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Saturday, 13 May

21:45

US firm Westinghouse announces small nuclear reactor to power 300,000 homes. "IndyWatch Feed National"

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/us-firm-unveils-game-changing-small-nuclear-reactor US tech company, Westinghouse, has announced the launch of the an effort to extend access to nuclear power as demand for clean energy rises. The AP300 nuclear reactor is scheduled to be operational in 2027 and will provide...

19:57

What is it about righteous Rugby League media types.. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Rugby League Journalist Paul Kent has been charged with domestic violence offences following an incident at his home. @lizziepearl #9News pic.twitter.com/jyDeZTM02M 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) May 13, 2023 Thanks to UnderMinder who tells us: This could get a bit spicy! I'll say, get your questions in now. Ask Kenty tonight...

18:07

Thank you from Ralph Blewitt - today doctors told him there's no remaining cancer! "IndyWatch Feed National"

They got it all - there's no secondary growth in his lymph nodes. Michael Smith 573 Thank you from Ralph Blewitt - he's today been advised they got all the cancer

17:50

Total Dwellings Approved Fell Slightly In March, Says ABS "IndyWatch Feed National"

The total number of new dwellings approved for construction decreased by 0.1 per cent in March, in seasonally adjusted terms, following a 3.9 per cent rise in February, according to data released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Daniel Rossi, ABS head of construction statistics, said The result was driven by a 2.8 per cent fall in approvals for private sector houses, following an 11.3 per cent February rise. Private sector house approvals remain 15.0 per cent lower than March 2022, Mr Rossi said.

Private sector dwellings excluding house approvals increased 5.6 per cent in March, following a 9.7 per cent decrease in February.

This is the sixth consecutive month where the trend result has fallen for total dwellings approved,  Mr Rossi said.

Across Australia total dwelling approvals decreased in Tasmania (-42.1 per cent), South Australia (-19.1 per cent), and Queensland (-6.7 per cent). Western Australia (+27.2 per cent), New South Wales (+3.1 per cent), and Victoria (+1.7 per cent) rose in March.

Approvals for private sector houses fell in most states: New South Wales (-4.0 per cent), Queensland (-3.9 per cent), Victoria (-3.8 per cent), and South Australia (-0.1 per cent). Western Australia was the only state with a March increase (+8.7 per cent).

The value of total building approvals fell 5.9 per cent, following a 19.5 per cent rise in February. The value of total residential building approvals fell 6.5 per cent, comprised of a 6.4 per cent decrease in new residential building and a 7.4 per cent fall in alterations and additions.

The value of non-residential building approved decreased 5.1 per cent, following a 41.0 per cent rise in February.

The post Total Dwellings Approved Fell Slightly In March, Says ABS appeared first on New Matilda.

17:31

US Lifts Gay Blood Ban, Australia Urged To Follow "IndyWatch Feed National"

Australian gay blood donation campaigners have welcomed a decision in the United States to allow gay men to give blood, and urged Australia to follow suit.

The US has ditched a three-month abstinence period before gay men can give blood and will instead ask questions about sexual risk of all donors regardless of their sexual orientation, an approach known as individual risk assessment.

In Australia the Red Cross Lifeblood Service has no plans to allow safe gay men to donate whole blood, despite individual risk assessment now being the approach in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Argentina and many other countries.

Instead, Lifeblood wants gay men, and bisexual men and trans women who have sex with men, all of whom can currently not give whole blood, to be able to give blood plasma.

Let Us Give spokesperson, Thomas Buxereau applauded the US for replacing its gay blood ban with individual risk assessment, and called on Australias blood authorities to do the same.

Allowing blood donations from gay men, and bisexual men and trans women who have sex with men, who are safe to give, will mean a new source of safe blood for those Australians in need, Mr Buxereau said.

Australian gay, bisexual and trans people who are currently blocked from donating blood want to be able to save lives in the same way as our counterparts in the UK, Canada and the US.

Researcher, Dr Sharon Dane, said international research shows there is no meaningful risk from allowing gay men, and bisexual men and trans women who have sex with men, to give blood under the conditions now applying in the US.

Under the system of individual risk assessment in the UK, Canada, US and other countries, every donor is asked if they have had anal sex with a new partner or multiple partners in the last three months. If they say no they can donate.

The Australian Lifeblood Service has said this may deter a significant number of heterosexual donors but the international evidence has shown this is not the case.

Rather than allowing whole blood donation by gay men, and bisexual men and trans women who have sex with men, Lifeblood wants to only allow plasma donation.

But this does not address the regular shortages of whole blood and still means gay, bisexual and trans people are not treated equally.

Canada and Israel trialled plasma donation for gay men but quickly abandoned those trials and moved on to equal treatment for all donors.

The so-called plasma pathway is a dead-end Australia should not go down.

The post US Lift...

15:21

Look Beyond Deliberate Division To See The Voice, Urge Empowered Mobs "IndyWatch Feed National"

Australians have been urged to look past deliberate moves to seed doubt around the Voice to Parliament at a panel discussion on Indigenous Constitutional Recognition at Queensland University of Technology this week.

QUT partnered with Empowered Communities, a collaboration of 10 regional, urban and remote communities across Australia, to present the panel discussion and launch The Voice, Partnership, Empowerment explained booklet.

Hosted by QUT Chancellor Ann Sherry, the panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders spoke about what Constitutional Recognition through The Voice means for their lives and futures, and for the future of Australia.

Fiona Jose, Kuku Yalanji and Torres Strait, Cape York Partnership CEO and Cape York Empowered Communities leader, said public debate about exact details of how The Voice would operate was detracting from the purpose of the referendum.

The referendum is actually about reconciliation. It is going to be our countrys most unifying moment in history. There is no reconciliation without The Voice, she said.

Fiona Jose, CEO of Cape York Partnerships.

Ms Jose said while it was important to have public debate on the best way to implement the Voice, that had to happen at the right time.

The details around the policies is the job of parliament and for the parliamentarians to sort out, she said.

What we are being asked in the referendum is really simple do we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution through a Voice to Parliament? The option to the Australian public is to answer yes to that question, or no.

Keri Tamwoy, of the Wik Nation and Mayor of Aurukun, said Aboriginal politicians who said the Voice wouldnt work hadnt consulted with remote communities to find out what they needed.

I can guarantee that these politicians will not come to our remote communities, to sit down with us and hear what we want. They need to come into our community and sit around that same fire and eat from that same fire, from the one plate, to experience what it is we go through on a daily basis, Mayor Tamwoy said.

...

14:32

EDO Helps Knitting Nannas Take On Unconstitutional Anti-Protest Laws "IndyWatch Feed National"

Two Knitting Nannas members of a renowned and growing international activist organisation set up to protest inaction on climate change were back in the NSW Supreme Court this week challenging repressive anti-protest legislation passed last year by the Perrottet government.

Dominique Jacobs and Helen Kvelde, through their lawyers at the NSW Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), launched a constitutional challenge to s214A of theCrimes Act 1900 in October 2022, claiming it breaches their right to free speech implied in the Australian Constitution.

Following highly publicised protests in Sydney earlier this year, the NSW Government pushed through changes to the Road Amendment (Major Bridges and Tunnels) Regulation 2022 and introduced the Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Act 2022 to parliament without public consultation.

On behalf of on Ms Kvelde and Jacobs, the EDO has launched a Constitutional challenge to section 214A of the Crimes Act 1900 that makes it an offence to remain near any part of a major facility if that conduct causes persons attempting to use the major facility to be redirected, on the basis it impermissibly burdens the implied freedom of political communication.

Ms Jacobs and Kvelde say the new laws are so broad that a group of people could face serious criminal charges, including up to two years in prison, simply by protesting near a railway station and causing people to be redirected around them.

EDOs clients will also ask the court to find the definition of major bridge, tunnel or road under s 144G of the Roads Act too broad.

Ms Jacobs and Kvelde contend the Crimes Act amendment was unconstitutional because it impermissibly burdened the implied freedom of political communication, and that to uphold the Australian Constitution, the NSW Government must allow communities to peacefully protest government policy in public spaces.

The Crimes Act amendment introduced a number of offences relating to major facilities including making it an offence to remain near any part of a major facility if doing so causes persons attempting to use the major facility to be redirected.

Major facilities include train stations, such as Central, Town Hall and Martin Place, places that historically have been synonymous with peaceful protest. The reforms also increased maximum penalties for peaceful protest to two years prison and $22,000.

Ms Jacobs and Ms Kvelde have been at the frontline of Australian climate impacts, experiencing trauma and loss from drought, fire and flood in the last four years alone.

Australians li....

13:57

Faced with a choice, Malcolm Turnbull publicly supports Chris Bowen over Peter Dutton. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Prick. Sorry, pricks. Turnbull could have said nothing at all. 3 reasons why Peter Duttons nuclear plan is a dumb idea for Australia pic.twitter.com/vmcxgoXxwW Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) May 13, 2023

11:59

They Keep Promoting Boosters During Excess and Sudden Deaths "IndyWatch Feed National"

 

by Dee McLachlan

Excess deaths: In the past, politicians and the media would be all over it. But today both our leaders and the presstitutes have normalized excess deaths, sudden deaths, and myocarditis in children When was asking questions misinformation?

Booster Blitz

This booster push on Channel 9 (Australia) was released on 19 January 2022. (I find it challenging to listen to the coersive dialogue.)

This ABC article is an example of...

00:52

INTERVIEW: David Thunder Irelands Draconian Hate Speech Law "IndyWatch Feed National"

What is happening to western societies? A new Irish law threatens to remove the right to freedom of expression and privacy. Where does it end?

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on May 10, 2023, Patrick talks with political philosophy researcher Dr. David Thunder about his thoughts on Irelands draconian Hate Speech Bill. David explains how the new law could lead to Irish citizens being arrested and jailed for something as insignificant as a social media post or a meme which the authorities deem to be offensive. They also discuss the effects it will have on freedom of expression and privacy, as well as the privileges certain groups and individuals which the state decrees as persons with protected characteristic. In Stasi-like fashsion, this couldeasily  open the doors for abuse of power and thought policing. David also shares his thoughts on the current state of Irish politics. All this and more. Listen:

More from David at:
Twitter
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Davidthunder.com
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TUNE-IN LIVE to TNT RADIO for the Patrick Henningsen Show every MON-FRI at 12PM-2PM (NEW YORK) | 5PM-7PM (LONDON) | 2AM-4AM (BRISBANE):
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READ MORE FREE SPEECH NEWS AT: 21st CENTURY WIRE FREE SPEECH FILES

ALSO JOIN OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL

SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM ...

00:48

Whats Our Best Bet in 2024? "IndyWatch Feed National"

By Dan McKnight | The Libertarian Institute | May 12, 2023

Did you see what Donald Trump said about Ukraine?

At a CNN town hall on Wednesday evening, the former president and current candidate announced:

If Im president, I will have that war settled in one day, 24 hours. Ill meet with Putin, Ill meet with Zelensky, they both have weaknesses and they both have strengths, and within 24 hours that war will be settled. Itll be overI dont think in terms of winning or losing. I think in terms of getting it settled so we stop killing all these people and breaking them.

When CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins asked Trump if he wanted Ukraine or Russia to win this war, he responded, I want everybody to stop dying. Theyre dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them stop dying. And Ill have that done in 24 hours, Ill have it done. You need the power of the presidency to do it.

Thats a damn good answer. And a much better one than anyone in the Biden White House has presented for why weve spent over a hundred billion dollars to fight a war with Russia.

These corporate press stand-ins never explain what victory conditions look like for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky has said his aims include the recapture of Crimea and the decapitation of the Russian state.

But...

00:15

Tweet of the Week "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

 


 


00:00

Chinas Government Calls US Government an International Outlaw "IndyWatch Feed National"

Wang Wenbin, Chinas Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, held his regular press conference in Beijing, on May 11th, and answered a reporters question: It was reported that the G7 Summit to be held in Japan will ask China to abide by international rules. Do you have any comment? by saying that those countries are hypocritical for accusing others of violating the never-defined stock phrase of the U.S. Government international rules. He said:

The US has spied indiscriminately on countries globally, not least its G7 allies, strong-armed countries diplomatically, and applied economic coercion and military interference. The US has blatantly invaded Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria and other countries that are smaller and weaker than the US, killing and displacing tens of millions of innocent civilians. When it comes to international rules, the USs place is in the dock. It is in no position to point fingers at other countries.

His statement that When it comes to international rules, the USs place is in the dock suggests that international rules means the same thing as international laws, but the U.S. Government, and its allies, have never defined what the term international rules means, nor what international body sets those rules, nor where they are codified, nor what they are. If those rules are international laws, then it would be easy to document which Government violates them more than any other Government does, because obviously that is the U.S. Government itself.

Wenbins answer also included the following:

When the G7 talk about international rules, they mean the Western rules that draw lines according to ideologies and values and the US-first and G7-dominated rules of a small circle. Those rules serve the vested interest of a very few countries, including the G7, rather than the common interests of the international community.

By the international community, he was referring to the General Assembly of the United Nations. It is the U.N., and not the U.S. Government, which establishes those laws. Wengbin opened his answer by talking about that:

Before discussing international rules, we need to first of all make clear what exactly the international rules are. For the overwhelming majority of countries in the world, international rules consist of the basic norms governing international relations b...

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Friday, 12 May

23:42

Ending War on Earth in Illinois (Or Any Other Locality) "IndyWatch Feed National"


Al Mytty in Illinois during webinar for which these remarks were prepared.

By David Swanson, World BEYOND War, May 12, 2023

We very much need World BEYOND War educational and activist events and campaigns in Illinois (and every other location). We also need the people of Illinois (and every other location on Earth) as part of the global movement to end war.

I say that having been in Chicago many times and at least once to Carbondale. Interstate 64 which comes by my house also cuts through Illinois, so a few cups of coffee and Im there.

We started World BEYOND War in 2014 to work with thousands of existing peace groups but to do three things a bit differently. One is to be global. Another is to go after the entire institution of war. Another is to use education and activism, both and together. Ill say a few words about each of these things.

First, on being global. Theres a great peace activist named Bill Astore who has an article this week at TomDispatch where he suggests that if we rid the world of nuclear weapons he could like his country better. I also read yesterday a book by my old philosophy professor Richard Rorty, probably the smartest person in many ways Ive ever met, who simply obsesses over the need to view U.S. history as a glass half full, even if it means believing in myths and ignoring ugly facts. Unless one does that, he writes, we cannot do the work of creating a better country. He never even entertains long enough to reject it the possibility of staring at all the facts head-on and doing the work regardless (is the question of whether a country has done more harm or more good even answerable?). Nor does he ever even consider the possibility of identifying with the world or a locality more so than a nation.

What I love most about online World BEYOND War events is that people use the word we to mean we people of the Earth. Now and again, youll have someone always its someone from the United States use we to mean a military always its the U.S. military. As in Hey, I remember you from that jail cell we were in for protesting the fact that we were bombing Afghanistan. This assertion would seem like a riddle to a Martian who might wonder how one can bomb Afghanistan from a jail cell and why one would have also protested ones...

23:14

The Work That Tricontinental Does "IndyWatch Feed National"

I am grateful to you for reading this newsletter, which has been coming to you since March 2018 and which now thanks to the efforts of our movements reaches over a million people. Our first newsletter posed a problem that remains at the heart of our institutes work:

The Left has before us a serious challenge: people think that we are good and sensitive people, but that we are utopian and fail to provide reasonable answers to practical problems. We have to overcome this penalty. We have to show that radical thinking is not merely utopian (and has no place in reality), but that it attempts to solve practical challenges given the constraints of property and power. It has to show, more importantly, how certain problems cannot be solved within these constraints and require more ambitious transformations of the political and economic system. This kind of thinking guided by political and social movements will be at the heart of the institute.

Over the course of the past sixty-two months, we have tried our best to hold fast to this mission. To this end, we set for ourselves a series of objectives:

  1. To bridge the gap between movements and intellectual institutions.
  2. To bridge the gap between movements across the planet.
  3. To amplify the voices of the new intellectuals who lead these movements.
  4. To elaborate the theories that are often implicit in these movements.
  5. To reclaim the histories of socialism and national liberation.

These objectives ground our work. We hope that what we have researched and produced has been useful to those committed to strengthening our movements and advancing...

21:17

Resistance is a continuous endeavor "IndyWatch Feed National"

For more than 75 years, Palestinians have organized for a liberated future. Today, as resistance against Israeli apartheid intensifies, unity and revolutionary optimism has become the main infrastructure of struggle.


alt
Melbourne, Australia. Image credit Matt Hrkac CC BY 2.0.

It is nearing the 75th commemoration of the beginning of the Nakba, and Palestinians have mourned at least 150 martyrs since the beginning of 2023. Currently, 4,900 Palestinians are detained in Zionist jails, including 160 children. But for Palestinians on the ground and those of us in exile, the revolutionary optimism remains, underlying a long, arduous, steadfast struggle for liberation.

Since the Unity Intifada of 2021, we have witnessed a clear, systematic rise in popular armed resistance in Palestine. With it comes a necessary reckoning with the current phase of the Palestinian struggle for liberation from Zionist settler-colonialism. Unity among Palestinians has characterized the Unity Intifada, as the name suggests. Palestinians are unified against the Zionist project, in spite of the deliberate, systematic fragmentation imposed upon them.

The notion of unity, especially regarding armed struggle, prisoner revolt, and labor revolt, is what consistently rings the loudest. It rings loudest despite a colonial separation wall, military checkpoints, and indiscriminate detainments by the Zionist state and the comprador Palestinian Authority (PA). It rings despite a genocidal blockade on Gaza, and the imposition of arbitrary colonial categoriesIDs, passports, permits, and laissez-passers.

After the martyrdom of 18-year-old resistance leader Ibrahim Al-Nabulsi in August 2022, the Lions Den made its first appearance in public. Heeding Ibrahim Al-Nabulsis call to action, a grassroots, youth-led, revolutionary armed faction sprouted from the occupied West Bank cities of Nablus and Jenin. We long recognize these cities as two nuclei of Palestinian resistance. The conditions of 75 years of brutal settler-colonialism birthed Ibrahim Al-Nabulsi,...

21:14

Stop Immigration Rally: Saturday 13 May, 12pm, Parliament House Melbourne "IndyWatch Feed National"

READ MORE AT XYZ A Stop Immigration Rally will be held tomorrow on the steps...

21:08

Chile Announces Plan to Nationalize Lithium Industry "IndyWatch Feed National"

In a surprising though not unprecedented move, Chile announced plans to nationalize its lithium industry, following similar efforts in resource nationalism among major producers of battery metals. Although implementation of the reforms is expected to be gradual and keep existing contracts intact, the decision stands to influence the political will and feasibility for other lithium producers to follow suit. In seeking to indigenize and retain a greater portion of the value chain in their mining sector, the policies instituted by Chile and other lithium producers have significant implications for the global energy market as demand for electric vehicles and renewable infrastructure soars.

At present, Chile possesses the worlds largest lithium reserves and is the 2nd largest producer, behind Australia. In its return to resource nationalism, Chile seeks to secure its domestic supply and maximize revenue generation from this strategic resource, positioning itself as a leading player in the global battery metals market. Santiagos move toward greater state control of critical minerals precedes a similar phased plan for copper nationalization dating back to the 1950s and ending with the military coup in 1973 that removed the left-wing government of then-President Salvador Allende.

The post Chile Announces Plan to Nationalize Lithium Industry appeared first on Geopolitical Monitor.

20:11

Fair Work Closer To Balance After Shameless Coalition Stack, Says Peak Union "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Australian Council of Trade Unions has welcomed the latest round of appointments to the Fair Work Commission, a move the Albanese government earlier this year described as an attempt to even up the balance after nearly a decade of shameless stacking by the Coalition.

During its nine years in government, the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison governments made 27 permanent appointments to the commission. Twenty-six of them came from an employer background, according to the ACTU and the Albanese government.

In March this year, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke, announced an initial five appointments to the Commission, but suggested there was more to come.

Even with these appointments we are still a long way from balance, Burke said. There is more work to do to correct the Coalitions shameless stack. I look forward to the day when I can return to appointing people from employee and employer backgrounds in equal numbers. But there is an immediate imperative to restore the balance.

This week, a further eight appointments were announced. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said the Albanese Government has continued to act on its election promise to restore balance at the Commission.

The union movement welcomes these appointments, Ms McManus said. These appointments bring the Commission closer to achieving gender balance and greater cultural diversity. This is the first time two women of colour have been appointed to the Commission, appointments that are long overdue.

New leader of the ACTU, Sally McManus, pictured on ABCs 7:30.

Oanh Thi Tran, a solicitor at the Young Workers Centre, with a background in trade unions, and Pearl Lim, a senior official at the Australian Services Union, Western Australia Branch are among the latest appointees.

The Fair Work Commission has a big impact on the lives of working people, so it is essential that it is just and balanced, Ms McManus said. The Coalition government stacked it with employer ideologues, and these new appointments help restore balance.

It is essential public institutions such as the Fair Work Commission d...

20:02

Using Home Equity to Renovate Your Home "IndyWatch Feed National"

If you want to reach your home ownership goals and achieve financial success, its important to have a solid understanding of home equity. More specifically, you need to know how it can be used to further your own investments and get closer to your financial goals.

There are many different ways to take advantage of your home equity. In this blog, however, were going to focus on how you can use your equity on home improvements. Using home equity for renovations is a great way to enhance your living space without having to take out another loan or having to spend money from your savings account.

This short guide will help you decide whether or not using home equity for your home renovations is right for you.

What is Home Equity?

Home equity is the difference between the value of your property and the amount that you owe on the home loan. In other words, it is the percentage of your total property value that is actually under your ownership. As a general example, if your property is worth $400,000 and your loan amount is at $200,000, then your home equity is $200,000.

That being said, since property values are affected by so many different variables, your equity can grow even if you havent made a mortgage payment towards your loan. In theory, if the value of your property increases, your home equity can grow as well.

Another thing to know is that your home equity and your usable equity are two different figures. With most lenders, you can only use up to 80% of your home equity. In the example used above, your usable equity would be 80% of $200,000, which would be $160,000.

You can use this for many different things including buying an investment property, renovating your home, buying a car, or consolidating debt.

Additionally, according to Westpac, if your Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) is greater than 80% after a loan increase, then you might need to get Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

The LVR is calculated by dividing your loan amount by the total value of your property. If we take the previous example, the LVR would be calculated by dividing 200,000 by 400,000, giving us 0.5. This means the LVR is 50%.

How to Use Home Equity for Renovations

...

19:53

Enhance Your Look in 10 Simple Steps "IndyWatch Feed National"

Looking your best can help you boost your self-esteem and allow you to stay confident. Contrary to what many people think, you dont need to invest a lot of time and money in improving your likes. Having a simple yet actionable plan can make it easier for you to enhance your look in no time.

Keep reading this article to find 10 tips that will allow you to look your best.

  1. Getting Fit and Healthy

    Getting in shape will allow you to better rock different wardrobes and styles. While its important to not let conventional beauty standards affect how you think about your body, exercise is vital for keeping fit and healthy.

    A healthy mix of cardio and strength training is a good starting point. Defining your fitness goals and working with a personal trainer can help fast-track your results.

  2. Choose the Right Shoes

    When it comes to changing up your look, most people only think about buying the most trendy and expensive dresses. But many people forget that attire can only look good if its paired with amazing shoes.

    This is why you should consider growing your range of shoes so you can look good on all occasions. Consider buying branded shoes like Nike Shoes so you can rock various looks with confidence and get great value for the money you spend.

  3. Take Care of Your Skin Health

    Struggling with skin health problems can affect your confidence. Investing in good skin care is important for your confidence and your health. Start by identifying your skin type and buying products that can help you overcome your specific skin health challenges.

    If possible, you should consider getting help from a dermatologist to get professional advice about your skin health.

  4. Find a Hairstyle That Suits You

    Your hairstyle is always important when it comes to upping your look or changing your style. You need to be careful about your hairstyle to ensure that you can give a great aura. Identify your face type to choose the hairstyles that will suit you most.

    Choose the right hair styling products, like a good hair dryer, to ensure that your hair doesnt get damaged. Avoid using any hair products that can damage your hair in the long run.

  5. Up Your Makeup Skills

    Good makeup can allow you to highlight the best features of your face while improving your confidence.

    Contrary to the popular misconception, you dont need to hire the services of the most expensive makeup artist to look attractive...

19:20

Beware of mean girls bearing gifts "IndyWatch Feed National"

God help the Finance department. Why do these people think that we think they are celebrities?

19:14

Aqueous Matters: Europes Water Crisis "IndyWatch Feed National"

Europe is joining a number of other regions on the planet in suffering a prolonged water crisis; and it is one that shows little sign of abating. To this can be added the near catastrophic conditions that exist in other parts of the globe, where ready and secure access to water supplies is more aspiration than reality.

Since 2018, according to satellite data analysed by researchers from the Institute of Geodesy at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), the continent has been enduring increasingly dire drought conditions. Groundwater levels have been, according to the institute, low, despite the occasional dramatic flooding event. Even through winter, there has been no relief.

In a piece published in Geophysical Research Letters, Eva Boergens and her fellow authors picked up on sharp water shortages in Central Europe during the summer months of 2018 and 2019. In the summer months of 2018, Central and Northern Europe experienced exceptionally dry conditions [] with parts of Central Europe receiving less than 50% of the long-time mean precipitation.

In July and August that year, vicious heatwaves aided in inducing drought conditions. Much the same pattern was repeated in 2019: below-average precipitation, beating heatwaves in June and July. The consequences for such deficits in water, the authors note, are severe to agricultural productivity, forest management, and industrial production, with the latter cut back by disrupted transport on inland waterways due to extremely low water levels. Levels since have barely risen.

The researchers from TU Graz also note the bleak picture from prolonged drought, one all too familiar to those inhabiting dry swathes of land on such continents as Africa and Australia. The dry riverbed and bodies of stagnant water are becoming more common features of the European landscape. Aquatic species are losing their habitats and ecological disruption is becoming the norm.

From the human perspective, the water crisis has also encouraged an energy shortage. The French nuclear industry has prominently struggled with inadequate supply, even in the face of a parliamentary bill to accelerate the construction of new reactors. As Marine Tondelier, national secretary of Europe Ecologie-Les Verts (EELV, Greens), declared on March 7, Once and for all, lets say it, simply and firmly: at this rate, there will soon not be enough water in our rivers to cool the nuclear power plants!

In Spain, the countrys weather service, Aemet, has concluded that the situation....

17:59

Drugged-Up and Ready to Kill "IndyWatch Feed National"

Mike Whitney The Unz Review May 11, 2023

Psychiatric treatment and psychiatric drugs are the common denominator of the growing number of shootings and other acts of violence, which are soaring right along with the soaring prescribing of psych drugs. Killers on Psych Drugs

Heres a question that every American should be able to answer: What percentage of the killersthat have carried out mass shootings across the United Stateswere on powerful psychiatric medications?

  • a1%
  • b25%
  • c50%
  • d75% or more

Why dont we know the answer to this question? Doesnt the United States have more mass shootings than any country in the world?

  • Yes, it does.

And arent these shootings the source of great suffering and anxiety?

  • Yes, they are.

And dont most people genuinely want to know why these lone gunman feel compelled to kill innocent people?

  • Yes, they do.

Then, why dont we know? Whyafter more than two decades of these bloody incidentsdo we still not have a definitive, thoroughly-researched answer to this one simple question: How many of these mentally-disturbed killers were on dangerous psychiatric medications?

Instead, the media pursues a line of inquiry that fails to reveal anything even remotely conclusive about the gunmans actions. If white supremacy or Nazi ideology impacted the killers decision to go on a deadly shooting spree in Texas, then why didnt he target a black community center or a Jewish synagogue? Wouldnt that have been more consistent with his alleged ideology?

Yes, it would have been, which suggests that his alleged ideology is a symptom of his fragile mental condition not the primary factor driving his behavior. The reason these people go on crazed killing sprees is because they are damaged goods not because they are ideologues. Theres a big difference.

So, why does the media keep harping on this silly the idea that the killers behavior was effected by his feelings about white supremacy or Nazi ideology? Its ridiculous, after all, the killer was not white himself nor were his victims racially targeted. They were merely random passersby strolling through a shoppi...

17:30

Homeless shelter threatened with illegal eviction "IndyWatch Feed National"

[ID: interior of a large warmly lit room with chairs and a drum kit]

Winters gone. Springs almost up. The Autonomous Shelter Network is still here.

The question remains, for how long?

Having made it through Christmas, Ramadan, and Easter the answer seems clearer for the Autonomous Winter Shelter in Shadwell. In a blend of unprecedented yet signature authoritarianism, the Metropolitan Police have circumvented the courts.

On the 30th of April they posted a letter to the Shelter filled with tedious claims of the premises not being protected under Section 144 of the LASPO. The vagueness of their legal reasoning or lack thereof, matched only by the clarity of their ultimatum.

If you do not vacate t...

17:29

THE JAMMED My Movie on Sex Trafficking in Melbourne "IndyWatch Feed National"

Introduction by DM

I made The Jammed a low-budget movie in 2006/7. It is available for viewing on Vimeo for a week. This is what Luke Buckmaster from INFILM wrote,

The Jammed is a fast, thudding, ultra-timely expose, a bucket of icy cold water thrown on the groggy, ambivalent face of public conscience 

George Palathingal. Sydney Morning Herald.

Revelatory & powerfulsuperbly delivered

David Stratton. At The Movies

 The best Australian film of the year so far

 SHORT SYNOPSIS

When a Chinese mother arrives in Melbourne to find her missing daughter, she enlists the help of Ashley Hudson. Hooked on caffeine and bored with her job and loveless life, Ashley reluctantly agrees to help search and is soon drawn into the dark underworld of this cultured city as she tries to rescue three girls from a trafficking syndicate. Inspired by court transcripts and actual events, THE JAMMED is a social thriller about trafficking and the sex slave trade in Melbourne. As the story unravels the sinister workings of illegal prostitution and governmental deportation is filled with twists and surprises.

...

15:15

Another Minister for Women who's sometimes the Minister for Men. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Equality is not negotiable here in Victoria, and the rights of trans Victorians are not negotiable here in Victoria. As Minister for Women, I proudly stand up for all women that includes trans women. pic.twitter.com/ZhHFkKoA2R Natalie Hutchins (@NatHutchins) May 11, 2023

15:13

Zelensky doesn't look real flash - on something? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Enemy flags will never reign on our land, and our people will never be enslaved. The resilience in the battles, the power in our actions, the bravery and precision of our warriors is independence that will be permanent, that we are strengthening and will continue to do so. pic.twitter.com/gkTfMKbf89...

14:06

Can Socrates find new solutions to Crises? "IndyWatch Feed National"

QUESTION: Allison Schrager at Bloomberg claimed that AI does a great job finding solutions based on existing rules and information. But its less suited for finding novel solutions to new problems. Somehow, this does not seem to apply to Socrates for there are no new problems anyway. Am I correct that Socrates will find new solutions?

GU

 

ANSWER: Yes, you are correct. However, Socrates has a database that is unprecedented and cost tens of millions of dollars to assemble. It can find solutions that are certainly not mainstream and may appear to be revolutionary but in fact, may have taken place even 2,000 years ago.

Socrates is NOT a Neutral Net. This is something I created from scratch. I put myself into this system. I had to teach Socrates how to analyze. I did not create some open AI and let it develop in some unknown manner. This is not Chat GPT where it is searching the net to come up with answers to what is the name of Lady GaGas dog.

...

14:01

British Government has Lost its Mind "IndyWatch Feed National"

QUESTION: The rumor was that you were considering coming to London to hold a quick update WEC. Is there any chance of that?

WJ

ANSWER: You have good sources. Yes, I was considering that. Since the UK has insanely crossed Putins red line by sending Ukraine long-range Storm Shadow missiles to use in its fighting against Russia, I am not sure London is a viable place anymore.  Ukraine is NOT trustworthy. Why do they need long-range missiles unless they intend to attack Moscow? Germany sunk the Lusitania because the US was secretly sending arms on passenger ships to London. Britain has made that mistake with Ukraine.

Britain has just put its own national security and its citizens at risk all for what? This war would NEVER have taken place if the West did not lie and simply honored the Minsk Agreement and let those people in the Donbas, which are Russian, not Ukrainian, decide their own future. That was OK for Kiev, but not the Russians?

Those in the Donbas had a basic human right to vote on their own future. This is a war against Russia to conquer it. Handing these missiles to Ukraine will provoke Russia and would even justify attacking Britain according to the basic rules of war. They use these to attack Moscow, and Russia would be justified to attack London. This is a BS war that was to destroy Russia from the start.

The British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told lawmakers in the House of Commons that Storm Shadow missiles are now going into or are in Ukraine, but he did not say how many Britain was planning to send.

I love London. I miss it very much. But the British government is out of its mind putting all of Britain at risk for Ukraine? These people making these decisions are just Neocons who love war all the time.

Wars should be fought between leaders not...

14:00

Australian Dollar and Bitcoin "IndyWatch Feed National"

1.00 AUD = 0.00003 BTC
0.00010 BTC = 3.95 AUD
Converter

13:22

From palm oil waste to cellulosic ethanol: Indonesias opportunity (commentary) "IndyWatch Feed National"

Indonesias biofuel program was supposed to be a boon for small farmers. But although the countrys biodiesel production has skyrocketed, many farmers complain that the program hasnt benefited them. Farmers are still struggling to become part of the biodiesel supply chain, which is dominated by large palm oil firms. How can the situation be addressed? Cellulosic ethanol could be the answer. Cellulosic ethanol is derived from plant fibers, which are generally composed of cellulose. Indonesias palm oil industry, the worlds largest, produces huge volumes of leftover plant residues such as palm trunks, empty palm fruit bunches and palm press fiber. With advanced technology, these raw materials can be turned into ethanol that can be blended with gasoline. Last year, President Joko Widodo announced plans to expand Indonesias sugar cultivation area to 700,000 hectares (1.7 million acres), part of a bid to boost development of renewable sugar-based ethanol and wean the country of excessive petroleum consumption. But with vacant land often hard to come by in a nation of some 280 million people, my organization, the International Council on Clean Transportation, believes cellulosic ethanol could serve as an alternative. Straw waste can be used as raw material for cellulosic ethanol. Photo: Falahi Mubarok for Mongabay Indonesia. Our recent study on cellulosic ethanol found Indonesia has high potential to develop the industry, capable of producing up to 2 million kiloliters (528 million gallons) per year from palm residues alone. Currently, Indonesia exports these residues to countries like Japan, which imports palm kernelThis article was originally published on Mongabay

13:19

Trump takes CNNs dog shit ratings to the top. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Trumps appearance on CNN gave the channel America has rejected a major one night boost. The leftist rats must be quite rattled. https://www.axios.com/2023/05/11/cnn-trump-town-hall-tv-ratings CNN's controversial town hall with former President Donald Trump drew 3.3 million viewers Wednesday night, making CNN the most-watched cable news network of the evening, according to...

12:41

Mens shed location found, members needed! "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Tony Heeson. Photo Jeff Dawson.

With the growth in Mens Sheds in the region, local co-ordinator Tony Heeson says a location has been secured in Byron Bay, and all that is needed is members.

Heeson is co-ordinator of Zone 12, which covers 18 sheds in the Northern Rivers, from Tweed Heads to Grafton.

He told The Echo, A community mens shed is a community space consisting of workshops and meeting rooms, where men gather to work together on meaningful activities and projects for personal and community benefit. 

It aims to improve the health and well-being of members, and reduce the number of men who are at risk from preventable health issues that may emanate from social isolation. 

The recently formed Australian Mens Shed Association now has about 1,380 member sheds.

Some small areas with sheds include Drake and Bonalbo, with populations of under 500. 

Central Byron Bay location secured

With Byrons population at 6,000, we have a central location for the shed, and the necessary funding to build it. 

The Austral...

11:57

Everybody Knows, Part 10: Whats the Scoop on Family Law Act, sec 70NAE? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Graphic from Dee McLachlans cover for the book Everybody Knows

by Mary W Maxwell, LLB

The forthcoming criminal trial of Russell Pridgeon and Patrick ODea, on 5 June 2023, has motivated me to look into the relevant section of the Family Law Act. I am not a practicing attorney and I dont pretend, in this article, to evaluate whether RB and PO contravened a court order concerning two gi...

11:24

Its International Nurses Day! "IndyWatch Feed National"

Its International Nurses Day today an international day observed around the world each year on 12 May which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingales birth. The event mark the contributions that nurses make to society. The theme for the 2023 resource is Our Nurses. Our Future.

Our Nurses. Our Future. is a global campaign which sets out what the global community wants for nursing into the future in order to address the health challenges and improve global health for all. As a community we need to learn from the lessons of the pandemic and translate these into actions of the future.

With the release of the State of the Worlds Nursing report, the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing & Midwifery, the Sustain and Retain in 2022 and Beyond and many other important publications, ICN and other organisations have shown the evidence for change and called for action. It is now time to look to the future and demonstrate what these investments will mean for nursing and healthcare. The Our Nurses. Our Future. campaign will shine the light on nurses and on a brighter future.

Nurses to continue raising voices for change

Locally, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) says that nurses across the public, private and aged care sectors are spending International Nurses Day reflecting on their tireless efforts to provide quality care to patients, residents and local communities despite the current workforce challenges one nurse-midwife told The Echo that most nurses are probably just desperately hoping that they might actually get a lunch break today (or any day).

Determined to secure a brighter future for the profession, NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said the day was an opportunity to recognise the essential contribution of nurses and pay tribute to nurses who speak up for change. Nurses are vital for our healthcare system. Their critical thinking and expert coordination prove nurses must be involved whenever decisions are made about healthcare reform or new policies.

Over the last 12 months weve seen commitments from governments to deliver much needed changes in the aged care and public health sectors which will have an immense impact on our ability to provide the quality care patients and residents rightly deserve.

This progress is thanks to nurses and midwives across NSW demanding better, and it highlights their vital role in advocating for improved healthcare for all.

Leaders in fighting for change

NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites, said nurses are not just leaders in healthcare, but also leaders in fighting for change.

Our members have campaigned for evidence-based nurse-to-patient ratios for many years. They shouldered the brunt of the pandemic over t...

10:12

"IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica" "IndyWatch Feed National"

Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (5/11/23).
As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant.
(https://www.rokfin.com/TLAVagabond)(https://www.bitchute.com/channel/24yVcta8zEjY/)

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Video Source Links (In Chronological Order)



(58) Derrick Broze on Twitter: "I understand the desire to use this tech to track people coming in the country but this kind of tech will be used on Americans too." / Twitter
(51) Derrick Broze on Twitter: "Imagine that... using anti-immigration rhetoric to welcome in a police state. I have been warning about this throughout the Trump years. So many people welcoming in the police state blinded by their politics." / Twitter
The Fight Against Immigration Welcomes the Police State - The Conscious Resistance Network
Mass Surveillance on the Border is Meant for Americans - The Conscious Resistance Network
The Constitution in the 100-Mile Border Zone | American Civil Liberties Union
Derrick-broder.mp4
In Major Reversal, Biden Resurrects Trump Border Policy Ahead Of Title 42 Repeal | The Daily Wire
New Tab
...

09:37

Microsoft conned hundreds of millions into upgrade and still no court action? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Governments around the world are subservient or 'sympathetic' towards Big Data corporations.

After all that's where they get a lot of their information from.

Microsoft deceived its users into upgrading to Windows 10, a more thorough spyware tool for governments and Microsoft.

If privacy is a concern, the use of Microsoft products is not recommended.

See video:


The Nanny State agenda in full swing.

09:07

Lack of housing a major contributor to women living with DV "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Jillian Knight-Smith is the CEO of Women Up North Housing Inc. Photo Tree Faerie

A lack of housing on the Far North Coast increases the risks of domestic violence (DV). Women are more likely to stay in DV situations, and are more at risk living on the street, because they cant find alternative accommodation.

Earlier this year it was alleged Ballina woman Lindy Lucena was murdered by her former partner Robert Huber, who was out on bail for assault charges at the time of her death. He was arrested and charged with Lindys murder and for breaching a domestic violence order (DVO).

At the time Lucena was living in her vehicle.

Jillian Knight-Smith is the CEO of Women Up North Housing Inc. (WUN), a nationally registered social housing provider. WUN assists women and their children who have experienced domestic or family violence, or abuse, to access and maintain private or social housing.

Knight-Smith says there is just not enough accommodation and that the lack of housing...

08:09

Stop the charade and create enough affordable housing "IndyWatch Feed National"

Contributed by Jim Hayes

Forget the sensationalism over the spat in the federal parliament over the governments Housing Australia Future Fund. The attention should be on the real content of the proposed legislation. The criticisms should be considered. Diverting attention from this by name calling is wrong.

The starting point is that there is a crisis in the availability of affordable housing across Australia, and the need to do enough to turn this around.

On offer in the bill presented by the government is the Housing Australia Future Fund and an investment of $10 billion in it. The public perception is that this is money to be mostly spent on new social housing. It isnt. This is money to be invested into the fund, and only a portion of the interest gained, $500 million a year, will be used to construct new homes.

Photo by Rhett Wyman: Max Chandler-Mather presented the case for the Greens

The Greens suggest that this is not nearly enough to meet the need. It certainly wont lead to the promised 30,000 new homes in 5 years. They say that $5 billion a year must be spent. Add that relying on money made from returns on interest is inherently unstable, and more so in an uncertain economy. There is no guarantee that the $500 million will be available in any year.

Under the proposed bill, the Housing Australia Future Fund sits under the Future Fund and will operate under the same terms. Time had shown the Future Fund to be open to misuse during the Morrison governments time. Any government could in the future redirected this money to other uses.

The present argument is not about accepting or rejecting the bill. It is ab...

07:40

SEC Slammed By U.S. Chamber Of Commerce For Regulatory Approach To Cryptocurrencies In Coinbase Filing "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is facing criticism from the United States Chamber of Commerce over its lack of clarity regarding which digital assets are securities under federal law. This issue has immense implications for every person involved in the $1 trillion digital-asset economy, a court filing by the Chamber states.

According to the filing, the SEC has refused to engage in any systematic process or rulemaking to explain what its claimed authority means, instead offering one-off enforcement actions and public speeches. This has created regulatory uncertainty and destabilized the regulatory environment for digital assets.

In July 2022, Coinbase petitioned the SEC to initiate a rulemaking regarding digital-asset securities. It urged the Commission to answer basic questions such as "which digital assets are securities?" More than 1,700 commenters echoed Coinbase's call, but the SEC expressed no interest in addressing Coinbase's request, according to the Chamber. Coinbase then pursued a lawsuit against the SEC in order to compel the regulator into action, which is where the filing by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce comes from.

The SEC's Chairman has asserted that the securities laws are unambiguous as applied to blockchain-based digital assets. Despite constructively denying Coinbase's petition, the SEC has refused to memorialize its decision in a formal response.

According to the Chamber, the SEC's lack of clarity has caused economic harm to both Coinbase and the broader business community. The uncertainty deters productive conduct and stifles innovation and undermines broader American economic and strategic interests. Continued uncertainty also has implications for the nation's geopolitical interests and the continued primacy of the dollar, given the increasing relevance of digital assets to international monetary policy.

The SEC's refusal to engage in rulemaking or respond to Coinbase's rulemaking petition has destabilized the regulatory environment for digital assets, the Chamber states.

Agencies ordinarily provide regulatory clarity by promulgating rules of general applicability, the filing says. This preference for rulemaking has important benefits: It forces agencies to put to paper their regulatory plans, and it provides for fixed, prospective effective dates that ensure parties can bring their conduct into conformance with the law rather than be held liable later for violating duties they did not know existed.

06:45

Has anyone called an ambulance? Kambo inquest continues "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Lore Solaris and Cameron Kite in 2020. FB.

The Jarrad Antonovich coronial inquest continued at Lismore Courthouse yesterday, with medical experts and bystanders alike expressing amazement that an ambulance wasnt called earlier to the unfolding medical emergency at the 2021 Dreaming Arts festival, held near Kyogle.

The first witness was Associate Professor and Doctor Arthur Richardson, a specialist based at Westmead Hospital with expertise in the liver, pancreas and oesophagus. With Jarrad Antonovichs cause of death thought to be a hole in his oesophagus, counsel assisting the coroner asked Dr Richardson what was likely to have caused this tear.

The doctor explained that the oesophagus was essentially a tube between the mouth and the stomach, noting that it was difficult to puncture, even in cases where people had swallowed razor blades and scissors, however it was liable to tear in cases of severe vomiting and retching, with about 30 cases of this sort occurring per year in NSW.

Dr Richardson said he lacked direct experience of the results of coughing from ayahuasca and kambo use, but agreed it was possble for post-ayahuasca vomiting to cause a small tear in the oesophagus, which could be exacerbated by later dry retching (such as that caused by kambo in some cases).

...

06:38

Charges laid over alleged manufacture of prohibited firearms "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

NSE Police say the seized prohibited drugs 181 cannabis plants and 17kg of cannabis have an estimated potential street value of $470,000. Photo NSW Police.

NSW Police report that the Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged a man, and seized drugs and firearms, following an investigation into the alleged manufacture of prohibited firearms near Coffs Harbour.

Drug and Firearms Squad seized manufactured prohibited firearms. Photo NSW Police.

The Stat...

06:03

Anheuser-Busch stock downgraded by HSBC analysts over Bud Light 'crisis' "IndyWatch Feed National"

The stock of Bud Light parent company Anheuser-Busch has been downgraded by analysts at HSBC who say the brand is in the midst of a "crisis" following the outcry over its ties to transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Carlos Laboy, a managing director at HSBC's global beverage sector, downgraded the stock of Anheuser-Busch InBev to a hold status meaning that investors should neither buy or sell shares of the company. Laboy said that the backlash to the Mulvaney branding partnership is a sign that there are "deeper problems than ABI admits," according to a note that was first reported by CNBC. "Is ABI's leadership getting the brand culture transformation right? It's mixed," Laboy wrote in a note that was published on Wednesday. "At Ambev, we think the answer is 'yes;' in the US, we think it's 'no'," Laboy wrote.

03:55

Polish Health Minister tells Pfizer delivery of any more vaccines 'pointless'; asks for money back "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Biden Administration has announced that its insane vaccine requirements for government employees and international travellers will finally end on May 11th, when the American pandemic state of emergency expires. The WHO has likewise declared that COVID-19 "no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern". Three years and two months after it all started, the last remaining participants in the Covid circus are finally folding up their tables and going home. It's worth asking why now, because by any objective measure, there has been no virus activity worthy of the words 'pandemic' or 'emergency' for a very long time. The answer seems to be the failure of Corona to return in the winter, as long-absent influenza succeeded in suppressing Corona infections (in accordance with my prediction), and the increasing disinterest of the public in obtaining official test results has put all virus statistics in the toilet. They're ending it now, in other words, not...

03:05

BEST OF THE WEB: Drugged-up and ready to kill "IndyWatch Feed National"

Is there a link between Psychiatric Meds and Mass Shootings? Here's a question that every American should be able to answer: What percentage of the killers that have carried out mass shootings across the United States were on powerful psychiatric medications? a 1% b 25% c 50% d 75% or more Why don't we know the answer to this question? Doesn't the United States have more mass shootings than any country in the world? Yes, it does. And aren't these shootings the source of great suffering and anxiety? Yes, they are. And don't most people genuinely want to know why these lone gunman feel compelled to kill innocent people? Yes, they do.

02:08

Israels Latest Hasbara Scheme Enlists High School Students as Trolls Against Palestine "IndyWatch Feed National"

In April, Israels Foreign Affairs Ministry launched a program training high school students to boost the countrys image online. However, as global awareness grows of Israels human rights violations, the government is turning teenagers into its own personal troll army to combat the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movements efforts on social media.

Disguised as an academic initiative preparing students for the public diplomacy field, the program, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), will operate as a pilot for two years and begin in September. In the first year, it will target 10th graders and then add 11th and 12th graders in its second year.

According to the MFA: this task force of teenagerswill respond to the public relations and propaganda of radical elements, with extreme ideologies against the State of Israel and antisemitism in general.

The ministry did not respond to MintPress News inquiries about why it targets high school students or how much funding the project will receive.

Instead of shifting the status quo, Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP), told MintPress News that the program is just another futile attempt by Israel and its lobby to dissuade criticism. Friedman continued,

This is consistent with the longstanding talking point of much of the U.S. pro-Israel leadership and the Israeli government, which says, Dont worry about what were doing. Worry about how youre going to sell it.

Rather than look inward, Israel is instead trying to shift outside perspective. The answer to criticism of Israel for its policies vis-a-vis the Palestinians isnt to examine those policies and change them. Its to do a better job changing the subject to things that are positive about Israel or de-legitimizing the critics, Friedman said.

David Miller, a British sociologist and expert on propaganda, explained that Israel is taking this approach as its reputation across the globe sours.

Israel has been poisoned internationally for many years now, he said, adding,

Israel is at a point of great weakness. They see that themselves ministers and ex-heads of Shin Bet [Israels security agency] are unsure if Israel can last. And so its a desperation because they realize that the tide of opinion is against them.

 

Explaining Israel

The MFAs new program is part of a long string of hasbara initiatives the government pushes. Hasbara, which means explanation in Hebrew, is an Israeli government...

01:08

Kaum verknde ich das Ende der Denkmalschutz-Debatte, ... "IndyWatch Feed National"

Kaum verknde ich das Ende der Denkmalschutz-Debatte, kommen hier Leserbriefe von Denkmalschutz-Mitarbeitern rein. Na gut. Ausnahmsweise:

Ich arbeite selber in der Berliner Verwaltung in einer Denkmalschutzbehrde und bin hufig mit solchen Fllen konfrontiert. Nach dem Berliner Denkmalschutzgesetz sind Werbeanlagen und sowieso alle Manahmen an einem in die Liste eingetragenen Baudenkmal, Denkmalbereich oder Gartendenkmal denkmalrechtlich genehmigungspflichtig.

Es gibt zudem einen ganzen Paragraphen ber den Umgebungsschutz eines Denkmals. Darin heit es, dass die unmittelbarer Umgebung eines Denkmals, soweit fr Erscheinungsbild von prgender Bedeutung, durch Manahmen nicht so verndert werden darf, dass Eigenart oder Erscheinungsbild des Denkmal gestrt werden.

Wie weit der Umgebungsschutz reicht, ist je nach Manahme und Denkmal unterschiedlich zu bewerten (ein besonders exponiertes Denkmal, wie beispielsweise eine Burg auf einem Hgel, hat einen anderen Umgebungsschutzbereich als ein Mietshaus in der Berliner Innenstadt). Es gibt hier also keine einheitlich anzuwendende Regel, daher sind Entscheidungen im Rahmen des Denkmalschutzgesetzes immer Ermessensentscheidungen. Gleiches gilt fr die Erheblichkeit der Strung des Erscheinungsbildes durch Manahmen im Umgebungsschutzbereich eines Denkmals. Auch hier wird nach Ermessen entschieden. Ermessensentscheidung im Bereich des Denkmalschutzes verlangen ein hohes Ma an Fachkenntnissen verschiedener Fachrichtungen (Kunstgeschichte, Architektur, Bauingenieurwesen, Restaurierung, Recht usw.), spezifischer Ortskenntnis und immer auch ein Abwgen mehrerer Mglichkeiten.

Grundstzlich kann man sagen, dass bei einem Neuanstrich eines Nachbargebudes eines Denkmals oder bei einem Neubau neben einem Denkmal immer zurckhaltende Farben genehmigt werden, die das Denkmal nicht dominieren, aus der Ortstypik rausfallen oder in der Materialitt so schlecht sind, dass die Nachbarschaft eines Denkmals nach ein paar Jahren vernachlssigt oder gammlig aussieht. Die Bauwerke und Anlagen in der Umgebung eines Denkmals haben sich grundstzlich immer an der Qualitt des Denkmals zu messen, ohne sich stilistisch anzubiedern aber auch ohne das Denkmal in seiner Wirkung zu stren oder krass hervorzustechen. Bei solchen Fllen werden brigens auch immer die Stadtplaner der Bezirke mithinzugezogen. Auch die prfen, ob die Manahmen sich in die Eigenart der nheren Umgebung einfgen.

Dem Eigentmer war dem Tagesspiegelartikel zufolge ja bewusst, auf was er sich einlsst und der Deal mit dem Bauamt klingt mehr als freundlich: er muss nur sehen, dass seine Fassade weiterhin ordentlich aussieht. In anderen Berliner Bezirken wre die Fassade sicherlich lngst schon wieder monochrom gestrichen

Jetzt weit du vielleicht etwas mehr darber, warum ausnahmsweise mal nicht irgendein CDU-Fuzzi schuld war.

Solche Flle nerven mich brigens in der Praxis sehr, weil sie mich davon...

00:15

Link "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"


The Echo, 11 May 2023:




Development site at 60 Tringa Street, Tweed Heads, on Cobaki Creek.


Both the Tweed District Residents Association (TDRA) and Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association (KRPA) have recently called for a moratorium on existing legacy or zombie development approvals (DAs) on floodplains. The state government continues to say that councils have the ability to deal with these problematic DAs, but the evidence seems to say otherwise.


The failure of current legislation to stop legacy DAs is of particular concern to the TDRA which has been seeking stop work orders on the recent activity by MAAS Group Holdings at Tweed on Cobaki Creek. MAAS bought the property, with a 27-year-old legacy development approval on it, last year for $20M+ and have started clearing the sensitive site. The Tweed Council have asked MAAS to cease work, but MAAS have declined leaving both Council and locals frustrated with their inability to stop the work an...

00:12

Who is behind Canadas state-level Sinophobia? "IndyWatch Feed National"

By Timur Fomenko | RT | May 11, 2023

On Tuesday, China and Canada engaged in a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats. The row was triggered by allegations that Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei hadinterfered in Canadian politics, apparently targeting anti-China Conservative MP Michael Chong.

The claims created a media firestorm in Ottawa after the Canadian Secret Intelligence Service (CSIS) reportedly accused an accredited Chinese diplomat of targeting Chong. Justin Trudeaus government, under political pressure from the opposition, subsequently decided to act.

This row isnt the first to derail relations between China and Canada. Its one of many, including Ottawas decision to arrest Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in 2018, Chinas retaliatory arrest of Canadian nationals Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, Ottawas sporadic allegations of Chinese interference, and then Xi Jinpings harsh rebuke of Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 summit last November. Its fair to say that relations between the two countries are in a state of freefall. But the question might be asked, who is the real culprit here? Or more to the point, who governs Canada?

Allegations of foreign interference are a funny thing, because they tend to only be used against countries who represent an ideological or cultural other. They never focus on certain allied countries that actually do interfere in the nations politics, controlling its media and political discourse, while using think tanks, often sponsored by military and government bodies, and to deliberately cause controversies in Canada in order to steer the country in a certain direction. It seems, for example, very fishy that in the midst of this whole saga, the US-sponsored Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank published an article calling for Canada to join AUKUS, the Australia, UK, US Pacific military alliance.

If it was not obvious enough already, no country has interfered in Canadian politics more than the United States. Although Canada appears more progressive and forward-thinking than its southern neighbor in many respects, the reality is that Ottawa is a loyal and obligated follower of the US and steadfast in its commitment to Anglophone exceptionalism. Although Canada is geographically larger than the US, its population is about 10% the size and as such, it is strategically, economically, culturally, and geographically dominated by Washington, giving it very little leverage in its foreign policy direction.

Arguably, out of all the Fi...

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Thursday, 11 May

23:50

INTERVIEW: Chay Bowes What They Wont Tell You About Russia "IndyWatch Feed National"

Why NATOs proxy war against Russia is based on pure western propaganda.

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on May 9, 2023, Patrick talks with independent journalist Chay Bowes about the May 9th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow and gives a brief history lesson on the events of WWI and WWII and how these led to the current conflict in Ukraine, and why NATOs proxy war against Russia is based on pure western propaganda. All this and more. Listen:

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22:42

Shipping Container Hire vs Self-Storage "IndyWatch Feed National"

When youre bursting at the seams with stuff and need extra storage space, you have two popular options: self-storage or shipping container hire. But between these two handy storage solutions, which one of these shipping container services is better?

Self-Storage is a service companies provide that lease storage space to individuals or businesses. It can be in the formation of a room, locker, container, or outdoor space.

Shipping Container Hire involves renting a shipping container delivered to your desired location. These containers are typically made of steel and come in various sizes ranging from 8ft to 40ft.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Storage

Pros

  1. Self-storage eliminates the headache of complicated rental procedures and the burden of transporting your own container.
  2. Some self-storage facilities offer temperature and humidity control to safeguard your belongings from extreme weather conditions.
  3. Security measures such as CCTV cameras and security staff provide extra peace of mind.

Cons

  1. Some storage facilities may have limited access hours, which can be inconvenient if you need to access your items outside those hours.
  2. Finding the ideal storage space for your belongings can be tricky when units come in predetermined sizes.
  3. The cost of self-storage can add up over time, especially if you require a larger space.

The Pros and Cons of Shipping Container Hire

Pros

  1. Shipping containers can be delivered right to your doorstep, making storing your belongings easy and efficient.
  2. Some Shipping Container companies even offer Serviced Storage, meaning they will pack the Shipping Container for you.
  3. They are mobile, so you can opt to have the container stored at your premises or a Storage Facility.
  4. You can choose from a variety of sizes depending on your needs and budget.
  5. Renting a shipping container can be...

22:14

antifa notes (may 11, 2023) : Vigilantes in Rockhampton, Nazis vs. Drag Queens +++ "IndyWatch Feed National"

Rocky Justice On Sunday, a lynch mob small group of concerned citizens attended several residences in Rockhampton they believed were sheltering criminals. Their leader was Torin TJ OBrien and the alleged criminals were Indigenous youth. 9News described OBrien as a Continue reading

21:51

CNNs hour of lies "IndyWatch Feed National"

Last night, CNN hosted a town hall for Trump. I didnt watch it. My trust in the that news outlet was already low, but after they announced they were going to host this debacle, Im writing the network off. The town hall was a catastrophe for the truth.

Donald Trumps long-awaited return to CNN went off the rails almost immediately on Wednesday night, with the former president using the exclusive town hall event to repeatedly lie, mislead viewers, and steamroll CNN moderator Kaitlan Collinsall to the delight of a Trump-adoring crowd.

From the very first seconds of the town hall, Trump was lying. When Collins opened the event with a softballWhy should Americans put you back in the White House?Trump immediately leaned into his normal election lies. He repeated debunked theories and passionately argued the election was stolen.

When he got his first question from the crowdWill you suspend the polarizing talk about election fraud?a question that had already been answered in the first minute of the town hall, Trump just pushed forward with more disproven election falsehoods.

Collins, by the way, was recruited from Tucker Carlsons Daily Caller. The CNN executives had to know she was a poor choice, on top of knowing that Trump was going to lie non-stop, and that his audience was going to love it. They figured it out partway through (I knew what was going to happen last week when I heard about this nonsense put me in charge of CNN, already, Im smarter than anyone there.)

Halfway through the town hall, CNN staffers were acknowledging the event was a disaster for the truth.

This is so bad, one of CNNs on-air personalities told The Daily Beast before the first commercial break. I was cautiously optimistic despite the criticism it is awful. Its a Trump infomercial. Were going to get crushed.

One of the worst hours Ive ever seen on our air, another CNN staffer told The Daily Beast.

And yet another on-air commentator for CNN was clear this wasnt a good night for the cable news channel. Im floored by this whole evening, this person said.

Right now, analysts at the network are reading over the viewership stats, and if this hour of non-news and MAGA propaganda was popular, you can expect to see lots more of it for the next year and a half.

Wait, I just realized the presidential race has already begun, and is going to go on interminably. Another reason to turn CNN off.

...

20:37

It Will Be Unlike Anything Weve Ever Seen, Rep. Biggs "IndyWatch Feed National"

Introduction by DM

Might one million illegal immigrants crash across the US border in the next few days?

In Australia, this would be the equivalent of the population of Rockhampton, QLD (81,000+) arriving in a few days. Do you remember the days of the boat arrivals? Such a fuss over 1,309 refugees over a decade. (The graph below shows how many boats and people have come to Australia, been returned to their country of departure, or had their journeys disrupted in cooperation with foreign countries since Operation Sovereign Borders began in 2013.)

Imagine 80,000 people waiting to flood into Australia.

...

20:30

Connecting With Your Community Is Easier (and More Powerful) Than You May Think "IndyWatch Feed National"

 

(Source: Unsplash/Samantha Gades.)

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending my first Strong Towns Local Conversation group, which I believe was the first for Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Steve Snyder spearheaded the event. Steve is a dad and community organizer, and knows his way around a barbeque, thanks to several years of living in Australiasomething I discovered when I attended a memorable front-yard barbeque at his place last summer. Steve ran for city council last year and although he didnt win, hes still trying every day to make his neighborhood more loveable. Organizing a Strong Towns Local Conversation Group was something Steve had been wanting to do for a long time, and once the dust had settled from his campaign wrap-up, he pitched a date and time.

On a drizzly Thursday evening, my husband and I arrived to find Steve and a few other folks already at the appointed spot. We were meeting at The Forks, which is one of Winnipegs very best places. Located centrally where two major rivers join, The Forks is a national historic site and includes a ton of restaurants, museums, shops, public art, and comfy indoor and outdoor spaces to hang out. Steve had chosen the food hall as our meeting place, and, one by one, more people joined our little group, drinks in hand and maybe a little uncertain or shy, but looking happy to be there.

It was a busy night in the food hall, but eventually we found a big table where we could all sit together, and Steve placed a little laminated Strong Towns sign on the table so that others could find us. In short order, several more people joined our group, and all told we were a dozen. Steve kicked off a round of introductions, and we all shared our names, what pa...

20:22

Unleaded "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Old bowser at Hanwood showing earlier lettering through the faded paint

I like the drop-shadow on the older text.

20:05

HomeVestors Praised ProPublicas Reporting, Then Tried to Bury It "IndyWatch Feed National"

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published.

On April 18, HomeVestors of America executives held a virtual meeting for its nearly 1,150 franchisees. The purpose: Alert local We Buy Ugly Houses operations about a forthcoming ProPublica investigation into their business tactics.

It is not going to be flattering for us, HomeVestors CEO David Hicks warned.

Our reporting found HomeVestors franchisees who used deception and targeted the elderly, infirm and those so close to poverty that they feared homelessness would be a consequence of selling. The franchisees were trained by HomeVestors to look for signs of desperation and pounce on so-called distressed sellers. Many used legal tactics, described as predatory by five experts, to trap sellers in below-market deals.

A HomeVestors spokesperson said in a statement that ProPublicas reporting examined a small fraction of the more than 71,400 homes bought by its franchises since 2016. "We do not discriminate or target our advertising to any specific demographic groups based on age, race, or socio-economic status, the company said. It has removed several franchises and is investigating some cases identified by ProPublica to determine appropriate action.

After we first contacted the company in early March, a former FBI spokesperson who specializes in crisis and special situations and reputation management began answering questions on their behalf.

Hicks, through this spokesperson, declined requests for interviews. But during the virtual meeting which ProPublica obtained a recording of the CEO alternated between accusing the news organization of writing attack articles and praising the rigor of our investigation.

Its amazing what they have brought up, he said.

...

20:00

The Ugly Truth Behind We Buy Ugly Houses "IndyWatch Feed National"

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published.

Cory Evans was well-versed in the HomeVestors of America playbook when he arrived at a suburban Los Angeles home on Nov. 4, 2016. His franchise with the We Buy Ugly Houses company had executed more than 50 deals in the preceding two years. Patriot Holdings would soon become one of the companys most successful franchises by following HomeVestors strategy of finding homeowners in desperate situations, then convincing them to sell quickly.

The homeowner, Corrine Casanova, had bought the three-bedroom Baldwin Park bungalow with her husband in 1961 and now owned it outright. After raising three children there, she was days away from leaving it for an assisted living facility and had called the number on a HomeVestors ad.

I was wondering if I could get an estimate of the value of my home, she told the woman who answered the phone. My husbands gone, so its just me now.

Evans, who ran the business with three of his brothers, had developed a reputation among other franchisees in the area as a hard closer. Casanovas house was paid off, giving Evans room to go low with his offer because there wasnt a mortgage to settle. He calculated the profit he wanted to make and presented Casanova with a 10-page purchase agreement during the short visit to her house.

But Casanova was incapable of engaging in a complex negotiation. Although she was once a skilled bookkeeper and president of the local womens club, dementia now carved into her short-term memory: A recent neurological assessment had found the 82-year-old was unable to say what year it was or name the city she was in. She routinely mistook her adult son for his uncle.

Corrine Casanova (Courtesy of David Casanova)...

19:23

Selected Articles: The Corona War. Theyre Coming After Our Thoughts "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Corona War. Theyre Coming After Our Thoughts

By Dr. Emanuel Garcia, May 10, 2023

It came to me after a conversation I had with an Australian colleague who has been studying psychoanalytic psychotherapy at an institution in the

The post Selected Articles: The Corona War. Theyre Coming After Our Thoughts appeared first on Global Research.

19:00

Video Showed an Officer Trying to Stop His Partner From Killing a Man. Now We Know Police Investigators Never Even Asked About the Footage. "IndyWatch Feed National"

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published.

In the spring of 2019, two New York City Police Department officers entered the Bronx apartment of Kawaski Trawick. The 32-year-old personal trainer and dancer had called 911 after locking himself out.

But 112 seconds after their arrival, footage showed, one of the officers shot and killed Trawick, despite the officers more-experienced partner repeatedly telling him not to use force.

When an internal investigation later cleared the officers saying no wrongdoing was found the NYPD offered no explanation for its reasoning. But records obtained by ProPublica can now reveal how the department came to that conclusion.

Investigators never explored key exchanges between the two officers in the run-up to the shooting. They also never followed up with the officers when their accounts contradicted the video evidence.

Any conversation between you and your partner? the head of the investigative unit asked Officer Herbert Davis hours after the shooting.

No, Davis answered.

Excerpt of Interview With Officer Herbert Davis

Officer Herbert Davis told NYPD investigators that he didnt talk to his partner before the partner, Officer Brendan Thompson, Tased and then killed Kawaski Trawick. That testimony is contradicted by video of the event.

...

17:53

Link "IndyWatch Feed National"

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mjgsm-14065d9 Gday Folks, On this episode we invited Adam from the CrazzFiles.com back on to the show to catch up with Ethan, Andy & I. Always great to have another likeminded Aussie podcaster to throw ideas around with. Its like old mates getting together while we enjoy a beverage and go deep down the rabbit []

17:34

Yeah but there's no 10% for the big guy in stopping the war. "IndyWatch Feed National"

President Trump on the Ukraine War: "I dont think in terms of winning and losing. I think in terms of getting it settled so we stop killing all these people." pic.twitter.com/5S304y71rF MAGA War Room (@MAGAIncWarRoom) May 11, 2023

17:24

Abuse Or Poverty: Brisbane Conference To Confront The Choice Many Women Face "IndyWatch Feed National"

<p><strong>A national domestic and family violence conference to be staged in Brisbane tomorrow will focus on the choice that many women in Australia still face: stay in an abusive relationship, or leave and live below the poverty line by relying on government benefits.</strong></p> <p><span id="more-132684"></span></p> <p>The Listen Connect Reflect conference will draw heavily on the Choice: Violence or Poverty report by Dr Anne Summers, a renowned Australian feminist and writer.</p> <p>The report was used by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this week as the basis for raising the single parenting allowance in May federal budget.</p> <p>Dr Summers, Professor of Domestic & Family Violence, at the University of Technology Sydney, will speak on the choice between violence and poverty faced by survivors of abuse.

Conference organisers said Listen Connect Reflect was an opportunity to dive into the national framework, raise the voices of Lived Experience and strengthen collaboration with the vision to end violence against women and girls in our communities.</p> <p>You can download and read Dr Summers report Choice: Violence or Poverty report by <a href= "http://www.violenceorpoverty.com/">clicking here</a>, or get more details on the conference by <a href= "https://icebergevents.eventsair.com/listen-connect-reflect-conference-2023/"> clicking here</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href= "https://newmatilda.com/2023/05/11/abuse-or-poverty-brisbane-conference-to-confront-the-choice-many-women-face/" rel="nofollow">Abuse Or Poverty: Brisbane Conference To Confront The Choice Many Women Face</a> appeared first on <a href= "https://newmatilda.com" rel="nofollow">New Matilda</a>.</p>

16:49

EDS DESK: Influencer Submits Story To New Matilda With Predictable Results "IndyWatch Feed National"

The following is an actual submission sent to New Matilda this week from social media influencer Emre Bardan. Eds Desk is an occasional column in New Matilda, where we clean up submitted copy or news reports, and add some suggested changes.

[HEADLINE] SHOCKING! Travel Horror Story: Aussie Influencer Glamhairartist Unbelievable Experience of Being Robbed, Assaulted, and Trafficked in Mexico!

[EDS NOTE] Thanks for the submission Emre. Firstly, this is not the Daily Mail. Headlines are not sentences. Secondly, being robbed, assaulted and/or trafficked in Mexico is not whats known as unbelievable. Its whats known as a Monday. Your headline is rejected.

[BODY COPY] In a story thats sure to send shivers down your spine, Emre Bardan, a popular Australian social media sensation who goes by @glamhairartist on Instagram has revealed the unimaginable horrors he endured during a recent trip to California and Mexico with the sinister Anton Prack. What was supposed to be a dream vacation turned into a chilling nightmare of drugging, sexual assault, and heartless robbery!

[EDS NOTE] Okay Emre, dont tell the reader how to feel in the opening sentence (for the record, I laughed quite a bit, and at times I was deeply confused, but at no stage did your story send shivers down my spine. Now, firstly, if youre actually going to refer to yourself as a social media sensation, Im actually going to sub that out of the story. For your own benefit. Trust me. Secondly, having read your story, none of the horrors you suffered were unimaginable. If any of what you write is actually true, it was utterly, entirely predictable. Thirdly, you need to explain who the bad guy in your story is, beyond just introducing him as the sinister Anton Prack, like readers would actually know some random dude from the United States, current population about 330 million people.

In Emres own words, As a travel influencer, Im always looking for new experiences to share with my followers. When Anton Prack suggested we switch up our plans and head to Puerto Vallarta instead of the Bahamas, I was intrigued. Despite my friends reservations, I decided to give Anton the benefit of the doubt.

[EDS NOTE] In my own words, what in Gods name is a travel influencer? You cut peoples hair for a living, youre not an influencer anything, let alone a travel one. Also, if you refer to people who have liked y...

16:19

Albanese Government must bring Australians in Syria home "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Human Rights Law Centre is calling on the Albanese Government to repatriate all Australian nationals still held in detention camps in Syria, after Save The Children recently warned it would be forced to commence legal action if the Government failed to act.

Many Australians have remained trapped in the camps for four years, away from their homes and relatives in Australia, despite other countries taking steps to repatriate their nationals from Syria.  

The United Nations has reported that young boys in the camps are at risk of being removed from their families and placed in mens or adult prisons, as 17-year-old Yusuf Zahab was before he died in a Syrian camp. Before his death, he and his family had begged the Australian Government to bring him home.     

All Australian nationals have the right to return to Australia. The rights and protections of citizenship cannot depend on the whims of governments. The Albanese Governments failure to act earlier has cost lives and put other lives at risk. 

Save the Children are preparing to launch a legal challenge if the Albanese Government does not act immediately to bring the remaining Australians home.

Josephine Langbien, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, said:   

The Australians trapped in Syrian camps have been held for four years in dire conditions while others around them were repatriated. They have a right to come home, and they should not have to resort to litigation to force their own government to bring them back. 

The Albanese Government must take responsibility for the safety of its citizens and ensure that no more lives are lost. All of these people, children and adults alike, deserve a future. They must be brought home to their families and communities in Australia. 

Image credit: Orlok on Shutterstock

Media contact:
Michelle Bennett
Engagement Director
0419 100 519
michelle.bennett@hrlc.org.au

16:02

BBC News avoids relevant Palestinian Islamic Jihad background "IndyWatch Feed National"

On May 9th the BBC News website published a report by David Gritten concerning IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip earlier the same day.

The original version of that report was headlined Israeli strikes kill Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza and readers were informed that: [emphasis added]

At least 12 Palestinians, including three commanders of the militant group Islamic Jihad, have been killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.

At no point in that report were BBC audiences told that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is a terrorist organisation which is designated by the EU, the US, the UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. Readers were not also provided with any information concerning the financial and military sponsorship provided to the PIJ by Iran.

Despite the fact that the PIJ does not provide any social services to the people of the Gaza Strip, Gritten nevertheless promoted the notion of separate wings to that terrorist organisation:

Islamic Jihads military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, confirmed that three commanders were among those killed.

It identified the...

15:52

Pan-African News Wire "IndyWatch Feed National"

Tunisia Investigates Guardsmans Motive for Killing 5 Outside Historic Synagogue

By BOUAZZA BEN BOUAZZA and THOMAS ADAMSON

Police officers and soldiers stand near Ghriba synagogue in Djerba, Tunisia, Wednesday May 10, 2023. Tunisia's TAP news agency says the death toll from a gun attack near a Synagogue on the Mediterranean island of Djerba has risen to five. The victims were two people attending an annual Jewish pilgrimage and three Tunisian police guards. (AP Photo/Moncef Abidi)

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) Tunisian authorities opened an investigation Wednesday into a shooting attack at a synagogue that killed two Jewish pilgrims and three members of the countrys security forces. The motive of the gunman, whom guards killed before he could enter the building on the island of Djerba, remained unclear.

The islands historic Ghriba synagogue, thought to be one of the worlds oldest Jewish temples, is a popular pilgrimage destination, but it was unknown if the assailant, a member of the Tunisian National Guard, specifically targeted Jews in Tuesdays attack.

The death toll from the attack rose to five Wednesday when a police guard who was hospitalized in the immediate aftermath died of his wounds, according to a medical official cited by Tunisias TAP news agency. Four other members of Tunisias security forces remain hospitalized in Djerba, including one in critical condition.

The chair of the synagogues committee, Perez Trabelsi, was in the house of worship during the attack and told The Associated Press of his terror when the sound of the cartridges broke out.

I was scared, as were most of the people gathered in the oukala, a large space adjacent to the synagogue. Everyone was panicked. Many took refuge in the rooms for fear of being hit by the shots that came from outside, he said.

The synagogue attracted more pilgrims this year around 6,000 people from the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and beyond than it had for some time, Trabelsi said. He said he was saddened that the pilgrim...

15:00

Hydrogen Fraud? The Newest Twist in Australias Renewable Energy Insanity "IndyWatch Feed National"

Apparently a $2 billion headstart for the hydrogen economy will solve all our problems, and certification will reduce the risk of hydrogen fraud.

14:26

Say what? "IndyWatch Feed National"

HARRIS: "Everything is in context. My mother used to give us a hard time sometimes & she would say to us, 'I don't know what's wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?! You exist in the context of all in which you...

14:24

Revolting grubs. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Why do people do this crap? pic.twitter.com/knfCNY5v7i Anthony (@Antman0528) May 10, 2023

14:09

US-led Five Eyes alliance dismantled Russias premier espionage cyber-tool "IndyWatch Feed National"

AN ESPIONAGE TOOL DESCRIBED by Western officials as the most advanced in the Russian cyber-arsenal has been neutralized after a 20-year operation by intelligence agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

14:00

Australian Dollar and Bitcoin "IndyWatch Feed National"

1.00 AUD = 0.00002 BTC
0.00010 BTC = 4.00 AUD
Converter

12:55

Australia bushfires may have caused global climate phenomenon La Nia: Study "IndyWatch Feed National"

Smoke from the catastrophic 2019-20 Australian bushfires may have tipped the planet into a La Nia climate phenomenon lasting almost three years, according to new research published May 10 in the journal Science Advances. Many people quickly forgot about the Australian fires, especially as the Covid pandemic exploded, but the Earth system has a long memory, and the impacts of the fires lingered for years, the studys lead author, John Fasullo at the U.S.-based National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), said in a statement. La Nia events typically occur every three to seven years, when colder sea surface temperatures form in the Pacific Ocean. The cooler water temperatures alter circulation in the atmosphere, leading to increased rainfall and cold in some regions, and dry and hot conditions in others. However, this La Nia event was unusual in both duration and timing. The most recent La Nia lasted for three northern winters and didnt follow an El Nio, the opposite phenomenon caused by warmer sea surfaces. It was only the third triple-year La Nia since records began in the 1950s. The NCAR-led research was part of a broader investigation into how emissions reductions during the coronavirus pandemic impacted the climate, Fasullo told Mongabay. The fires were a major climate event at that time and so it seemed logical to address their effects as well, he wrote in an email. The study, titled A multiyear tropical Pacific cooling response to recent Australian wildfires in CESM2, used the NCARs most-advanced climate model This article was originally published on Mongabay

12:23

The sunset of socialismor, what is Labor for? "IndyWatch Feed National"

We could have been given a visionary budget, emboldened by Labors recent electoral successes at both state and federal level, and the fact that the next election is still two years away. Instead, spooked by its own shadow and the bogeyman of inflation, Labor delivered a faded scrapbook of the Partys old glories.

The post The sunset of socialismor, what is Labor for? appeared first on Overland literary journal.

12:23

The establishment Left want to 'police' Tucker Carlson's 'free speech' "IndyWatch Feed National"

NBC: Will anybody be able to police what Carlson says or is this the point? Its just a free for all? pic.twitter.com/fOq164vksz Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) May 10, 2023

12:04

Two dogs kill another dog as owners fail to get the message "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Council is urging people to ensure their dogs are always under effective control, with reports of dog attacks across the Tweed remaining of concern.

Your dog, your responsibility. That is the simple message that Tweed Shire Council (TSC) rangers are trying to get through to dog owners. 

This follows an attack over the weekend that led to the death of a small dog.

In the latest attack investigated by rangers over the weekend, a small dog was attacked and killed by two dogs at Tweed Heads. The attacking dogs have since been surrendered to Council, said a TSC spokesperson. 

A total of 119 incidents were reported to Tweed Council in 2022 and in the first four months of this year, 16 dog attacks have been investigated by Council rangers.

Councils Team Leader, ranger Kristian Pakula said the continuing number of dog attacks was worrying, not just as it impacts the safety of the local community but because it shows people are not getting the message.

Dog owners need to ensure their animals are always under effective control, Mr Pakula said.

Residents and visitors to the Tweed need to understand the importance of keeping their dogs on leads at all times, unless in a designated off-leash area.

Owner liable

Council is urging residents to understand that under NSW legislation, the owner or person in control of a dog is liable for the actions of that dog. This includes where a dog rushes at, attacks, harasses or chases any person or animal, as well as liability for any resulting injury to a person or damage to property.

In addition, your dog may be declared menacing or dangerous, requiring it to be muzzled and wear an identifying dangerous dog collar while in public, and kept within a specific enclosure w...

11:56

COINCIDENCE OR CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE "IndyWatch Feed National"

THE DRAFT OF THE EMAIL TO Dr MICHAEL KIDD.

On the 9th September 2022, I sent an email to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the federal Department of Health, Dr. Michael Kidd, in which I pointed out that letting COVID-19 enter the Commonwealth of Australia was a terrorist activity.

This posting URL: https://wp.me/p1n8TZ-3h8

Was the Albanese Governments response to immediately order the shut down of the daily reporting of COVID-19 casualties?

Below is the last of the COVID-19-at-a-glance repor...

11:50

Aquarius Festival 50 years on starts tomorrow "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

1973 Nimbin Aquarius Festival signpost.

It was 1973 and people around the world were looking at how to live, how to create community, and how to dream a new future. In Australia, the Nimbin Aquarius Festival was an expression of these ideas, principles, and visions. Tomorrow will mark the start of the Nimbin Aquarius 50 Festival which will celebrate its 50th anniversary. 

Now from 12 21 May, the Aquarius 50 Festival at Nimbin will celebrate the anniversary of this remarkable event and its legacy, including the achievements and challenges of the Nimbin township over half a century, says Michael Balderstone of the Nimbin HEMP Embassy. 

The Dome built at the 1973 Aquarius Festival.

Program and events

The extensiv...

11:31

Ever thought of writing your memoir? "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Kyogle author and writing coach Graeme Gibson. Photo supplied

Kyogle author and writing coach Graeme Gibson is holding in-conversation talks at the Ballina and Goonellabah libraries with Bob Brace as well as a free life writing workshop for people interested in writing a memoir. 

Everyone has a story to tell and writing a life story is something many people plan on doing one day. Lacking confidence and knowing how to approach the writing are major hurdles for many. And for some there is self-doubt that their life has been interesting enough, said Graeme.

There is no need for fame, glory or a particular fate to justify a memoir. An ordinary life, if there is such a thing, has a story to tell and other lives to enrich.

Recently published In Life There is Luck: A memoir of...

11:05

Ex Gillard staffer: "Federal Government must 'INVEST' in abortion" - not kidding "IndyWatch Feed National"

What a disgraceful headline - 'invest' in abortion care. Anna Jabour - head of spin for Marie Stopes International - abortion organisation Investing in gender equity means investing in abortion care 10 May 2023: MSI Australia, the nation's leading provider of abortion, contraception, and vasectomy services, today welcomed the Federal...

10:52

Feros Care send notice of closure for 23 June  residents refuse to leave "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

These older people are bold, and theyre not intending to leave.

Elderly Feros Village residents in Byron Bay and their families received notice yesterday (Wednesday, 10 May), from Feros Care CEO Karen Crouch, that the aged care facility would close on 23 June, 2023.

This follows the recent request by residents to the Minister of Crown Lands, Steve Kamper, for Feros Care to be removed as Crown Land Manager (CLM) for the site and a new provider to be put in place who will continue to provide aged care to current and future residents.

In a press release regarding the closure a spokesperson for Feros Care stated, Feros Care accepts there have been passionate and vocal defenders of the home and that the decision to close Feros Village Byron Bay has been particularly challenging for some residents and their families. The remaining residents have been informed today (10 May) of the closure date.

Whilst a small number of residents remain at Feros Village Byron Bay, Feros Care has been regularly advised over the past months of the ample, suitable residential aged care accommodation in the region for them to relocate into their new home. We have helped all residents in their moves since the initial announcement and once complete will close the Village.

Feros Care had previously told residents and families that the Byron Bay Village would not close until everyone had found suitable, alternative accommodation.

Residents refuse to leave

Responding to the notice of closure residents and their families have written to Feros Care stating that they do not consent to leaving Byron Bay Village; and that the effort by Feros to obtain their consent is considered by them to be a de facto eviction.

Residents have made clear that they do not know of any accommodation for them that is available, suitable, and affordable and that they consider that their resident agreements remain in place.

The letter, from their lawyer Mark Swivel to Feros Care, continues: As you know, an aged care provider must not take action to make a resident leave or to imply that...

10:33

Supreme Court case takes on repressive NSW undemocratic anti-protest law "IndyWatch Feed National"

Contributed by Adam Carlton

A case has just been heard before the NSW Supreme Court has drawn attention to the outrageous new anti-protest laws in this state.  Put through as amendments to the Crimes Act and passed through parliament last April, they empower government ministers to order the forceful remove people from a road or facility, including a railway station. The penalty for breeching such an order can be imprisonment. This is a law designed to silence critics of the governments policies and actions through intimidation.

Not everyone enjoys the money and connection to be heard through the political establishment and equal access to media. Their voice is in the streets, and taking away this voice is to silence them.

Till now, the focus has been on protectors of the environment. It wont stop here though. Politicians are quick to get a taste for their newfound authority.

The first person to be imprisoned for this law was Deanna Violet Coco. She was sentenced to 15 months for a protest on Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2022. She was lucky. Her appeal proved that the police had lied about her blocking an ambulance and their testimony was no longer reliable. There was no other course but to quash the sentence. The police later admitted the lie.

Two members of the environmentalist group the Knitting Nannas, Kvelde and Dominique Jacobs, were in the court. They were supported by the NSW Environmental Defenders Office., which argued that the amendment to the Crimes Act is unconstitutional, because it infringes on freedom of political expression.

Kvelde and Dominique Jacobs brought the case before the NSW Suprreme Court

The explicit purpose of the law is to impose a burden on political communication, because it is perceived a particular form of protest should be prohibited and subject to...

10:31

INTERVIEW: Freddie Ponton: PART 2 Nordstream Sabotage Smoking Gun "IndyWatch Feed National"

A major NATO naval exercise provided the perfect cover for a CIA-led operation to take out the Nordstream pipelines.

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on May 3, 2023, Patrick talks with independent French researcher and journalist Freddie Ponton, about his latest article, PART 2 Smoking Guns: Nord Stream Sabotage Secret Teams Revealed, identifying the likely players, aiders and abetters from participating NATO members states such as UK, Norway and to a certain extent Poland and Denmark who all seems to have played a more or less important role in the planning and execution of this act of terrorism on Europes critical energy infrastructure. Freddie confirms many critical points made in Seymour Hershs report. He describes the technical and logistical side of the Nordstream sabotage taking us into the world of Dry Combat Submersibles, Under Water Vehicles (UUV) and NATO Submarine Rescue Systems. Freddie also takes the time to describe the activities of the NATO mine countermeasure Task Group (MCM TG) and its international team of EOD /IED divers and more. Listen:

More from Freddie:
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10:27

Thomas Sowell on the Slavery Reparations Industry. "IndyWatch Feed National"

The number of whites who were enslaved by the Barbary pirates in North Africa exceeded the number of Africans enslaved in the United States and in the American colonies before thatput together. But nobody is going to North Africa to ask for reparations, because nobody is going pic.twitter.com/LDwA4OwFTl Natalie...

10:19

SAs $784m Federal Budget GST Windfall Should Build Public Housing "IndyWatch Feed National"

Thursday, 11 May 2023

The South Australian government should invest a substantial part of its $784 million GST windfall from the federal budget on more public housing, according to SACOSS.

10:05

Albanese's wafer-thin argument for His Vanity Voice. "IndyWatch Feed National"

What's wrong with Government listening now? "What the Voice will do is to provide an opportunity for Indigenous people to speak, to have that voice, but also for government to listen. And we know that you get better outcomes when you listen." Prime Minister @AlboMP. @latingle #abc730 #auspol pic.twitter.com/RKDojViiRh...

09:55

Revisiting Fort Detrick/Vaping Overlap, COVID Origins, As EcoHealth Restarts Coronavirus Work "IndyWatch Feed National"

Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (5/10/23).
As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant.
(https://www.rokfin.com/TLAVagabond)(https://www.bitchute.com/channel/24yVcta8zEjY/)

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Video Source Links (In Chronological Order)





Research into deadly viruses and biological weapons at US army lab shut down over fears they could escape | The Independent | The Independent
(42) DOOM MADVILLAIN on Twitter: "Well I've been reading a lot about Ft. Detrick since early 2020 and I have never heard them talk about this onto why they shut down in 2019! The original excuse was about leaks but noting about thousands of gallons into the waterways! https://t.co/kk2R1aMeAW" / Twitter
Did a military lab spill anthrax into public waterways?
'Respiratory outbreak' being investigated at retirement community after 54 residents fall ill - ABC News
Maryland Department of Health Maryland Department of Health investigating cases of severe lung illness in people using e-cigarettes
...

09:48

De AIVD-Waarheden van Erik Akerboom 13 "IndyWatch Feed National"

Erik Akerboom, de expansionistische en hegemonistische ideologie van de elite in Washington en op Wall Street werd ruim een halve eeuw geleden kort maar krachtig samengevat door dominee Martin Luther King. Op de dag af een jaar voordat hij werd vermoord sprak hij op 4 april 1967 in een beroemd geworden toespraak at the Riverside Church in New York City de volgende woorden:

We have no honourable intentions in Vietnam. Our minimal expectation is to occupy it as an American colony and maintain social stability for our investments. This tells why American helicopters are being used against guerrillas in Colombia and Peru. Increasingly the role our nation has taken is the role of those who refuse to give up the privileges and pleasures that come from the immense profits of overseas investment.

...

08:44

Floodplain DAs remain a risk for councils as state government slow to respond to Flood Inquiry "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Development site at 60 Tringa Street, Tweed Heads, on Cobaki Creek.

Both the Tweed District Residents Association (TDRA) and Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association (KRPA) have recently called for a moratorium on existing legacy or zombie development approvals (DAs) on floodplains. The state government continues to say that councils have the ability to deal with these problematic DAs, but the evidence seems to say otherwise.

The failure of current legislation to stop legacy DAs is of particular concern to the TDRA which has been seeking stop work orders on the recent activity by MAAS Group Holdings at Tweed on Cobaki Creek. MAAS bought the property, with a 27-year-old legacy development approval on it, last year for $20M+ and have started clearing the sensitive site. The Tweed Council have asked MAAS to cease work, but MAAS have declined leaving both Council and locals frustrated with their inability to stop the work and have the site reassessed in relation to flood and environmental impacts of the DA. 

...

08:31

Treasury is gaslighting the Australian people on population "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Australian people, and most journalists, are being gaslighted by the Treasury budget papers superficial analysis of Australias immigration and population growth. That this is being let go to the keeper by virtually all media commentary is extraordinary, according to Sustainable Population Australia (SPA).

SPA national president Ms Jenny Goldie says the most egregious Treasury claim is that Australias population growth needs to catch up after the slow-down during the pandemic.


This claim is based on the convoluted logic that current population levels are lower than expected -- these expectations having been set by Treasury forecasts prior to the pandemic, she says.

So this is a circular, Alice-in-Wonderland argument: our population goal becomes whatever Treasury has defined it to be at some prior point. Any subsequent real-world deviation from whatever Treasury targeted pre-pandemic, requires that we must catch up -- no matter at what cost to ordinary Australians. The implicit arrogance is palpable.

Why, though, should population have to catch up to Treasurys target? Is there some missing consumption or production that needs to be recovered? Hardly. Whatever demand for labour may have accumulated during the pandemic, it hardly requires 715,000 immigrants over this year and next, fuelling a massive population growth rate this year of 2%.

Yet we have Budget Paper No. 1 breathlessly warning us that Notwithstanding the recovery in net overseas migration, the total population is still expected to be 750,000 people (2.5 per cent) smaller in June 2031 compared with pre-pandemic forecasts. (Budget Paper 1, p. 59, emphasis added)

No doubt this will generate alarmist headlines saying that Australia to have smaller population in 2031 when in fact, according to Centre for Population projections, it would be larger by some three million people than our current population of 26.4 million," Ms Goldie says.

"This is a textbook example of gaslighting: the insidious alteration of the markers of reality, until we no longer know what is real.

Ms Goldie says another deceptive claim in the Treasury documents is that migration [is] forecast to largely return to normal patterns from 202425 (Budget Paper 1, p. 59).

On the contrary, there is nothing normal about this. Treasurys new projections (or targets) show...

08:18

Domestic gas reservation policy FOI docs blocked by Labor "IndyWatch Feed National"

The release of briefings and an options paper regarding a domestic gas reservation policy have been blocked. Photo pxfuel.com

Federal Labor are refusing to comment on claims by former South Australian Senator, Rex Patrick, that Madeleine Kings Energy Department is refusing to release details around briefings and an options paper regarding a domestic gas reservation policy.

Patrick wrote on www.michaelwest.com.au that his freedom of information (FOI) request for those documents was denied, and large law firm Clayton Utz has been employed to defend the secrecy.

WAs successful gas reservation policy

The Echo asked Minister Kings office, If correct, what public interest arguments are there for this refusal?; Does the minister agree a domestic gas reservation policy is a good idea in principle, given her state of WA has been successful in keeping gas prices down through a reservation policy?; and, When is there likely to be an announcement around this policy? Minister Kings office replied to The Echo, The matter is currently before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and it would be inappropriate to comment further. 

Her office referred to a press release on how Labor were addressing rising gas p...

08:10

Okowa Reveals The  Greatest Legacy Hell Bequeath To Oborevwori "IndyWatch Feed National"

OKOWA AND OBOREVWO 2RI

LAGOS MAY 10TH (URHOBOTODAY0-Outgoing governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, said one of the greatest legacies he would bequeath to his successor was the presence of God at the Government House.

Okowa is billed to hand over to Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor-elect, on May 29, after completing the constitutional two terms of four years each.

Speaking in Asaba at the launch of a music album produced by the Choir of Government House Chapel, Asaba, Okowa attributed the success of his administration to Gods divine providence, and charged Oborevwori and the deputy governor-elect, Sir. Monday Onyeme, to put God first in their administration.

According to him, the ministration of Government House Chapel Choir in the last eight years had attracted Gods presence to all parts of the state.

The governor advised Oborevwori and Onyeme to remain divinely connected to God by re-doubling their efforts in the worship of God as they prepared to take over the mantle of political leadership in the state.

He disclosed that through purposeful worshipping of God, challenges would be surmounted and victory enthroned in the lives of those who firmly hold on to God.

Okowa said the music album produced by the Government House Chapel Choir would help significantly in advancing the gospel of God, and urged worshipers to encourage the choristers by purchasing copies of the album.

This choir needs to be encouraged because I know that through their voices, the praises and worship they render in this place, a lot has happened to this state.

We may not appreciate it but I and my wife know that we believe in the presence of God in this chapel. We are very mindful of the fact that our God is present in this place and whenever we call Him, He answers us.

So, I must use this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to praise the name of the Lord and to call His presence in this chapel.

We thank God that our governor-elect and his deputy are here. The greatest asset that I would leave for you both is the presence of God in the Government House.

The greatest desire of my wife and I is to see the fire on this altar glow and burn continually. Pressures will come and all manner of confusing voices will come but resist it and make sure that you reverence G...

08:04

Sex, science and songbirds "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

This rare sighting of a beautiful Alberts Lyrebird was caught on a monitoring camera at Mount Nullum in September 2021. Photo supplied.

It was standing room only at the Eltham Hotel last Thursday for a bawdy night out about Australian songbirds. 

The sell-out crowd for Science in the Pub were wowed by award-winning author, Tim Low, and the warm-up act, local regeneration legend, Mark Dunphy. 

Dunphy laid out the stark fact of colonisation clearing rainforests, but also celebrated the recent plantings of millions of trees in the region to help regenerate forests, bringing back the birds who sing in them. 

He also lewdly described a bird orgy in his own regenerated backyard, as birds were constantly courting, mating, and nesting. 

Its like a con...

07:21

Video: What Does It Mean To Be Indigenous? "IndyWatch Feed National"

If you care about the environment, or justice for the ongoing crimes of colonialism, you probably hear about the various Indigenous groups around the world, and how they tend to be on the front lines of the fight to stop the greed-fueled destruction of the only planet weve got. At one point or another, it may have occurred to you what Indigenous actually means who counts as Indigenous, and who doesnt? As Andrew Sage points out in the video below, while we can define a plant or animal as indigenous based on whether it was introduced to its habitat by humans, how does that work for us? We introduced ourselves to every habitat on the planet, except a small part of Africa, and its commonly accepted that there are Indigenous people on every continent, so what counts? Is it a matter of heredity? Of culture? Of lifestyle?

I dont think theres a clear answer, and even if there was, Im not the person to propose it. Andrew approaches as a theory question, examining relationships with land and between people, history, and more. Check it out, and if you like his work, consider supporting him on Patreon.

07:17

Update on drinking water fluoridation "IndyWatch Feed National"

Snowy Monaro Regional Council will be resuming fluoridation of the drinking water supply for Jindabyne and Berridale following cessation of the service due to equipment failure in 2017 and 2018.

New fluoride dosing systems have been constructed at each site East Jindabyne/Berridale, Jindabyne Barry Way and Jindabyne thanks to a full subsidy provided by NSW Health.

Council has been awaiting NSW Health sign-off and approval before recommencing dosing, which has now been received.

The systems have been checked and staff given refresher training in April 2023, and fluoridation will commence two weeks from the date of this notice.

If you live in Berridale or Jindabyne and you or your family are currently taking any fluoride supplements, seek prompt medical advice before fluoridation resumes.

Snowy Monaro water supply fluoridation factsheet

Why is fluoride added to the water supply?

NSW Health support the dosing of fluoride in Snowy Monaro Regional Council water supply systems. Fluoridation of water supplies has been demonstrated to reduce tooth decay in adults and children.

The National Health Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) found that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 44% in children and adolescents and by 27% in adults.

Almost all public drinking water supplies in NSW are currently fluoridated.

Refer to this fact sheet

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.

Update on drinking water fluoridation "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Snowy Monaro Regional Council will be resuming fluoridation of the drinking water supply for Jindabyne and Berridale following cessation of the service due to equipment failure in 2017 and 2018.

New fluoride dosing systems have been constructed at each site East Jindabyne/Berridale, Jindabyne Barry Way and Jindabyne thanks to a full subsidy provided by NSW Health.

Council has been awaiting NSW Health sign-off and approval before recommencing dosing, which has now been received.

The systems have been checked and staff given refresher training in April 2023, and fluoridation will commence two weeks from the date of this notice.

If you live in Berridale or Jindabyne and you or your family are currently taking any fluoride supplements, seek prompt medical advice before fluoridation resumes.

Snowy Monaro water supply fluoridation factsheet

Why is fluoride added to the water supply?

NSW Health support the dosing of fluoride in Snowy Monaro Regional Council water supply systems. Fluoridation of water supplies has been demonstrated to reduce tooth decay in adults and children.

The National Health Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) found that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 44% in children and adolescents and by 27% in adults.

Almost all public drinking water supplies in NSW are currently fluoridated.

Refer to this fact sheet

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.

06:45

Disturbing revelations continue at Jarrad Antonovich inquest "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Jarrad Antonovich lost his life at a spiritual retreat near Kyogle. Photo supplied.

Yesterday the inquest being held in Lismore before State Coroner Teresa OSullivan heard from Jarrad Antonovichs former partner and a young woman who was at the Arcoora Eco Retreat, near Kyogle, when Mr Antonovich died there in October 2021. This was described as a beautiful occasion by event organisers, greatly upsetting the family in the gallery.

Ayahuasca inquiry: Day 1, Day 2.

Kambo inquiry

Jarrads former partner and best friend Patrick Santucci joined the inquest via video link, explaining he had also known Mr Antonovich as Ish, and known him to be a spiritual person who was looking to evolve. He said they had been close from 2016 until 2021, and he was aware of some lingering effects on Jarrad from his severe car accident in the 1990s.

Mr Santucci said Jarrad had been to South America before they had met, trying ayah...

06:00

Samantha Maiden uses frivolous rumour to shame Brittany Higgins on the orders of Rupert Murdoch to protect the Liberal Party "IndyWatch Feed National"

Rupert Murdochs propagandist Samantha Maiden published an article on Tuesday (9/5/23) in a deliberate and calculated attempt to publicly shame Brittany Higgins. Ms Higgins is a good chance to be called to []

03:29

Entire colony of ants recorded 'feigning death' "IndyWatch Feed National"

They're well known for their industrious work, but now a species of ant on Kangaroo Island is also showing that it is skilled at 'playing dead', a behaviour that University of South Australia researchers believe is a recorded world first. Accidentally discovered as researchers were checking pygmy-possum and bat nest boxes on Kangaroo Island, a colony of Polyrhachis femorata ants appeared to be dead... until one moved. Researchers believe the ants were 'playing dead' as a defensive strategy to avoid potential danger. Published by CSIRO, this is the first time that a whole colony of ants has been recorded feigning death, and the first record of the Polyrhachis femorata ant species for South Australia. Wildlife ecologist, UniSA's Associate Professor S. 'Topa' Petit, says she was surprised to discover a colony of what appeared to be dead ants in one of the nest boxes. "The mimicry was perfect," Assoc Professor Petit says. "When we opened the box, we saw all these dead ants...and then...

03:17

WV Legislature of No Help ~ Toxic PFAS in Our Drinking Water "IndyWatch Feed National"

Latency periods vary for PFAS compounds and type of cancer

Even with new legislation, it could be years before drinking water in West Virginia is free of toxic forever chemicals

From the Article by Allen Siegler, Mountain State Spotlight, May 2, 2023

State lawmakers passed the PFAS Protection Act to start controlling pollution in drinking water. While a step in the right direction, many are concerned that it prolongs health hazards for West Virginians.

In the 1990s, when Chuck Crookshanks worked as a teacher at Parkersburg South High, a student told him about her familys farm and how dozens of their animals had grown physical deformities. Not only the livestock, but also other animals near it, Crookshanks recalled. Deer, frogs and anything else that was around it. It was pretty remarkable.

He said she was one of the first people he remembers raising concerns with the Washington Works plant in Parkersburg; a few years later, these concerns led to a mid-2000s high-profile lawsuit against chemical company DuPont, a lawsuit which linked the factorys hazardous chemical pollution to diseases like kidney and testicular cancer.

Those chemicals are now often grouped with a broader group of cancerous, man-made concoctions called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. And PFAS, from both past and present polluters, continue to concern Crookshanks.

His house, between Ravenswood and the unincorporated town of Murraysville, is about 25 miles down the Ohio River from Washington Works. Crookshanks said his wife, Tammy, worries often about what invisible chemicals are present in the water from their well. She brought it up probably in the last couple of weeks, wanting to get the water tested, Crookshanks said.

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it had reached a deal under the Clean Water Act for the plant, now owned by the Chemours Company, to address PFAS pollution. But the so-called forever chemicals have already been found in drinking water systems around the state.

While state lawmakers passed a bill in March to take steps toward identifying and contemplating action for affected public water systems, the bill does not require the states Department of Environmental Protection or any other group to remove the chemicals from drinking water yet. As a consequence, experts believe it...

03:09

Archaeologists map hidden Northern Territory landscape "IndyWatch Feed National"

Scientists at Flinders University have used sub-surface imaging and aerial surveys to see through floodplains in the Red Lily Lagoon area of West Arnhem Land. These ground-breaking methods showed how this important landscape in the Northern Territory was altered as sea levels rose about 8,000 years ago. Their discovery shows that the ocean had reached this, now inland region, which has important implications for understanding the archaeological record of Madjedbebe the oldest archaeological site in Australia. The findings also provide a new way to understand the rock art in the region, which is recognised globally for its significance and distinctive style. By examining how sediments now buried beneath the flood plains changed as sea levels rose, the researchers can see how the transformation of Red Lily Lagoon had resulted in the growth of mangroves that have supported animal and marine life in a region where ancient Indigenous rock art is located. This transformation has, in...

02:45

Nine perspectives on the Albanese Labor Government 2023-24 Budget "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

<p> </p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span><span face= "Arial, sans-serif"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Only eight of the following nine opinions might be said to have been offered in good faith. I leave it to the reader to decide which one is lacking that element ......</span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "color: navy;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><u><br></u></b></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "color: navy;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><u>FIRST</u> </b>- <b>Leader of the Opposition & Liberal MP for Dickson Peter Dutton, interview transcript excerpt & <i>Twitter</i> post, 10 May 2023:</span></span></span></p> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br></span> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>Well, Tom, I think youre better off to look to the independent commentary thats taken place. Chris Richardson, for arguments sake, a highly respected economist, he said that he thought the Reserve Bank Governor was done with the baseball bat, and he thinks that this budget will incline the Reserve Bank to increase interest rates again.</b></i></span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>So, under this budget, at the very least, we know that interest rates will be higher and for longer, which is going to be a double whammy for Australian families. Theyre already $25,000 worse off under this government. There was nothing for them in the budget last night.</b></i></span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>This energy crisis, and this cost of living crisis, thats been created by Mr Albanese and the Labor Party they, you know, its ok for the Prime Minister he doesnt feel the impact of this but for families, they are struggling at the moment big time and theres nothing at all for them in this budget.</b></i>&lt...

00:04

A theory with more questions than answers about the hard problem of Consciousness "IndyWatch Feed National"

A book review of Antonio Damasio's: book "Feeling and Knowing," with the reviewer's comments.

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IndyWatch Bellingen NSW All Topics Summary Today.

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Wednesday, 10 May

22:35

But How Can I Help the Canadian Military? "IndyWatch Feed National"

By David Swanson, World BEYOND War, May 10, 2023

Its so inspiring that the Canadian military asked the public what it could change to get people to be willing to join. The obvious U.S. answer of poverty and grotesque prices for education probably wont work or at least may not be sufficient in the near term. And people would probably object to mandatory JROTC. Unfortunately, I missed the deadline to answer the survey, but I really want to help the Canadian military, so here are my answers to the questions:

Supporting our people

  • How can National Defence modernize our approach to supporting a life in service, which has both unique rewards and unique challenges?
    Shift 100% of the budget to paying reparations to victims.
  • What do prospective CAF members expect from their service?
    Moral injury, physical injury, global contempt, suicidal tendencies.
  • How can the CAF increase its attractiveness in the 21st century labour market?
    Lose the uniforms and the weapons. Murder is pass.
  • What culture change reforms are needed to ensure that the CAF is a modern military that can implement its defence policy?
    Train the entire nation in unarmed civilian defense.

 

Building organizational capacity

  • What insights might be adapted from other business sectors and the private sector writ-large to make Defence more effective and efficient?
    Other business sectors? Admitting that organized murder is a business is a bad look.
  • How can DND/CAF best learn from innovators and entrepreneurs? Defence experts?
    Replace CANSEC weapons show with a gathering of experts in actual defence of human life and the environment.
  • How often should the Defence Policy be reviewed and updated?
    Every time people catch on to its BS enough to ruin recruitment goals.
  • How can ongoing engagement be reflected in that update?
    By pretending...

18:22

Yes, Andrew Sullivan Demanded W. Bush Nuke Iraq "IndyWatch Feed National"

By Scott Horton | The Libertarian Institute | February 25, 2023

He wrote on October 17, 2001:

THE COMING CONFLICT: The sophisticated form of anthrax delivered to Tom Daschles office forces us to ask a simple question. What are these people trying to do? I think theyre testing the waters. They want to know how we will respond to what is still a minor biological threat, as a softener to a major biological threat in the coming weeks. They must be encouraged by the panic-mongering of the tabloids, Hollywood and hoaxsters. They must also be encouraged by the fact that some elements in the administration already seem to be saying we need to keep our coalition together rather than destroy the many-headed enemy. So the terrorists are pondering their next move. The chilling aspect of the news in the New York Times today is that the terrorists clearly have access to the kind of anthrax that could be used against large numbers of civilians. My hopes yesterday that this was a minor attack seem absurdly nave in retrospect. So they are warning us and testing us.

At this point, it seems to me that a refusal to extend the war to Iraq is not even an option. We have to extend it to Iraq. It is by far the most likely source of this weapon; it is clearly willing to use such weapons in the future; and no war against terrorism of this kind can be won without dealing decisively with the Iraqi threat. We no longer have any choice in the matter. Slowly, incrementally, a Rubicon has been crossed. The terrorists have launched a biological weapon against the United States. They have therefore made biological warfare thinkable and thus repeatable. We once had a doctrine that such a Rubicon would be answered with a nuclear response. We backed down on that threat in the Gulf War but Saddam didnt dare use biological weapons then. Someone has dared to use them now. Our response must be as grave as this new threat.

I know that this means that this conflict is deepening and widening beyond its initial phony stage. But what choice do we have? Inaction in the face of biological warfare is an invitation for more in a world where that is now thinkable. Appropriate response will no doubt inflame an already inflamed region, as people seek solace through the usual ideological fire. Either way the war will grow and I feel nothing but dread in my heart. But we didnt seek this conflict. It has sought us. If we do not wage war now, we may have to wage an even bloodier war in the very near future. These are bleak choices, but what else do we have? [Italics his]

18:08

Asbestos concerns closes Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

THE Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to allow for an investigation into claims that asbestos containing material has been found in a jump on a track.

As a consequence, the park has been closed since Thursday, May 4 after concerns were raised with Wollongong City Council that there may be asbestos containing material in the soil that has been used to form the jumps and potentially the surrounding tracks.

The information was provided to Council by representatives from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service who had confirmed the presence of asbestos containing material within a recently installed dirt jump structure on their adjoining land.

A Council spokesperson said while the land is managed by Council, this site is operated under licence by Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (HORCC).

We are working with the Clubs volunteer members and want to see the park back in operation as soon as possible, the spokesperson said.

We know this park is well-loved by the community and enjoyed by riders of all ages and the decision to close th...

17:17

Bad Hair Day Conservative Explains Why Intellectuals Are Mostly Lefties "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Believe in social justice? Think equality of outcome is a good thing? Feel a burning desire to rail against racism and neo-Nazis? Often find yourself in deep conversations about the state of the world or lost in thought about why Marxism never really caught on, and whether or not the beard was at least partly responsible?

Well then, youre probably a lefty, and according to one leading philosopher, thats also probably because youre an intellectual. Which he possibly seems to be inferring is a bad thing? Maybe?

Introducing Roger Scruton, or more precisely Sir Roger Vernon Scruton, a prominent British conservative and philosopher who is to hair as Boris Johnson is to politics: confusing.

Scruton passed a few years ago, but not before recording a lengthy interview about why intellectuals often turn out to be leftists. And were giving it a plug today because, well, when you watch it, youll understand why. Over to Scruton.

Ever since I became a conservative, which was in May 1968 in Paris, I hadnt a very clear idea of how to articulate it. All I knew was that when I looked down in the street and saw all these rowdy students throwing stones at policemen, I just said to myself, Whatever they believe, I believe the opposite.

The rowdy students Scruton is referring to were protestors at an event since dubbed May 68. It marked several months of unrest led by students protesting, among other things, American imperialism and police brutality two things Scruton presumably believes in (as conservatives go, he certainly wouldnt be the first). It also expanded to include workers, with rolling strikes demanding better wages.

Anyway Scruton continues: I somewhat arrogantly came to the conclusion that if you start thinking about politics in an intellectual way, you are likely to be on the left. Because that provides a systematic solution, an answer to the questions which puts it all in a system and also gives you a rather dignified and self-congratulatory place in the system.

But once youve started thinking, if you think a bit harder and longer about it, youll move back to what you would have been if you had never thought at all.

So there you have it folks. From the mouth of a leading conservative, all you need to do to adopt conservative beliefs is avoid intellectualism and, most importantly, not think about stuff.

You can find an expanded interview with Scruton at this link: https://youtu.be/iawSzFZg-...

16:50

Woonona rock pool amenities block closed for three weeks for maintenance work "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

THE amenities block at Woonona rock pool will be closed and fenced off for three weeks to allow for Wollongong City Council to undertake maintenance work.

During the works, the rock pool and external showers will remain open to swimmers and two temporary toilets will be available for community use.

The work includes:

  • Painting the buildings interior and exterior. Areas to be painted include the shower areas, doors and frames, columns, arches and handrail observation area.
  • Removing and replacing damaged and broken tiles in the toilet, shower and sink areas.
  • Replacing rusted out electrical light cage covers

A Council spokesperson said the work is due to start this week, likely tomorrow (Thursday, May 11) and is expected to take about three weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.

While crews are on site, the amenities will be fenced off for community safety and two temporary toilets will be placed near to the existing amenities block for community use, the spokesperson said.

The rock pool and amenities external showers will remain open and available to swimmers during the works.

...

16:02

Stay in awe of life "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Familiarity with any great thing removes our awe of it writes L. Frank Baum in his 1901 novel The Master Key: An Electrical Fairy Tale, Founded Upon the Mysteries of Electricity and the Optimism of Its Devotees. When you think about it like that: awe in the context of electricity, he has a point. We More Stay in awe of life

15:59

Voice "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Many Indigenous elders oppose the Voice (eg Gurnpa David Cole and grandmother Mulara). The Voice will cede Indigenous sovereignty so parliament will have more power over them.

A delegation of Aboriginal Australians went to Canberra to ask the prime minister and opposition leader to hear their opposition to the Voice 

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said: Secret government documents the National Indigenous Australians Agency released under FOI say any Voice to Parliament should be designed so that it could support and promote a treaty-making process which would include a fixed percentage of the entire economy as reparation every year along with rates/land tax/royalties to the Voice.

How will white Australians feel when they have to pay rent on land they purchased and the Australian flag is abolished?

It would create an Australia with two classes e. Indigenous have privileges not for whites. This would create resentment and drive racism. We want the best for Indigenous people but this is not the way. 

Menkit Prince, Uki

Ed note: According to AAP Factcheck the statements relating to seeking to change the flag [and to] set aside a fixed percentage of GDP for reparation payments were  documents of  the minutes from 13 regional dialogue consultation events held in 2016 and 2017 that were part of the national consultation process about how best to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution. The documents do not show either the government nor the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) are seeking to change the flag, nor set aside a fixed percentage of GDP for reparation payments. (https://bit.ly/41eYBZ7).

The post Voice appeared first on The Echo.

13:01

What lovely people! God Bless Dame Elizabeth Watts. "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

The Prince of Wales was visibly surprised when he was told Dame Elizabeth Watts had attended the coronations of three monarchs, despite once having to sleep on the pavement. Read more https://t.co/YkbBfrGGQ2 pic.twitter.com/bwUFJu9HvK Sky News (@SkyNews) May 9, 2023

08:35

The budget delivered minor gains and failed on the key issues "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Contributed by Joe Montero

Make no mistake, the budget delivered last night by treasurer Jim Chalmers took on the shape of a major public relations exercise. It pretended to deliver to the battler. The gives are marginal and do little to tackle the rising cost of living.

You wouldnt think so if you believe the headlines across big media. These have generally lent a hand to the narrative of a responsible giveaway budget, which has also delivered a small budget surplus.

This isnt about having a go at Labor. A coalition government wouldve been much worse. Still, theres something to be said about being honest and calling it like it is. To do otherwise, is to go along with what is wrong and shore up the facade.

So, what is the reality behind this faade? The government coffers have been filled with a growth in the tax paid by wage earners, although their share of national income remains stagnant. The rest of it has come from tax collected from the soaring prices for fossil fuel exports and the domestic cost of petrol.

The graph above shows the relative and absolute rise in household income tax in recent years.

This has provided useful wiggle room to do the minimum to escape public angst. Everyone knows that the standing of government in this country and the major parties that operate within is quite low. The smoke and mirrors approach is designed to answer this by taking our attention from the reality that most of us are becoming worse off, and that the budget does little to turn this around.

Take the housing affordability crisis. Giving a $1.12 a day increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance to those on Centrelink payments is not even going to scratch the surface on this problem. This same group of Australian citizens gets $2.85 a day, not even enough to cover a cup of coffee, to address living well below the poverty line. This requires $50 a day more. Without the support they need, a growing proportion of Australia will continue to have to make choices between paying the rent, eating, or seeing the doctor.

...

08:30

MP Ben Franklin embroiled in Nationals fracas for considering plum appointment "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Nationals MLC Ben Franklin pictured at the annual Parkes Elvis Festival. Photo supplied

Locally-based Nationals MLC Ben Franklin is embroiled with infighting within his own party, according to SMH (Nine) and independent publisher Crikey.

Attempts to confirm the accuracy of the SMH story with Franklin were unsuccessful, however he did make a statement on his Facebook page on Monday night.

In 2019, Franklin ran against incumbent MP Tamara Smith (Greens) for the seat of Ballina on a large pork barrelling platform of promises, yet lost.

NSW deputy premier Paul Toole was dumped by the party Monday night, just one month after he was re-elected to the role. Dubbo MP, Dugald Saunders, is his replacement.

Regarding Franklin, SMH reports, The NSW Nationals are threatening to refer one of their own members to the corruption watchdog for considering a lucrative promotion in the new parliament despite senior party figures proposing another of their own MPs for the same job.

The report claims Franklin sparked fury in his party room for considering the plum job of upper house president, despite another Nationals MP, Wes Fang, also considering the job.  

Upper house presidential perks include a driver, staff and a salary on par with a government minister.

SMH says Franklin is a close friend to Minns, and is also the godfather to one of Minnss sons. 

Jobs for the boys?...

06:53

Market Talk May 9, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"

ASIA:

The Agricultural Bank of China, one of the countrys largest commercial lenders, has scaled up support for the manufacturing sector. As of the end of March, the banks outstanding loans to the manufacturing sector exceeded 2.69 trillion yuan ($388.42 billion), according to the bank. Newly-added loans to the manufacturing industry stood at over 390 billion yuan at the end of the first quarter (Q1), data from the lender showed. As of the end of Q1, loans issued to emerging industries of strategic importance increased more than 430 billion yuan. Meanwhile, outstanding loans to specialized and innovative firms topped 200 billion yuan for the first time. The lender has also ratcheted up support for low-carbon development, with its green loans reaching over 3 trillion yuan by the end of March.

The major Asian stock markets had a mixed day today:

  • NIKKEI 225 increased 292.94 points or 1.01% to 29,242.82
  • Shanghai decreased 37.33 points or -1.10% to 3,357.67
  • Hang Seng decreased 429.45 points or -2.12% to 19,867.58
  • ASX 200 decreased 12.40 points or -0.17% to 7,264.10
  • Kospi decreased 3.15 points or -0.13% to 2,510.06
  • SENSEX decreased 2.92 points or -0.01% to 61,761.33
  • Nifty50 increased 1.55 points or 0.01% to 18,265.95

 

 

The major Asian currency markets had a mixed day today:

  • AUDUSD decreased 0.00283 or -0.42% to 0.67537
  • NZDUSD decreased 0.00181 or -0.29% to 0.63239
  • USDJPY increased 0.179 or 0.13% to 135.259
  • USDCNY increased 0.00624 or 0.09% to 6.92664

 

 

Precious Metals:

  • Gold increased 11.05 USD/t oz. or 0.55% to 2,032.44
  • Silver increased 0.038 USD/t. oz or 0.15% to 25.608

 

Some economic news from last night:

China:

Exports (YoY) (Apr) decreased from 14.8% to 8.5%

Imports (YoY) (Apr) decreased from -1.4% to -7.9%

Trade Balance (USD) (Apr) increased from 88.19B to 90.21B

Japan:

Household Spending (MoM) (Mar) increased from -2.4% to -0.8%

Household Spending (YoY) (Mar) decreased from 1.6% to -1.9%

Australia:

Retail Sales (MoM) increased from 0.2% to 0.4%

New Zeala...

06:50

In die Sanktionsspirale "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Die nchsten Strafmanahmen

Die EU plant neue Sanktionen gegen China, die sie erstmals mit angeblicher chinesischer Untersttzung fr Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine begrndet. Ein entsprechender Bericht der Financial Times wurde gestern im Wesentlichen besttigt. Demnach spricht sich die EU-Kommission unter ihrer Prsidentin Ursula von der Leyen dafr aus, Strafmanahmen gegen sieben Unternehmen aus der Volksrepublik einschlielich Hongkongs zu verhngen. Ihre Vermgenswerte in der EU sollen eingefroren werden. Mindestens vier der sieben Unternehmen sind bereits in den Vereinigten Staaten mit Sanktionen belegt worden.[1] Dazu gehren 3HC Semiconductors und King-Pai Technology aus Shenzhen. Whrend King-Pai Technology beschuldigt wird, Bauteile nach Russland zu liefern, die genutzt werden knnen, um elektronische Steuerungssysteme fr Lenkwaffen zu produzieren, wirft die EU 3HC Semiconductors vor, US-Produkte zu beschaffen, die nicht nach Russland exportiert werden drfen, und sie an russische Unternehmen weiterzuverkaufen. Zumindest in letzterem Fall erweisen sich die EU-Sanktionsplne damit de facto als bloe Handlangerdienste fr die USA.

Outbound Investment Screening

Die Sanktionsplne sind lediglich Teil eines umfassenderen Manahmenpakets, das die Bundesrepublik bzw. die EU zur Zeit in Planung haben und das der chinesischen Wirtschaft Schaden zufgen soll. So kndigte EU-Kommissionsprsidentin von der Leyen schon Ende Mrz an, sie wolle Beschrnkungen bei Investitionen europischer Unternehmen in der Volksrepublik einfhren. Ziel sei, die Anwendung europischen Know-hows durch chinesische Firmen einzuschrnken. Offiziell war von der Sorge die Rede, es knne genutzt werden, um die militrischen und nachrichtendienstlichen Fhigkeiten Chinas zu strken. Faktisch geht es einerseits um einen Beitrag der EU zum Versuch des Westens, den technologischen Aufstieg der Volksrepublik zu bremsen. Andererseits sollen damit Unternehmen aus der EU von weiteren Aktivitten in China abgehalten werden (german-foreign-policy.com berichtete [2]). Von der Leyen trug ihren Vorsto kurze Zeit nach ihrem Besuch in den USA vor, bei dem sie unter anderem von US-Prsident Joe Biden im Weien Haus empfangen worden war. Washington bereitet gegenwrtig die Einfhrung identischer Manahmen (Outbound Investment Screening) fr Investitionen in China, vor.[3]

Gesprche mit auslndischen Partnern

Darber hinaus steht die Bundesregierung offenkundig unter Druck, die Lieferung von Chemikalien nach China zu untersagen, die fr die Halbleiterproduktion unverzichtbar sind. Dabei geht es um Grundstoffe, die vor allem BASF und Merck in die Volksrepublik exportieren; BASF sei bei den Chemikalien Marktfhrer in Europa sowie in Asien, whrend sich die Merck-Produkte in beinahe jedem Chip weltweit befnden, hie es vergangene Woche in Berichten.[4] ber den Hintergrund hie es, es gehe um US-Versuche, die Halbleiterproduktion der Vo...

Tuesday, 09 May

23:24

Three Different Answers To Who Owns Crimea? "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

The answer to Who owns Crimea? depends upon whether or not a person thinks that the gifting of Crimea from Russia to Ukraine.

The post Three Different Answers To Who Owns Crimea? appeared first on OrientalReview.org.

19:05

PEPE, FLOKI, SHIB: Insiders Spill The Beans On Meme Coin Investing "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Meme coins are currently the dominating trend on the crypto market once again due to PEPE. After the furious price rallye of PEPE, investors are feverishly looking for the next meme coin that makes 100x.

Whether this trend will continue for much longer or if this marks a top for the crypto market remains to be seen. However, historically, the meme coin hype marked local highs for the Bitcoin price (and thus the rest of the market).

Meme coin trading volume vs Bitcoin price

Whales Reveal All About Meme Coins Like PEPE

In a new Twitter thread, Frank Rotman, co-founder QED Investors, spilled the beans about meme coins. QED Investors is a leading VC in the fintech space and has AUM of $3.2 billion. The company has already invested $662 million in startups. So Rotman is well connected and knows what hes talking about.

In recent days, Rotman has spoken with traders who have put anywhere from $500 to more than $20 million into meme coins and their views are eye-opening, the venture capitalist says. The biggest insight was (although not shocking): Memes coins are a game.

The concept of the game, according to Rotman, is to attract as many other participants as possible to the list of game participants. Your goal is to convince people that being on the list is cool. Once people are on the list, they are expected to tweet funny images or diagrams to generate FOMO for the game.

However, the number on the list matters because members can sell new players as much or as little as they want, with prices fluctuating based on supply and demand. Ultimately, this proves that the founders and previous investors are the biggest profiteers from such a Ponzi scheme.

The answers Rotman has received are extremely revealing. Big investors are aware of the game. One anonymous person said:

Its a damn fun game once youre in it. You get to act like an idiot, annoy everyone around you...

18:26

Wind, solar and storage: Three ideas to accelerate Australias green energy transition RenewEconomy "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

The rollout of wind, solar and storage is too slow. We need more transmission, and more action from state governments, and NSW in particular. The post Wind, solar and storage: Three ideas to accelerate Australias green energy transition appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Wind, solar and storage: Three ideas to accelerate Australias green energy transition RenewEconomy

18:25

Bluefloat checks pulse on community support for 1.7GW offshore wind plans RenewEconomy "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

BlueFloat Energy calls for community feedback on Eastern Rise offshore wind farm, as it prepares to seek environmental approvals for the NSW project. The post Bluefloat checks pulse on community support for 1.7GW offshore wind plans appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Bluefloat checks pulse on community support for 1.7GW offshore wind plans RenewEconomy

11:21

Australias housing crisis is deepening - Nothing new from Doriana Pojani in the face of a manufactured crisis "IndyWatch Feed National"

Dr Dorina Pojani is Associate in urban planning at the University of Queensland, Australia, with a degree in Urban Planning from Albania. She is yet another transmitter of property development lobby mantras published on . Although she alludes to population growth as a driver of higher prices, she fails to address the turbo-charged role of our migration program in driving housing and social chaos, nor the manufactured quality of this crisis.

She is proposing the usual finger-in-the-dyke ploys to absorb the flood: More housing, more infilling, suppress civil rights to object, incentivise developers by relaxing regulations, etc.  In the context of the history of the privatisation of the Australian land and housing system, her apparently slightly cuddly suggestions about public housing would, however,  ultimately benefit the property development industry, at tax-payer expense.  Although Dr Pojani lectures at the University of Queensland, there is no mention of how Queensland's precarious biodiversity and natural amenity - the very things that attract people there and are so threatened by overpopulation and overdevelopment- will be destroyed by more intensification.

people who wish to buy a home but have low incomes and lack access to the bank of mum and dad must be guided by the principle that affordable housing is a necessity, just like healthcare and schooling." Sounds good, until you realise that Australians are expected to provide assistance to house  anyone from anywhere on the planet who comes here, without regard to numbers, natural amenity, property rights, or democracy.growth needs to stabilise so that demand will stabilise, even at market rates.  It forgets that the Australian private market will never voluntarily allow that to happen "Increases in market-rate housing supply. If enough housing is built to meet buyer demand, and the population remains stable in an area,...

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