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It's also bad for the US team. If they lose, they're out and if they win, it will seem that they cheated. The best thing by far would be for player himself to refuse to play on the grounds that the rules are the rules. Then even if they lost he and the team would be heroes, Trump and FIFA would get a poke in the eye, and the world would applaud.

A lot of those Places were established because they were difficult to ESCAPE from. New Zealand was also threatened by Russians. The distance of Australia from the USA and Europe ads cost and risk to everything, and there was no communication other than by Letters. These trips were almost like going to the Moon. Nev

It gets worserer. The player who was given the red card was what is known as a birthright citizen. He was born to an English couple who were holidaying in the USA. His mother was seven months' pregnant when she wanted to return to England at teh end of the holiday, but the airline declined to carry her due to the risk of an in-flight birth. So they remained in the USA and the player was born on US soil, granting him birthright citizenship. I don't know how he later became a member of the USA team as I don't know anything about his career. Trump's birthright Executive Order has just been thrown out by SCOTUS and Trump is fuming about that. Yet he has the gall to ask (demand?) FIFA organisers to put the red card penalty on hold so that this birthright player can represent the USA in the next round of competition. You've got to have some sympathy for the player being innocently caught up in this blanant act of corruption.

Trump has done a wonderful thing for ethical behaviour. Corruption used to be something hidden behind closed doors. Trump has thrown those doors wide open and brought it out into the open.

Oh, my goodness gracious me!

Just catching up on this thread. Apart from some misstated knowledge of the First Nations' which I will deal with later, there are three main threads of negative impact immigration. The first is the impact on the housing market and how it pushes up prices. The recent developments of tax changes have already seemed to knock that one on the head, but it is too early to determine if that is the case, and I will explain why in a second. But, as a rough and ready set of numbers, I got Google to give me the following in a table: So, what does it compare (all sourced from ABS data): Each year from 2000 to 2025 EOFY. The net migration into Australia The natural increase in the population (non-immigrants) Net dwelling additions to Australia - that means number of new dwellings built minus the number of those demolished. The average number of people per immigrant household The average number of people per non-immigrant household The new immigrant homes needed based on the number of immigrants divided by the average household size The new homes needed for non immigrant families The surplus or deficit of new dwellings built minus the sum of immigrant and non-immigrant houses required. This is rough and ready by any measure. For example, we don't take into account the number of bedrooms per new dwelling. But on this measure, only 6 of the 26 years there was a deficity in the number of new dwellings constructed versus the estimated new homes required across both the immigrant and non immgrant dwellings required. The biggest deficit was 77k homes in 2022-23, immediately after Covid. Pre-Covid, the biggest deficit was 7.5K. The biggest surplus was 142,500 dwellings in a year! With the exception of 2024-25, which ad a small surplus of 2,700 most years of surplus were well into the 10s of thousands. This is especially important because of the compounding effect. Every year, immigrants come, and then the next year some/many will have a baby or 2. That baby further increases the population. That is reflected in the domestic and not immigrant size and skews the figures at is is deemed one domestic person in the household of domestic population.. and increases the number of dwellings required according to the stats. These are two examples of statistical error, but the numbers of surpluses involved for the amount of years would indicate that the issue of immigration on housing in de minimis; or marginal at best. There goes that claim that immigration has a big impact on the housing costs. The second, on crime, it is hard to get stats. The reason why is because an immigrant is considered someone who is born overseas, and with young kids committing crimes, many may well be born in Australia and considered part of the domestic population. In addition, the ABS does not publish statistics by ethnic origin. So the best I could come up with is this from AI: It's not much, but it points to a debunking of the myths. My anecdotal observations in the UK is that crime, with the exception of hate crime, is linked more to socio-economic issues than specific ethinic backgrounds. But like Australia, the UK statistics Office doesn't publish such information, at least according to Google. The third is the dilution of Aussie culture ("traditional Australian"). This is a little too subjective for me; the behaviour of Aussies differs on socio-economic and location. Just look at Melbourne Football club members, for example. And if you think Aussies are laid back, well, they weren't compared to their UK cousins, at least pre Covid, that is for sure. But, that was my impression. And, they certainly don't or didn't swear anywhere near that of the Brit, nor did they drink anywhere near as much, either (NT excepted, I guess).. Again, that was my observation, which may be different to yours. But I get the feeling Aussies have this view of themselves as somehow unique.. My travels have busted that myth to me. However, I do get that people who have a vastly different culture and physical appearance can come across as not integrating with the local culture. There is a difference between people coming here and doing well, and people coming here, doing well, and integrating. But that does not mean they have to not wear what they want (Australia is about freedom of choice, right). Nor does it mean they need to fit into everything a "traditional Aussie" would do.. Many years ago, if you didn't smoke, you weren't Australian.. Despite the tobacco wars, there has been a big shift in attitudes to smoking, drinking, and I think those with massive muscly cars are considered either bogans or correcting for other deficiencies. I doubt much of this is the result of immigration., yet our cultural values have changed. Even marital rape is now illegal all over Australia since 1996 (though it was progressively made illegal from 1976). Think about it.. Marital rape was acceptable in modern Australia. Sometimes, it is good to have a cultural change.

"English is what happens when Vikings learn Latin and use it to shout at Germans, and then the French shout back!"

There are always questionable decisions that result in red cards. There are questionable decisions in all sports that have adverse effects. That is part and parcel of the game. I can't recall a time when FIFA has overruled a decision in the world cup prior. In 2018, Australia lost to Italy in the last 32 or whatever. Australia, under Gus Huding were the far better side. I saw that game. The British referee made what looked like horrendous decisions which cost Australia the game. Even the Brits were apologising on his behalf... FIFA didn't review and "put right" the decisions...

FIFA management has been corrupt for years bowing to the almighty $. They inserted a drinks break supposedly because of the heat but mandated it for all games whether it is hot or cold, effectively splitting the game in to 4 quarters. This not only disrupts the flow of the game & gives players a bit of a breather but and most importantly provides and additional period to rake in $billions from advertisers.

The reason why I want a NC750X is that it is a reliable bike, lasts forever, and is incredibly frugal - 80 miles/gallon is quite easily doable. I do lots of miles and will continue to do so. Although, the downside is while it is torquey, it isn't particularly powerful at 56bhp and I am now quite used to what is probably about 85 under the petrol tank. My CBF1000 is a commuter hack. If I had a decent space for the workshop and the tools (not much more than I have - e.g. crimpers, etc), I am sure it is a doddle to fix. Mechanically, it is absolutely sound. I am told my issue could be the fuse on the starter solenoid, but it doesn't make sense as the starter has no delays or lower power dips, etc. I am thinking it is a case of pulling the tank off and following the wires. My guess is a wire is pulled from a connector; a connector is corroded or there is insulation chafing. Ahh, bugger it.. .the Triumph dealer said they didn't realise I wanted them to hang onto the bike until I get back - they don't have the space. So, I will just bite the bullet and buy a couple of more tools; more stuff to send back to Aus.

Did you know.... If you spell Absolutely Nothing backwards, you get.... "Gnighton Yletulosba", which means....... Absolutely Nothing!

My wife once told me, "Sex is more fun on holidays". It wasn't the best postcard I've ever received

True story. I was looking through the program guide on Foxtel, and came a across a program called..(What The?) .. "Rooted". Of course, I had to check it out. It was about trees in Africa.

Thi is the incident Balogun was awarded the red card for, stepping on an oponent's foot.

The thread is devoted to 'God Elp Amerika' but no evidence suggests god is helping at all. Unless god thinks the world might be better off without the US part of america

Ah... The smoke must have escaped the system. Just go to the dark side and buy a BMW. Here is my little beast K1200R 21 years old and 121,000 km and feels like new.

Today I picked up a kids' book which dealt with the the convicts. On the very first page was the usual story of overcrowded prisons etc., etc. The story on that page made me wonder how many people beleive that the Arab-Israeli situation only began in 2023, simply because those people have no knowledge of what has been happening in the area since 1919. I have read many of the comments peole have posted here. I believe that the comments were made in absolute good faith. However, in many I see a lack of knowledge of the sequence of events that lead to the sending of the First Fleet. I contend that the sending of the First Fleet was the culmination of a number of events that occurred amongst the European powers from 1756 to 1763. This was the period of the Seven Years War, which was probably the first global war since conflicts occurred in Europe, the Americas and India. By the late 1760s the French were nosing around Polynesia which the Spanish explored two hundred years before in 1568. The British knew about New Zealand and I have already mentioned the economic and strategic value of New Zealand flax and teh pines of Norfolk Island. The Americans were also whaling and trading in the vicinity of Australia.

Well, things had been running more or less smoothly for a while. The weather was getting better, and i was able to consistently replicate my charging issue - when the high beans were put on or brake lights came on. But, it was generally performing well. I had also slotted into a routine where the ride was comfortable. When I booked the bike for its next service, I asked them to look at the charging issue. It came back worse than when it went in. FFS. now the charging system does not work at all, and for that they charged me (pardon the pun) a new battery. FFS. I can't take it anywhere as in about 20 - 30 miles the thing will discharge. That was the second shot I game that shop - no more. Because it's an electrical issue they hid behind the "well, it could be anything that decided to fail at that time." I figured it would cost me more in time than fight them for the c. £100 I assume they charged me (they don't itemise the cost against what they did in the service on the invoice) and just accepted the loss. I have spent some time tinkering. The stator is good - AC coming out of it is good. The regulator (after I was sent the wrong one) is good, 14.2v coming out of it at 5k revs. But between there and the battery, which has the starter solenoid, something is amiss. I am guessing it is a simple short, but the wiring to the battery follows a circuitous path which will require tools and room I don't have. So, I am charging it up and sending it to the local Triumph dealer while I am in Aus. I will pay 30% more in labour, but they have a good reputation around here. The only other independent shop around here can't see my bike for 6 weeks - they are booked that far ahead.. So, I am a little peeved off because it is the best weather for riding at the moment. Also, the switch on one of my rather expensive heated gloves has pooped itself and the vendor (manufacturer/distributor) decided they would try and avoid the warranty - they are only 3 months old (at the time). Waiting for them to come back - not that I need them right now. Suffice to say, I am a little dejected on the biking front at the moment. But, it is a fantastic bike, but if I can't get this one gremlin on it sorted, I will probably put it up for sale and use some of the reno money to get a NC750X.. Which I may do anyway because for some stupid reason, Honda in Australia don't sell them new anymore - so will import it myself.

Only the high density lines are profitable on a rail operating basis; most Japanese railway companies have diversified their income stream by investing in real estate and retail businesses. There are very few commuter and mass transit rail services that operate on a stand alone profit basis. The UK under Maggie tried it and it can be considered a failure with re-nationalisation starting now (although that is also a mixed bag at the moment). The reality is there is not a lot better as a mass transit system than rail. Between the big cities and bigger regional areas it makes sense. If stopping the Melbourne - Brisbane rail line is to recalibrate the project, that is a good thing. The sad thing about it is it i only intended for freight. A decent speed passenger service linking the two cities would be excellent and, assuming it wasn't extortionate to use, you could put me down for it. My bro and his wife did the Ghan in the lower of the premium service - was still about $5K each from memory.. They loved it. One of the good things I would guess over a car would be that when you pass through the vast expanses of nothingness, there is plenty you can do to while away the hours.. not much in a car. Of course, my real preference would be in a 150kt aircraft at the helm, but the cost would probably be a bit more.. and the in flight service is pretty crap.

Stews (And Soups) are easier to keep available and you can chuck almost anything in it and get away with it. Nev

Yeah but they didn't HAVE to stay. Later they May have "Jumped ship" to do so. Many of them were "recruited" from Pubs when they were drunk. Nev

There have been a few different articles focusing on different cancers... "ironically", none I recall on skin cancers. Here's one: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-07/cancer-diagnosis-rates-under-50s-rising-causes-four-corners/105495620. It is mainly around the gastroenterinal cancers from memory. Given we have been burning fat on meat for decades if not more than two centuries, the rise in the rate has scientists stumped, apparently.

Everyone is following the world cup, but as FIFA is a corrupt rort for a sport, there is no way that my eyeballs are going to be used in the numbers to get the advertisers to pay the TV stations to pay FIFA to watch the world cup. What#s this got to do with Chump? Well, he has stepped in and FIFA has bowed to his request to suspend the suspension - in accordance with the rules - of whom I suppose is an American star player: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/13560770/world-cup-2026-fifa-step-in-to-allow-banned-folarin-balogun-to-play-usa-last-16-tie-a-move-praised-by-president-donald-trump So, if you;re likened to watch the game, you are now inadvertently supporting Chump cheating.

Microsoft are doing very well, aren't they?

It might have been a case of "use it, or lose it". Once Cook had planted the Union Jack in 1770, with the French hot on his tail, the Poms may have decided to get a fleet together, regardless of cost, and establish a settlement to consolidate the claim. In respect to that, overcrowding in the Mother Land may not have been the only reason for transportation of convicts to NSW. There were more than just convicts too, in the first fleet, there were hundreds of sailors, soldiers, and families. They made up about one third of the total on board.