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Rostrum!

June 22, 2012

Hello

And welcome to our first Rostrum open discussion thread on The Daily Trash.  I hope you are all enjoying the new home.

Personally I feel a lot happier now that we’ve dispensed with the formality of The Farnham Report.

Well it’s been an interesting week in this place we call “the world,” with Julian Assange (who?) seeking refuge at the Embassy of Ecuador in London.

Ecuador.  Where even is it…? 

It’s a strange choice of destination for the world’s most self-publicising press freedom crusader.

The small South American republic sits in 104th spot in the press freedom index and there have been recent government-enforced shutdowns in the broadcast media.

Nevertheless, Julian is seeking diplomatic asylum to stop him being sent to Sweden to answer accusations of rape and assault, which he denies.

Jules has lashed out at the Gillard Government rejecting claims that he has been offered diplomatic assistance from the government.

He says that he has mounted his bid because his “native Australia” had made an “effective declaration of abandonment” by refusing to intervene in his planned extradition.

He has accused the US ambassador to Australia and Julia Gillard of using “slimy rhetoric” when it comes to government claims that he has been receiving “ongoing consular assistance.”

And in Breaking News (BREAKING NEWS!), we can reveal that there has been another ZOMBIE ATTACK in Florida, with reports coming in that another black naked man Charles Baker has attached and chewed off the arm of another man.

But there’s no need to be alarmed.

Have a lovely weekend.

 

 

230 Comments leave one →
  1. June 22, 2012 10:55 am

    Oh how everyone laughed when I mentioned some time ago that I considered the MRRT unconstitutional. Oh and how people sneered when I said that I had spoken to a QC friend who shared that view.

    Well obviously another QC shares the view because today we hear this…..

    http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/fortescue-metals-group-launches-mrrt-high-court-challenge/story-fnda1bsz-1226405183971

  2. el gordo permalink
    June 22, 2012 11:04 am

    Why didn’t Assange flee to the Australian embassy and seek asylum there?

  3. TB Queensland permalink
    June 22, 2012 11:09 am

    Oh how everyone laughed when I mentioned some time ago that I considered the MRRT unconstitutional

    Shouldn’t you be waiting for the HC decision before having a gloat?

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    The more this Assange saga “extends” I think he’s a publicity seeking twit …

  4. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 22, 2012 11:19 am

    Ecuador – Quito is quite interesting Guayaquil isn’t. Banos has hot water and nice food. There’s some good surf along the coast. Beer is cheap.

  5. June 22, 2012 11:19 am

    No, TB, I expressed it as an opinion. Not as a fact. The very fact of it being the subject now of a High Court challenge confirms it was an opinion of reasonable credibility, and makes fools of those who were at the time so quick to laugh.

  6. June 22, 2012 11:20 am

    I can highly recommend this red for any weekend imbibers…

    http://danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_368427/tahbilk-cabernet-sauvignon-2006

  7. el gordo permalink
    June 22, 2012 11:32 am

    ‘There are 12,731 same-sex couples in NSW, 8722 in Victoria, 5986 in Queensland and 2576 in Western Australia. The Northern Territory has the fewest, with 288.’

    Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/samesex-couples-favouring-act-20120621-20r6y.html#ixzz1yTuMRELE

    Canberra is apparently a gay bubble.

  8. June 22, 2012 11:18 pm

    ‘Nick Clegg, Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister, has admitted that the Rio+20 deal is “disappointing.” He blamed China and other developing countries that have huge reserves of coal and want to continue using fossil fuels to grow, for failing to back plans for the green economy. “The political significance of Rio is that the G77 nations are antagonistic to our European ideas on the green economy,” said Mr Clegg. He said Europe can no longer take the lead in such international negotiations because power is shifting “from West to East”.’

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/9347888/Rio20-Nick-Clegg-blames-China-for-disappointing-text.html

  9. James of North Melbourne permalink
    June 22, 2012 11:20 pm

    BLOODS!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. June 22, 2012 11:23 pm

    😯

  11. James of North Melbourne permalink
    June 22, 2012 11:30 pm

    Sitting comfortably atop the ladder smoking a ciggie. Might throw you down the butt if you’re keen Tony…..

  12. June 23, 2012 12:45 am

    Not for long. 😉

  13. TB Queensland permalink
    June 23, 2012 9:43 am

    G’day ToSY! Now, back to those questions on family and occupation, mate … what were they again? (Useful for my research into “blog posting” …) 🙂

  14. TB Queensland permalink
    June 23, 2012 10:50 am

    Alan Turing would be 100 today …

  15. June 23, 2012 12:07 pm

    Next time you think your hotel bill is too high you might want to consider this…

    A husband and wife are travelling by car from Brisbane to Melbourne.

    After almost ten hours on the road, they’re too tired to continue and they decide to stop for a rest. They stop at a nice hotel and take a room, but they only plan to sleep for four hours and then get back on the road.

    When they check out four hours later, the desk clerk; hands them a bill for $450.00.

    The man explodes and demands to know why the charge is so high. He tells the clerk although it’s a nice hotel; the rooms certainly aren’t worth $450.00.

    When the clerk tells him $450.00 is the standard rate, the man insists on speaking to the Manager.

    The Manager appears, listens to the man, and then explains that the hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre that were available for the husband and wife to use.

    ‘But we didn’t use them,’ the man complains.

    ‘Well, they are here, and you could have,’ explains the Manager. He goes on to explain they could have taken in one of the shows for which the hotel is famous. ‘The best entertainers perform here,’ the Manager says.

    ‘But we didn’t go to any of those shows,’ complains the man again.

    ‘Well, we have them, and you could have,’ the Manager replies.

    No matter what amenity the Manager mentions! the man replies, ‘But we didn’t use it!’

    The Manager is unmoved, and eventually the man gives up and agrees to pay. He writes a cheque and gives it to the Manager.

    The Manager is surprised when he looks at the cheque. ‘But sir,’ he says, ‘this cheque is only made out for $50.00.’

    ‘That’s correct,’ says the man. ‘I charged you $400 for sleeping with my wife.’

    ‘But I didn’t!’ exclaims the Manager.

    ‘Well, too bad,’ the man replies. ‘She was here and you could have!’

  16. TB Queensland permalink
    June 23, 2012 12:28 pm

    Smart folk them Queenslanders, hey, Tosy …?

    What did you say you did for a living?

  17. June 23, 2012 12:33 pm

    TB and Oh how everyone laughed when I mentioned some time ago that I considered the MRRT unconstitutional

    Shouldn’t you be waiting for the HC decision before having a gloat? See s99 of the Constitution. It’s what WA and Twiggy are running with “a preference” to one State over another. It will all get down to whether our minerals and resources belong to a state government or belong to the people of Australia.

  18. June 23, 2012 12:37 pm

    I didn’t.

  19. June 23, 2012 1:17 pm

    Geez, TB. Everyone knows he’s an ambulance chasing grave digging debt collecting Richmond Supporter! 🙄

    Don’t you pay attention?!

  20. June 23, 2012 1:28 pm

    But seriously.

    I sympathise with not wanting to divulge professional status.

    Internet peoplez tend to have a way of taking what little crumbs that they know about a man & filling in the blanks according to their own imagination. Fuckwits like scaper et al, for example, who thought he’d deduced (incorrectly, coz he’s dumb as dogshit) my address & employer…& from that extrapolated my role in employment (so far off the mark it was just plain stupid)…then try & use their false deductions to insult & attack.

    I have a hunch that Tony would rather let his points do the talking. I have no idea what he does, that’s his business & I’m comfortable with individuals only divulging what they’re happy with. I suspect that whatever merciless profession he’s engaged in, he thinks that if it was publicised it would become a wedge against his comments.

    You may have noticed that what can seem like jovial, friendly blogging communities can turn into spiteful viper nests on occasion! 😯

    For all we know, Tony may be a nom de plume for Steve Bracks…& that’s fine.

  21. June 23, 2012 1:32 pm

    Some excellent points (& counterpoints) about Assange seeking asylum in Ecuador, here…

    http://anonymouslefty.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/indefinite-detention-without-charge-equals-a-country-that-does-not-deserve-to-have-prisoners-extradited-to-it/

    In particular, there is a great rationalisation & history of why Assange legitimately fears extradition to the US from Sweden.

    The campaign against the man is a sideways approach at trying to destroy whistleblowing, imo.

    *hahaha, they called splatter a troll, in comments, funny.

  22. June 23, 2012 1:47 pm

    C’arn the Pies. 😉

  23. June 23, 2012 2:24 pm

    Nooooooooooooooooooo!

    * Who ever loses that one, The Crows win & go top. West Coast & Collingwood will neutralise each other.

  24. el gordo permalink
    June 23, 2012 2:35 pm

    Being called a troll at ‘lefty’ is amusing, this must be a distinguishing characteristic of Daily Trash reporters.

  25. TB Queensland permalink
    June 23, 2012 2:51 pm

    Min, See s99 of the Constitution … yep, I read Forescue’s affidavit yesterday … my comment was aimed at, James’ “gloating” over simply having an opinion … something we do … have an opinion, that is … and an opinion not yet proved in court … a strange postion for a lawyer to take, methinks …

    … any law can be appealed constitutionally (why would you argue that?) … in fact I have documentation somewhere, that the Federation itself, is illegal … therefore the Constitution and any instruments therefrom (ie the High Court) are non-entities …

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    You may have noticed that what can seem like jovial, friendly blogging communities can turn into spiteful viper nests on occasion!

    Aw, c’mon, HD, that’s like saying people would have a go at me ’cause they know how old I am … just wouldn’t happen … that’s why I post here … 🙄

    Seriously, my argument for providing personal information is twofold … I believe it provides foundation and reason for particular statements (even though I could be bullshitting) … I’ve got nothing to hide … in fact these days I’d make the perfect pollie … no skeletons in my closet …

  26. el gordo permalink
    June 23, 2012 3:01 pm

    Looks like they’re giving a troll the door prize at the cafe. If true…its a disgrace.

  27. TB Queensland permalink
    June 23, 2012 4:48 pm

    Fuckwits like scaper et al, for example … </i.

    They need to be on guard at, CW, then … I see he got past the bouncer(s) … 😉

  28. el gordo permalink
    June 23, 2012 10:37 pm

    “Currently we are experiencing the lowest temperature rise of a 17-year series since satellite temperature data began. At the moment the warming rate is a minsicule 0.04°C per decade; this is an absolute record low. A few years ago the figure was up to 0.26°C per decade, i.e. more than six times higher.”

    Ben Santer et al.

  29. June 24, 2012 12:50 am

    E G Y P T O L O G Y ? ? ?

  30. JAWS permalink
    June 24, 2012 12:53 am

    Seems that a horse can overcome the stupidity of a human any day.

    Perhaps Caligula was correct ?

  31. el gordo permalink
    June 24, 2012 7:37 am

    ‘Trainer Peter Moody said he could tell she was not her normal, brilliant self during the run.’

    “I believe she was out on her feet about 300 metres from home. She never travelled as strongly or as keenly as she does at home,” he said.

    Wasn’t homesickness the cause of Pharlap’s premature departure?

  32. TB Queensland permalink
    June 24, 2012 11:42 am

    Wasn’t homesickness the cause of Pharlap’s premature departure?</i.

    Or poison?

  33. June 24, 2012 11:44 am

    TB, fear not. I’m keeping a good eye on the blog while M* is unwell.

  34. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 24, 2012 12:16 pm

    It’s interesting that so many on the blogs have decided it’s fine to politicise the recent asylum seeker tragedy. I’m at a loss to understand how people can be so mean spirited.

    Perhaps someone could explain the difference between saying “another boat, another policy failure” and “stop the boats”. It’s the difference between a 3 word slogan and one that’s 5.

    The fact is that both major parties have used this issue for the most base of political motivations, both have played on xenophobia, and it’s no use pretending that the ALP has better motivations than the Liberals.

    Though barrackers do this.

  35. TB Queensland permalink
    June 24, 2012 1:45 pm

    I’m at a loss to understand how people can be so mean spirited.

    My only conclusion, ToM, is greed for power and control … the downfall of the human race … 😦

  36. TB Queensland permalink
    June 24, 2012 1:48 pm

    TB, fear not.

    I fear not, Min … 🙂

  37. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 24, 2012 2:03 pm

    Yes TB, I find it quite repulsive that some people are still claiming relative levels in the moral high ground.

    It’s time for them to say – “our lot is duplicitous, but a little less so than the others”

  38. TB Queensland permalink
    June 24, 2012 2:05 pm

    Well this couldn’t happen in Australia … could it! Thanks Mr Howard …

    A 14-YEAR-old boy shot a man who broke into his Phoenix home while he was babysitting his three younger siblings.

    The boy was with his siblings, aged between 8 and 12, when he heard rattling at the door and people attempting to break in late Friday afternoon, myFOXphoenix.com reported.
    He went upstairs to retrieve a handgun and as he was coming down the stairs, the door broke open.

    The boy became face to face with a burglar, who pointed a gun at him.

    The 14-year-old then shot the man.

    http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/boy-shoots-armed-burglar-while-babysitting-siblings-in-phoenix/story-e6frfku0-1226406728527

    And the lad had obviously been well trained … a weapon aimed at him and he shoots … if you own a weapon for protection, be prepared to use it … or have it used against you …

    Makes you wonder what the outcome could have been … 😯

  39. TB Queensland permalink
    June 24, 2012 2:08 pm

    It’s time for them to say – “our lot is duplicitous, but a little less so than the others”

    … er … ToM, your doing exactly what you are accusing others of doing … politicising a human tragedy … 🙄

    FMD!

  40. TB Queensland permalink
    June 24, 2012 7:11 pm

    12 days in Taswegia (first two weeks of september) as follows:

    3 nights Hobart
    2 nights Strahan (pronounced “strawn”, I believe)
    1 night Cradle Mt (pronounced “cradle mountain”, I believe)
    2 nights Stanley
    2 nights Launceston
    2 nights Swansea
    1 night Hobart

    Hired a Nissan X Trail (or “similar”)

    What do the experts reckon?

  41. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 24, 2012 7:29 pm

    3 2 nights Hobart
    2 4 nights Strahan (pronounced “strawn”, I believe)
    1 3 night Cradle Mt (pronounced “cradle mountain”, I believe)
    2 nights Stanley
    21 nights Launceston
    2 nights Swansea
    1 night Hobart

    I don’t think Tasmanian towns are very interesting.

  42. TB Queensland permalink
    June 24, 2012 7:39 pm

    ToM, no “towns” in Australia are “interesting” in themselves (maybe Charters Towers, Kalgoorlie) …

    The “towns” are where we “sleep” … but I’m guessing that there are “things” to “see” and/or “do” nearby, the towns … maybe I should have been more “explicit”

    I’m getting the feeling that you are actually some kind of control freak … in your defence though, I did ask for opinions … however expert …

    Why do I bother …

  43. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 24, 2012 7:45 pm

    Well TB, I just think you’re spending too much time driving around. That’s my expert opinion.
    —————————
    Surf is nice here. I think if all those people got a board, they’d never want to get on a boat and head for the cold Australian water.

  44. James of North Melbourne permalink
    June 24, 2012 8:49 pm

    Reb, if you’re about, you might recall that “we” decided you were a North supporter. Now would be a good time to adopt that and say a big HI to Toilet.

  45. el gordo permalink
    June 25, 2012 8:01 am

    As the anniversary of Rudd’s knifing draws near, I have little further to add.

    Click to access 168411-aus-newspoll250612.pdf

  46. TB Queensland permalink
    June 25, 2012 9:13 am

    370 DAYS! Robber Barons at work! Onya! Clivey!

    Yabulu, owned by Queensland Nickel, recently requested the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority allow it to pump out the ponds for 370 days.

    http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/palmer-push-to-dump-tailings-risk-to-reef/story-e6freon6-1226407057103

  47. JAWS permalink
    June 25, 2012 11:15 am

    TB

    I agree with ToM . You should spend a little longer at Strachan as you’ll likely do the cruise up the river on one day to see Sarah Island convict settlement (the joint that the 2 inmates escaped from and one ate the other) plus you’ll do a bit of a bush walking for Huon Pine. Great seafood I recall from 15 years ago.

    Plus Cradle Mountain is definitely more than one night. You’ll really be annoyed with yourself otherwise. Make sure you take a decent camera as stacks of wilderness. Plus take some apples etc for the possums who will open the doors to your cabin and barge on in. There used to be plenty of Tasmanian Devils there too as they used to live under the main amenities building and come out in daylight. I assume its still accommodation in cabins only with one main building.

    Launceston is nice but not a lot there. And of course Hobart is rather nice down by the docks.

    We never got there but Freycinet National Park is supposed to be outstanding as well

  48. June 25, 2012 11:24 am

    Reb, Collingwood..we’re now top of the ladder..and I know that you always like to be on a winner. 😉

  49. TB Queensland permalink
    June 25, 2012 12:24 pm

    ToM and Wally … seriously, thanks for your advice … we’ve already booked the cabins at each place but we thought we’d get to see a fair cross section of the island that way …

    .. as for travelling, we both enjoy car travel (and we do come from Queensland, so distance is not an issue for either of us 🙂 ) …

    Yep, will take both my video and still (might talk The Minister into a new DSLR, I still operate a Sony DSCV1, I bought over 8 years ago, and still … a pun! … going strong!) … just looking at images of Taswegia anywhere we go should be interesting and I’m looking forward to the epicuniary delights promised in reviews of Tasmania …

  50. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 25, 2012 1:28 pm

    The latest tragedy involving asylum seekers has certainly crystallised the debate. It’s apparently all Abbott’s fault, or perhaps Gillard’s.

    I’m not in favour of off shore processing, and I don’t really see any reason to change my mind. I would be more inclined to accept temporary protection visas than sending children to Malaysia to Nauru. On the rationale of both parties it is the prospect of permanent settlement that is lure.

    So I really don’t understand all the name calling, and the politically motivated urging of some compromise about Malaysia vs Nauru. Permanent settle is the only “business model” of people smugglers.

  51. June 25, 2012 1:40 pm

    Take a jumper, TB. A nice bone cable knit should suit you nicely.

  52. TB Queensland permalink
    June 25, 2012 5:46 pm

    James, do I wear it under or over my suit jacket?

  53. TB Queensland permalink
    June 25, 2012 6:05 pm

    “Egypt, the most moderate Arab state, run by fundamental Islamists, that’s what I call a living nightmare,” said Adel Hamza, a 42-year-old music lecturer in Baghdad.

    http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/06/24/uk-egypt-election-reaction-idUKBRE85N0NF20120624

    As I said when it all began in Egypt … “be careful what you wish for”

  54. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 25, 2012 6:16 pm

    Yes, you did say that TB.

    Interesting times for Egypt, and the Middle East.

  55. TB Queensland permalink
    June 25, 2012 6:44 pm

    … and, I should think, the rest of us … ToM

    … I’m just glad I’ve been to Egypt … it’s a bit unnerving to see a coach blown up at Cairo Museum, that you sat in three months earlier … and in the same car park slot!

    I’m also glad my son-in-law will be ourt of Saudi Arabia permanently in about four months!

  56. TB Queensland permalink
    June 25, 2012 7:29 pm

    I was just rambling through my email archives from my business (yeah, I keep everthing!) and came across an email I sent to a minesite OH&S Manager I used to know … he was in Nashos at the same base, at the same time, as I was (19th intake Singleton 1970!) and we didn’t know until we were chatting one day in 2004! Our service numbers end 202 and 303! very weird!

    Anyway … this is for Toillette and any others of course! (apologies re >>>> I just couldn’t be bothered …)

    >> Subject: FW: ARMY LIFE

    You’ll love this one! 🙂

    Text of a Letter from a kid from Eromanga to Mum and Dad. (For
    those of you not in the know, Eromanga is a small town west of Quilpie
    in the far south west of Queensland)

    Dear Mum and Dad

    >> > I am well. Hope youse are too. Tell me big brothers Doug and
    >> > Phil that the Army is better than workin’ on the farm – tell them
    >> > to get in bloody quick smart before the jobs are all gone!
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > I wuz a bit slow in settling down at first, because ya don’t
    >> > hafta get outta bed until 6am. But I like sleeping in now, cuz all
    >> > you gotta do before brekky is make ya bed and shine ya boots and
    >> > clean ya uniform. No bloody cows to milk, no calves to feed, no
    >> > feed to stack – nothin’!!
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > Blokes haz gotta shave though, but its not so bad, coz there’s
    >> > lotsa hot water and even a light to see what ya doing!
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > At brekky ya get cereal, fruit and eggs but there’s no
    >> > kangaroo steaks or possum stew like wot Mum makes. You don’t get
    >> > fed again until noon, and by that time all the city boys are
    >> > buggered because we’ve been on a ‘route march’ – geez its only
    >> > just like walking to the windmill in
    >> > the back paddock!!
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > This one will kill me brothers Doug and Phil with laughter. I
    >> > keep getting medals for shootin’ – dunno why. The bullseye is as
    >> > big as a bloody possum’s bum and it don’t move and its not firing
    >> > back at ya like the Johnsons did when our big scrubber bull got
    >> > into their prize cows before the Ekka last year! All ya gotta do is
    >> > make yourself comfortable and hit the target – its a piece of
    >> > piss!! You don’t even load your own cartridges – they comes in
    >> > little boxes and ya don’t have to steady yourself against the
    >> > rollbar of the roo shooting truck when you reload!
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > Sometimes ya gotta wrestle with the city boys and I gotta be
    >> > real careful coz they break easy – it’s not like fighting with Doug
    >> > and Phil and Jack and Boori and Steve and Muzza all at once like we
    >> > do at home after the muster.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > Turns out I’m not a bad boxer either and it looks like I’m the
    >> > best the platoon’s got, and I’ve only been beaten by this one bloke
    >> > from the Engineers – he’s 6 foot 5 and 15 stone and three
    >> > pickhandles across the shoulders and as ya know I’m only 5 foot 7
    >> > and eight stone wringin’ wet, but I fought him till the other
    >> > blokes carried me off to the boozer.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > I can’t complain about the Army – tell the boys to get in
    >> > quick before word gets around how bloody good it is.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > Your loving daughter,
    >> >
    >> > Jill

  57. el gordo permalink
    June 25, 2012 8:29 pm

  58. el gordo permalink
    June 26, 2012 6:49 am

    Hope the blogmaster is well, the Melburnian waters are known to upset the stomach.

  59. el gordo permalink
    June 26, 2012 7:20 am

    About three weeks ago all commercial activity came to a grinding halt in my town and everyone was mystified…was it the tax or contagion from afar which had spooked the punters?

    We are still dead in the water and I’m organising contingency plans, swag’s packed and I’m just waiting for my guvmint subsidy to begin life as a grey nomad.

    ‘VOTERS are now the most pessimistic they have been about their future livelihood and living costs since the height of the global financial crisis in 2008.

    ‘More than one in three voters, 36 per cent, believe their standard of living is going to get worse in the next six months, while only 12 per cent see it improving.’

    Dennis Shanahan in the Oz

  60. June 26, 2012 9:02 am

    TB James, do I wear it under or over my suit jacket?

    If you’re going to the yacht club, tie it around your neck.

  61. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 9:50 am

    “… it’s a bit unnerving to see a coach blown up at Cairo Museum…”

    We had a similar experience in Morocco, upon boarding our otherwise very modern tourist coach I discretely enquired of the tour director what are all these holes alomng the side of the bus ( I already had a pretty good idea). She replied that the bus had recently returned from the “wilds of Algeria”.

    “Dee men in Algeria they get very upset sometime and they have a many AK47 in Algeria and many many bullet……………….how you say………….automatic gun …….there are many there…………………”

    I replied………….”That’s nice”

  62. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 10:10 am

    I replied………….”That’s nice”

    She probably told the American tourists it was for ventilation … they generally believe anything …

    I recall climbing into the Great Pyramid of Giza (single file) and I’d become friendly with a guy who owned two Maccas in Arkansas … as a joke I said, “Hey, Ray, when was that earthquake scheduled for this morning?” … he replied, “There’s an earthquake scheduled!” … I still shake my head.

    On the way out … I said it again … and some young, Pommie bloke yelled out, “Ya can’t schedule a bloody earthquake!” Just highlights the difference to me … Ray was a great bloke too … sent me a stack of free Maccas vouchers for when 😯 I went to “Arkansaw”!

  63. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 10:40 am

    Well is Frau Merkel keeps this up for much longer the funeral of the Euro should occur by Christmas.

    “ 0935 [Dow Jones] Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 may drop sharply Tuesday amid a growing conviction that the upcoming E.U. leaders summit won’t deliver an agreement to ease the region’s debt problems.

    IG Markets tips a 0.9% opening fall to 3993, but weakness may be compounded by negative technical indicators. The S&P/ASX 200 formed a “death cross” on Monday, with the 50-day moving average crossing below the 200-day moving average.

    A break of the year’s low at 3985 could trigger a test of major Fibonacci retracement support at 3850, according to Dow Jones Newswires technical analysis.

    Overnight, German Chancellor Merkel said euro bonds, euro bills and European deposit insurance with joint liability would be “economically wrong and counterproductive.”

    Europe’s Stoxx 600 fell 1.5% and the U.S. S&P 500 dived 1.6%, while peripheral European bond yields surged, and U.S. 10-year bond yields fell 7 basis points on safe-haven buying. ADRs suggest BHP (BHP.AU) will fall 1.4% to A$30.62. The Index last closed at 4027.8. “

  64. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 11:03 am

    Overnight, German Chancellor Merkel said euro bonds, euro bills and European deposit insurance with joint liability would be “economically wrong and counterproductive.”

    LOL! And what they’ve got now is “productive”???

  65. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 11:27 am

    Hope the blogmaster is well …

    In the throes of moving (again?) I believe, egg …

  66. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 11:36 am

    Yes……that bit is rather amusing.

    Ya gotta wonder what the Germans are expecting. They are the ones with the cash to back everyone else in the Euro up to an extent. They have the cash because the Euro has conveniently acted as a defacto deflated deutschmark. They have done very nicely out of it. Well now its time for them to either cough up if they want to save it.

    Lets face it just look around at how many BMWs, VWs, Audis are on the road these days compared to a little over a decade ago.

    BMWs used to be for the well educated professional class.

    FMD even people on less that $100,000 can afford a BMW theses days.

    The prestige car market once the preserve of the well to do has been totally debased by German greed and avarice.

  67. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 26, 2012 11:44 am

    Europe is stuffed, and only the financially disciplined Germany is holding it together.

    Is any more proof needed that it is just stupid to spend your way out of economic difficulty? It really is remarkable that so many of the self professed “left” just don’t get it.

    Is there an explanation of why some people seem to think that it is necessary to adopt excessive spending and taxing to have a social conscience?

  68. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 11:52 am

    Europe is indeed stuffed. Donald Rumsfeld referred to it as the “Old World” if I recall correctly and they howled him down.

    Germany is indeed the only one that can hold it together. But will they put up the cash is the real question.

    I doubt it.

    And if they do the “fix” will just be temporary.

  69. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 12:43 pm

    Not sure I’d use Rumsfeld as a reference for anything … the Yanks don’t want a united europe it’s not in their commercial interests … it reduces their power and influence in the world.

    It really is remarkable that so many of the self professed “left” just don’t get it.

    That’s quite a loaded statement and can be tackled from many different angles … least of all that the concept is not a “left” concept … in fact it’s not about “political theory” it’s about “economic theory” … one that was developed after the banks in 1930 were “starved” of capital … that’s where/how the Great Depression was born … which do you prefer?

  70. armchair opinionator permalink
    June 26, 2012 1:13 pm

    I’m not in favour of off shore processing, and I don’t really see any reason to change my mind.

    Me neither. The two majors in coming up with their inglorious and inhumane ‘solutions’ to an international problem, have validated public xenophobia and prejudice instead of encouraging humanity and compassion.

    TB
    I agree with tom & jaws

    You can drive from hobart to launceston in three hours if you wanted to, but to really see the wild west of tassie you need to stop and travel the river, parks and surrounding areas. I think that the east and west are so different that you need a week of visiting each area. The west is a wonderful natural wilderness while the east is beautiful seaside and you can get drunk (as I did) touring and “tasting” the local wineries. Good times!

    We never got there but Freycinet National Park is supposed to be outstanding as well…

    Freycinet is beautiful and I love coles bay!

    I would say plan a few tassie visits and travel a different section each time, N,S, E, W and then through the centre. There’s plenty to see.

  71. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 26, 2012 1:20 pm

    I’m not so certain TB. I did economic history (admittedly over 2 decades ago), and I don’t recall that “the left” was invented in the 1930s. Even I was quite brilliant at the subject, there may not have been a huge amount that penetrated my long term memory.

  72. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 26, 2012 1:21 pm

    “Even though I was quite brilliant..”

  73. June 26, 2012 1:49 pm

    Me neither. The two majors in coming up with their inglorious and inhumane ‘solutions’ to an international problem, have validated public xenophobia and prejudice instead of encouraging humanity and compassion.

    Problem with that, Kittylitter, is that you must then be in favour of sending ships over to collect the asylum seekers. Where is the line to be drawn?

  74. el gordo permalink
    June 26, 2012 2:42 pm

    ‘…instead of encouraging humanity and compassion.’

    It wouldn’t have been a disaster if we had got to them sooner…it’s sad but there’s no easy solution.

    In the US there are 11 million illegal immigrants.

  75. Splatterbottom permalink
    June 26, 2012 3:15 pm

    Drowning 800 people is not ‘encouraging humanity and compassion’.

  76. Splatterbottom permalink
    June 26, 2012 3:21 pm

    Curious and curiouser.

  77. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 3:29 pm

    I did economic history (admittedly over 2 decades ago), and I don’t recall that “the left” was invented in the 1930s

    Capitalism is an economic system (as opposed to Command) but democracy is a political system (as opposed to single Party Communism – not to be confused with Socialism) both political systems have a left and right wing … so, confusing the two doesn’t make sense … as you did in your original statement … it wasn’t a “left” decision … had Howard won the election he would have been advised to do the same, by Treasury … and then Costello would have been gloating about the “planning” that had gone into accumulating a surplus (instead of building infrastructure) … and how Howard and Costello had saved the planet Australia …

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    I would say plan a few tassie visits and travel a different section each time, N,S, E, W and then through the centre. There’s plenty to see.

    I guess this is a recce, KL … if we like it, we’ll go back …

    ==============================

  78. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 3:40 pm

    “TB
    I agree with tom & jaws”

    FMD

    Where’s the local picture framer around Palm Beach ?

    🙂

  79. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 3:45 pm

    “In the throes of moving (again?) I believe, egg …”

    Again……?

    I’m beginning to suspect that perhaps he avoids being on the electoral roll as well lest a Mr Dunn or perhaps Mr Bradstreet come a knockin’.

    LOL

  80. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 3:58 pm

    Wally, I don’t know … just a guess … OK

  81. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 4:03 pm

    sreb, just sent some photos of the new pad …

    http://orsosisland.com/

  82. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 4:10 pm

    Thanks to the Spaniards and Greeks it looks like my favourite stocks BHP and Woodside should revisit a few sub $30 lows soon for the first time since 2009.

  83. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 4:38 pm

    But enough of resource stocks.

    One of the next booms will be in food production. That is sustainable food production. Our neighbours to our North will continue to seek out high protein producers.

    That’s why companies like AAC (Australian Agricultural Company) are important.

    It has excellent exposure to the Live Cattle Trade.

  84. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 4:56 pm

    One of the next booms will be in food production

    See, Wally, we agree on so much … 😉

  85. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 26, 2012 5:24 pm

    SB, Kathy Jackson has continually said she’s not lily white.

    I’m sure some barrackers will find the distraction involving Jackson entertaining, but she’s only a union official, she’s not in parliament. She can be dealt with by the members or the administrator acting on their behalf.

    Thomson is a proven liar, and he’s an MP on the public payroll. We’re entitled to be offended by his behaviour. He’s changed his excuse so many times that I’ve lost count. But his barrackers just fall into line with whatever his latest is.

    The issues involving Jackson are entertaining, but they don’t provide anything other than a minor distraction for Thomson.

  86. Splatterbottom permalink
    June 26, 2012 5:31 pm

    ToM, I’ve hardly been uncritical of Thomson. And Jackson will probably have at least 3 years before FWA get a report done. No doubt a lot of what is said about Jackson is just Unionland payback for her breaking their code of silence. I wish more people would do that. Then we might get a better look at the seething morass of corruption that is labour politics in this country.

  87. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 5:34 pm

    SB, Kathy Jackson has continually said she’s not lily white.

    LOL! No, but you have … 😆 Rest of the your post is cotton wool … 😛

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Anyway … re my Tassie holiday … our last stop is at Swansea Beach Chalets* and that’s approx. 1 hour from the Freycinet National Park … so that will be a visit!

  88. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 5:37 pm

    I wonder if reb has forgot he set up the Daily Trash. Did he go on a huge bender and is now suffering an alco blackout much like Toilet does when he forgets his common sense

    🙂

    Has anyone checked over at the Farnham Report. He might be sitting over there wondering where everyone went .

  89. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 5:38 pm

    our last stop is at Swansea Beach Chalets*

    *read demountable with a distant view of some water …

  90. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 26, 2012 6:06 pm

    Speaking of holidays, I’m currently surfing for about 4 or 5 hours a day. Nice too.

  91. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 6:21 pm

    You’d freeze your arse off here … it must be like Taswegia … cold, miserable and raining … in fact Taswegia is looking pretty good, weather wise, at the moment!

    Brissy should be cold at night and lovely sunshine during the day (like last week) but not wet and miserable … we even suggested to our UK rellies to visit us in winter!

    Climate change warming, my arse!

  92. TB Queensland permalink
    June 26, 2012 6:23 pm

    “There is no place for religion in schools”**

    Hear! Hear!

    ** from The Trasher banner above!

  93. el gordo permalink
    June 26, 2012 6:26 pm

    On the AAC I’m with Jaws …agriculture should be a good investment, but won’t eclipse dirt for real value.

  94. el gordo permalink
    June 26, 2012 6:32 pm

    ‘Religious leaders have taken a swipe at Sydney’s Catholic archbishop George Pell for denying the science of climate change and drowning out other voices in the debate.

    ‘SYDNEY rabbi Jeffrey Kamins and retiring Canberra bishop Pat Power were in Canberra on Tuesday to argue Australia needed to tackle dangerous climate change for future generations.

    ‘Rabbi Kamins said too many people incorrectly believed religion had an antipathy towards science.’

    From Herald Sun (hun)

  95. public toilet permalink
    June 26, 2012 7:20 pm

    😯

  96. public toilet permalink
    June 26, 2012 7:21 pm

    F U JAWS.

  97. Meta permalink
    June 26, 2012 7:33 pm

    (Something .historical.)

  98. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 26, 2012 8:32 pm

    This is the place for a holiday!

    It’s better than Tasmania too.

  99. Meta permalink
    June 26, 2012 8:47 pm

    (No can go there; it‘s been omitted.)

  100. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 10:14 pm

    Oh come on Toilet there’s a smiley right after it. 🙂
    I was just wondering where people’s are .

  101. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 10:59 pm

    Bill Shorten on Lateline looking shocked at Slipper case.

    I thought no one was supposed to comment on court cases per ToMs Barrackers ?

  102. JAWS permalink
    June 26, 2012 11:05 pm

    I do hope David Marr resigns as soon as Gina gets her 3 board seats on the Fairfax board

    Otherwise I daresay he would be a hypocrit

  103. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 7:11 am

    Limited News is also sacking people in the digital wing, not a good time to be in the industry.

    ‘Editorial staff, who were directed not to comment about the announcements, took to social media to vent their frustrations.

    “… well that horrible moment finally arrived – en masse … to my colleagues and friends who lost their jobs today … you are all in my thoughts,” one wrote on Facebook.

    ‘Another said: “Crap time to be in the newspaper industry. Thoughts go out to all the subs at The Townsville Bulletin.”

    Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/news-ltd-to-cut-70-digital-staff-20120626-210ad.html#ixzz1yw5NIgts

  104. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 7:14 am

    I’m guessing reb has man flu.

  105. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 7:30 am

    ‘Fairfax has been run too long by a board full of accountants and management men most of whom – with the exception of the passing appearance of John Fairfax – knew absolutely nothing about the running of newspapers.

    ‘Worse, they seem to have had little interest in doing so. Contrast that with the typical media mogul who is totally obsessed with and entranced by the media. The fact is, to make any media outlet a success, you have to know the media intimately.’

    David Flint in Quadrant

  106. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 7:55 am

    I’m guessing reb has man flu.

    He’s moving, egg, currently no internet access, only phone. 🙂

  107. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 8:02 am

    I thought no one was supposed to comment on court cases per ToMs Barrackers ?

    Not quite true, if information is on public record, why not, its available to the public … Emma even tried to get Shorten to speculate re conspiracy … they both knew he wouldn’t/couldn’t do that … what they discussed would/could have no influence on the case anyway …

    … I also agree with Bill Shorten, all we want is the truth … and all he did “suggest” is that any Liberal Party members involved, stand up and be counted … as if ..

    … I too can see a Godwin Greche moment looming on the horizon …

  108. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 8:22 am

    Wally, just as we discussed …

    http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/06/26/uk-farmland-britain-investment-idUKBRE85P0N420120626

  109. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 8:48 am

    Yes TB

    Those to our North are hungry and increasingly thirsty.

    That’s why I like Aust Agric Company (ASX :AAC)(curently building an abbatoir in Darwin) and Treasury Wine Estates (Penfolds, Wolf Blass etc) (ASX:TWE)

    I’ll be researching a bit more on the cheese and baby formula producers like Bega next (ASX:BGA)

  110. June 27, 2012 9:12 am

    He’s moving, egg, currently no internet access, only phone.

    He’s moving to Queensland??

    😯

  111. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 9:39 am

    James, I don’t think he’d get a visa … 😦

  112. June 27, 2012 9:40 am

    Because of the Katter Rule?

  113. June 27, 2012 9:45 am

    Hello everybodies!

    All I’ve got to say is “fking hell..”

    Who’s idea was it to move again..?

    Anyway, talk about a fking nightmare… It’s just aswell my better half is a project manager.

    What an ordeal…

    When moving from one apartment to another apartment you have to book a time in with the building managers – one where you’re moving from, and another where you’re moving to…

    So just to make things a bit more stressful, the removalists turned up late, then had to do two trips because their truck wasn’t big enough (for all our antique artworks, gold bullion and wine collection)…

    So then the “cut off time” for moving in to the new place is 4pm and we’re still moving stuff at 6.30…

    The building manager started to get the shits saying things like “I’m meant to finish at 4pm” and then I lost it telling him that they have such a stupid fkn system where the removalists have to offload everything on the ground floor then manually cart it up two levels to get to the lift rather than straight into the lift from the ground floor….

    Then he started going on about how it’s a system that’s “worked for ten years” and “we should’ve asked” beforehand.

    At this point I’d had a gutsful. “I don’t appreciate your tone” I said…

    Which I’ve come to appreciate, is quite an eloquent, pompous and condescending way of belittling and ridiculing someone without actually resorting to the profanity of saying “get fked you fkn cnut” but more or less conveying the same sentiment.

    At this point he looked liked he was about to have an aneurysm.

    My partner quickly shoved me into the lift before things deteriorated…

    But then in the lift, we had the building manager’s offsider… Some moronic boofhead who was also complaining about finishing at 4pm..

    “Well we would’ve all liked to have finished earlier” I said…

    “But I don’t appreciate getting attitude from you two when we’re all trying to get things done as fast as we can..”

    “What you two fail to realise is that it’s our fees that are paying your fkn wages.” I added pointedly.

    “And I don’t need some fucking moron lecturing me about how to move stuff” I concluded (yes I did call his boss a fkn moron)…

    So that was yesterday. What joy.

    Anyway we won’t have intertubes at home for another week or so, so I’ll just have to blog on the company’s time.

  114. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 27, 2012 9:49 am

    ” I’ll just have to blog on the company’s time.

    …and who could possibly object to that? It’s not as if you’re a public servant, wasting our money.

  115. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 9:58 am

    Dont you have an iPhone ?

    Turn your “hotspot” on and use your laptop.

  116. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 9:59 am

    Even some Android sets have “hotspots” I believe

  117. June 27, 2012 10:00 am

    Turn my “hotspot” on…?

    Now there’s an invitation I didn’t expect.

    I have an iphone and an ipad… I’ll try it tonight..

  118. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 10:04 am

    Its very simple if you have not tried before.

    We use it in the car with our iPad alot

  119. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 10:22 am

    ‘Now there’s an invitation I didn’t expect.’
    🙂

  120. June 27, 2012 10:32 am

    BTW, we’re going with IINET for home phone and internet.. Hopefuly it will be ok..

    Telstra can swivel on my big finger.

  121. Splatterbottom permalink
    June 27, 2012 10:36 am

    Saw a great T-shirt slogan this morning:

    If Descartes was right you wouldn’t exist!

  122. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 11:13 am

    So how’re goin’, sreb! 😆 (Ya fiery, little, Jummy, ya … a Glasga head butt usually shuts em’ up …)

    sp reads Descartes! 😯 … maybe we will get a solution to our refugee problem after all … 😉

  123. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 11:15 am

    I accidently clicked on, James’, name and got this gineormous image of him! Nearly broke my chair backpedalling from the computer … 😯

  124. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 11:29 am

    “I accidently clicked on, James’, name and got this gineormous image of him! …”

    Been There Done That too

    I thought I’d accidentally Skyped a bogan somewhere

  125. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 27, 2012 11:35 am

    http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/private-sydney/howes-lifts-lid-in-boneshaker-interview-20120626-210ks.html

    The bloke who organised the knifing of Rudd is getting organised early for political life. New shirt & suit.

  126. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 11:36 am

    It happened to me as well, quite shocking… our future legal fraternity.

  127. June 27, 2012 11:43 am

    THEN YOU SHOULD ALL FKN KNOW IT’S A FKN CAP, NOT A FKN TERRY TOWELLING HAT!!!!

  128. June 27, 2012 11:52 am

    People are often startled by the terry towelling hat, rosary beads & sydney handbags stubby holder not to mention the duo-luv balls .

  129. June 27, 2012 11:54 am

    For the record, Quadrant is a pile of vomit.

    I actually had a bit of a look ‘tother day. FMD, conservatives do feel sooooo marginalised & victimised, don’t they! like the whole world outside of their own headspace is some kind of conspiracy set up to malign them. 🙄

  130. June 27, 2012 11:59 am

    FKN Queensland conservatives…the worst of the lot!

  131. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 12:01 pm

    The whole Slipper thingy is a right wing conspiracy.

  132. June 27, 2012 12:14 pm

    I think lefty’s get a bit suspicious about the whole sordid Slipper mess on account of Grech being in their recent memories; as weebee says.

    Personally, I’m a little wary of blaming bad smells on conspiracy theories.

    Quadrant is a pile of vomit, nonetheless.

  133. June 27, 2012 12:15 pm

    * fucked my apostrophe, before the grammar gestapo start.

  134. June 27, 2012 12:19 pm

    Jesus, YomM!

    Those pictures of Uluwatu just about had me soiling my small clothes in excitement!

    If that’s where you are then you lead a charmed fucking existence, my man! 😯

    Is the surf that good?! the photos make it look like Utopia…if a little crowded. The water down here at the moment is enough to make a toilet’s hands numb & face blue (but still fun).
    Winter surfing in SA is only for the true believers.

  135. June 27, 2012 12:23 pm

    From the files of “the most remarkable defences” comes…..

    Ben Cousins: “The drugs up my arse aren’t mine”

    http://www.news.com.au/national/ben-cousins-due-in-court-on-esperance-methamphetamine-drug-charges/story-e6frfkvr-1226410005789

  136. June 27, 2012 12:25 pm

    Yeah, Ben, sure, Ben.

    Someone hid them up there while you were asleep, on account of you being extra loose from the amyl nitrate.

  137. June 27, 2012 12:26 pm

    F U JAWS. 🙂

  138. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 12:29 pm

    ToM, re Howes … maybe its because of his stepfather that Howes is such a cocky, shithead … future Prime Minister my arse! Weasel mouthed, arrogant and demonstrates aptly the saying poer corrupts …

  139. June 27, 2012 12:30 pm

    …but true poer maketh the queenslander.

  140. June 27, 2012 12:32 pm

    LOL Boss,

    Reminds me of the time when Todd McKenney claimed that someone “planted” GHB in his pants, after he had taken them off when he was “overheating” at a friend’s party.

    http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/todd-mckenneys-pants-down-defence/2008/06/25/1214073308559.html

  141. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 12:44 pm

    “F U JAWS.”

    Glad we got that sorted out………

    🙂

  142. June 27, 2012 12:48 pm

    Yeah, I forgot it initially, the smilie that is.

    I thought common sense was/is uncommon anyways.

  143. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 27, 2012 1:58 pm

    Well HD, fortunately (form me) the surf in Uluwatu is currently a little smaller than in the images!

    There are reef breaks everywhere along this part of the coast, and no crowds. The waves come through in quick sets so there’s plenty for everyone. It’s a remarkably pleasant way to spend a week. Get up, surf, relax, then surf, a little more relaxing… It beats Tasmania.

  144. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 2:30 pm

    I just figured out we don’t need to visit Taswegia, it’s visiting us … fkn freezing cold, pissin’ down rain wet and blowing right up me Khyber!windy!

  145. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 5:08 pm

    Mem’ries stress relief … or creation?

    http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/play-pong-online,678,BA.html

  146. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 5:12 pm

    The frezin cold in in Qld is only weather and will go away after winter.

  147. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 5:34 pm

    A Fed Committee wants Twiggy, Gina and Clive to give their opinion on cheap labour.

    ‘As well as boom towns, Senator Cameron says they also plan to visit some of the areas of highest domestic unemployment, including Tasmania.

    “I think if we can manage to spread the benefits of the boom to Tasmania we will have done a great job,” he said.

    “And Tasmania has got some particular skills and opportunities to offer the mining industry and we want to look at how we can maximise that.”

  148. el gordo permalink
    June 27, 2012 5:45 pm

    SELL FAIRFAX

    ‘Fairfax Media will not offer Gina Rinehart a seat on the board, chairman Roger Corbett says.’

    Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/media-and-marketing/no-seat-for-rinehart-fairfax-chairman-says-20120627-211×2.html#ixzz1yyfHI9YZ

  149. June 27, 2012 6:21 pm

    Yay! Thanks to Jaws and his advice about ” activating my hotspot” I now have internt access!

  150. June 27, 2012 6:47 pm

    Hurrah! Now you can also swipe it off of technotards whose home wireless isn’t password protected!

    Happy Days!

  151. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 6:58 pm

    Yay! Thanks to Jaws and his advice about ” activating my hotspot” I now have internt access! Hasn’t improved your spelling …. 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

  152. June 27, 2012 7:02 pm

    Very funny.

    bTW does anyone else watch that 5 min animated show about insects before the seven o’clock news on abc? Tonight’s episode was particularly funny!

    We need to laugh more, I reckon….

  153. TB Queensland permalink
    June 27, 2012 7:05 pm

    Yep, sreb, brilliant I didn’t know that the French had such a sense of humour!

    Hhahahahahaw … we do need to laugh more … hahahahahahaha!

  154. June 27, 2012 7:06 pm

    “We need to laugh more, I reckon….”

    So true!

  155. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 10:53 pm

    Wow

    This is getting interesting. Fairfax board have refused Gina R.

    So will she pull out and send the share price South ?

    She can’t go any higher without bidding for 100%

  156. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 10:55 pm

    Good to see you “Hotspot ” functioned perfectly despite the high stress of yesterday

    LOL

  157. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 11:01 pm

    Reb

    Just treat it as a temp solution. As its easy to blow your monthly data allowance on your phone. Just watch data usage on your phone

    It’s a band aid so I would not watch movies/ youtube

  158. JAWS permalink
    June 27, 2012 11:15 pm

    Clive Palmer is on Lateline. Since he was born in Victoria can you Melbourne people confirm whether he is related to Sam Kekovich ?

  159. James of North Melbourne permalink
    June 28, 2012 8:29 am

    Reb, Li’l Sancty and I are huge fans of the insect show. It’s on Fox frequently. Mrs Sancty hates it which makes it all the better.

  160. el gordo permalink
    June 28, 2012 8:47 am

    Miniscules (sic) is fun.

    ———-

    This is for TB and his concern that history is repeating itself.

    ‘A German newspaper has broken a major taboo by comparing the crisis engulfing the eurozone with the 1930s slump which ushered in Hitler, the Nazis and WW2.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2165419/German-newspaper-Die-Welt-compares-Eurozone-crisis-1930s-slump-ushered-Hitler.html#ixzz1z2JbfqgS

  161. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:38 am

    Thanks, egg, I’m used to most people being slow on the uptake 😉 (after all the GFC began in 2007) …

    Not sure that investing in property is clever if WW3 break out!

    I notice its not only the newspaper drawing similar parallels …

    I’ve oft quoted The Creature From Jekyll Island … the history of the Federal Reserve Bank (and all its derivitives – including our own central bank) … their simple purpose is to protect the banks … that’s why the Fed was set up by the Morgans and the Rothschilds … and why they are NOT GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED AT ALL … as noted in your linked article …

  162. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:51 am

    We need to laugh more I reckon … just arrived in my email inbox …

    Issues with seniors
    (We can all relate to this…)

    There was a bit of confusion at the store this morning. When I was
    ready to pay for my groceries, the cashier said, “Strip down, facing me.”

    Making a mental note to complain to my congressman about Homeland
    Security running amok, I did just as she had instructed.

    When the hysterical shrieking and alarms finally subsided, I found out
    that she was referring to my credit card.

    I have been asked to shop elsewhere in the future.

    They need to make their instructions to us seniors a little clearer !

  163. el gordo permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:55 am

    LOL TB

  164. June 28, 2012 10:55 am

    Oh Geezus, and here’s me without my nappies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  165. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 12:43 pm

    LOL

  166. June 28, 2012 1:51 pm

    Hahahaha………..

    Now we know where Reb’s been this last week!!

  167. June 28, 2012 2:07 pm

    By the way, I TOLD you it wasn’t terry towelling………

    That’s CLEARLY a heavy cotton or denim type material….

  168. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 3:52 pm

    SO … I just “won” a refund in “my favour” via a Paypal dispute … I think …

    I ordered a laptop battery from au.batteryshop.com displaying an Australia Post logo at the top of the website and a Paypal verfied site on the bottom …

    … 2-6 days delivery became 10 days… and the battery I received bore no resemblance at all to the one I had ordered …

    I had paid $45.99 delivered … remeber this amount …

    I then contacted the Seller IN CHINA on his .CO.UK email …

    … Sunny, (easier to pronounce than, Xianghua Luo), … in due course, replied and after a few emails finally agreed to send another battery after I initiated a Dispute in Paypal …

    … I then waited five days (patient, hey?) for information on the shipping … before asking the Seller, Sunny, via the Dispute protocol on Paypal, what was happening? Had he sent my new battery? Could I track it? Was I simply to get a refund? Had he changed his mind?…

    … his reply … we have been celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival and it would be sent “today” … (Google research told me that the Dragon Boat Festival was on the 5th May each year! This was the middle of JUNE) …

    I decided to escalate the Paypal Dispute to a Paypal Claim …

    … after two days I was informed by Paypal that they had found in my favour and I was entitled to a refund … but to get it I had to send the incorrect battery back to China — with tracking …

    … the cheapest shipping from Australia to China I found was $53 with Australia Post … and why should I pay for, Sunny’s, stuff up anyway?

    … so who actually “won” the dispute?

    (I have since contacted Paypal and am waiting for a reply … don’t expect too much from them but I did use the words “justice”, “verified”, responsibility” and “cynical” in my email … I was tempted to play the “just a pensioner” card but that’s not quite true just yet!)

    Caveat emptor!

  169. June 28, 2012 3:56 pm

    ebay and paypal are works of the devil.

    I don’t use either of them any more following a comparable bad experience.

  170. June 28, 2012 4:08 pm

    Fck it, TB, you’re retired. Pursue it to the end. Send back the part. Pay for the postage (I’ll stump up the $$ if you don’t want to) and claim for that as well. And annoy and persist and complain and finally go to A Current Affair.

    Geezus those stories shit me. If I’d done that I’d be mortified and have the correct part in express mail same day.

  171. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 4:08 pm

    Not eBay, sreb, a webstore (like you, I rarely if ever buy on eBay) … it was the silliness of “in your favour” … that struck me … I’m currently looking at other Australian sites with an ABN no that I can check … the laptop in question is an 8yo Dell Inspiron so I’m not keen to splash out!

  172. June 28, 2012 4:10 pm

    “the laptop in question is an 8yo Dell Inspiron”

    8 years old….?????!!!

    That thing must weigh a tonne… Honestly for the love of god, why don’t you just chuck it away and get a new one…

  173. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 4:14 pm

    James, but sometimes its not worth the “effort” (being retired doesn’t mean your life “stops” and time is infinite ……….. )

    Thanks very much for the offer … 🙂 but this Chinese dickhead has form, I found the forum thread this morning on Whirlpool …

    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1467717

    And I don’t think ACA would be interested … they seem to be more interested in celebs divorcing and footballers getting cought and olympic athletes making twits of themselves than bringing companies like these to air (and I include Paypal) …

  174. June 28, 2012 4:15 pm

    GO QUEENSLANDER!!!

  175. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 4:22 pm

    That thing must weigh a tonne… Honestly for the love of god, why don’t you just chuck it away and get a new one…

    Well yes it does weigh a ton but I use it primarily for my midi backing files when I have a gig … and it really is/has been reliable …

    I simply can’t justify the outlay for a new laptop … The Minister for War, Water, Power(now!), Finance & Fun would have a fit!

    I have a little Fujitsu netbook, as a back-up, that my Teutonic friend gave me one night, out of the blue – just put it in front of me and said, “that is for you, my friend” – I sat there stunned for about 30 seconds.

  176. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 4:23 pm

    Thanks for the support, HD! (got the letters the right way around an’ all!)

  177. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 4:53 pm

    “the laptop in question is an 8yo Dell Inspiron”

    Faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaark

    8 years old ?

    TB

    There must be plenty of really tall 8 year old office towers that have perfectly good top floor decks that you could test to see what speed your 8 year old computer could actually go…………………………………..with the help of gravity

  178. Splatterbottom permalink
    June 28, 2012 4:54 pm

    “… after two days I was informed by Paypal that they had found in my favour and I was entitled to a refund … but to get it I had to send the incorrect battery back to China — with tracking …
    … the cheapest shipping from Australia to China I found was $53 with Australia Post … and why should I pay for, Sunny’s, stuff up anyway?”

    I’ve had exactly the same issue with them, TB – cost of return > than cost of item.

    My experience with Paypal is that they are absolutely hopeless to deal with and not interested in really helping their customers. As a virtual monopoly why should they bother?

    I noticed this little netbook which would be handy to have. I still prefer netbooks to tablets, especially at this price.

  179. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 5:17 pm

    I don’t know if this is completely true or not but I just heard an expert on refrigeration on radio saying that the Carbon Tax on 1 kilogram of airconditioning gas ( Yes not one tonne but one kilogram) will be $30 from 1 July.

    Consequently the 40 kilo bulk bottles that he will purchase on Saturday are set to rise from $400 to over $1,700 by Monday.

    Too bad if your aircon needs regasing

  180. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 5:23 pm

    sp, if you like that you should consider a Raspberry Pi … 😉

    http://australia.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=raspberrypi&cm_mmc=AU-PPC-0411-_-google-_-4_Raspberry_PI-_-raspberry%20pi_Broad

    Last time I checked they were $42!

    Seriously, as I said in reply to, sreb, I use the Inspiron for my midi files and that includes the karaoke files I use when I’m singing (my memory isn’t good enough to remember the words for over 250 songs) …

    … and the Inspiron has a large 15″ screen and isn’t shiny like modern screens … and doesn’t need much power to drive the external Creative sound card I use into my PA …

    … the netbook is certainly powerful enough but a 10″ screen is a bit tiny to read, when your singing … squinting isn’t a good look in front of an audience … 😉

  181. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 5:26 pm

    I don’t know if this is completely true or not …

    You don’t? (I’s have a bloody good guess) And your an accountant? So, do your clients understand what price “gouging” is and that there are severe state and federal penalties for it?

  182. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 5:37 pm

    I’m talking about how much CO2 goes into a kilo of refrigerent………………. Not bloody price gouging.

    Work it out for me on your fucking 8 year old abacus.

  183. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 5:56 pm

    Considering you still have an 8 year old computer I reckon you are the type whose wardrobe also still harbours a pair of Amco denims.

    Perhaps even a pair of Bogarts ?

    Still waiting for flairs to make a comeback too I s’pose ?

    Tie Dyed T Shirts …………………..?

  184. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 5:57 pm

    I’m talking about how much CO2 goes into a kilo of refrigerent………………. Not bloody price gouging.

    Work it out for me on your fucking 8 year old abacus.

    … and YOU call ME grumpy!

    Here ya go … this answers BOTH our questions … read to the bottom though don’t just read “bits” …

    http://www.refrigerantsaustralia.org/carbon.html

    (Why do I research people’s $#it when its so easy …:shock: )

  185. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 5:57 pm

    You can be a Dick, Wally …

  186. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 6:05 pm

    Comes naturally ya know………… 🙂

  187. TB Queensland permalink
    June 28, 2012 6:47 pm

    LOL!

  188. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 9:53 pm

    Where is everybody ?

    ToM………….. Fifi……………Eg…………..bloody headbanger tj not even around .

    Oh well…………..back to the footsie and the da x

  189. el gordo permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:00 pm

    I’ve been at the cafe getting a hiding. My own fault hanging out with that vicious crowd.

  190. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:01 pm

    Vicious or vacuous ?

    LOL

  191. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:15 pm

    A most bizarre thing happened tonite. We were parked in warringah mall westfields tonite. I had reversed into the spot. I had the drivers side passenger door halfway open on the 4wd moving stuff between the back seat and the boot when a Hyundai excel came in nose first and manouvered on and on and on to fit . Then the nutcase suddenly reverses at an acute angle and manages to rip his wing mirror off on the edge of my open rear door.

    Then proceeds to blame me. I’m unpacking a trolley into the boot when it happens.

    Some people

  192. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:20 pm

    Don’t worry eg

    Just stick with the politest political blog …………thedailytrash

  193. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 10:24 pm

    Eg

    You being a disenchanted Leftie and all must be happy that a poll put Obama ahead of Romney as to who would be best to deal with an alien invasion.

    And we think Europe has a problem ?

  194. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 11:01 pm

    Dow Futures look like opening well down at about 3/4%

    The Europeans think they can fix the problem with a few tweaks over a few years.

    They have days or if they are lucky weeks

    The Euro will be extinct by Christmas if Germany does not stump up the cash or guarantee debts very very very soon

  195. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 28, 2012 11:04 pm

    I’m on one of my surf safaris JAWS. Good today. Big conditions, probably more suited to the nimble youth who are quicker to their feet.

  196. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 11:19 pm

    Do you take Fifi surfing ToM or is she off shopping for a leopard skin bikini and other outfits in torquay ?

    In fact a man of your means and intelligence possibly would have sent her off to Ascot so she could be very knowledgeable about what to wear for the upcoming Spring Carnival I expect

    🙂

  197. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 28, 2012 11:29 pm

    Fifi doesn’t surf. Though she may take it up, now that Rip Curl has a range of wetsuits in hot pink, though not the leopard skin print yet.

  198. JAWS permalink
    June 28, 2012 11:35 pm

    Good to hear. Im sure she spends far too much of your money staying beautiful for all of it to be spoilt by salt water.

    Perhaps a leopard skin surfboard cover ?

    It’d look great driving by the local Greens office with her rack in your car and that on your roof rack

    LOL

  199. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 28, 2012 11:45 pm

    Only if it’s genuine leopard.

  200. el gordo permalink
    June 29, 2012 7:12 am

    Thanx for your reassuring words Jaws, the vacuous mob at the cafe will not weary me. I’m only hanging out on one thread down there… to vent my spleen as July 1 draws ever closer.

  201. June 29, 2012 8:51 am

    Nightshift. Fucks with a man’s head & his good humour so he doesn’t comment.

  202. JAWS permalink
    June 29, 2012 9:43 am

    Someone’s gotta do it I s’pose

  203. June 29, 2012 10:00 am

    Apparently Wednesday was the day that Marty McFly arrived at in Back to the Future.

    Anyone feeling old?

  204. June 29, 2012 10:23 am

    The future ain’t what it used to be…

  205. June 29, 2012 10:30 am

    Oh my giddy aunt, I fell for an online hoax…..

    It’s ok, folks, we have another three years to get the flying skateboards happening.

  206. TB Queensland permalink
    June 29, 2012 10:47 am

    Anyone feeling old?

    Guess who’s 65 today!!!

    Paypal gave me a $10 credit towards “shipping” costs … so I’m either $35 down or $43 after farting around shipping the dud battery back to China … I sent a very noice email tp Paypal about aiding and abetting scammers … might put it up later.

    Gotta go – visitors …

  207. June 29, 2012 11:06 am

    Happy birthday TB! 🙂

  208. el gordo permalink
    June 29, 2012 11:10 am

    All the best TB…a new beginning.

  209. TB Queensland permalink
    June 29, 2012 11:33 am

    Thanks, guys … The Miniater informed me via a very noice card (she makes her own) that I was, “chronologically gifted” 😯 …

  210. TB Queensland permalink
    June 29, 2012 11:34 am

    The Miniater, actually means, The Minister …

  211. JAWS permalink
    June 29, 2012 11:57 am

    Yeah……….happy birthday TB

  212. JAWS permalink
    June 29, 2012 12:05 pm

    Meanwhile on the ASX David Jones initially shot up 19% on takeover talk

  213. June 29, 2012 12:09 pm

    For the benefit of TB, “David Jones” is a prominent retailer of quality homewares, fashion and accessories…

    😉

  214. JAWS permalink
    June 29, 2012 12:17 pm

    Mmmmmmmmmmmm……..I should have pointed that out to TB myself.

    He probably thought I was referring to a member of the Monkees

  215. TB Queensland permalink
    June 29, 2012 12:19 pm

    Yeah……….happy birthday TB

    Yeah … well …. thanks, Wally

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    For the benefit of TB, “David Jones” is a prominent retailer of quality homewares, fashion and accessories…

    Snotty nosed bunch of Fuckwits™ they are … wouldn’t even fart in their stores here … they’d try to bottle it and sell it back to me …

  216. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 29, 2012 12:29 pm

    Certainly David Jones is not exactly Lowes TB!

    (happy birthday, though I’m concerned that I’m exchanging opinions with someone eligible for the old age pension)

  217. TB Queensland permalink
    June 29, 2012 12:40 pm

    Thanks, ToM … re your age pension concerns …

  218. Tom of Melbourne permalink
    June 29, 2012 12:54 pm

    Slow wifi here, they need to spend about 5% of the GNP on cables and wires. Just like us.

  219. TB Queensland permalink
    June 29, 2012 3:04 pm

    Slow wifi here, they need to spend about 5% of the GNP on cables and wires. Just like us.

    ToM? I thought, you were a BIG fan of the wi-fi network an internet speed solution?

    Don’t worry though … the NBN will actually enhance your wi-fi experience and make communication a more pleasnt experience …

    … I doubt you’d understand the techex (so I won’t bore you) because the Tones and the rest of the liberal party machine doesn’t understand either … so you won’t have received a Fiction Fact Sheet …

  220. June 29, 2012 3:10 pm

    “Don’t worry though … the NBN will actually enhance your wi-fi experience and make communication a more pleasnt experience … ”

    Hee-hee…. 🙂

    Just on that, I wonder how Yabbott’s going with his plan to “tear up the NBN?”

    That ought to be a real vote winner….!*

    *sarc alert…

  221. TB Queensland permalink
    June 29, 2012 5:51 pm

    Off out to dinner … guess where we going …

  222. el gordo permalink
    June 29, 2012 6:40 pm

    ‘I wonder how Yabbott’s going with his plan to “tear up the NBN?”

    He would be well advised to say no more on the subject.

  223. Hummmph permalink
    June 26, 2013 8:24 pm

    If I’m on the move, I use personal hotspot with phone/ipad

  224. June 26, 2013 8:36 pm

    Are you the real Calvin Klein?!

    Or just his underwear?

    Or an imposter of both?

  225. egg permalink
    June 26, 2013 8:46 pm

    Kevin lives….

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