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I wonder when the Qatari’s are going to repossess the jet they gave Trump. That gift hasn’t worked out too well for them now his excursion into Iran has resulted in missiles and drones heading in their direction.

Given that terrorism is idiocy, and global terrorism therefore is a part of global idiocy, I would start with the terrorism. But, yep, would be great to take out all the idiocy.

Word

Normally, I would agree with you, but the costs to the government are also going up as well, unless they hedge their fuel costs, and even then the hedges will only last a shorter duration I would expect. . So all it would mean is that they have to borrow more and we would also have to pay interest as well. They may as well slug some of us now (we have the same issue in the UK).

I have no doubt the effects of this war will linger for years. There will be lots of negative effects. But if the USA succeeds in ridding the world of the source of much of its international terrorism, the benefits are likely to greatly outweigh the costs. It is just too early to tell. But if you don’t have a go and roll the dice, nothing changes.

Be careful what you wish for. The outcome of this punch-up could be vastly detrimental economically to all Western Nations, most companies and corporations, and certainly a lot of employees. Inflation is likely to triple the percentage of what it is now, interest rates will follow, and a major recession follows on from those two. I've seen 17% inflation under Whitlam and it's a shocking thing to try and cope with. You may recall the period, it was one of high unemployment as well as high inflation, as well as the ongoing effects of the '73 oil crisis. The oil price tripled from $4 a barrel to $12 barrel in late '73, long lines formed at servos, and there were major fuel shortages. The oil crisis only lasted from Oct '73 to March '74, but the effects of it lingered for years afterwards.

Before the start of the "war", petrol at my place was $1.70 for 91 octane. It is now $2.25. That's and increase of 55 cents. Since GST is 10% the current price returns Treasury an extra 5.5 cents per litre. As well as calling out the oil companies for gouging, we should also call out the Government. Notice that I said that GST generates money going into Treasury. At the moment the Government is Labor, but if the LNP was the Government, then I reckon they would accept the windfall as well. I'm not trying to say that Labor is being nasty and the LNP wouldn't be. I'm saying that both would not deny the exra money coming into Treasury. Apparently, the voters are "unhappy" about rising food prices, layoff, inflation, etc., but they are totally pissed off, furious and more than somewhat upset that the price of petrol is sky-rocketed. I suppose those who drive ICE vehicle are also annoyed with the drivers of EVs.

That's right.

Trump bombed all the military installations on Kharg Island today which Iran uses to export 90% of its oil, nearly all to China. He has also threatened to bomb the oil infrastructure on the island if Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz. I think the Iranians will call his bluff. They can’t stop him, but it would just give them more incentive to hit back and keep the blockade up if he does go ahead. The regime will fight to the bitter end because they have nothing to lose. Trump is also supposed to meet with Xi Jin Ping at the end of the month. Xi won’t be happy if Trump has demolished his main source of oil.

9 (+10+11+12+13)

I put the same question to the AI search bot on my browser in relation to Victoria. Here is the answer - Yes, in Victoria, you can cross double white lines to pass a slow cyclist, but only under specific conditions. Key rules for crossing double lines to pass a cyclist: You must have a clear view ahead of any oncoming traffic. The manoeuvre must be safe and only done when necessary to maintain the required minimum passing distance. You must give at least 1 metre of clearance when passing a cyclist on roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres on roads with a speed limit over 60 km/h. This rule applies to all motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. While crossing double lines is permitted for overtaking cyclists, it is not allowed for overtaking other vehicles unless it is safe and legal. Always remember: if it’s not safe to pass, slow down and wait. The priority is ensuring the safety of the cyclist and other road users.

There ya go, Govs have had to double fines for gouging, l wonder why, and servos all over the country have so far already been fined- what a surprise. On another note they've also lowered diesel fuel standards for 60 days, means they add things to increase supply. For anyone mechanical, is that still ok for the motor, especially one like mine with high k's ?

I think it looks better the way it originally was in the second photo. Will see what happens when I see the end result. It's not hard to revert it back to photo 2 condition. The first photo is more embedded rust; the second photo is just light surface rust after a couple of salt and vinegar applications.

Just a Ratbikehelm update: since posting the original photo of it (second photo), it's had regular applications of a salt and vinegar solution for a couple of weeks, followed by leaving it out in the 230mm of rain we recently had. In this updated photo it's had a couple of applications of lanox. I might give it a couple more to get well and truly into the crevices. When it's all nice and dry and cured, it will get a coat of home made beeswax polish and a light burnish. Then all it needs is the ear flap leather trim put back on. At some time in the future I'll make an inner support so it can sit on a head.

I'm fairly sure our laws here in Queensland are that you can cross the double line if it is safe to do so to maintain the one meter distance from a cyclist.

Correct. Starting with th W in the bottom right corner, read each column upwards, the question above is spelled out, missing the Z,Z,L.

And if the verge is too narrow to allow you to pull over?

ZZL

Pull over and see what the cop does.

Yesterday all my troubles seem so far away. A change of quiz for a few days.

Hypothetical dilemma. You start to drive up a long sloping road, two lanes wide (one each way) divided by double white lines. You come across a cyclist, riding at about 5 kph. You have to stay 1 metre clear of him but can't pass without crossing the double line. Behind you, there is a police car, followed by a building line of traffic slowed by the cyclist. What do you do?

Even if he's in perfect health it makes sense to stay hidden. His father, wife and at least one child have already been killed, and Trumpanyahu have said they want to kill him too. If it's open season on leaders, not sure why Putin, Trump and Netanyahu aren't fair game too.

I'd rather start with global idiocy.

It is only the Maga faithful nutters who believe the Bullshit Trump and Hegseth continue to spew out. The majority of US voters are unhappy with this war and the escalation with Iran continuing to inflict more damage each time they come out with comments like totally destroyed, and obliterated etc. The US is running short of its top end missiles at $50 million a pop & is getting help from Ukraine to provide attack drones. Iran has thousands & will be manufacturing more at full speed. The only good thing is they won't be sending many if any to Russia for use against Ukraine. There is now no doubt that the US under Trump is a dictatorship & when congress & the senate try to reign things in he will declare some sort of wartime emergency to assume absolute power which he almost has now.

https://www.theregister.com/2026/03/13/china_bot_berated_woman_freaking_crazy/?td=keepreading