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I was thinking about joining a dating site for people my age. It's called Carbon Dating.

For the CORRUPT ULTRA RICH MAYBE. It won't be CLEAN for anybody and IF you don't LIKE what the KING does you won't go far. Your Golden Wonder is 100% FAKE. Nev

Had a great ride today, over to Richmond, through to Sorell, then up the Tasman Highway to Orford on the East Coast. Interesting names along that road. I went over the Bust-me-gall and Break-me-neck passes, fortunately doing neither, then up Black Charlie's Opening without even buying him dinner first. On the way back I came via Midway Point and while passing the end of the runway at Hobart Airport, saw a C-17 parked on the tarmac so rode in for a closer look. Very enjoyable!

Just snapped this in Hobart in front of a sweets shop. Not sure why Esmeralda has balls, and the Tassie Map is usually a short distance away from the freckle...

I guess this was way too subtle for you blokes. The positive I celebrated was that my Mother reached the age of 100 years and is still mentally acute. I have been so lucky to have had the past three years since I came up here to reunite with her after sparse contact for forty or so years. She received greetings from everyone in government from King Charles to the local Shire mayor.

You forgot the "because". "Because Jerry is our most qualified and trusted IT/coder/computing expert, he is not an Apple adopter." Makes sense that way! 😜

I Knew a Girl whose figure was her fame but then her fame spread. Nev

Sadly, most rules or safety features are designed for the idiots, and the rest of us just have to endure them.

Alternatively, we could possibly improve the driving culture. If motorists respected the safety of others, there would not be a need for these speed bumps. Basically when we get behind the wheel, we suddenly act like we are ALL great drivers, and we ALL know better than the experts who put up speed limits for proven good reasons. I know because I AM a great driver (not like youse cretins).

He's NOT the Kind of Person I would like to see in Power. Has NEVER appealed to Me. The arguments He put up for Brexit were well short of Honest. Nev

How bloody stupid! Imagine the damage done to a vehicle dropping suddenly into what amounts to a lane-wide pothole. Even if it was only a blown tyre, the sudden loss of control could prove fatal.

Could be fake but certainly plausible and totally in character.

Beware of random thoughts...

Now that is a believable motive for burying the story. Trust me, it will be buried. I suspect there are some surprising people who will spend big to ensure public attention is directed elsewhere

Wilfully blind, ignorant and gullible in one. You don't play cricket for England, do you? The "man" has presided over defunding government departments designed and, in US terms, making the US clean and healthy, such as the FDA, Obamacare, the FAA, and the like. Maybe you should go over there and experience first hand what it is like. Many of my US based friends are telling me to stay away as it is turning more and more to shit Oh, and pardoning criminals to go out and murder again is also a positive in your mind, I guess?

There are plenty of people in Epstein's shady and corrupt world who would be very happy to see him and his files permanently buried. Aside from his own involvement Trump is probably worried what some of those people might do to him if they hold him responsible for their secrets being aired in public.

Mate, I am not waiting for it. I bought at this time of year as a commuter, and I am going to use it as such. I didn't get my ride in today, but that is OK as the Ducati boy has said his Ducati i a little sensitive to rain and cold, and tomorrow is rainy and cold. So, I will go out then and hit those twisties. I got some of my planned items done today... To cut a very long story short, didn't go to Gloucester, but ended up at a main dealer in Exeter that had 20% off everything. BThe sales assistant was young, female, and blonde. And I thought great, a Saturday student workder. Holey moley, she knew her stuff.. well beyond blokes with 20 years riding experience. She was absolutely professional, and the lad was totally enamoured by her, professionally (though I doubt he would say no to a quick drink with her, even though he doesn't drink). @facthunter - goes to show, blondes do have brains! She would give most of us a run for our brainiac money.

One of the few racing drivers who didn't suffer from overblown self-importance. Dementia is so rampant now, it's now one of the leading causes of death for aged people - 17,000 deaths from it last year, and only 12,000 from circulatory diseases.

Putin must be shaking his head in disbelief at how gullible Trump is. What a tragic joke of history that both the USA and Russia have criminal, terrible leaders at the same time.

Words cannot express the outrage one should have for this "plan". It's not a plan. It's a ransom payout, with no assurance than the victim will be returned. The sooner Australia breaks ties with the present US administration, the better. It a new administration shows itself to be civilised, then negotiations to restore old ties might begin. I know some will say that we are too enmeshed in the USA, but isn't it time Australian people said, 'enough!'? If Australia continues allying itself to the USA as the USA is behaving at the present, Australia's name within the global community will be mud.

Not everything but health and education are more expensive under private systems. As always, insurance companies need to make a profit for their shareholders so it stands to reason that they will overcharge and under deliver whenever they can get away with it. Our family health cover is around $450/month and we're with one of the better ones. I would much rather pay that in extra taxes and have the public health system improved than give it to overseas investors. The USA is a perfect example of the worst way to do health care.

Frank Musset's 1945 UL Harley outfit had 340 thousand MILES on it when I bought it from him and had been used with a GIANT Commercial sidebox to carry two Bikes at a time. I was Good mates with Frank and he was a VELOCETTE Works rider before WW2. I put a DUSTING DUPLEX chair on it and MY wife rode it for years. It was 3 speed with reverse Gear. Frank Later sold British ( Meriden) Triumph and JAWA speedway bikes at his shop in Sydney road. I sold the Bike to a Mate who still rides it regularly. Nev

Hold that thought. I am having a disagreement with my fund at the moment. I will withhold comment until it is resolved.

Well, no. It always costs somebody. In your case, it cost the taxpayers. Don't get me wrong, I believe we should get rid of health insurance companies and make all medical care into a universal government funded health care programme.

BREAKING: New Ukraine “peace plan” leaks — and it reads like Putin dictated it directly to Trump. If you ever wanted to see what happens when the United States and Russia sit down and sketch out the future of Ukraine without Ukraine — and without Europe — the leaked 28-point “peace plan” making the rounds in Kyiv is your answer. And buckle up, because this document isn’t a peace plan. It’s a hostage negotiation written by the hostage-taker. According to Ukrainian media, this Frankenstein treaty was drafted by top U.S. officials with Russian input and approved by Donald Trump — and it reads like the Kremlin’s Amazon wish list wrapped in an American flag. Ukraine’s input? Europe’s input? Apparently optional! Democracy is so 2012. The plan opens with polite diplomatic wallpaper — “Ukraine’s sovereignty will be confirmed” — before immediately carving Ukraine’s sovereignty up like a Thanksgiving turkey. It hands Russia Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk on a silver platter and freezes two more regions in place like they’re leftover pierogi. Ukraine doesn’t just lose territory; it gets told to amend its Constitution to promise it will never join NATO again. NATO, in turn, has to amend its own founding documents to slam the door shut forever. Oh — and Russia promises it probably won’t invade anyone else. “It is expected” they will behave. Expected! As if Putin is a toddler who “is expected” not to color on the walls again. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military — currently fighting for its survival — gets capped at 600,000 troops, because nothing says “peace” like forcing the invaded nation to disarm while the invader keeps the keys to three stolen provinces. But don’t worry — the U.S. will give Ukraine a “security guarantee” as long as Kyiv promises not to invade Russia or launch missiles at Moscow “without cause.” Yes, you read that correctly: Ukraine is warned not to invade the country that invaded Ukraine. In exchange for swallowing all this, Ukraine gets dangled $200 billion in reconstruction money — half of which the U.S. literally profits from. America gets 50% of the profits from rebuilding the cities Putin bombed to rubble. It’s like an insurance scam, except the arsonist gets invited to the ribbon-cutting. And the cherry on top? Russia gets complete amnesty. Everyone. Every war criminal. Every torturer. Every kidnapper. Everyone. All forgiven, all protected, all welcomed back into the “global economy.” They even get a ticket back into the G8 as if nothing happened. It is a peace plan written with the moral clarity of a money-launderer’s tax return. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant? Split 50/50. Frozen Russian assets? Partly handed back through a U.S.–Russia investment fund. Education policies? Ukraine must teach “tolerance,” because apparently the country invaded by its neighbor is the one with the empathy problem. Ukraine must hold elections — in 100 days — while fighting a war, hosting displaced families, and surrendering territory. Because what could possibly go wrong? And at the end of this geopolitical circus? Donald J. Trump chairs the “Peace Council.” Yes, the man who cannot mediate an argument between his own lawyers gets put in charge of enforcing a continent-wide peace agreement between nuclear states. This isn’t a peace plan. It’s not even a surrender. It’s a clearance sale where Ukraine pays the bill, Russia gets the merchandise, and the U.S. gets a corporate partnership out of it. The only accurate title for this document is the one Ukrainian commentators already suggested: “The Aristocrats.” Because only a truly deranged diplomatic performance could end with Russia rewarded, Ukraine disarmed, Europe blindsided, American companies cashing in, war crimes erased, and Donald Trump sitting on a golden throne labeled “Peacekeeper.” If this is the plan, then the world doesn’t need negotiators. It needs a fire alarm.

You'll RUE the day you hit a ROO. (or any animal when it comes to that). Go real fast and you'll likely end up as Chutney, If something goes AWARY. I've done some fool things in the Past. Going serious OFF road helps you all round with your skills. Been Knocked OFF a Bike near Paramatta about 1961 but that's the Only ROAD Bingle I've HAD . Riding in the Bush doesn't count. .You have to drop the Bike on Purpose some times. Anyhow I've seen a lot of Places that I wouldn't have otherwise. Met many good friends. Been Lucky a few times. You are More (IN the WORLD ) than you are in a Tin Top. People who look down on you wouldn't know $#!t from clay anyhow... Nev

Just for the (older) nerds..... Fortran joke: God is real, unless declared integer. Cobol joke: A single missed period can be of great significance.

You must be Billie Joe McAllister.

I can still carry my iPhone as a camera, it just won't have a sim card to make calls. I've looked at one of those phone repair centres which sells secondhand phones. The cheapest they had was an iPhone 11 for $350. For serious photography I have my Panasonic Lumix SLR.

Day 7 of ownership.. (Sunday). Met Andy from the village on his Ducati. The rain gods were holding back so we decided to head off. Apparently, some bright engineer at Ducati decided for his model, that the wiring harness would be best positioned right behind the front wheel. What could possibly go wong? Hence, Andy only rides it on dry days. We departed the village and took a slight deviation from the map as he wanted to attak some twisties (not of the epicurean type). Am I am coming off a fairly long break, I was wondering if it was a good idea to get a bigger bike than I have ever had as I saw he and his bike's posterior diminish in my vision as he pulled away. I did catch up with him a few times, but I was takign things easy and getting to know the bike. I think that's what I will name "her" (can I use that metaphorical term in today's politically correct age?). Yep, something imaginative like "the bike" rings well with me. Anyway, as I looked down to check all things were OK, I realise I had forgotten that these things called motorbikes need this thing called fuel to go.. I had almost totally forgotten as I spied this white needle nudging the red area of the fuekl gauge to tell me it was hitting the reserves. Ship! We were a fair way from the nearest garage that was open and I had no idea how many litres or miles I had. I have read the owner's manual, but had a total blank of what I had left. As it turned out, we made it to Minehead without the needle moving much intot he red and bee-lined it to the Tescos (think Coles, but a little better), which had a "forecourt" (i.e. petrol station/garage). Why the English need to call teh same thing something different because of where it is located has escaped me to this day. Anyway, I digress. I realise, of the 19 litre tank, I can only put is almost 13 litres, so I feel the reserve is uite sufficient to get me home, but I am relieved that I have filled up the bike with much needed fuel. The ride home was slightly different. We went along the originally planned route, which has more cars (the other route had more bikes than cars. The rain started, so Andy was in a hurry to get home. But, as I followed him, my confidence grew and I was leaning into the turns better, trusting my rubbers (oi! front and rear tyres - not what you're thinking - although one has to trust those, too). Andy and his bike's posterior never reduced to a dot on the horizon as they did previously.. In fact, I had to will hom to overtake once.. I guess he was worried about those Ducati electrics. We arrive back at my place, and Andy and I had a chin wag for wa while, as the light rain had well and truly subsided. He was providing me good advice and we were already planning a) the next ride out, and b) maybe starting the Halse Angels (@Marty_d, you will be an honurary patron for coming up with the name in the first place). Day 8 (Monday), and I realise, ship, despite there not being terriblyy much riding, as some of it is down counry lanes, the bike dirty.. And I don't have a) cleaning kit, not b) chain/brake cleaning/degreasing (chain) and lube kit, But, the bike sits under covers all day. Day 9 and it is under covers all day. But I buy from a local shop the chain degreaser and lube, but they have no chain cleaning brushes. Day 10 (today), there is a 5th rider I know of from Halse who can join the Halse Angels. Son's CBT training is done. Day 11 (tomorrow): The weather, though slightly raining, is going to be warmish - 10 - 11 degrees. Plan is here to Oxford (Near RAF Benson) for a Class 2 CAA and CASA medical. And I am taking the bike! Notice, it is called the bike.. not the town bike, for a reason. Loves to be ridden, but only by one guy.

I know you're a great driver Peter, you wouldn't be able to make it out of your driveway if you weren't!

Many of the streets in our area have divided speed humps as shown below. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, you can line up so that your wheels pass either side of the hump with no bump, or very little, like running over the cats eyes lane markers. These allow the buses and emergency vehicles to straddle them.

Fixed average speed cameras seem to work pretty well here. Cheaper to install I would guess and can pay for themselves too

There's NO EASY way. Nev

I think the drop is quite small and probably no more hazardous than hitting a normal speed bump at high speed. Apparently, they are used in Sweden, with one of the benefits being that they are not triggered by emergency vehicles, which I guess is a great benefit. All in all, though, I think it's probably too expensive to install and maintain. Apparently, they are being used overseas. https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/2037/annex-b-actihump-leaflet

Electric cars? They'll never catch on....

A woman from Sydney who was a tree hugging, vegetarian and anti-hunter purchased a piece of native bushland in northern NSW . There was a large gum tree on one of the highest points in her property. She wanted a good view of the natural splendor of her land so she started to climb the big gum. As she neared the top she encountered a koala that attacked her. In her haste to escape, the woman slid down the tree to the ground and got many splinters in her crotch. In considerable pain, she hurried to a local ER to see a doctor. She told him she was an environmentalist, vegetarian, and an anti-hunter and how she came to get all the splinters. The doctor listened to her story with great patience and then told her to go wait in the examining room and he would see if he could help her. She sat and waited three hours before the doctor re-appeared.The angry woman demanded, "What took you so long?" He smiled and then told her, "Well, I had to get permits from the Environmental Protection Agency, Native Vegetation, Parks and Wildlife service, and the Bureau of Land Management before I could remove old-growth timber from a 'recreational area' so close to a Waste Treatment Facility. "And I'm sorry, they turned you down."

The Chinese have moved into Brazil with their EV's, in a big way. No doubt, this move ties in nicely with their huge purchases of Brazilian soybeans - all at the expense of America, and its manufacturers and farmers. So much for "Making America Great Again". America is starting to look like the worlds biggest loser, making all the wrong decisions, thanks to the utter economic incompetence of its BS-artist leader. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/11/22/cop-brazil-electric-vehicles-donald-trump-china-00665693

No-one gets any benefit from bottom-of-the-harbour schemes today, because the ATO nailed it for what it was - simple criminal activity designed to defeat tax collection. But plenty of people who are supposed to be "looked up to" today as "great entrepreneurs", only got their initial wealth via BoTH scheming. One well-known (now deceased) mining entrepeneur here in W.A. started a huge collection of "collectable" cars, and a car Museum in York (W.A.) thanks to his BoTH scheming and "unjust enrichment". He did serve a small jail term for his criminal scheming as regards tax avoidance, but he still won handsomely, monetarily. It goes without saying he was a close associate of W.A's greatest corporate scammer, who did go to jail for 5 years over his corporate crookedness. But surprise, surprise, he sprang back from his "bankruptcy" and 5 yr jail term with a very substantial level of assets, reputed to be nearly $300M, that he'd socked away in untouchable jurisdictions. Of course, his initials were AB, but I guess you all know that.

And Mexico is gunna pay for it, too!

It has to be kept efficient. Don't want Hey SLOW down Mate. You're showing US UP. Nev

Like this one .

Maybe over whelming but NEVER FACT no matter how many are fooled. Nev

Fully taxpayer funded health and education would be the sign of a civilized country.

You have a sick mind.

Are you aware that every coal seam gas hole does this (there are around 30,000 of these.) They simply burn off the dirty gas until the well produces "cleaner" gas. Note that methane is many times worse than CO2. Coal is so much nicer than alternative energy sources, just look at this lovely coal mine. Compared to the ugly wind turbines in the distance.

That is the most important thing. I guess you will be hoping that this bodes well for your longevity and mental acuity. I can think of nothing worse than your body outliving your brain. I tell my wife that when my brain goes, she "put me to bed with a shovel" (do me in). The trouble is when I lose my keys, she does look at me strangely. Anyway, the positive: we are back from our little trip to the Grampians. We walked a substantial number of KMs. saw some awesome sights and met some lovely people and generally had a most excellent trip. Now it is back to my arduous life of retirement.

Good to see you are settling down... Welcome back Jerry.