Jerry_Atrick

Another positive. Becaue my son and I ride together a bit, I decided to lash out and buy ann intercom to allow us to communicate. Blimey - how far has tech come since I learned to ride and had a one way wireless tannoy with an instructor barking down it, only catching 1.2 the message between interference and range issues. The great thing about these intercoms is they use Bluetooth and Mesh, have an effective range of about a mile Sadly, the market town we decided to put roots around, Taunton, which is the market town of Somerset, seems not to attract too many new stores - despite there being quite a bit of wealth around. However, the town of Yeovil, which seems a bit of a hovel, but has a Learnado helicopter finishing facility and a grass runway (sadly that cilvilans are generally not allowed to use) virtually in the centre of town, does attract businesses. They are obviosuly doing something right that Taunton is not doing. And they attracted Infiniti Motorcycles, which is now more an accessory store than bike seller. Here is a link to their store: https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/find-a-store/yeovil As you know, although a reasonably prolific online shopper, I am now voting with my wallet and using stores. OK, it is about as far from us timewise as the Bristol store because there is no thumping moptorway between the two towns. Last Saturday, I went there to look at the intercoms. There were two reasons. First, despite it not being that convenient timewise, I want to support a "local" store, even if it is a chain. Secondly, I felt I didn't know that much about intercoms and the tech and wanted it explained. So the previous Saturday (14th Feb), I trundeled there with the boy. Well, the store was still being stocked out, and the staff were fairly new (there was one bloke I think for eye candy for the women and maybe some men, but was very tentative - and he was in his late 30s/early 40s). When I asked about the intercoms, they directed me to a 30-something woman, who was great. She listened to what I wanted, and that I didn't know, and then took the time to explain the main two manufacturers, their good points and their bad points. I did of course do some research beforehand, and much of what she said accorded to the research I did, but she had product insights of both and recommended the brand and model I eventually bought. She talked me out of buying the more expensive model of the manufacturer because the additional features weren't really useful for my riding missions. On top of that, she signed my up to their club (rewards program) and applied the discount that would have applied to my next purchase. Bewdy! I had brought my son's and my helmet in, and, mine being a Shoei reuired an adaptor plate. They didn't have it in stock so put it on back order and said it would be in on Tuesday (17th). It arrived, but being in London, I couldn't get there until yesterday (Saturday 21st). I handed the helmets over, and the look on her face was despondent. She apologised profusely and said she couldn't get to fitting the mics and speakers until later that day. I said it was OK, looked at some anti fog stuff and she asked why we needed it as both helmets had pinlocks. I said my son's visor between the pinlock fogs up, as does everything else. She said leave it with her - and not to buy the defogger. Anyway, I returned about 4 hours later, and she was there working away with the helmets. She was having an issue with my sons, and in what would have tested the most patient people, managed to sort it. She did mine next, which was easier. She handed over the helmets, went through the intercom functions as much as she knew (admitting that she still have a bit to learn - not bad two weeks out of the army not having worked with motorcycle stuff before). But, I noticed, both my son and my visors and helmets were spotless and polished to boot. She must have spent at least two hours working on those things. You wouldn't get that from Amazon. I was a very happy chappy and really appreciative of such great service. If they were delviered from an online order, I think it is fair to say, they would not be being used and sent back I asked her name, which is "Tam". As a token of appreication, a gift box of Tim Tams is heading her way.. and of course, I have emailed Infiniti thanking them for her great service.

Two things to celebrate. I have forged a great relationship with both kids. Daughter has been home for the weekl's break from university. When I went to pick her up, she was a real grump. But after a while of a little gentle coaxing, she opened up and we had a great chat about her problems - more issues. I was able to listen and, although as her father, to be honest, a little uncomfortable with some of the discussion, she was open and I was able to impart independent advice - not as a protective father - but with empathy to her age and how we were when we were that age - which is suprisingly more similar than different. My son is getting into his motorcycling (riding at the moment - the maintenance and other aspects will come). Normnally, young adults don't want to have their old men around, but he is always asking me to come out for a ride with him (of course, I pay for the snack). Yesterday, we had a great early morning ride and a reasonable breakfast - dad paid, of course. But we had a fantastic little conversation about goings on in his life and planning the Aus thing. Anyway, Daughter finishes her term at end of March. I have asked her if she can leave a week earlier, would she like to come to Aus for 3 weeks. She has never been one for travel, but she has said yep. So, I have to apply for leave.. Frankfurt on the 16th for a week, and then Aus.. I can work overseas for 10 days in countries I have the right to work.. so the first week I will work and let her get over jet lag. During that week, she can meet family she hasn't met yet. Amd then we will hit the road (even though I have a CASA medical, won't be enough time to organise a flying holiday). There is a fly in the ointment. Her passport expired about 3 months ago and she is quite lazy when it comes to renewing them. I can't book until she renews.

Just because the kids fly the nest (or are independent of mum and dad) doesn't mean you have tome to do what you want. Got zippo done on the reno.. Wanted to go to a specific runner shop about 20 miles away as my feet are wide and only Asics are constantly right for them across a manufacturers' range.. But no.. despite not bad weather today, things just got in the way, so Amazon it was, unfortunately.

Are you sure that is the case? https://theconversation.com/earth-is-trapping-much-more-heat-than-climate-models-forecast-and-the-rate-has-doubled-in-20-years-258822. I haven't done more than locate this, so it could all be bollocks. Even if the models over-estimated warming, they are not wrong; they would have merely over-estimated the rate of change. However, if the article above is correct, it appears they have underestimated the rate of temperatur change. Again, and either wasy, it does not mean they are wrong, but need further calibration and research to what other factors are at play.

Agree with that. There are areas where it makes not much difference. We are currently going for the refurb to sell and are now into our third year. We have decided now, just get it presentable to a canvas for the next person. The target market for us will likely have the cash to rip it all out and do what they want without materially impacting their bank balance. Previously, we were trying for perfection.. it can never happen.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/karen-newton-valid-visa-detained-ice Says it all, really. I may have mentioned this already, but I have a friend in Portand, OR, who has been diagnosed with Parkinsons. I would love to go over and see him, but, what appearsa a not so irrational fear of being locked up.

I watched the vid, and I can honestly say that is almost 7.5 minutes of my life I won't get back. In a general sense, I don't disagree with what is said.. Pick any subject and there are those that wish to shut the other side down through deligitimising them rather than the argument. And this vid is no different. It assets a bunch of stuff, shows a snippett aof a headline or makes assertions without actually offering substantive evidence. It is also one of the oldest tricks in the book; deligitimse them by asserting they are deligitimising you. And that is what this vid is largely doinng. For example, the assertion the IPCC report is purely political because it was read out by a diplomat? Seriously? What other evidence does he proffer? Oh, he asserts the report is entirely based on the worst case scenario? Again, he offers no evidence, but a cursory glance at the report (all volumes and summaries here: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/), it is at the upper range for forecasting. I do agree, there are actors on all sides that seek to shut down debate, silence the other side, deligitimse them, and not listen and argue on facts. They are the ideologists and fanatics. They may bet the most airtime, but they are, as far as I can tell, in the minority - at least when the facts are on their side.. that is becasuse when the facts are on your side, you don't have to resport to these other tactics to win the case - at least in theory. When the facts are against one side or one doesn't know the facts to sup[port their agenda, they tend to use these other tactics. This video does exactly what it accuses the other side of doing. It is seeking to discredit the debate of the other side by asserting the other side is discrediting his side. It is quite the irony, to be sure; and offers some isolated instances of where it has happened, and drawn in othe organisations and instuttions without offering a shred of actual evidence. Pot calling the kettle black. You are quite right.. Very little of science is "settled", if by that you mean absolutely everything about something is known and there is no more to be learned. The basic equation of lift we all learned in PPL, CPL, and ATPL training was wrong. More accuratley, it did not account for all components of airflow and forces that generate lift. This was finally proven by an Oxford professor (from memory) who refined the equation. For pilots understanding of lift, it has had zero impact, because the theory as it was understood explianed flight, and it still a major component of the theory of lift. The same for atomic theory. When I did high school science, the only sub atomic particles were electrons, protons, and neutrons. Now, quantum physics takes it further. It does not change the core theory, but refines it. In other words, the existing understanding at the time was showing the right direction of tracel - but either refines the direction or the size/predictability of stayin on that direction. Notice, the science world calls them theories and not absolute. But in may cases, the changes refine rather than debunk existing theories and science. It is, I regret to say, the same with climate. Those ideologically opposed to the the theory use "science is not settled" to debunk the whole science. The science is understood enough that, sadly, our behaviour is contrinuting materially to global warming. There seems to be very little scientific dispute to that. There is dispute - yes - and I agree with the video that the evidence should be challenged and that counter-evidence (for want of a better word) should be heard and also challenged. Where the science seems not to be settled is exactly how much and what the rate it is occuring before it causes catastrophic changes to the earth - this does not mean the earth withers and dies; but that the earth cannot sustain life on the planet to the same level and/or type as it currently does. One of the key reasons for their not being such certainty is because we are talking a climate/meteoroligical science - one that, if we look at purely meterorlogical science, is setlled enough to be able to be reasonably accurate at predicting weather, but still enough unknown variables/factors that we cnanot possibly predicit with certaintly. This is why pure and applied maths in VCE in Victoria was changed to change and approximation. (it is now a bunch of other things).

Sorry.. was a long time ago.. Camira was on my mind in the above post

Actually, looking at it... it does remind me of a Holden.. The Holden Nova What a pile of crap that thing was!!!

Yeah.. and for that, they should finally give Chump the Nobel Peace prize. And inscribe on it "Earned in about 20 times longer than Obama." I am sure he would love that.

"The 2025 Holden Ay"... Ford Grill, Holden on the dash... 260HP petreol/electric engine in a body that looks like it would be blown apart with a powerful engine in it. Gotta love it.

Maybe they are trying to use soft force to encourage regime change before a shot is fired?

They are good cars, too. Also expensive if you need to fix them.

Pray.. The issue for Chump is not Russia, nor Iran, both who are weakened, but what the other Islamic states in the region will do. I am not sure the Islamic alliances to the US in the region would survive well an attack by the US on an Islamic regme regardless of tribal differences. And Kuwait, Saudi, etc, are quite important to the US. The difference between Iraq is that Iran is turning on itself, not its neighbours. This is a sovereign issue as opposed to a regional conflict.

You do have a point.. There is a fraternity of Muslims that see their "brothers" as vitally important and their loyalty is to their brothers first. Just as if the UK attacked Australia, I couldn't honestly say I would be terribly supportive of the idea as a UK citizen, regardless of the motivation - as I am an Australian by birth and also stilla citizen. My ultimate allegiance would probably be to Australia (unless HaandsOn actually got in.. maybe then I would change). You have described two people outside the military who converted and then radicalised.. truth is they probably already had a deep seated hatred or some mental helath condition. The second article is hardly a new phenomena.. and one that is hardly limited to Muslims. Many espionage and ambush operations across all flavours of people do exactly the same thing. The level of due diligence by definition has to be less, and it is the law of numbers. I believe Zelensky had to deal with this sort of tactic in the huighest ranks of the military and security services there. Nary a Muslim in sight. The security clearances required to operate the big stuff is rigorous and ongoing. It covers all manner of things including a threat assessment that those entrusted would betray that trust.. and if it moves, their position is reviewed. The reason for this is very high profile betrayals by white British establishment figures to both the USSR and, oddly, Iran. You're right - there is a risk that Muslims (or anyone) can betray that trust. You can be your bottom dollar it is monitored closely. BTW, there were Muslim troops in the UK sent to Afghanistan without too much issue.

Agreed.. My point was that they weren't a national security threat or disloyal, which is how I took his post. I can speak from experuience, their seceuroty clearances do a lot of digging around to make sure that is the case.

Also, it is fair to say that Russia has been weakened significantly, and its weaknesses exposed thanks to its war in Ukraine.

Complete crap. I can speak with some authoritty that Muslims operate some fairly advanced stuff in the UK military back when I was involved in it over 20 years ago. So far, no issues.

Agreed. But Pauline would have to be able to talk to them as the leader, right? And she would be found very wanting and leaders are supposed to know enough about their party's policies, right? Alsoi, once the policies were getting the spotlioght in the press, the professional associations and pressure groups who are impacted by them would start having their say in the press, too.. and you can see where it would go.. Down the toilet very quickly.

Sounds like a scam. Is it a WB123 Merc? Although boxy-ish, nice cars.. but bloody expensive on parts - even from the wreckers.. Don't ask how I know. Last made in Jan '86.

To be fair, much like many politiciians, because once they get into poower, they realise things are a bit different. However, HandsOn does it better than most, I gues. I am sure it is not a ploy - at least conceived by HandsOn herself, anyway - that by focusing on these outrageous comments, it does hide scrutiny of a) PHON's policies and b) whether or not the "team" are capable of implementing them. For example, it is great to send inexperienced health professionals to rural areas, but like many professions, unique situatons can't be taught in a text book and require expereince over time (yes, health professionals have anbout a year of full time employment befire they graduate). So in theory, sounds good, but the reality is it could be very bad as they fail to find the most basicdiagnostic signs for some things and suddenly death rates increase. A friend was a junior doc left alone on a ward for a shift and got the doage of some drug mixed up that resulted in a patient dying. Of course, it may be better to have inexperienced health professionals that could prevent run of the mill issues getting out of hand as well.. so it could be a good policy, too; but by her being outrageous and the press focusing on that, there is no scrutiny or debate of her policies, nor questions of implementation (e.g. what happens is mental health of someone working in say, Finke, who has never been to the isolation of the Outback before, becomes depressed, etc.. what to do then; or will there be rotations; or how to assess the skill sets required for different areas). Or even other options, like brealking the AMA hold on quotas and allowing more people who make the academic cut for artifically deflated numbers of places on courses (but then, are there the facilities), and opening up course numbers specifically for rural based students and subjecting them to the 3 year contract for a place they would normally not get, as well as wiping their fees.. I think if the press focused on her policies, it wouldn't take long for the whole party to be found wanting and discredited.

Up until HandsOn, I used ot have a thing for redheads and gingers..What was I thinking???!

To clear things up, only the first line in my post: Was in response to the bit I quoted. It was intended to convey the irony of the the Pauline pot calling kettle black type comment. In other words she is mimicking the martydom thing attributed to the subject of her attacks, albeit at a very differrent level (i.e. Pauline is not willing to die for it), Everything else was in a generic sense of the general discourse aroud Islamophobia and not in reference to your post. Anbd it was basically to say, there seems to be an argument that defends the bad ideological bit on the basis that others doi it and have done it. My point is that is toxic and divisive, too, as it is pitting one against the other, and if one ideological group has done a little bit less worse than the other, than that is OK, apparently.. None of it is OK, so let's stop saying well, some dickhead from Australia killed 57 Muslims, so the Islamic ideologues who do this are excused, not bad, blah blah blah. They all are bad (ideologists of any type willing to comit atrocities, I am speaking about, not all Muslims... just to be clear). And none should be tolerated nor should there be a "Oh, some whitey did it.. so there" type attitude That was my point. FWIW, Pauline is a poor man's Nigel Farage.. Rotten to the core and contributes to rather than solves the problem; the difference being Pauline can't really present herself as anything other than that - Farage sadly, is a bit more adept at the PR. Also sadly, it appears, at least until it comes to putting pencil to paper at an election, an increasing number of Australians are following suit. p.s. I am trying to think of a metaphorical nickname for Pauline.. Maybe I will callher Handson.. as in Hands on it.. as she is a bit of a w@nker.

No idea if it is real or not.. But I would argue only those that want to keep the incumbents in (hint... an Iranian works for me and is not from a minority)