
18:07
Federal architect of Covid hoax Dr Brendan Murphy admits vaxx mandates are unjustified resigns on July 6 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Senator Roberts persistence and that of others finally paid off. Murphy resigned as Secretary of Health Stunning evidence to a parliamentary hearing late last night has seen Secretary of Australias Department of Health Professor Brendan Murphy admit that vaccine mandates are unjustified. The backflip comes after months of questioning over the efficacy of the vaccines []
18:03
Gay man who sucked a huge peen and ended up in the ER speaks out "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A gay man in the US who made headlines after he was hospitalised with a ruptured airway after giving oral sex to a hookup with a large penis has spoken out about the wild injury five years later. Warning: graphic In 2018, Fredy took a hospital bed photo and sent it to friends on Snapchat ...
The post Gay man who sucked a huge peen and ended up in the ER speaks out appeared first on QNews.
18:01
I dont like the beer "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
I bought ginger beer from the resort Im staying at. Im a Canadian and I cant stand sweet beer. I have 5 cans left for whoever wants them. Im staying at Big4. Bonus if you want to chill and drink with me, should you want these beers.
[link] [comments]
17:43
Whats this fruit? "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
 |
Plenty of these on my tree since January and they never got ripe.. hard as stone and disgusting.. birds seem to like em [link] [comments] |
17:10
America Has a Political Assassination Problem "IndyWatch Feed National"
Kevin Barrett The Unz Review May 27, 2023
Dr. Lucy Morgan Edwards has impeccable establishment credentials (Ph.D International Relations, Exeter; former political advisor to the EU Ambassador in Kabul). Shes calm, sensible, down-to-earth, and blessed with uncommonly good judgment. If the invaders and occupiers of Afghanistan had listened to her, things might have turned out differently. (See her book The Afghan Solution for details).
So why, her establishment ex-colleagues must wonder, does Dr. Morgan-Edwards suspect that Dr. Rashid Buttar, the famous COVID dissident physician, may have been assassinated? Does she really take seriously Dr. Buttars ravings about a COVID vaccine depopulation plot? What could have led her to wander so far off the reservation?
The answer, of course, is that Lucy Morgan-Edwards has experienced the extreme untrustworthiness of todays Western elites first-hand. Given the outrageous mendaciousness and utter corruption of the Western oligarchy and its propaganda-pumping mainstream media, the notion that a faction of Big Pharma biowarriors may have simultaneously developed COVID and mRNA vaccines for nefarious purposes is hardly implausible. Indeed, a fair bit of evidence points in that direction. And when one of the most prominent voices warning of such possibilities, Dr. Rashid Buttar, claimed he was poisoned during an appearance on CNN, and then dropped dead a few months later at age 57, you dont have to be paranoid to wonder whether they might have been out to get him.
It is an article of faith in mainstream media that only crazy people worry about politically suspicious deathsat least in the USA. If an enemy of Putin or Xi or Assad or the Iranian government or any other hostile regime dies suspiciously, we are supposed to automatically assume the worst. But as we all know, politically-motivated assassinations by insiders could never occur in America. Or as Frank Zappa memorably put it, It cant happen here.
How do we know that it cant happen here? Because the CIA told us so! In CIA Document 1035-960, Countering Criticism of the Warren Report, distributed in January 1967 to Agency moles illegally infiltrating the media, we learn that only crazy conspiracy theorists harbor suspicions about such events as the murder of President John F. Kennedy. And since only a conspiracy theorist would care that the CIA invented the wh...
17:04
Voir Dire, Part 6: Witness Tampering Killed My Friends Bro "IndyWatch Feed National"
(L) Martina Correia with Dublin nuns (C) the back of
the famous tee-shirt (R) Troy Davis (1968-2011)
by Mary W Maxwell, LLB
Everybody knows that the late Troy Anthony Davis was innocent. Here are two ways you could know it. First, a worldwide group of justice warriors took up his case and gathered two-thirds of a million signatures, requesting clemency. Among the requesters were Bishop Tutu, former president Jimmy Carter, and 3,000 clergypersons.
Clemency only means reduce his sentence form death to life imprisonment. There was no reason, no reason at all, for the 3 members of Georgias Pardon Bord to vote against the request. So that is Red Flag #1.
The other Red Flag is the fact that another man was suspected of having been the person who actually committed the crime. Even his cousin blames him. But the police, to this day, never charged that man or investigated him in any way. So it is obvious they did not want to solve the crime (the fatal shooting of security guard Mark McPhail).
The subject of this article is witness t...
16:54
Defamation trial from Ben Roberts-Smith dismissed "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This week marked the end of one of the longest
defamation cases launched by war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith against
three media outlets.
Justice Anthony
Besanko dismissed the case, saying The Age, The Sydney Morning
Herald and the Canberra Times and their journalists have a
contextual truth on their reporting.
Mr
Roberts-Smith didnt attend the hearing, and hasnt released any
statement yet.
Mr Roberts-Smith has resigned from his role from Seven West
Media.
Produced By: Eduardo Jordan
Featured In Story: David Rolph Professor of Law at the University of Sydney
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post Defamation trial from Ben Roberts-Smith dismissed appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Defamation trial from Ben Roberts-Smith dismissed "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This week marked the end of one of the longest
defamation cases launched by war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith against
three media outlets.
Justice Anthony
Besanko dismissed the case, saying The Age, The Sydney Morning
Herald and the Canberra Times and their journalists have a
contextual truth on their reporting.
Mr
Roberts-Smith didnt attend the hearing, and hasnt released any
statement yet.
Mr Roberts-Smith has resigned from his role from Seven West
Media.
Produced By: Eduardo Jordan
Featured In Story: David Rolph Professor of Law at the University of Sydney
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post Defamation trial from Ben Roberts-Smith dismissed appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
16:52
Australia indirectly funding fossil fuels with MDBs: report "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A new report from ActionAid Australia and
Jubilee Australia revealed Australia is indirectly investing in
fossil fuels through its aid program.
Australias
share of the fossil fuel financing is estimated up to 828 million
dollars through several multilateral development banks, such as the
World Bank.
The report released
recommendations Australia can do to demand these banks to reduce
its investments in these projects.
Produced By: Eduardo Jordan
Featured In Story: Michelle Higelin Executive Director of ActionAid Australia
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post Australia indirectly funding fossil fuels with MDBs: report appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Australia indirectly funding fossil fuels with MDBs: report "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A new report from ActionAid Australia and
Jubilee Australia revealed Australia is indirectly investing in
fossil fuels through its aid program.
Australias
share of the fossil fuel financing is estimated up to 828 million
dollars through several multilateral development banks, such as the
World Bank.
The report released
recommendations Australia can do to demand these banks to reduce
its investments in these projects.
Produced By: Eduardo Jordan
Featured In Story: Michelle Higelin Executive Director of ActionAid Australia
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post Australia indirectly funding fossil fuels with MDBs: report appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
16:52
World Haemochromatosis Week kicks off "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This week Haemochromatosis Week
kicked off, raising awareness about the most common genetic and
underdiagnosed condition in Australia.
Haemochromatosis is a condition of inherited iron overload,
causing symptoms such as chronic fatigue and joint
aches.
Image: Buildings in cities across Australia will turn red to raise awareness of haemochromatosis. Image supplied
Produced By: Eduardo Jordan
Featured In Story: Tony Moorhead Spokesperson from Haemochromatosis Australia
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post World Haemochromatosis Week kicks off appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
World Haemochromatosis Week kicks off "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This week Haemochromatosis Week
kicked off, raising awareness about the most common genetic and
underdiagnosed condition in Australia.
Haemochromatosis is a condition of inherited iron overload,
causing symptoms such as chronic fatigue and joint
aches.
Image: Buildings in cities across Australia will turn red to raise awareness of haemochromatosis. Image supplied
Produced By: Eduardo Jordan
Featured In Story: Tony Moorhead Spokesperson from Haemochromatosis Australia
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post World Haemochromatosis Week kicks off appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
16:51
Babies Welcome to Country an important event for First Nations families "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A First Nations organisation in Brisbane has
recently hosted a ceremony welcoming babies to country.
The aim of the ceremony is to celebrate the
newest members of the community, and to commit to teaching them to
be strong, prosperous, and proud.
The
organisation, Inala Wangarra, meaning One
People, provides culturally safe social, health and human services
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and their
families.
Inala Wangarra hosts the Babies
Welcome to Country once a year and the general public is welcome to
witness the ceremony.
Image: Mum-of-three, Jasmin Brooke with her youngest daughter at this years Babies Welcome to Country ceremony
Produced By: Netta Finney
Featured In Story: Jasmin Brooke Wakka Wakka mother; Inala Wangarra client, and Franny Lomaz Kamilaroi, South Sea Island and Arakwal woman; Womens Project Officer at Inala Wangarra
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post Babies Welcome to Country an important event for First Nations families appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Babies Welcome to Country an important event for First Nations families "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A First Nations organisation in Brisbane has
recently hosted a ceremony welcoming babies to country.
The aim of the ceremony is to celebrate the
newest members of the community, and to commit to teaching them to
be strong, prosperous, and proud.
The
organisation, Inala Wangarra, meaning One
People, provides culturally safe social, health and human services
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and their
families.
Inala Wangarra hosts the Babies
Welcome to Country once a year and the general public is welcome to
witness the ceremony.
Image: Mum-of-three, Jasmin Brooke with her youngest daughter at this years Babies Welcome to Country ceremony
Produced By: Netta Finney
Featured In Story: Jasmin Brooke Wakka Wakka mother; Inala Wangarra client, and Franny Lomaz Kamilaroi, South Sea Island and Arakwal woman; Womens Project Officer at Inala Wangarra
First aired on The Wire, Friday 2 June 2023
The post Babies Welcome to Country an important event for First Nations families appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
16:49
Grazeland is transforming into a snowy winter wonderland "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Melbournes most beloved culinary destinations Grazeland is going all out this winter, transforming the giant food precinct into a magnificent winter wonderland.
Embracing all the best parts of the winter season, every weekend from 23rd June until 30th July Grazeland will feature everything from a 10-metre snowman (Melbournes biggest!), neon lights, mulled wine by the fire and themed balloon displays from Lombard The Paper People, all while spoiling their tastebuds with cuisines from around the world.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
The ultimate cosy night out, Grazeland is offering Aussies the chance to catch a white Christmas in July with a snow machine for a night of wintery fun. After dancing under the snow, visitors can gather around the fire pits and enjoy a hearty meal from one of Grazelands 50 vendors, such as Raclette from Frencheese, famous dumplings from Lucky Little Dumplings & tasty German meatballs from Bratboy.
For the adults seeking something a little stronger, adults can enjoy a spice-infused Jam Shed mulled wine, plus grab a snow chair lift and snap a pic on top of a snowy mountain.
As well as roving performers, face painting and fun kid zones, visitors will also be treated to the sounds of live bands and interactive DJs.
Located in Spotswood, Grazeland is a foodies playground with the most diverse food offering in Melbourne, perfect for couples, families and groups of all size and age.
It all goes down at 20 Booker St, Spotswood from 23 June to 30 July.
The post Grazeland is transforming into a snowy winter wonderland appeared first on Forte Magazine.
16:22
Three Chaingrass poems "IndyWatch Feed National"
Three visual poems from Catherine Vidler's Chaingrass series.
The post Three Chaingrass poems appeared first on Overland literary journal.
16:19
National Integrity Summit 29-30 August 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Join Transparency International Australia for the National Integrity Summit 2023
Join Transparency International Australia as we bring together business, public sector and civil society at our third National Integrity Summit:
Partnerships for Integrity: An Australia Free from Corruption
On 29-30 August 2023, Australias leading anti-corruption and integrity experts will come together in Melbourne to discuss some of the most significant challenges facing Australia today and the opportunities that exist to work together for change.
Keynote speakers include:
- Nick McKenzie, Nine Media
- Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Hon. Dr Andrew Leigh
- Dr Helen Haines, MP
The Summit will feature conversation...
16:16
FBi Monthly Mixtape #013 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
I cant be the only one whos seriously been vibing with some music lately. In fact, I definitely am not; I checked with several FBi presenters, all of whom confirmed that the music has been especially good as of late. Let this all star lineup guide you through some of their favourite tracks from May in FBis Monthly Mixtape. Like what you hear? Tune in to each week for more.
Maleeka Gazula, host of Up for It! on Friday
Paris Texas Bullet Man
Paris Texas never miss for me. This new track from the always unpredictable duo is literally guns blazing. A song all about shooting anything and everything, spat on a rocky, relentless beat its undoubtedly going to get me fired up to do whatever layperson tasks Im getting up to in the day.
Snowy Sorry I Missed You
This single built all the necessary anticipation for Lipreader, the full-length album by Liam Snowy Halliwell. Soft and warm vocals with a melody that is bright yet so gloomy in the most beautiful way possible. It feels like a hug when youve had a bad day.
Eyedress Escape from the Killer 1994
Eyedress is the indie punk of my dreams, hes perfected a nostalgic emo groove moment with Escape from the Killer 1994. He released two versions of the same song that imagine it in different eras. I personally vibe t...
16:14
Wildfire Craft BBQ is teaming up with Big Dons Smoked Meats for an epic Texas barbecue collab in Geelong "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Over the past few years, Wildfire Craft BBQ has been devoted to churning out the best all-American, slow-cooked, tangy barbecue goodness Geelong has ever seen.
From pop-ups and running a business from their Armstrong Creek garage with a backyard smoker to opening a dedicated Texas-style barbecue restaurant in Newcomb with a large offset smoker fuelled by locally sourced sugar gum and blue gum, barbecue royalty Geelong born-and-bred Casey Hildebrand and his partner Eliza continue to impress, earning a reputation now for arguably the best barbecue in Geelong.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Now Wildfire Craft BBQ is continuing to push the envelope for Texas Barbecue in Geelong, joining forces with brisket god Donovan Macdonald, the legend behind Perths Big Dons Smoked Meats.
View this post on Instagram...
16:14
Julian Assange: the plot thickens "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
The FBI has reopened its case against Wikileaks founder and Australian journalist Julian Assange, the SMH reports, after agents tried to interview his ghostwriter, Andrew OHagan, in London.
OHagan refused to talk to them because he would never give a statement against a fellow journalist being pursued for telling the truth. Badass, particularly as OHagan isnt exactly fond of Assange as a person, as he famously wrote in the London Review of Books.
Anyway, Assanges lawyer, Stephen Kenny, was taken by surprise by the news he says its been years since the indictment was issued, and he didnt realise there was an investigation under way. What if theyre gathering evidence to clear Assanges name, considering there are growing rumours the Albanese government is working on it, as The New Dailys reporting indicates? Its not impossible, Kenny says, but it would be very unusual if the FBI was trying to help him.
16:06
Listen to Jake Shears and Kylie Minogues new disco track Voices "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Scissor Sisters hunk Jake Shears has unveiled a new collaboration with Kylie Minogue, one of the tracks on his new solo album. The out rockers new album Last Man Dancing came out today, and Kylie has guest vocals on the track Voices (below). Jake explained Last Man Dancing is inspired by all the over-the-top house ...
The post Listen to Jake Shears and Kylie Minogues new disco track Voices appeared first on QNews.
16:04
Crooked company Price Waterhouse Cooper STILL HAS ACCESS TO THE DEFENCE SECRET NETWORK "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Greens Senator David Shoebridge likened PwC advising the Government to Dracula at the blood bank after it was discovered that PwC also still has access to the Defence Secret Network.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge likened PwC advising the Government to Dracula at the blood bank after it was discovered that PwC also still has access to the Defence Secret Network.
The PwC disaster Neoliberalism on steroids
Independent Australia By Michelle Pini | 1 June 2023
Australians are tired of neoliberalism. We are sick of that much talked about...
16:02
$528 Billion nuclear clean-up at Hanford Site in jeopardy "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
The government now appears to be seriously considering whether it will be necessary to leave thousands of gallons of leftover waste buried forever in Hanfords shallow underground tanks, according to some of those familiar with the negotiations, and protect some of the waste not in impenetrable glass, but in a concrete grout casing that would almost certainly decay thousands of years before the toxic materials that it is designed to hold at bay.
At site after site, the solution has come down to a choice between an expensive, decades-long cleanup or quicker action that leaves a large amount of waste in place.
A Poisonous Cold War Legacy That Defies a Solution
NYT, By Ralph Vartabedian, Reporting from Richland, Wash., May 31, 2023
From 1950 to 1990, the U.S. Energy Department produced an average of four nuclear bombs every day, turning them out of hastily built factories with few environmental safeguards that left behind a vast legacy of toxic radioactive waste.
Nowhere were the problems greater than at the Hanford Site in Washington State, where engineers sent to clean up the mess after the Cold War discovered 54 million gallons of highly radioactive sludge left from producing the plutonium in Americas atomic bombs, including the one dropped on the Japanese city of Nagasaki in 1945.
Cleaning out the underground tanks that were leaching poisonous waste toward the Columbia River just six miles away and somehow stabilizing it for permanent disposal presented one of the most complex chemical problems ever encountered. Engineers thought they had solved it years ago with an elaborate plan to pump out the sludge, embed it in glass and deposit it deep in the mountains of the Nevada desert.
But construction of a five-story, 137,000 square-foot chemical treatment plant for the task was halted in 2012 after an expenditure of $4 billion when it was found to be riddled with safety defects. The naked superstructure of the plant has stood in mothballs for 11 years, a potent symbol of the nations failure, nearly 80 years after the Second World War, to deal decisively with the atomic eras deadliest legacy.
The cleanup at Hanford is now at an inflection point. The Energy Department has been in closed-door negotiations with state officials and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, trying to revamp the plan. But many fear the most likely compromises, which could be announced in the coming months, will put the speed and quality of the cleanup at risk.
The gove...
Defence reveals seven new PwC contracts worth $6m after tax scandal broke "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Crikey, ANTON NILSSON MAY 31, 2023
The Defence Department has reported seven contracts with PwC, worth a total of nearly $6 million, since the firms tax scandal broke, Crikey can reveal.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge told Crikey that Parliamentary Library research showed the single contract worth the most money $4.6 million for management advisory services started on February 1.
Thats just over a week after the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) issued a media release revealing PwCs former tax partner Peter-John Collins had been deregistered as a tax agent over integrity breaches
Crikey can reveal the Defence Department entered
into the following contracts with PwC after January 23:.
In total, the Defence Department has 54 contracts with PwC, also
known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, worth a total of $223,299,943, the
departments Associate Secretary Matt Yan...
16:00
Government action urgently needed as housing crisis escalates "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
With Australia's housing crisis growing, there is a dire need for an economic solution that will rectify the situation in the long term, writes Dr Klaas Woldring.
THERE IS A concerningly low level of public ownership of housing in Australia, as well as an enormous shortage of affordable rented accommodation. The free market has failed housing.
In a country that has high levels of immigration, currently reaching even as high as 400,000 per annum, the availability of plenty of suitable publicly owned housing for rent is an absolute necessity. Currently, at least 10% of all privately owned housing stands empty, some partly used by Airbnb. Much of this can and ought to be used for renting to those who need it.
The serious housing problem that has emerged in Australia needs urgent as well as long-term solutions. The new NSW ALP Premier, Chris Minns, may be on the right track when he says it is not too late to fix the housing debacle. But is his solution the right answer or only part of it? Certainly, this is also a federal (national) issue as a recent Senate debate made very clear.
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI, Melbourne) has issued a number of relevant research reports on this issue.
Some explanatory definitions of relevant terms provide assistance here, especially the concepts of social housing as contrasted with public housing:
- public housing, which is owned and managed by state and terr...
Plan to release Fukushima nuclear plant water into sea faces local opposition: The sea is not a garbage dump "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
CBS BY ELIZABETH PALMER, MAY 31, 2023
Japans government is asking for international backup as it prepares to release thousands of gallons of water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. The plan has alarmed the public and outraged fishermen even as the international energy agency looks inclined to back it.
.The plant sits in what was a lush coastal part of Japan, famous for its seafood and delicious fruit. Today, theres still no-go area around the power station where fields lie fallow and homes sit abandoned.
Inside a high security fence studded with warning signs, engineers are still working to remove radioactive fuel rods that melted inside the reactors. Theyll be at it for decades.
Another problem is piling up in hundreds of metal tanks on the site: they contain more than a million tons of contaminated water.
.. Piping water into the sea is an outrage, said Haruo Ono, who has been fishing the ocean off the coast of Fukushima all his life.
The sea is not a garbage dump, he said. The company says its safe, but the consequences could catch up with us 50 years down the road.
..Haruo Ono, the fisherman, said the science is not the issue.
People dont understand it, he said. Mothers wont choose Fukushima fish knowing its been swimming in radioactive water. Even if the experts say its safe.
Under current rules, he can only take his fishing vessels out to sea a day or two a week, when he gets the OK from the government.
This is the end of my livelihood, he said.
. The Fukushima nuclear plant wont be safely decommissioned for years to come. So far taxpayers have paid $90 billion to clean it up. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fukushima-nuclear-plant-water-plan-release-into-sea-fear-controversy/
Government action urgently needed as housing crisis escalates "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
With Australia's housing crisis growing, there is a dire need for an economic solution that will rectify the situation in the long term, writes Dr Klaas Woldring.
THERE IS A concerningly low level of public ownership of housing in Australia, as well as an enormous shortage of affordable rented accommodation. The free market has failed housing.
In a country that has high levels of immigration, currently reaching even as high as 400,000 per annum, the availability of plenty of suitable publicly owned housing for rent is an absolute necessity. Currently, at least 10% of all privately owned housing stands empty, some partly used by Airbnb. Much of this can and ought to be used for renting to those who need it.
The serious housing problem that has emerged in Australia needs urgent as well as long-term solutions. The new NSW ALP Premier, Chris Minns, may be on the right track when he says it is not too late to fix the housing debacle. But is his solution the right answer or only part of it? Certainly, this is also a federal (national) issue as a recent Senate debate made very clear.
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI, Melbourne) has issued a number of relevant research reports on this issue.
Some explanatory definitions of relevant terms provide assistance here, especially the concepts of social housing as contrasted with public housing:
- public housing, which is owned and managed by state and terr...
15:50
Unleash Your Inner Maverick: Expressive Jewelry for Men 2023 Guide "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Jewelry for men is a sure way to express yourself and stand out from the crowd. This unique collection of jewelry pieces ... Read more
15:31
Independent Artist of the Week: Elle Shimada "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Elle Shimadas latest single ABOUT BLANK ____ is like a 3D printed heart on fire, blistering with bass, polished in plastic and bleeding like a screeching violin. Midway through the track the pulse increases as a thumping drum and bass beat surfaces. Elle chants You dont care care care care care care care as guest vocalist Rara Zulu raps in urgent falsetto; the high drama of artificial cell division.
FBis Independent Artist of the Week this week, the Naarm-Melbourne-based producer, DJ, and vocalist Elle Shimada spoke to Kate Saap on Up for It! about the process behind her latest single.
Elle Shimadas first instrument was a tape recorder, gifted to her by her father. A seven-year-old in the field in Tokyo, Elle recorded the rain, recorded her mother cooking, recorded the tv Over the top she sang layers of vocals, and added percussion with kitchen utensils.
I feel like that tape recorder had a significant effect on me and is probably the reason why I ended up becoming a DJ and a producer.
Years later this multi-sourced, mixed-textured approach bleeds through into Elles work. Her latest single, ABOUT BLANK ____ featuring Rara Zulu carries an electronic yet distinctly organic sound, mixing regal strings with stuttering bass and hits of percussion that scuttle across the track.
The music feels like a movie, that song, for me. Each section and each element of the song is really dense and its also quite chaotic I dont really know how I made it.
&nb...
15:26
15:13
Wallington celebrates reconciliation "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Wallington Primary School is paying its respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with a week of culturally inspired activities.
The Geelong Independent visited the school on Wednesday, May 31, to see the many activities, including cultural painting, that the students were doing to celebrate Reconciliation Week.
Teacher Jason Vaught said his prep class started the day with a yarn about friendships and that every student at the school does a First Nations class.
Every week they come to class and do a yarn circle at the start where well talk about how to help build relationships, he said.
Then we had our dreamtime story, which had a bit of a message at the end, and then we were doing the movement of animals.
It is about the culture, a close connection to the land, and the students building their own personal connections.
Mr Vaught said it was important to teach kids about the First Nations history and help them learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The year five and sixes previously did a big unit on coal burning, learning about how it works and how theyre good for nature, he said.
They also learned about the Bunyip, a mythical creature and a warning not to go near water holes.
The idea is to also get people from First Nations to come in and help, particularly with art as theyre the ones that teach the art.
Wallington Primary School will also hold an open afternoon on Thursday, June 15, for prospective prep-grade enrolments.
Attendees can participate in activities, a story time, and meet principal Gavin Nelson. Call the school on 5250 1841 for any questions or for enrolments.
The post Wallington celebrates reconciliation appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
15:00
Students showcase musical talents "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Queenscliffe Literary Festival (QLF) has celebrated the achievements of Borough students with a musical performance.
The Queenscliff Town Hall hosted grade five and six students across the Borough involved in the QLF Schools program, Mayor Isabelle Tolhurst, and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant on May 26.
Committee member Linden McCormack said the event allowed Point Lonsdale, Saint Aloysius and Queenscliff Primary School students to showcase their work.
This program involves not only their cognitive thinking, but their physical and musical talents. Its all encompassing, she said.
This is theirs. This day, they own it, and thats the message weve been trying to get through to the children during the workshop times that this is their programme. Grab it and run with it.
Ms McCormack said the really fantastic program included full-day songwriting workshops where students learnt about song composition, stagecraft, instrumentation and performance.
Its been an absolutely amazing experience for our local students to have this opportunity, she said.
They have been exposed to the songwriting process, working collaboratively together with the artists, being able to explore and use instruments.
While it looks fun, the kids have actually been working really hard each day to manage this whole process.
Ms McCormack said the program had been truly wonderful and provided the students with future musical opportunities.
This experience is just opening up new doors for them, she said.
Its been really good to see our younger students looking at the older students and realising that this is something they can do in the future when theyre at secondary school.
Pre-school, foundation, year two, three and four students also participated in this years QLF School Program, where they undertook workshops to develop their literacy and numeracy skills.
The post Students showcase musical talents appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
14:09
WOKE = Director Using Other Peoples Money for Personal Beliefs "IndyWatch Feed National"
COMMENT: Mr. Armstrong; reading your piece on the unconstitutionality of this Woke Agenda, I must say as a legal expert that you are very accomplished in the law. You would have made one heck of a lawyer.
WY
ANSWER: Thank you. I think we could take it one step further. You might want to consider a class action against the boards of directors PERSONALLY. This is no different than taking other peoples money for personal use. If they put their home gardening on the books and had the company pay those personal expenses on the side, that would be theft. Here they are also violating their fiduciary duty as a board member and using company money to further their own PERSONAL political agenda.
So while hiring people less qualified to fill spots to be able to check a box violates that persons civil rights by engaging now in reverse discrimination, there is also a claim against the directors for using other peoples money for their personal political beliefs. A lawsuit should be brought against them to compel them to refund all the money they have spent on this WOKE agenda.
What if a board suddenly converts to some religion and decides to hand 10% of all profits to that church? Wouldnt that violate their Fiduciary Duty? Where is the SEC when they really should be defending shareholders? There should be a Congressional hearing calling in these people from the SEC. Are they protecting corporate officers like the FBI is protecting Biden?
Write to your Congressman and demand an investigation into the SEC.
...
14:02
Poilievre Reminds Trudeau of His School Sex Scandal "IndyWatch Feed National"
Pierre Poilievre may have momentarily humbled Justin Trudeau after knocking him off his high horse. Poilievre demanded answers regarding inflation in Canada, specifically the growing costs of groceries. Trudeau wants to increase the carbon tax by over C$0.40 cents per liter to C$0.61 cents, guaranteed to increase the costs of essential items at a time when Canadians are already struggling with the increased cost of goods.
Justin Trudeau stated that he began his career as a teacher before entering politics as if he were in tune with the average Canadian citizen and not a nepotism baby with no real qualifications. Poilievre reminded Trudeau that he was clearly not a math teacher and then took it a step further by reminding Trudeau that he was forced to leave his teaching position in the middle of the semester. I am having trouble remembering why, Poilievre stated, receiving a roaring applause.
All Canadians know the scandal. In 2001, the West Point Grey Academy fired Trudeau after he was accused of having numerous relationships with students and potentially a students mother. Trudeau had deep connections due to his last name and was able to conceal the story, claiming he left mid-semester to take up a different career path. They claim there is no evidence against Trudeau, but would anyone want to be in the national spotlight and have their name dragged through the mud? Trudeau groomed his students and then received grooming by Klaus Schwab to become a Young Leader of the WEF. Now this man walks around telling other nations about ethics and morals.
The post Poilievre Reminds Trudeau of His School Sex Scandal first appeared on Armstrong Economics.14:02
Minns Hangs Pork Barrelling Window Dressing, as Boyd Says the Public Wants Real Reform "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
NSW has a fine tradition of pork barrelling, which is the preferential distribution of public money to government-held electorates or marginal seats, despite the fact that most of the public considers the practice corruption. And the ministers of the previous...
The post Minns Hangs Pork Barrelling Window Dressing, as Boyd Says the Public Wants Real Reform appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
13:46
Take a stroll with the best non-nature walks in regional Victoria "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
While the weather starts to cool down in all corners of Australia, walking around for a few hours in nature doesnt really sound like something were all clamouring to do. Luckily for us, theres a bevy of walks in other sections of regional towns, today were looking at the best walks in urban areas, in city centres and behind closed doors.
Theres everything from a walk around some mosaic art pieces to a walk featuring heritage-listed buildings, all featuring in some of our nicest regional suburbs, lets dive in.
Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.
Ballarat Heritage Walk
The regional mecca of Ballarat gives Melbourne a run for its money with its bustling nightlife, popular small businesses, and friendly faces. One of the towns most popular walks takes you around a selection of Ballarats nicest heritage landmarks, including the Town Hall, Mechanics Institute, Her Majestys Theatre, and the Edwardian TMCA building, among much more. This walk starts at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre, and outlines Sturt St, Lydiard St, and Camp St, finishing back at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre.
The Norman Lane Heritage Walk
Melbourne isnt the only suburb full of history, Geelong also has a rich background, many interesting people hail from the town, one of which is celebrated in this walk. Norman Lane was a Private with the AIF Army Service Corps. This walk covers around 1.7kms / 25 minutes, and follows streets that have army ties, the walking kicking off with Forster St, named after Baron Forster, the former Governor General of Australia.
The Corio Welcome Walk
Continuing the walks in Geelong, the Corio Welcome Walk is ideal for those who arent that familiar with the town, introducing them to the highlights and must-visit spots. This walk was created by former students at the Northern Bay College, and kicks off at the Corio Shopping Centre, before hitting spots such as the Medical Centre, Library, Waterworld, and the Shell Club, among much more. The walk covers around 4.5kms, and will take you around an hour.
Heritage Walk Warrnambool
When it comes to regional Victoria, you can be sure that theres a great deal of influence from history and c...
13:33
DZ Deathrays unveil new album R.I.F.F. and announce national album tour "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
DZ Deathrays today reveal their game-changing sixth studio album R.I.F.F. out via DZ Worldwide alongside the news of their national album tour for July September, with a series of major city and regional performances supported by Press Club and dust.
Kicking off in Port Macquarie in July, the band will head across the country, hitting the likes of Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Frankston, Townsville and Melbourne, among others, before finishing up in Sydney in September.
Locally youll be able to catch one of the countrys most essential live acts at the Torquay Hotel on 18 August and at Volta in Ballarat on 31 August 2023.
DZ Deathrays R.I.F.F. 2023 Australian Tour
Fri 28 Jul Finnians Guruk / Port
Macquarie
Sat 29 Jul Newcastle Hotel Awabakal Land /
Newcastle
Thu 3 Aug Lions Art Factory
tarndanya / Adelaide
Fri 4 Aug The River Wooditup / Margaret River
Sat 5 Aug Rosemount Hotel Boorloo / Perth
Fri 11 Aug Vinnies Dive Ngarang-wal Land / Gold Coast
Sat 12 Aug Princess Theatre Meanjin / Brisbane
Sun 13 Aug Solbar Murukutchi-dha / Maroochydore
Thu 17 Aug Sooki Lounge Wurundjeri Land / Belgrave
Fri 18 Aug Torquay Hotel Wadawurrung Land / Torquay
Sat 19 Aug Pelly Bar Bunurong Land / Frankston
Thu 24 Aug Seabreeze Hotel Yuwibara Land / Mackay
Fri 25 Aug The Warehouse Bindal and Wulgurukaba Land
/ Townsville
Sat 26 Aug Edge Hill Tavern Gimuy / Cairns
Thu 31 Aug Volta Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Land
/ Ballarat
Fri 1 Sep Corner Hotel Naarm / Melbourne
Sat 2 Sep Haba Boonwurrung and Bunurong Land
/ Rye
Thu 14 Sep The Basement Ngunnawal Land / Canberra
Fri 15 Sep Unibar Dharawal Land / Wollongong
Sat 16 Sep Factory Theatre Eora / Sydney
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
R.I.F.F. is DZ Deathrays most experimental, enhanced and immediately resonant record yet, boasting a consistent finesse that stands...
13:30
The Kates new crime comedy Deadloch arrives on streaming "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Australian comedy duo Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney have gone behind the camera for their new feminist noir crime comedy series Deadloch on streaming. The eight-part series is a funny murder mystery set in a small Tasmanian town and it arrives on Amazons Prime Video today. The titular Tasmanian town, a once sleepy seaside hamlet, ...
The post The Kates new crime comedy Deadloch arrives on streaming appeared first on QNews.
13:21
Defence HQ that leaks against its soldiers, is now covering its arse. "IndyWatch Feed National"
The amazing irony of the Australian Defence Force upper commands trying to look like they care. They are the ones prosecuting and leaking against veterans giving the media the ability to report against returned soldiers in the first place. Defence HQ needs a hose out. From Campbell down. Subject: Request...
13:09
Melbourne! Im overwhelmed: Niall Horan announces new Rod Laver show "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Niall will be bringing The Show Live On Tour to Australia in April and May 2024 to celebrate the release of his upcoming third studio album, The Show. Presented by TEG Live and Nova Entertainment, the Australian shows will kick off on 28 April at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, before heading to Sydneys Qudos Bank Arena on 1 May and wrapping up in Melbourne with two huge shows at Rod Laver Arena on 3 and 4 May.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Melbourne! Im overwhelmed by all the love from you so far, so am adding a second date to The Show Live On Tour 2024 at Rod Laver Arena, Niall says, I have said it many times, but I do mean it when I say that the times I have spent down under are some of the best periods of my life
I have had amazing shows in Australia and New Zealand, and I cannot wait to be back in 2024. My favourite thing in the world is being on tour. Performing my songs for my fans and sharing those incredible moments together are the reason why I write music in the first place. This is going to be my best tour yet and I cannot wait to see all you lovers in 2024.
Originally from Mullingar, Ireland, Horan has sold over 80 million records and toured the globe multiple times as part of the iconic One Direction.
https://fortemag.com.au/niall-horan-is-bringing-the-show-live-on-tour-to-australia-in-2024/
His full-length solo debut Flicker entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 in October 2017 and contained the 8 x ARIA Platinum single Slow Hands and 4 x ARIA Platinum This Town.
The album hit the top 10 in 20 countries total and charted #2 on the Australian ARIA charts. With combined global streams surpassing eight billion, Flicker has gone Platinum in five countries (including the U.S.) and Gold in additional seven countries.
Heartbreak Weather followed in 2020 and topped the UKs Official Albums chart and Billboards Top Album Sales tally and came in at #2 on the ARIA charts.
The album The Show is set for release on Friday 9 June, and will feature the already released singles Heaven and Meltdown. Across Australia and New Zealand, both singles are soaring with over 6.8 million combined streams across all platforms.
General public tickets for all shows will go on sale at 10:00am (local time) Friday 2 June.
The post Melbourne! Im overwhelmed: Niall Horan announces new Rod Laver show appeared first on...
13:01
Councillors to face the music over libraries "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Five Geelong councillors will attend a community forum to hear the questions the public were not allowed to ask at last weeks council meeting regarding library services.
Mayor Trent Sullivan and Crs Melissa Cadwell, Eddy Kontelj, Jim Mason and Ron Nelson will engage with the community on Saturday, June 3 at 10am at the public event atGeelong West Town Hall.
At the May 23 council meeting the Mayor restricted question time to the allotted 45 minutes and responded with a blanket statement, leaving many of the specifics of the questions unanswered.
Save Geelong West Library spokesperson Angela Carr said the forum was a chance for the council to correct its mistake of silencing the community on the issue.
From our perspective, this behaviour by the council was disgraceful, and it looks like they probably panicked at the last moment, Ms Carr said.
So Saturdays meeting is basically offering council an opportunity to redeem themselves by facing the community that is so badly impacted by these appalling budget cuts.
It will be very interesting to hear what they have to say. They probably have some pre-orchestrated responses, but at least the community will have an opportunity to have their voices heard in the way we werent last week.
Brownbill Ward councillor Melissa Cadwell said she supported the communitys wishes to see libraries funded properly.
Im looking forward to speaking with the Geelong community on Saturday morning, but more importantly, Im looking forward to hearing what the community has to say, Cr Cadwell said.
I believe the community has sent a clear message that they want council to increase funding from the level set out in the current draft council 2023-24 budget.
I dont support the answering of questions in block form at council question time. If a resident has taken the time to come down to a council meeting, they should be able to ask their questions.
Further, council shouldnt pick and choose when it extends council question time, and when it pulls up at 45 minutes; council should be consistent in its approach. Im speaking on my own behalf, other councillors may have other views.
Mayor Sullivan said the councillors were looking forward to the opportunity to hear from the community.
Councillors will also participate in budget submissions review panel sessions next Tuesday and Wednesday night; during these sessions, everyone who made a submission and nominated that they would like to be heard in person, will have an opportunity to express their views to the panel, he said.
The City is continuing discussions with the GRLC about how they can operate all libraries in our region with the funding available, with fewer service impacts than what they are proposing.
Just as we are looking for ways to operate as efficiently as possible so that we ca...
12:58
Fun community connection for Japanese community "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The local Japanese community came together in early May at the Cavanbah center to celebrate Japanese Childrens Day.
12:52
UK Police Officer Stood Down for Pointing Taser at Elderly Woman "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
While the use of tasers by police officers comes under public scrutiny in New South Wales with several confirmed incidents of mentally ill persons being fatally wounded as a result of being tasered, a 95-year old woman being fatally...
The post UK Police Officer Stood Down for Pointing Taser at Elderly Woman appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
12:51
Arrogant BBC presenter put down by ANC head Cyril Ramaphosa over Russia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Look at how the journalist thinks hes owed something and is in charge with the way he uses his fingers only to discover his spin doctoring chat was foiled by the barrage of factual information from his guest. The African National Council Cyril Ramaphosa showed incredible patience in the studio with this arrogant BBC pleb []
12:49
Betrayal: Labor roasted for backtracking on LGBTQIA+ commitments "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Labor has been criticised over a proposal to significantly cut back their party platforms pre-election commitments on LGBTIQA+ issues. The Australian Labor Party put out its draft 2023 National Platform for consultation this week. The new draft removes a commitment from Labors previous 2021 platform to strengthen laws and expand initiatives against discrimination, vilification and ...
The post Betrayal: Labor roasted for backtracking on LGBTQIA+ commitments appeared first on QNews.
12:32
Sewing Machine Techniques For Beginners "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Modern sewing machines offer much more than simple straight seam binding they can help elevate garment quality through innovative techniques you learn on them and use to your advantage. Know more about embroidery machine for beginners.
Starting off is key for novice sewers, and this article focuses on some fundamental sewing machine techniques necessary for learning the ropes.
Stitching
Step one of sewing with a machine involves mastering different stitching techniques, such as straight and decorative stitches. Furthermore,
The post Sewing Machine Techniques For Beginners appeared first on Blue Stone Magazine.
12:25
Tragic death of two men in Yamba "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
NSW Police have today spoken to the media after the body of a man and a teenage boy were located inside a home at Yamba yesterday.
At about 1.10pm yesterday Thursday 1 June police were called to a property on Kookaburra Circuit, Yamba, after reports two bodies had been found.
The bodies of a 58-year-old man and 15-year-old boy were located inside the property, both suffering gunshot wounds.
While the investigation by officers from Coffs Clarence Police District is in its infancy, police dont believe a third party was involved with few details being released this tragedy appears to be a murdersuicide with a strong possibility that the older man held the weapon.
The post Tragic death of two men in Yamba appeared first on The Echo.
12:12
Ben Roberts-Smith: The Breaking of a Plaster Saint "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
It was an ugly case lasting five years with a host of ugly revelations. But what could be surprising about the murderous antics of a special arm of the military, in this case, the Australian Special Air Service Regiment, which was repeatedly deployed on missions in an open-ended war which eventually led to defeat and
The post Ben Roberts-Smith: The Breaking of a Plaster Saint appeared first on The AIM Network.
12:07
Expect saltwater on Ballina roads during king tides "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.
Where possible, motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists should avoid affected roadways. Salt water may affect maintenance of vehicle and bodywork.
The king tides will be occurring during the evenings from Saturday 3 June through to Wednesday 7 June 2023.
Roads likely to be affected by king tides and saltwater flooding include:
- Tamar Street, Ballina
- Riverside Drive, West Ballina
- River Street, West Ballina
- Burns Point Ferry Road, West Ballina
- North Creek Road, North Ballina
- Southern Cross Drive, North Ballina
- Uralba Road, Uralba
- Old Bangalow Road, Tintenbar
- Tamarind Dr, Cumbalum
For road information visit livetraffic.com or telephone Ballina Shire Council on 1300 864 444.
The post...
12:00
My part in Elon Musks horrifying and tragic Everest catastrophe (Chapter One) "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Chapter One
THE INFILTRATION
Infiltrating Elon Musks Everest caravanserai was not the most difficult assignment I had confronted, even back in those early days.
Back then, in the mid-1990s, I was still just a greenhorn freelance reporter, struggling to establish myself in the cut-throat world of investigative journalism. It was a different world back then, where careers were made and broken by how effectively reporters could insinuate themselves into the rarefied worlds of the rich and the megarich, and post damaging photos of them in the nude and the semi-nude.
It wasnt always a pretty job, but the public does have a right to know what Samantha Foxs boobs are up to on holiday in Majorca. And as Id already had a taste of the limelight with the David Bowie toilet brush scoop, I felt reasonably confident of my chances of success. I ran the idea past the legendary hardboiled editor of the Maley Dale, Eggs Benedict (just before he was poached by The Times) and set out for Kathmandu. I was only 24 at the time, full of high hopes, anticipation and boundless sexual tension.
I recall little of Kathmandu, though this is not a pejorative of that great city. But simply so focused was I on the task in front of me: infiltrating Elon Musks travelling party in his, as we were later to discover, ultimately ill-fated quest to scale the Spine of the World, Mount Everest.
As a struggling freelance journalist, I had little money to waste on frippery and excess. And so, after a long and gruelling flight from London, and several stopovers, I installed myself at a small hostelry barely more luxurious than the ubiquitous backpackers dives frequented by mostly New Zealanders and other vowel-abusing riffraff.
It was late morning when eventually I reached my lodgings. Despite being young, fit and remarkably handsome, I recall an agonising bone-weary tiredness and ennui, stemming from jetlag and, as I even then knew all too well, its inevitable and relentless partner, an energy-sapping concomitant longing for illicit sex and opium.
But there was no time to either dilly dally or shillyshally. I set to work with almost overly precipitate haste, rapidly donning my standard...
11:54
Warming winter for Tweed Shires homeless "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Its no secret that the Far North Coast has some of the highest homelessness figures in the country and Dharma Care is determined to reduce those figures as the days get colder.
Dharma Care, which is an Australian charity dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for the destitute and disadvantaged, is hosting a Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief Campaign to provide essential support and comfort to people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, in the Tweed Shire during the cold winter months.
11:54
10 Rekomendasi Wisata Terbaik di Jawa Barat (2023) "IndyWatch Feed National"
Berbicara mengenai tempat wisata di Jawa Barat sepertinya memang tidak ada habisnya. Ada banyak sekali destinasi menarik yang wajib dikunjungi yang rasanya akan butuh waktu panjang jika harus dibahas satu per satu.
Namun, kamu tidak perlu khawatir karena di sini, kami akan merangkumkan 10 tempat wisata terbaik yang ada di Jawa Barat supaya tidak bingung. Tertarik? Berikut 10 rekomendasi tempat wisata terbaik di Jawa Barat:
1. Pantai Santolo, Garut
| Lokasi | Pamalayan, Kec. Cikelet, Kabupaten Garut, Jawa Barat (Cek di Google Maps) |
| Jam buka | Setiap hari, 24 jam |
| Harga tiket masuk (HTM) | Rp3.000/orang |
| Rating objek wisata | 4,3/5.0 10.669 ulasan Google |
Ingin berlibur ke pantai pasir putih di Jawa Barat? Datang saja ke Pantai Santolo yang berada di bagian selatan Garut, tepatnya di Pamalayan, Kecamatan Cikelet, Kabupaten Garut. Di tempat yang memiliki garis pantai panjang ini, kamu bisa menemukan sebuah pulau kecil bernama Santolo.
Pulau ini bisa dikunjungi wisatawan, lho. Kalau ingin ke sana, kamu bisa menyewa perahu nelayan. Sebenarnya ada jembatan yang menghubungkan pantai ke pulau ini, tetapi sayangnya kondisinya sudah tidak layak dan berbahaya jika digunakan.
Ada satu hal yang unik dari Pantai Santolo ini. Ketika air laut sedang pasang, air akan mengalir menuju ke sungai. Padahal biasanya air sungai yang mengalir ke laut, ya. Bukan mistis atau bagaimana, fenomena alam ini wajar terjadi karena posisi hilir sungai lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan bibir pantai.
Pantai ini sangat populer di kalangan wisatawan. Buktinya, saat hari libur, Pantai Santolo selalu ramai pengunjung. Ada banyak faktor mengapa pantai ini jadi favorit, selain karena harga tiket masuknya yang terjangkau, pesona Pantai Santolo juga tidak bisa diabaikan begi...
11:53
CIVIC are heading to Torquay this July as part of regional Australian tour "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Melbournes CIVIC have gone from strength to strength since the release of this years visceral new full-length studio album Taken By Force an album the band aptly sums up as 1984 meets Endless Summer which earned massive critical acclaim including a 4-star album review in MOJO and feature records from 3RRR and PBS Radio.
To follow their sold-out UK & European tour, the band have now announced a regional Australian tour this July/August before they head off for their first-ever US tour through October. Theyll kick off with a local show in Torquay in July before heading to Wollongong, Canberra, Newcastle, Hobart, Maroochydore and the Gold Coast before finishing up in Byron Bay in August.
CIVIC Regional Australian Tour
Fri 28 Jul Torquay Hotel, Torquay, VIC
Thu 03 Aug La La Las, Wollongong, NSW
Fri 04 Aug Sideway, Canberra, ACT
Sat 05 Aug Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
Sat 12 Aug Altar, Hobart, TAS
Fri 18 Aug Solbar, Maroochydore, QLD
Sat 19 Aug Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast, QLD
Sun 20 Aug The Northern, Byron Bay, NSW
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
View this post on Instagram...
11:52
Ben Roberts-Smith: The Breaking of a Plaster Saint "IndyWatch Feed National"
It was an ugly case lasting five years with a host of ugly revelations. But what could be surprising about the murderous antics of a special arm of the military, in this case, the Australian Special Air Service Regiment, which was repeatedly deployed on missions in an open-ended war which eventually led to defeat and withdrawal?
Ben Roberts-Smith was meant to be a poster boy of the regiment, the muscular noble representative who served in Afghanistan, a war with sketchy justifications. Along the way, he became Australias most decorated soldier, raking in the Medal of Gallantry in 2006, the Victoria Cross in 2010, and a Commendation for Distinguished Services for outstanding leadership in over 50 high-risk operations in 2012. He came to be lionised in the popular press, even being named Father of the Year in 2013.
A number of his colleagues, keen to take him down a peg or two, saw through the sheen. As did journalists at The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Canberra Times. The deployments by the special forces to Afghanistan had not, as the narrative would have it, been paved with heroic engagements of military valour. Roberts-Smith, it seemed, was less plaster saint than ruthless executioner and bully.
Some of the transgressions reported on by the papers were very much of the same type investigated by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. The findings were eventually made available in the stomach churning Brereton Report, released in 2020.
But even prior to that, a
2016 report by sociologist Samantha Crompvoets, commissioned by
the Special Operations Commander of Australia (SOCAUST), noted body
count competitions and the use of the Joint Priority Effects List
(JPEL) among special force personnel sent to Afghanistan. The JPEL
became what effectively amounted to a sanctioned kill list.
Unsurprisingly, the numbers that were put forth were cooked, often
featuring the gratuitous torture and killing of unarmed
villagers.
Roberts-Smith, incensed by the reporting, commenced defamation proceedings against the three papers in question, and the journalists Nick McKenzie, Chris Masters and David Wroe. The use of such a civil weapon is often odious, a measure designed to intimidate scribblers and reporters from publishing material that might enlighten. While the defamation laws have been mildly improved since the trials commencement, featuring a public interest defence, the publishers here could only really avail themselves of t...
11:22
SAVE ATLAS Campaign "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
About Friends of ATLAS Back in 2014 at the start of spring in the Blue Mountains (Australia), Katoomba residents Maureen and Peter Toy from their home at 57 Megalong Street observed a man inspecting this magnificent tree on the verge out front. They approached the man, who then told them that he []
The post SAVE ATLAS Campaign appeared first on The Habitat Advocate.
11:12
Teenage Dads announce 30-date Australian headline tour for 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
<p><p><p>Currently on the road taking their
electric live show across the UK, Ireland & Europe, Melbournes
Teenage Dads are back with a science fiction-inspired new single
Speedracer, and have announced a mammoth 30-stop national headline
tour across Australia & New Zealand over August September of
this year playing to their biggest venues to date.</p>
<p>Locally youll be able to catch the rising band at Tonic
Bar in Bendigo on 31 August, Torquay Hotel on 2 September, Theatre
Royal in Castlemaine on 7 October and Volta in Ballarat on 20
October.</p> <h3>Teenage Dads Headline Tour</h3>
<p>Thur 10 Aug Beer Deluxe, Albury<br> Fri 11 Aug
Shoalhaven Bowls & Rec Club, Shoalhaven
Sat 12 Aug Kambri, Canberra<br> Wed 16 Aug The Station,
Jindabyne<br> Thur 17 Aug Main Hall, Uni of
Wollongong<br> Fri 18 Aug Liberty Hall, Sydney*<br> Fri
25 Aug Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston<br> Sat 26 Aug Altar,
Hobart<br> Thu 31 Aug Tonic Bar, Bendigo<br> Fri 1 Sept
170 Russell, Melbourne<br> Sat 2 Sept 170 Russell, Melbourne^
(Early Show)<br> Sat 2 Sept Torquay Hotel, Torquay<br>
Thur 7 Sept Froth Craft Brewery, Bunbury<br> Fri 8 Sept The
River, Margaret River<br> Sat 9 Sept Freo Social, Fremantle
Early U18<br> Sat 9 Sept Freo Social, Fremantle Late
18+<br> Thur 14 Sept Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay<br> Fri 15
Sept Otherwise, Townsville<br> Sat 16 Sept Edge Hill Tavern,
Cairns<br> Thur 21 Sept Sol Bar, Maroochydore<br> Fri
22 Sept Burleigh Bazaar, Burleigh<br> Sat 23 Sept The
Triffid, Brisbane*<br> Thur 28 Sept Hoey Moey, Coffs
Harbour<br> Fri 29 Sept Finnians, Port Macquarie<br>
Fri 6 Oct Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide*<br> Sat 7 Oct Theatre
Royal, Castlemaine<br> Fri 13 Oct Drifters Wharf,
Gosford<br> Sat 14 Oct King St Bandroom, Newcastle<br>
Fri 20 Oct Volta, Ballarat<br> Thur 26 Oct Tuning Fork,
Auckland<br> Fri 27 Oct San Fran, Wellington<br> Sat 28
Oct The Loons, Lyttelton</p> <p
class="p1"><b><i>Keep up with the latest music news,
festivals, interviews and reviews </i></b><a
href= "https://fortemag.com.au/music/"><span class=
"s1"><b><i>here</i></b></span></a><b><i>.</i></b></p>
<p>Renowned for their high-energy, out-of-this-world live
show, this huge headline tour will be a very welcome homecoming
after a huge year playing shows across the UK, Europe and the US,
Jordy, Connor, Angus, and Vince have invited the very best local
talent to join them on the road including The Moving Stills, Death
by Denim, Mim Jensen (NZ), Aleksiah, Lola Scott and Betty Taylor
plus many more.</p> <p>Out now, the new single
Speedracer captures the essence of t...
11:02
Tems Announces Debut Australian Shows "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Acclaimed Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems will embark on her debut Australian tour this year.
Tems will perform at Sydneys Enmore Theatre on Tuesday, September 26th, followed by a show at Melbournes Forum on Tuesday, October 3rd (see full details below).
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, June 8th at 2pm AEST. The Frontier Members pre-sale begins on Wednesday, June 7th at 12pm AEST.
With a style that fuses, R&B, pop, afrobeats and soul, Tems career has been quickly on the rise in recent years. Shes worked with Drake, Future, Wizkid and many more global superstars, and she also appeared on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
Her collaboration with Future, Wait for U, earned the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance earlier this year.
One of the African diasporas most intriguing artists, Rolling Stone recently said about Tems. Shes a star, and every single makes this fact more clear, Pitchfork hailed.
While Down Under, Tems will also appear at Promiseland 2023, Australias first festival devoted to the sounds of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Reggae, and R&B.
Following a sell-out edition last year, Promiseland is returning in 2023 at Doug Jennings Park in the Gold Coast on the weekend of Saturday, September 30th-Sunday. October 1st.
Over a whopping 50 artists have been unveiled for Promiseland 2023, led by none other than Ms. Lauryn Hill herself. On her first visit to Australia in over four years, the hip hop and R&B legend will celebrate the 25th anniversary of her seminal solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Tems, acclaimed Kiwi acts L.A.B and Stan Walker and many more will also perform. Two special mystery guests are also set to be revealed soon.
11:00
Guide for Brisbane City launched "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
There will be five elections held in 2024 that I am planning to profile in depth. Ive now finished my first of those five guides.
Queenslands local government elections will be held in March 2024. The City of Brisbane is of particular interest. Its the most populous council in Australia, and takes on some responsibilities that are elsewhere managed by state governments.
Brisbanes council consists of 26 single-member wards, along with a directly elected lord mayor.
The Liberal National Party has held the lord mayoralty continuously since Campbell Newman won the office in 2004, and won a majority on the council in 2008. Adrian Schrinner is the third lord mayor in the current regime, taking on the job in 2019.
The LNP holds nineteen out of 26 wards, but a uniform swing of 4.7% would be enough to reduce the LNP to just twelve seats, so its not out of the question.
A lot will depend on who else runs, with Labor yet to identify their mayoral candidate. Schrinner won the top job by a 6.3% margin in 2020. While the LNP appears dominant, these same suburbs have elected a lot of Labor and Greens MPs at a state or federal level.
My guide includes profiles of all 26 wards along with the lord mayoral race.
As is my usual practice, Ive released two of the ward guides and the lord mayoral guide for the public. You can read the whole guide if you chip in $5 or more per month via Patreon.
I will be returning to the City of Brisbane early in the new year. After this, Ill be moving on to writing some other guides, but Ill be back soon with more stuff to read.
11:00
Ice challenge accepted "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Geelong Cats AFLW players Chloe Sheer and Mikayla Bowen have been hand picked by Geelong Big Freeze ambassador Sam Moorfoot to slide into the icy waters for MND.
Moorfoots captains choice include the Cats duo and they will join the likes of mayor Trent Sullivan, Bay 93.9s morning crew Mark Hyland and Lisa Milly Millard, former Geelong star Andrew Bews and AFL Barwon general manager Ed Wilson at the Drysdale Football Netball Club event.
It will be the second Geelong Big Freeze with the inaugural event in 2022 a raging success with $62,000 raised for Fight MND.
Organisers are hoping to better that this year and are expecting a crowd of about 4000.
The goal is to match or beat last year, event organiser Graeme Reid said.
If we get into the 60s it will be good. A lot of fundraising happens late and it depends on the crowd. We sell a lot of merchandise on the day.
Reid said the sliders were nervous, but realised it was all for a great cause.
Its really funny, even though a lot of them are hesitant about sliding down into the water, they are all keen to do it for the cause, he said.
A lot of them get extra nervous when the day comes and the costume goes on.
Fight MND co-founder Neale Danihers daughter Bec, who is now the face of the cause, will be at the Drysdale event.
Reid said Drysdales footy and netball opponent on the day, Newcomb, had really come on board and supported it well.
Footballers and netballers from both clubs will wear MND socks as will all umpires.
A carnival atmosphere is expected for the Geelong Big Freeze on Sunday June 4 at Mortimer Oval, Drysdale with the Drysdale vs Newcomb clash to follow the ice slide at 2.30pm.
The post Ice challenge accepted appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
10:30
Albanese Has Agreed to Australia Being Designated a US Domestic Military Source in Law "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Since PM Anthony Albanese graced San Diego with his presence to announce the details of the close to half a trillion dollar AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine deal in March, discussion over whether the federal government is eroding Australian sovereignty to the benefit of...
The post Albanese Has Agreed to Australia Being Designated a US Domestic Military Source in Law appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
10:05
Biden has another big fall at US Air Force graduation "IndyWatch Feed National"
BREAKING: Biden takes a big fall on stage just now at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation pic.twitter.com/GxkMbpyoNo Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) June 1, 2023
10:04
Thelma Plum, Budjerah lead the National Indigenous Music Awards lineup for 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
After nearly two decades, this years National Indigenous Music Awards will host its biggest lineup to date at the August 12 ceremony, held at the iconic Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country.
Tickets for the beloved event go on sale this week with world class acts Thelma Plum, Budjerah, Barkaa, Kobie Dee, Dean Brady and Ngulmiya ramping up festivities at the countrys most coveted First Nations music event.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Among the performers at this years ceremony will be 10-time ARIA Award nominated Gamilaraay artist Thelma Plum, who rose to become an Aussie household name in 2019 with the release of her highly successful debut album Better in Blak. Her latest EP, Meanjin, is a love letter to home thats quickly becoming an indie classic.
Thelma is looking forward to performing at the coveted awards ceremony this year, saying, This will be third time lucky for me to play the NIMAs. I cant wait to finally play that beautiful Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country!
The fierce collection of talent repping Victoria at this years National Indigenous Music Awards
Soul music maker and Coodjinburra man Budjerah will also grace the lineup as he comes fresh off a massive 2023 that started with the ultimate bang of supporting Ed Sheeran across his Australian tour. The ARIA winner was able to perform his new tune Therapy to hundreds of thousands of people in arenas across the country in February and March.
Barkaa Malyangapa, Barkindji woman and queen of Aussie hip hop will ramp up the celebrations on the night. The NIMA award winner and two-time ARIA nominee wont be the only rapper hitting the stage, with Kobie Dee also on the bill. A performer praised by Briggs as a rappers rapper, this Gomeroi artist has an innate gift for storytelling and connecting with his audience.
Topping off the elite lineup, Gugu Yalanji and Birrigubba man Dean Brady will bring his smooth Motown-ins...
10:00
CARTOONS: Mr Opposition won't be babied into voting YES "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Mr Opposition won't be babied into voting YES
He's a NO man, through and through.
Mark David is IA's resident cartoonist. You can see more cartoons from Mark on his website Mark David Cartoons, or follow him on Twitter @mdavidcartoons.
09:51
The Strange Case Of PWC Or Wheres Sherlock Holmes When You Need Him? "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Someone has assured me today that Price, Waterhouse, Cooper did not change their name to PwC in the hope that theyd be able to hide the names Although he wasnt so sure about the change of Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC Whatever, theres a series of interesting series of events playing out and by interesting
The post The Strange Case Of PWC Or Wheres Sherlock Holmes When You Need Him? appeared first on The AIM Network.
09:47
A deer in the headlights "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, and Kyogle councils have joined forces to find out just what is happening with feral deer in the region.
The councils have launched a survey to understand the communitys perception of feral deer, the impacts of feral deer, the presence or absence of feral deer in the Northern Rivers, and the need to control them.
Local feral deer management expert Rachel Hughes, who is managing the survey on behalf of the councils, said feral deer were spreading and it could potentially be a big problem if we dont take action now.
Feral deer are in all states and territories of Australia but they are in largest numbers in the eastern parts of Victoria and NSW, where they are spreading quickly, said Ms Hughes.
For example, in NSW, the 6 species of feral deer now inhabit 22 per cent of the State, where their distribution has spread by 35 per cent since 2016.
Just over the border in Queensland, feral deer are a significant problem and have recently been spotted in front yards, along roads and in suburbia. If we dont act now, it wont be long before they potentially establish in the Northern Rivers too.
Residents asked to fill out survey
Council is urging residents to fill out the new survey with results to be used to formulate integrated management programs to stop the spread and prevent the establishment of feral deer in the Northern Rivers.
Our challenge is to stop the...
09:00
Braving the freeze for MND "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Get ready to witness an icy spectacle like no other as the chilling excitement of the Big Freeze fundraiser comes to Ocean Grove.
Nat Woodfull from Natsukshii Healing has rallied a line-up of local personalities, community heroes, and fearless individuals who have dared to take the plunge and face the frozen abyss.
Nat, from Point Lonsdale, has enlisted the support of personal trainer Emily Hayward, who will be joining her to facilitate warm up activities and movement across the morning. She will then facilitate breathwork and ice plunging.
All proceeds from the Big Freeze will go towards fighting Motor Neurone Disease.
Picture this: influential leaders, beloved teachers, and even your friendly neighbourhood heroes willingly submerged in icy waters, all for the greater good, Nat said.
Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and join us as we take the leap into frozen waters.
Together, we can turn this icy adventure into a heart-warming success, surpassing our $5000 target and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and support.
no slides, just ice baths.Participants will submerge for one- to three-minute ice plunges.
Its not just a quick dip, Nat said.
There will be five pools with three (people) in each.
Fifteen (participants) submerging for a minute to three minutes and we have to be conscious of cold shock.
Nat has been involved with ice bathing for several years and believes in its physical and psychological benefits. She wants to do her bit to help Neale Daniher fight the beast that is MND.
I love Neale Daniher and Im a big Essendon fan, she said.
I love what he stands for and what hes been able to achieve. Come along, the more the merrier.
The Natsukshii Healing Big Freeze is at Ocean Grove Park pavilion on Sunday June 18 from 9.30am.
Head to hub.fightmnd.org.au/diy-big-freeze-9/fight-mnd-with-natsukashii-healing to donate.
The post Braving the freeze for MND appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
08:55
Blackfellas will police all farming activities in Western Australia and charge a fee "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
https://t.co/ZgTTPPCSYC Labor Premier Mark McGowan has fled parliament it would appear before this draconian farming legislation hits the deck. WA farmers will have to get permission from blackfellas before ploughing any ground. This is totally impractical for farming and farmers and there would several million acres of the state that has been ploughed in the []
08:28
1) Green finance bankrolls forest destruction in Indonesia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
2) Review essay: In the shadow of the palms
--------------------------------------
1) Green finance bankrolls forest destruction in Indonesia
Published on 01/06/2023, 2:00am
Green funds have been spent cutting down trees for biomass to make electricity, decimating the traditional food sources of indigenous people
...
08:00
A long weekend every week? It's time "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Trials of a four-day working week have found that the strategy holds huge benefits for businesses including increased productivity and well-being, writes Professor John Quiggin.
MORE THAN 150 years ago, workers in New Zealand, closely followed by Australia, were the first in the world to secure an eight-hour working day. And 75 years ago, we achieved that great boon the weekend.
Over subsequent years, until the 1980s, we saw a steady reduction in standard hours of work, including the achievement of four weeks of annual leave, widespread long service leave and the reduction of the standard work week to 38 hours. Thanks to sustained technological progress, productivity and living standards improved steadily over this period.
The decades since the 1980s have seen further impressive technological advances, most obviously in information technology. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is just the latest example. Yet there has been no general reduction in standard working hours in more than 30 years.
This may finally be about to change, with New Zealand again taking the lead. After successfully implementing a four-day week in their own company, New Zealanders Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart established 4DW Global. As the name implies, the organisation has promoted the idea of a four-day week in a number of countries, primarily by helping companies and other organisations to implement pilot programs.
The central idea of the 4DW approach is summed up as 100-80-100. That is, workers receive 100% of their previous wages while working 80% of previous hours and attempting to maintain 100% of previous productivity.
Initial results from trials in Australia and New Zealand have just been released with very...
07:52
Brett Deacon: Antidepressants Arent the Answer, the Truth About the DSM, and the Power of Exposure Therapy "IndyWatch Feed National"
From Psychlings Podcast: Brett Deacon is a clinical psychologist and distinguished academic who has been at the forefront of academia for over 15 years in the U.S. and Australia. He has published over 100 articles and book chapters on topics ranging from critiques of the biomedical model to co-authoring the book Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice . . . Please enjoy the knowledge, insight, and strong opinions from Brett covering: Why psychiatric medication isnt the solution to mental health challenges The background to the DSMs evolution Why more psychologists should use exposure therapy.
***
Back to Around the Web
The post Brett Deacon: Antidepressants Arent the Answer, the Truth About the DSM, and the Power of Exposure Therapy appeared first on Mad In America.
07:46
Alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith and others should be charged with murder "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Contributed by Ben Wilson
The failure of Ben Roberts-smith to win his defamation case is making big news. For anyone who doesnt know what this is about, Roberts-Smith is the alleged bully and murderer behind the execution unarmed civilians, while serving in Australias armed forces on Afghanistan.
He murders were made pubic by an investigation reported by three newspapers the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age, and the Canberra Times in 2018. Ben Roberts-Smith sued, and the 100 day case ended yesterday (1 June 2023). The judgement went against him.
Roberts-Smith was an officer in the Special Air Service (SAS).
Justice Anthony Besanko found that on a mission to the southern Afghan village of Darwan in 2012, he marched a handcuffed man named Ali Jan to stand above a 10-metre-high cliff that dropped down to a dry riverbed below. The court heard that Roberts-Smith then walked forward and kicked the individual in the chest, and then ordered a subordinate soldier to shoot the man dead.
Photo from the Department of Defence: Australian troops on an operation near Darwan
Another allegation was that on another mission an elderly man and second and younger man with a prosthetic leg, were executed.
It was ruled that on the probability of balance, based on the evidence, the newspapers had established the truth.
There are allegations of further murders and multiple assaults.
An immediate fallout has been the calls to have his uniform removed from the Australian War Memorial. It is there because Ben Roberts-Smith is Australias highest decorated war veteran.
There is no sign yet however, that he is going to be charged and made to face court for murder or anything else. There is not even the promise of a proper investigation. It adds to years of cover up by the military authorities.
Release of the Brereton report in 2020, which found credible evidence that implicated 25 current or former special forces personnel in the alleged unlawful killing of...
07:33
In which the bromancer begins the war, before the hole in the bucket man returns, only to prepare the way for a Lynch mob ... "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Dammit, the pond has had enough of reality. Who wouldn't want to join Senator Mullin in shouting I dont want reality!"
Reality is vastly over-rated, especially when you remember that we're all caught in a butterfly's dreaming.
But what if it involves a pastor defending the Uganda death penalty or the hole in the bucket man blathering on about the voice yet again?
Doesn't matter, bring it on, but first the pond must turn to the news of the day, and here the bromancer was on the front line, as he always is ...
Right from the get go, and "it was
always a difficult case to understand" the bromancer was in top
bewildered form ...
But what's this? Elsewhere in the
reptile rag came this ...
07:29
Sustainable fashion course on offer "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Born in Byron, bred in a sweatshop, made from earth-destroying parts and brought back to you with copious carbon miles its fast fashion, but its not a good look.
Australians, it seems, must choose between going naked or wearing clothes that never quite fit their increasingly informed ethical standards.
While Byronites are known to enjoy baring all, winter is upon us and the Byron Community College (BCC) is offering another path: a six-week course in sustainable fashion.
Cate Coorey, known to many for her work as an independent Byron Shire councillor, is also a long-time tutor at BCC, and has coordinated the course, featuring guest experts and leading sustainable fashion practitioners.
Learn how to live more consciously
Emerging designers and anyone who wants to learn how to live more consciously is expected to benefit, Ms Coorey says.
Each day has got a different aspect to sustainable and ethical fashion, Ms Coorey told The Echo, reducing the amount o...
06:39
Bayside Residents Association formed "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A new residents association has emerged in what residents say is one of Byron Shires forgotten suburbs Bayside Brunswick Heads.
The Bayside Residents Association (BRA) say the suburb is on the verge of a massive population increase from five separate developments.
BRA President, Peter Tanner, told The Echo they aim to make the suburb a true community, rather than a drive-in, drive-out housing development on the southern end of Brunswick Heads.
Ballooning population
Tanner said, Baysides current population of abou...
06:34
Market Talk June 1, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"
ASIA:
Chinas factory activity contracted at a faster rate than expected in May, signaling weakening demand and adding pressure on policymakers to support the countrys uneven economic recovery. The official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to a five-month low of 48.8, below the 50-point threshold that indicates expansion, and lower than the forecasted increase to 49.4. Additionally, the service sector activity expanded at a slower pace in May, with the official non-manufacturing PMI declining to 54.5 from 56.4. These disappointing readings caused Asian financial markets to decline, with the yuan, Australian dollar, and New Zealand dollar weakening, and regional stocks experiencing sharp falls. The PMI subindexes for May highlighted a contraction in factory output and a decline in new orders, including new exports, for the second consecutive month.
The major Asian stock markets had a mixed day today:
- NIKKEI 225 increased 260.13 points or 0.84% to 31,148.01
- Shanghai increased 0.07 points or 0.00% to 3,204.63
- Hang Seng decreased 17.36 points or -0.10% to 18,216.91
- ASX 200 increased 19.50 points or 0.27% to 7,110.80
- Kospi decreased 7.95 points or -0.31% to 2,569.17
- SENSEX decreased 193.70 points or -0.31% to 62,428.54
- Nifty50 decreased 46.65 points or -0.25% to 18,487.75
The major Asian currency markets had a mixed day today:
- ...
06:00
Podcast #95: From seats into votes "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Ben is joined by Professor Matthew Shugart from UC Davis to discuss how the electoral system influences the party system. We discuss the effective number of parties measure, and the seat product model, which uses the size of the parliamentary assembly and the district magnitude to predict the shape of the party system in each country.
- The SPM is explained most simply in this journal article.
- Or you can check out Votes From Seats, which explains it in more detail.
As discussed on the podcast, this chart shows the effective number of parties in Australian federal elections since 2004.
This podcast is supported by the Tally Rooms supporters on Patreon. If you find this podcast worthwhile please consider giving your support.
You can subscribe to this podcast using this RSS feed in your podcast app of choice, but should also be able to find this podcast by searching for the Tally Room. If you like the show please considering rating and reviewing us on iTunes.
06:00
May 2023 aid news "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Our monthly update of news and analysis on aid and international development, with a focus on Australian aid.
Australian aid
The May federal budget included a commitment by the government to stabilise Australias aid program by increasing it annually by 2.5%, the projected rate of inflation in 2026-27, from the last year of the forward estimates, 2026-27, until 2036-2037. Assuming this is the actual rate of inflation over this period the commitment would freeze aid, in real terms, at 2008 levels for the entire period. Aid as a proportion of gross national income is projected to fall to 0.14%. The budget also included new funding to strengthen DFATs aid management capability.
Source: Development Policy Centre, Australian Aid Tracker Trends
ACFID described the budget as responsible and sustainable, but also noted that Australia will fall further down the donor ladder in the absence of additional funding. Some NGOs and civil society groups criticised the lack of new measures to address the worsening global hunger crisis.
Subsequent to the budget, the government has allocated $29 million from existing humanitarian funds to assist crisis affected populations in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya ($15 million), Yemen ($4 million) and Lebanon and Jordan ($10 million). Earlier in the month, the government announced a $6 million allocation for Sudan, where more than a million people have been displaced by internal conflict, the collapse of basic services and hunger.
Leaders of the Quad grouping the US, Japan, India and Australia announced a new Health Security Partnership, a new infrastructure training program, and more collaboration on undersea cables and telecommunications networks in developing countries. No specific funding commitments were....
05:00
There Is No Such Thing as Unrealized Potential "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Recently, I asked myself a question:
Am I hopeful that we will reinvent our civilization to handle the existential threats facing us?
This is difficult to answer! I feel extremely hopeful, spry, super inspired by something these days but somehow it isnt connected to our likelihood of surviving the coming catastrophes, individually or as a species. I am not sure that is still a useful way to think about our circumstance, in any case.
I find hope often irritates me. When I think of hope, I recall the 2008 Obama campaign based on hope and change. Once in office, he quickly betrayed the hopes of his progressive base. He pandered to Wall Street, accelerated fracking, and perpetuated various horrific military adventures. Without a firm deadline, hope often seems a selling technique, a postponement device. A way to kick the can down the road.
Hope reminds me of should, another word I find suspect. Whenever someone tells me they should do something, I cringe a bit. Should is the word we use for anything we dont want to do while feeling some vague guilty compulsion to do it anyway. If you feel you should do something, you probably shouldnt, and most likely you wont.
Hope forfeits the present for the future. We gaze toward something better up ahead, via our deeply distorted concept of linear time, for which we should sacrifice not do what we really want now.
Equally problematic, for me, is the word charity. When some wealthy person chooses to donate some of their loot to charity, I cant help but wonder about the rest of their fortune. This, presumably, was amassed with uncharitable, in other words, selfish or greedy intentions. Why didnt they act with good intentions and purposes all along, from the get-go? If they did if everybody did there wouldnt be any need for charity, no reason to give some money away to assuage a bad conscience.
One idea I find clarifying was originally attributed to Hegel (not sure if he actually wrote or even implied this, but if he did, it could be his pithiest one-liner):
There is no such thing as unrealized potential.
This simple idea saves me a great deal of time, energy, and stress. It pushes me to be more present, more complete, with whatever task is at hand. If there is no unrealized p...
04:30
What will Binance Australia services look like after debanking? "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Binance suspended fiat on- and off-ramps by bank transfers in Australia, as well as trading for Australian dollar (AUD) pairs.
04:02
Turn Off, Dont Automate, the Killing Machine "IndyWatch Feed National"
By Laurie Calhoun | The Libertarian Institute | May 30, 2023
The quest to develop and refine technologically advanced means to commit mass homicide continues on, with Pentagon tacticians ever eager to make the military leaner and more lethal. Drone swarms already exist, and as insect-facsimile drones are marketed and produced, we can expect bug drone swarms to appear soon in the skies above places where suspected bad guys are said to residealong with their families and neighbors. Following the usual trajectory, it is only a matter of time before surveillance bug drones are upgraded for combat, making it easier than ever to kill human beings by whoever wishes to do so, whether military personnel, factional terrorists, or apolitical criminals. The development of increasingly lethal and creative means to commit homicide forges ahead not because anyone needs it but because it is generously funded by the U.S. Congress under the assumption that anything labeled a tool of national defense is, by definition, good.
To some there may seem to be merits to the argument from necessity for drones, given the ongoing military recruitment crisis. There are many good reasons why people wish not to enlist in the military anymore, but rather than review the missteps taken and counterproductive measures implemented in the name of defense throughout the twenty-first century, administrators ignore the most obvious answer to the question why young people are less enthusiastic than ever before to sign their lives away. Why did the Global War on Terror spread from Afghanistan and Iraq to engulf other countries as well? Critics have offered persuasive answers to this question, above all, that killing, torturing, maiming, and terrorizing innocent people led to an outpouring of sympathy for groups willing to resist the invaders of their lands. As a direct consequence of U.S. military intervention, Al Qaeda franchises such as ISIS emerged, proliferated, and spread. Yet the military plows ahead undeterred in its professed mission to eliminate the bad guys, with the killers either oblivious or somehow unaware that they are the primary creators of the bad guys.
Meanwhile, the logic of automation has been openly and enthusiastically embraced as the way of the future for the military, as in so many other realms. Who needs soldiers anyway, given that they can and will be replaced by machines? Just as grocery stores today often have more self-checkout stations than human cashiers, the military has been replacing combat pilots with drone operators for years. Taking human beings altogether out of the killing loop is the inevitable next step, because war architects focus on lethality, as though it were the only meas...
03:43
Drivers of environmental degradation in the Amazon "IndyWatch Feed National"
Why do people clear forest? To anybody who has lived on the forest frontier, the answer is as simple as it is obvious: it is essential to the livelihoods of the regions inhabitants. In some cases, it may be to grow food to feed a family but, more often, people clear forest to generate wealth by selling timber, cultivating a crop or raising livestock. The flow of goods between rural and urban societies is as old as civilization, but in todays global economy the connection between the producer and the consumer is mediated by a supply chain that is complex and not particularly transparent. Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Credit: Rhett Butler. For the last several decades, increases in demand for food and fibre have been met by the expansion of agricultural supply chains into tropical forest wilderness. Producers operating on these landscapes are responding to global demand for the goods they produce; they are acting in their own self-interest to create wealth for their families and jobs for their communities. Many are fully aware that deforestation is a global problem but maintain that they should not bear the cost of conserving biodiversity or fighting global warming, especially when wealthy nations have sacrificed their own forest and polluted the atmosphere in pursuit of economic growth. A common refrain, voiced across economic spectra, is that wealthy nations should assume the cost of forest conservation. Many consumers in wealthy nations are concerned about tropical deforestation, and some express a willingness to pay for conservationThis article was originally published on Mongabay
02:51
Indigenous land rights key to curbing deforestation and restoring lands: Study "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Indigenous territories with secure land rights not only reduce deforestation inside their lands in the Brazilian Amazon, but also lead to higher secondary forest growth on previously deforested areas, says a new study. This new report, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is off the back of multiple studies in recent years pointing to the efficiency of Indigenous forest conservation in Brazils Amazon once their territories gain full recognition by the government. According to the report, these territories support higher rates of secondary forest growth than the privately owned and unincorporated lands around them. The secondary forests that grow back after clearing of original old-growth help revive biodiversity and capture carbon, combating climate change. Regenerated forests, also known as secondary forests, attempt to mimic the old-growth forest that was once there and act as carbon sinks, explains environmental and natural resource economist Nilesh Shinde, a postdoc at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a co-author on the paper. Granting tenure to these Indigenous lands in Brazil is not only a really good human rights policy, but its actually a great environmental policy as well, says political scientist Kathryn Baragwanath, now at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, Australia, and lead author of the study. Land tenure prevents outsiders from entering territories for logging, mining, setting up crop pastures and land-grabbing, and it protects Indigenous traditional ways of life largely based on forest stewardship. Studies show this form of land protection contains some of the most healthy forestsThis article was originally published on Mongabay
02:33
FLASHBACK: Gaunt and ghostly, Georgia's jailed ex-president nears death in hospital "IndyWatch Feed National"
Comment: Tthe Guardian puts out a puff piece attempting to rehabilitate a war criminal who among other things, fanned the flames of Ukraine's neonazi coup. While a person's imminent death is tragic, it does not warrant whitewashing his past or abetting his lies. Mikheil Saakashvili warned of Putin's ambitions 15 years ago. Now he tells of torture by a regime that panders to Moscow Locked up in a Tbilisi hospital, Mikheil Saakashvili is slowly wasting away. "I am asking to be transferred to Poland, as it is crystal clear that in Georgian hospital I will die," Georgia's former president wrote in response to questions from the Observer last week. His answers were scrawled in blue ballpoint pen on sheets of paper, passed to his lawyers. Photographs and video of Saakashvili in hospital show him gaunt and confused. A recent report from independent experts suggested his health has deteriorated severely and he will soon face irreversible organ damage. Since his arrest, he says, his weight...
01:48
FBI Reopens Case Around Julian Assange, Despite Australian Pressure to End Prosecution "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The FBI has reopened an investigation into Australian journalist Julian Assange, according to front-page reporting from the Sydney Morning Herald.
The news that the FBI is taking fresh investigative steps came as a surprise to Assanges legal team, given that the U.S. filed charges against the WikiLeaks founder more than three years ago and is involved in an ongoing extradition process from a maximum security prison in the United Kingdom so that he can stand trial in the United States.
Assange is charged under the Espionage Act with obtaining, possessing, and pu...