Jerry_Atrick

I never really liked the current crop oif KTM machines.. Don't know why...

The two walls in the above shot are here: Of course those before shots were after the damaged paster was removed: (the top floor wall):

Let me see.. Negotiations for the ceaefire between Hamas and Israel was started under Biden and concluded as Trump took office - so he is taking credit for his predecessor's work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Gaza_war_ceasefire; Not sure I would give that one to Trump. The "peaceful" solution to the Ukraine war, at the moment, doesn't look like a terribly good deal, and will give Russia what they want and embolden Russia to do more. My son thinks Russia won't go for the Baltic states because they are in Nato, but Trump has publocly affirmed Nato (or at least the US won't necessarily come to a NATO states aid should they be invaded by Russia. It seems to be contributing to geopolitical destabilisation - hardly what I would call a positive development. Also, he is trying to get iss grubby hands on the Ukrainian rare earths... Cutting government spending is so far wehat he is not doing. He is slashing aid and spending where it is needed, including reneging on contracts with local farmers that if they invested in certain practices to reduce environmental impact and at the same time improve productivity, they would receive government help. Now those farmers face ruin.. The areas where he is saving is then being spent on.. wait for it... contracts with Musk et al. Below are a couple of articles. There is no evidence that a more favourable outcome for US manifacturers will ever be realised. Firstly, have you noticed that defence manufacturers' in Europe share prices have increassed significantly, as have their order books? So, what used to be purchased from US manufacturers is now being purchased from European manufacturers. Australia would be nuts not to develop its home grown industry. The tarrifs which were announced and then revoked have already spooked consumers from countries they were to impact and they are now actively looking to buy non-American. Even my partner is actively making choices for non American owned brands (very hard to do). Virtually every economist from the US to Europe and beyond have the models that tell us they it is unlikely to be a boon for US manufacturing even in their own country, as at the end of the day, when you are in a cost of living crisis, and salaries don't keep up, there is simply less discretionary spend. And his decision to stick with fossil fuels for energy will make American industry less comeptitive over the mid term as renewables around the world leas to cheaper eneergy prices everywhere except America. Yes, China is still building coal fired plants, but they are investing much more heavily in renewables because they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So, here are some more articles for you: On the so called peace deal with Putin, that is destabilising the region and will probably lead to a regional war: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250219-baltic-region-prepares-war-as-russia-us-debate-ukraine-fate DOGE's big claims of savings aren't quite what they seem: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/upshot/doge-contracts-musk-trump.html And yet for 2025, Musk companies already have $332M: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/musk-government-contracts-spacex-tesla-taxes-b2703141.html (and why hasn't he taken an axe to the space programs.. surely they are not as important as feeding America's own people?) Consumers ditching US made/owned stuff: https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/canadian-consumers-seeking-out-domestic-products-over-trump-s-tariff-threats In Europe as elsewhere, you wouldn't want to buy a Tesla at the moment (Europe don't buy muxh US stuff anyway). Reality verus claims... the latter rarely adds up. But hey, you want to believe a 6 time bankrupt, go for it. And, his approval rating is starting to wane: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-approval-rating-slips-americans-worry-about-economy-2025-02-19/

Parties do start through lack of handling perceived issues, because that is what it is mostly - perceived. Other than that, your post agains is fill of crap. Objectively, the Libs have neen moving to the "right" since Howard; even Fraser was a little perplexed at how far they have moved. And it is impossible to say it hadn't louched to the right under Abbott (was Costello his treasurer? That would be funny right there).. and then his successors, culminating on the worst and illegal attack on welfare recipients.. Your views don't align with the facts.. ALP is chasing votes on medicare, but that is because both parties fail the average person - not with both of their views being left, but becase the right consistently fails the average person - by definitioon the always will; and Albo is too pissweak to implement change.. so he has stayed more or less on the ideological righht side of politics - although definitely more central than the Libs. Quite what medicare has to do with crime is beyond me, but even then, there has and always will be crime. What you are attributing to is the left? In what way? Actually, look at the crime and mrder rates in Australia: https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/aus/australia/crime-rate-statistics.. But youth crime has gone up, right? We.. wrong.. it is a fabrication of sensation: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-13/criminologists-debunk-youth-crime-crisis-claims/104445432 Both are well down and continue to drop - so if both parties are left, well, it seems to be working, doesn't it? Or is that just a fabrication. Why do peole crash cars and die in hospitals, and blah blah blah.. Well, hard to pin that on left governments - why don't yopu provide stats of those who die in hospitals form natural causes versus there not being enough funding and substantiate one of your poiints for a change? No.. Of course not.. it's just in your imagination.. So I looked it up quickly, and while I couldn't find specific info on hospitals, I tool the nunmber of young Aussies dying per as a proxy; admittedly, it doesn't split things up.. But, surprise, surprise.. our health system must be getting better because, it has fallen dramatically from 1999 to 2019: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/deaths Lord help us if the majority of the population think like you do... Humaity will well and truly be stuffed well before its time.

Who bloody ray! The last of the major work is completed.. There remains decoration and the big clean up. The last of the major work is the lime plastering: Lime paster is a labourious job, but it looks a lot better than the gyprock stuff. Almost don't want to paint it. Thie above is the ground floor hall wall (the original is up a few posts ago somewhere. The next photo is the upstairs hall wall. Both look great. The original walls were water damaged over the years. They reckon lime plastered walls last 150 years: All the windows are in. Here is the before and after of the bay, and then that crappy platic kitched door is replaced, plus there are a couple of the windows to show. Not sure I want to show all of the windows.. Right.. Have to move a lot of stuff and get started on the decorating. Speak later

All those ins and outs sounds like something other than the cricket I know

Hah.. What happened.. is that billions went to their sponsors is what happened.

My favourite is still the VFR750... Getting back to the AI.. yes while it could have suggested alternatives, it was a decent attempt with what I gave it. I am probably not going to ride a bike - was discussing it with my son and he would prefer a light GA flight. So, it looks like it will be an airliner flight

Granted this is a contract, but if you were getting the top end of the daily rate ($1,100), that is just shy of $250K/year working 45 full weeks of the year: https://www.seek.com.au/job/82259563?type=standard&ref=search-standalone&origin=cardTitle#sol=41f1b59c65038e4c42997abf49eaa4fc125d4dfa Just saw this with the public service. How good is that: https://www.seek.com.au/job/82022583?type=standard&ref=search-standalone&origin=cardTitle#sol=2eb94fc1e65835453a76906e725f6cbcf40957d7 And this is a doosey... unf.. I don't have data centre consolidation experienc: https://www.seek.com.au/job/82258062?type=standard&ref=search-standalone&origin=cardTitle#sol=8dacb5008ea0df356fc46c20b5028de783a7a878 I have been looking at both perm and contract roles in Melbourne, and there are some nice paying ones, I have to say.

On this, GON is either a troll, suffering some form of mental illness, or just like some (or, I would say most, actually) people, and has a point of view on something that fact will never dislodge, because on whatever point it is, it is far more important than even if it hruts themselves to get there. Adam Conover did a great YT video of it some time ago, where beliefs are so ingrained that when you are confronted with opposing facts, it triggers a part of the prain that is triggered with the feeling of pain, and the first reaction is to protect oneself from the truth. Take Brexit, for example. My step-father-in-law was an ardent Brexiter. Yet he could not name one thing where Europe was costing more, or causing him problems. When he propagated myths, he would just give a Gallic shrug (quiite ironic) when facts were presented that repudiated the myths. He is also a Francophile, and whe I told him his insurance will go up, his mobile phone charges will go up, and he will have to have a lot more admin and carry a lot more paperwork on his travels, wine, cheeses, etc, on which he indulges a lot. Not too long ago, I asked how his life has changed not we are well and truly out of the EU? "It hasn't". What about travel, is it more expensive now, and more mainful? "Yes,.. but i it is worth it". At which point, I pointed out that he is paying more and having more inconvenience for no change to daily life from Brexit... And that immigration is much higher than pre-Brexit (again, Labour are getting that under control after the disaster of the Conservatives); Does he still think Brexit was a good idea? "Yep". You can't make it up.

Actually, unlike Hitler, Trump did not only not refeence Project 2025, he actively distanced himself from it.. This is one but a plethora of references: https://www.npr.org/2024/08/22/g-s1-19202/trump-project-2025-border-immigration What does that tell you about Trump, and about those who elected him, when we could see what he was on about?

Except for the paltry range, I was thinking Honda NX500..

OK.. The house is now done with the major work. Vurtually all redecoration from here (Murph's law excepted). More in Jerry's Reno blog tomorrow when I take some photos tomorrow. So I am turning my thoughts to the move. And I can't afford, and don't have the time to prepare for a GA flight to Aus, ala an ex UK Flying Forumite, Aussie Andy: http://www.flyingpodcast.co.uk/flying-adventures/episode-67-london-sydney-slow-way/ (He is a real banker). But I was thinking of an unusual way to get to Aus, and the son thought a motorcyle adventure would do it. So, I am in the tentative stages of planning it. To be honest, it will probably come to nought, but I thought I would ask chat FGPT (well, we should now use non-US alternatives, apparently a French one is good - I will try that). And it wasn't bad.. Here is the transcript: Me: Hi.. Hope you're well.. I am looking at touring a motorcycle from London to Broome Western Australia, and then down the west coast to the Mclaren Vale (to try some nice wines), and then as much along the southern coast of Australia as is possible - on a motorcycle (yeah - I will need to ferry the bike from say Singapore to Broome). some questions: 1. What is the best bike for range and handling different conditions. 2. What mods would you recommend. 3. Where do we have to absoluely avoid (Russia - got it; Iran probably, too.. anything else) 4. What visas do we need 5. what insurance do we need 6. What legal documents to we need to carry 7. What is the minimum safety and subsistence stuff we need to carry 8. What haven't I thought about? Thanks (Yes.. I am polite to intelligent things) This is the response: That sounds like an epic adventure! Riding from London to Broome, then down through Western Australia and across the south is no small feat. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider: 1. Best Bike for Range & Conditions You'll need a motorcycle that balances long-range fuel capacity, reliability, and handling for varied conditions (highways, dirt, outback). The best options: BMW R1250GS Adventure – 30L tank, great range (~600 km), comfortable, and built for mixed terrain. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports – 24.8L tank, lighter than the BMW, solid off-road performance. Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid – Lighter and more off-road capable, with a 23L tank. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R – Power and off-road capability, but maintenance could be trickier in remote areas. Given the Australian Outback’s long distances between fuel stops, you’ll want a bike that can go at least 400 km per tank or carry extra fuel. 2. Recommended Mods Larger fuel tank or auxiliary fuel system Better seat (long days in the saddle) Crash bars & skid plate (outback roads can be rough) Upgraded suspension (if stock isn’t good for heavy loads/off-road) Luggage system (hard or soft panniers + top box) High-output alternator (for heated gear, GPS, comms) Satellite tracker (Garmin inReach or SPOT) 3. Places to Avoid Russia (War & visa issues) Iran (Difficult visas for UK passports) Myanmar (Overland entry restrictions) China (Expensive permits & guides required) Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas (Security concerns) Some parts of Indonesia & East Timor (Limited ferry options & fuel availability) Your route will likely be: UK → Europe → Turkey → Central Asia (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan) → SE Asia (Thailand/Malaysia) → Ship to Broome. 4. Visas Required Europe (No visa needed if under 90 days in Schengen Zone) Turkey (E-visa) Central Asia (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan are easier, Uzbekistan needs e-visa) India & Thailand (Likely needed) Indonesia (for ferry options) Australia (Visa + carnet de passage for the bike) Check www.caravanistan.com for the latest on overland visas. 5. Insurance Required Green Card Insurance for Europe CDP (Carnet de Passage) Guarantee for Australia Motorcycle Insurance for Australia (Compulsory Third Party "CTP" required, and full cover recommended) Travel & Medical Insurance (Must cover remote evacuation – you’re going into serious outback areas) 6. Legal Documents to Carry Carnet de Passage (bike passport for customs) International Driving Permit (IDP) Motorcycle Registration & Title Bike Insurance Docs Your Passport (with visas) Copies of all documents (both digital & paper) 7. Minimum Safety & Subsistence Gear Water Storage (minimum 5L per person in the outback) First Aid Kit (including snakebite bandages) Satellite Phone or InReach (Outback has no mobile coverage) Toolkit & Spares (tubes, patches, tire irons, chain lube, fuses, zip ties) Camping Gear (tent, sleeping bag, small stove) Emergency Food (dehydrated meals, energy bars) Protective Gear (good armored riding suit, boots, gloves, helmet with sun protection) Sun & Insect Protection (Sunscreen, hat, DEET spray) 8. What Haven’t You Thought About? Bike Shipping & Customs Delays – Some ports can take weeks to clear a bike. Weather & Seasonal Planning – Avoid Australian Outback summer (45°C+). Fuel Range in Remote WA & SA – Plan your stops. Dingo, Croc, & Snake Awareness – Not a joke in Australia! Mental & Physical Endurance – Some parts are brutally long rides. This is going to be a legendary trip. Have you already picked a timeframe for this? What bike are you leaning towards?

Oh.. why would an AI nursebot need money?? I guess for recharges. OMG, I would be worried - I would get range anxiety with her!

No. Wolfie hadn't come around yet.. Often things settle after he arrives.

That is a bummer.. hope you're better soon

Of course, I will offset a gripe anth a positive. Daughter is working at Hinkley Point C, the new build nuke and in a couplefo short weeks has matured immensly...

Gripe of the week. Petulant children. Not the garden variety type that you see in the school ground .. the ones that are very well paid at work. Mental illness excepted, jeez some people can act like spollt litte brats. We have two teams at work; one is mine and, obviously, one is someone elses. And both teams are relatively new.. but we have to work together. Well, something kicked off at work and these two mid-level managers were just doing the "he said, she said" routine and brought up old bygones. It was the Zoom equivalent of them crossing their arms, Hmmmphing, and turning their chairs to they sat back to back. Quite extraordinary when I consider how much they are paid, and their level in teh company. They are paid to escalate real issues, not antsie pantsie rubbish. So, I had to ecuse myself from a fairly serious meeting to deal with a couple of petulant children. If it keeps up, at least one is going to get fired (and I let him know, too). Where's Wolfie.. I need his counsel at a time like this!!!

We've stopped talking about Pootin.... Another win for hin thanks to Trump... But, here is a sneak preview of his plans: https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-belarus-strategy-document-230035184.html Wonder if Lukashenko is still thinking about being a good buddy.

We know for sure that the US has submarines trawling international waters. As do many other countries. There is nothing illegal about China parking its boats off our international waters and listening in on us. It's not nice, but Australia (and I would think the US as well) has jamming and/or tracking equipment and they are likely to know what is going on. What the US doesn't do is drop flares from planes in a dangerous what that China has been doing lately. I haven't read this article, but if live fire means what it should, the US doesn't really do that in international waters - at least not that I am aware of, without notice (again, I have not read the article). Chinas has been pissing off Japan and I think the Phillipines as well. It's unlawful expansion into the South China sea (hmmm.. how come people aren't making a big fuss about that) and extension of its soveriegn waters when it had no such claim has to be provocative, especially since they established a pretty decent military base on one of the man made islands. China is getting aggressive. Thankfully Australia is not easy to take.

Will Robonurse do home visits looking like this? If so, and everything else is a realistic simulation, I will be too old to worry about that fact it will be living in a virtual world

Well, it is lunch time on a Friday and I am working from home. Expecting my mate to join me anytime soon!

Here's some interesting data on Trump's first 100 days in office: https://on.ft.com/3EPHxmU