Jerry_Atrick

Well, Belgium won.. So, the USA is out. I feel sorry for the team, because normally I - and I bet many millions more - are very happy with the result, rather than either ambivalent or even sorry they went out. No one I have spoken to, including two yanks over here, wanted the USA to win.

That is your opinion.. can you present stats from reliable sources to back that up... Otherwise that is the big flaw in democracy - people with only an opinion who can't be arsed to find out the reality get to determine who runs the country. So, what evidence do you have the books are cooked.. Just because it doesn't fit your narrative - your belief system - doesn't mean it is wrong or the books are cooked. Back to the "oh the left.. whatever" argument.. no basis apart from an attempt to disparage. Well, if being left is finding the facts, I am proudly left... You're just tired of being presented facts that don't correlate to your beliefs. Sorry for you, but facts don't give a stuff what you think. Or maybe your typo is a Freudian slip - you are tied up by the fact? I am not sure what the first sentence means.. It was an illustration of how a culture can change over time. And sometimes, the "traditional Aussie" in what I am guessing is GON's stereotype isn't nice, but is becoming nicer. But, also you shouldn't believe everything you read in the press, either. The number of women homicides are slightly down ion 2024-25 over the prevuous year - both in the absolute and intimate partner (domestic violence) categories, but the longer term trend has been downwards: And I doubt this is altogether to do with migration as well, but a shift in culture - to be honest, although it would be great to see it at zero, it is an, in general positive shift over time. Another plus for a shifting cultural values, although recent spikes are cause for concern, they have settled down.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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?

Well, positives are things are slowly moving forward. Currently preparing for Wednesday's flight to Melbourne. I realise it has been 8 years since I have been to Aus. Ship! Time flies. Not going to tell you which day in case you alert immigration 🤣 Although I could be out for as much as a month, I will be travelling light - hoping to get away with carry on only. I don't think I will, so it will probably be a small backpack. Also, on the reno front, things are picking up. I am not sure if I mentioned the need to rewire a floor of the house. Not a terribly big job, but more cost. That was found when they pulled a fuse board out to replace with one up to current regs. The spaghetti behind it, including a circuit that bypassed it altogether made some of my early coding deliverables took well written. We have found a tradie who is working through stuff. He has done these doors we had to put in for building regs; but the building inspector allowed us to not procure fireproof doors or even install them to be a barrier against fire spreading as the listed (heritage) building officer would be dead set against them even being installed. And that is the regulatory environment we are up against. Now, the downstairs loo and bootroom, that I made major progress on until work really heated up are done, and the formal living room is under way. If this fella keeps it up, I think we will be done by mid August and ti will be on the market. And he is doing a good job, too. And on the work front, an opportunity to climb the greasy corporate ladder opened up. I was invited to apply, but because of my plans, declined. I was supporting the application of a colleague, but it looks like he won;t get it either, and it will be an outsider. Which is fantastic, because that person will be both of our manager. Things are transforming at work where it will slim down in the not too distant future. I have already been implementing a succession plan where today, apart from being the doyen of our delivery function, my reports are coming right up the curve and even a contractor has been earmarked to be a sucessor. So, a new person in that almost exec role will want to stamp his or her authority and make changes - and as I don't feel I owe that person anything, the conversation will be something like "don't let anyone go on my account." Employment laws will mean they will have to make me redundant - and that will mean enough to accelerate this reno and put it on the market and take a little while to sell. Even if the latter (which I have been trying to engineer for about 12 months now) doesn't work, I am hoping by the end of the year, it will be all done and dusted.

Hope the flying went well.

The best form of testing is to release to production

It's not just EVs that have LED and similar tablet type displays in front of them.. most new cars to these days. That really is not the issue. A speedo cable can snap on an analogue system and you have the same issue - I have had it happen on a Saturday arvo and no speedo until Monday morning. I would hope there are no controls on that screen. Sticking yuor hand between the spokes of the steering wheel is not a good thing. On the controls, using touch screen doesn't give you a sense of magnitude of change (e.g. temperature, etc) without looking. Well, at least for some time, anyway. Also, early model Teslas were infamous for the depth of menu setting one had to go through to get to whatever function was required. Muscle memory will only go some way.. as it does on analogue or tactile type inputs. How many times (in an old 4 or 5 on the floor, or even a 3 or 54 on the column) have we crunched the gears or almost stalled the car going into the wrong gear. However, the physical/tactile approach allows us to correct without reverting to looking at the gears (unless we really stuff it up and have lost spatial awareness of where the gear is). So, the Atrick household vehicle mix is chaning. Daughter just wants an old banger (UK speak)/bomb (Aus speak) of a car as she will be in a house in the next academic year, won't have a driveway, and will not want the hassle of a nice car getting road rash from an inner urban environment. Good on her. So it will be a petrol Ford Fiesta (most likely); manual, a/c, power steering and otherwise minimal. Mrs Atrick is in for a little shock... She is getting an EV - Probably an MG4 to replace her mini. She doesn't know it yet.

We don't know the details of the deal he has.. They will have done their homework. My guess is they only service they are paying him for is access to his address book.

Indeed.. and as the technology improves, they will continue to change.

Have you ever shut down and then started a coal fired power station? I am sort of bored answering this.. so will let AI do the talking: I don't see any excellents for coal. The one thing that renewables is poor at, ironically can be moderated by the answer to the last thing on the list. The key being the older ones, and the design for European conditions (which under current climate change, at least in the southern half of Europe is fast approaching Aussie type weather anyway). The blades and turbines design can be changed to meet Aussie requirements relatively easily; Coal, not so easy to refine the design any more that it is.. You can add scubbers and makle the boilers a bit more efficient, but I doubt they would advance too far from where they are now.

Our discussion around climate change has centred on power generation and ICE cars v EVs. But, it is a muilt-pronged approach required. As the rest of the world clears its heat sink, China is building its up: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/plants/trees-in-chinas-great-green-wall-appear-to-grow-faster-than-natural-forests-study-finds Where fossil or nuclear makes sense, it should be used. The reality with today's technology, there are fewer and fewer places it makes sense. And should the political shift to drive a shift to local storage and distribution, the use of rapidly outdating technologies will make even less sense. We talk about the economics of doing it, but we rarely talk about the economics of not doing it. And economics is man made, anyway... the real cost (ie. outcomes) of not doing will lead to socio-economic costs far beyond the pure economic cost of doing it.

Yes,I agree,, It was a contextual comment and I was being a little lazy - on a train with a phone and fat fingers.

I read Aus has high cancer rates that has the scientific community stumped.. Could that be one contributing factor?

$1tn in a new grid for all of Australia to meet tomorrow's energy security requirements - for a country the size of Australia- even allowing for local storage and power for remote areas doesn't sound too much. We can A) get going ASAP and spread the cost over a longer period and have an orderly transition. B) kick the can down the road yo a point where we have to do it in short time and the cast will bite That is an investment in tech, jobs, and reducing the costs over the journey not to mention reduced cleanup costs, reduced public health costs and the like. The real financial disaster is to not do anything or contract it all out to foreign companies and not use that money to build a local industry even if it is a little more expensive.. A bit like 380bn in sub purchases

Let me see if I have got this straight.. your position is that fossils/nuclear provide energy security over renewables (and its related tech)? If that is so, then the above post sort of throws that out the window faster than a Putin dissident. Scotland are paying power stations to mot produce power because of a failure to plan execution of upgrading to renewables. They asked to have all this extra capacity in the form of renewables added to the grid that cannot handle it. That is a policy or politics failure. Not a renewables can't meet "baseload" failure. It is akin to building a new suburb with only bicycle lanes but to be extra green, adding driveways with electric car chargers and declaring it an ice car free green suburb - and they crying EV cars aren't practical transport for a suburban life. That is called overpaying or underinvesting in energy security... the payments they make to compensate the owners for the governments cock up probably would have gone a decent way to grid upgrades. On the other hand, Raring power station was availing itself of a government guarantee because, even presumably fully amortised, wasn't predicted to be economically viable (ie produce power at a price that others could and make money).. in the supposed economically most effective way being a privatised market. Isn't that the government being tapped by the fossil fuel industry for energy security? BTW, Origin don't currently opt into the scheme as they are predicting, again fully amortised, it will not lose money We can find individual cases with all forms of generation that have not gone to plan or need a bail out. And all forms receive some form of government subsidy. That is policy because of energy security

Well.. given we risk assess them, I sort of have seen how it is done Governments don't cover our losses

Actually, given project finance is usually collateralised/financed against the cash flows of yhe asset it is financing, it is in their interests to make sure that asset is going to perform as expected/promised... And they generally do go to decent lengths to ensure that.. so in an indirect way they do care

I don't see the thread saying 100% powering it... Follow the money.. If it wasn't economic to do it, it generally wouldn't be done.. and it certainly wouldn't be used.