IndyWatch Bellingen NSW All Topics Summary Archiver

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Sunday, 25 June

14:03

GKP S5/E14 Shots Fired with Shannon Rowan "IndyWatch Feed National"

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jc6hp-143f6dd Gday Folks, Flying solo once again as I interview returning guest Shannon Rowan. Shannon has recently published her new book, Shots Fired: Vaccine Weapons, Medical Tyranny, and the War Against Humanity and we delve into a bunch of topics contained within this amazing tome. Shannon Rowan, author of WiFi Refugee; Plight of the Modern-day []

10:31

Civil War Brewing With Prigozhun Bought By America? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Note by DM: This is a report by RFE/RL 24 June 2023.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russian mercenary group Wagner, said he told his forces to immediately halt their advance on Moscow and return to their bases in Ukraine as fear gripped the country about a potential deadly power struggle.

by G5

(23 and 24 June 2023)

Purchasing Power

All the American money of the past six plus months aimed at Ukraine to fight Russia was direct...

07:01

Russia's formal statement on "The attempted armed mutiny" within Russia. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Rather a tricky situation, what with a large active and ready nuclear arsenal. NB - here's the text if you'd like it enlarged: The attempted armed mutiny in our country is resolutely rejected by Russian society, which strongly supports President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Reckless aspirations of the conspirators are...

01:07

Eine SSD mit SAP-Mitarbeiterdaten ist bei Ebay aufgetaucht. ... "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Eine SSD mit SAP-Mitarbeiterdaten ist bei Ebay aufgetaucht. Die SSD kommt anscheinend aus einem Rechenzentrum der SAP.

Das ist hchst erstaunlich, muss ich euch sagen. Die SAP ist mir bislang als absolutes Compliance-Purgatorium aufgetreten. Selbst als externer Dienstleister muss man da durch "Schulungen" durch, dass man keine USB-Sticks rumliegen lsst, und immer alles verschlsselt wird.

Dass es bei denen also berhaupt unverschlsselte SSDs gibt, und dann auch noch mit Mitarbeiterdaten drauf, ist schonmal bemerkenswert. Dass die dann auch noch jemand aus dem Rechenzentrum einfach so raustragen kann, ist noch bemerkenswerter.

Schlimmer noch:

Dem Bericht zufolge sei das bereits der fnfte Vorfall innerhalb von zwei Jahren, bei dem Festplatten aus SAPs europischen Rechenzentren verloren gingen.
Man wrde denken, dass die nach dem 1. Vorfall mal ihre Prozesse berprfen. Aber offenbar nicht.

Ich finde das bei so Compliance-Bullshit immer toll, wenn die Firmen gezielt alle Nachteile mitnehmen und sich und ihre Business-Partner grotesk ausbremsen, aber dann die Vorteile gezielt umschiffen. m(

00:15

Lost Fiordland penguins found in Western Australia, far from New Zealand breeding site 4,000 kilometers away "IndyWatch Feed National"

Sean Hazelden was recuperating after an icy morning swim when a tiny figure emerged from the surf and staggered up the beach. It took one step, and another, and fell onto its face. The Esperance resident rushed over, scooping up the skeletal traveller in his arms. "When I went over to pick it up it was really emaciated," he said. The black-and-white bird, crowned with a flourish of yellow feathers over each eye, was a Fiordland crested penguin, one of the world's rarest penguin species. The emaciated penguin had likely been at sea since February or March, and should have been almost 4,000 kilometres away on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island, ready for breeding season.

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Saturday, 24 June

22:22

Free Assange Protest in London: June 24 "IndyWatch Feed National"

By Neenah Payne Stella Assange Addresses Australian National Press Club reported on the visit to Australia by Stella Assange, wife of Julian Assange, the Australian...

Free Assange Protest in London: June 24

20:30

Notes on RFK Jr, The Dems, Russia and Intel Agencies "IndyWatch Feed National"

by G5

(Notes and emails from G5)

The Dems

B (Obama) is holding secret desperation meetings of all Congressional Dems. and allied handlers.

The  MAGA demonizing narrative has backfired. MAGA is the average, now deeply suffering, American. It is no one else.

There are no Biden voters and no Harris voters. The grossly exaggerated 42% poll numbers encompass the robotic Dem voters. Excluding the Dem fraud machine.

Trump packs in the stadiums. As he always did &#821...

20:14

Henningsen: Putin: Ukraine Killed Our Peace Plan "IndyWatch Feed National"

Assessing President Putins big reveal in St. Petersburg in front of the African delegation.

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on June 19, 2023, Patrick talks about the significance of President Putins big reveal in St. Petersburg in front of the African delegation, of how Russia and Ukraine had a draft neutrality treaty, ready on the table in spring of 2022 at peace talks in Istanbul, but Ukraine spiked the deal under pressure from US and UK. Listen:

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):
https://tntradio.live

READ MORE UKRAINE NEWS AT: 21st CENTURY WIRE PROPAGANDA FILES

ALSO JOIN OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL

SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM  BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV

Get Surfshark - Jaw Dropping Deals on Fast, Easy-to-Use VPN

20:09

INTERVIEW: Blake Lovewell Gold, Crypto & The Elusive Sam Bankman-Fried "IndyWatch Feed National"

Russia and China moving towards a gold-backed currency and BlackRock takes big Bitcoin position.

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on June 20, 2023, Patrick talks with 21WIRE writer and commentator Blake Lovewell, about the new twist for Bitcoin with BlackRock taking a big position on crypto, while Russia and China move to a gold-backed currency something which will rock an already faltering US dollar. Also, amazingly, FTX ponzi scammer and Democratic donor Sam Bankman-Fried managed to avoid additional charges from US justice department. All this and more. Listen:

More from Blake:
21stcenturywire.com

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):
https://tntradio.live

READ MORE FINANCIAL NEWS AT: 21st CENTURY WIRE FINANCIAL FILES

ALSO JOIN OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL

SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM  BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV

Get Surfshark - Jaw Dropping Deals on Fast, Easy-to-Use VPN

19:18

Bill Shorten and the NDIS is set to become Australias biggest fraud scam with tens of $billions stolen "IndyWatch Feed National"

Bill ShortenBill Shorten is overseeing Australias biggest fraud scam known as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which is now seeing up to $7 billion a year stolen according to the Australian Criminal []

19:00

TIDBITS: THIS WEEKS HONOURABLE MENTIONS "IndyWatch Feed National"

User Answers

Our thanks to all of you who send in articles.  This week's honourable  mention shout out goes to M.D., V.T., M.W., C.A.F., Putin backs idea

The post TIDBITS: THIS WEEKS HONOURABLE MENTIONS appeared first on The Giza Death Star.

15:10

11th July: The date set by Victoria Nuland for WWIII "IndyWatch Feed National"

Ansh Pandey TFIGlobal.com May 31, 2023

The war in Ukraine has been a constant source of tension, with moments of fleeting calm shattered by alarming escalations. And lurking in the shadows is the notorious deep state, an enigmatic web of power that allegedly shapes American foreign policy from behind closed doors.

Nuland has just dropped a revelation of seismic proportions. In a video conference with Kyiv, she boldly declared that World War III could ignite on July 11th. Thats right, folks, the countdown to catastrophe has officially begun

WW3 on July 11th 

Reportedly, at a deleted video conference with Kyiv officials, Nuland stated that WWIII will effectively begin on July 11th stating that the US and its partners will fight as long as it takes 16 years or more The scheduled date was chosen to coincide with the NATO Summit, a one-day meeting in Lithuania.

The boldness of Nulands assertion makes one shudder. She considers the United States and its allies locked in a 16-year clash that never ends. And if thats not enough to make you anxious, take into account the fact that this timeline of Nuland falls on the same day as the NATO Summit. It appears as if she wanted to give the proceedings a little theatrical flair.

As the Summit approaches, one cant help but wonder what will be on the agenda. Is it going to be the protection of Europe from the inevitable backlash of this impending war or how many fighter jets will make it to Ukraine unscathed, defying the odds and avoiding mid-air disasters?

Who is Nuland? 

At the center of this geopolitical storm. A question may arise, who is Victoria Nuland? A very straight-faced answer could be, a figure who is apparently more powerful than Biden. A lady as divisive as they come and known for her unwavering support for democratic reforms and closer ties between Ukraine and the West, Nuland has fearlessly challenged the actions of Putin...

14:27

Thirroul fire brigade celebrates centenary "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

A SPECIAL milestone for Thirroul Fire Station will take place this weekend as it celebrates its first 100 years of operation.

The first firefighters were stationed there in 1923, with the original crew working from a small garage, equipped only with a hose-reel, hose and minor appliances.

In 1924, the Board of Fire Commissioners granted permission for the construction of a new brick fire station, with the building becoming fully operational on the 4th of September of that year.

The station advanced to include an engine-room, recreation room, storeroom and equipment that included several hose-reels, hoses and four scaling ladders.

This facility stood firm for the next 40 years, before a new station was commissioned and officially opened on Saturday 1st February, 1975.

Saturdays ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including State MP for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP, Wollongong Lord Mayor, Gordon Bradbury, Acting Commissioner Fire and Rescue NSW, Megan Stiffler, Museum of Fire CEO, Belinda McMartin, senior officers from RFS, Ambulance NSW, SES and Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Peter Button.

The highlight of the function was the presentation of a 3rd Clasp National Medal to Captain Hedley Privett, who has been in service at the station for 45 years.

...

14:00

Australian Dollar and Bitcoin "IndyWatch Feed National"

1.00 AUD = 0.00002 BTC
0.00010 BTC = 4.60 AUD
Converter

11:35

Police Officers Will Not Be Charged Over the Lawyer X Scandal "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Lawyer X scandal appears to have become a circus, with the Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announcing no criminal charges will be brought against Victorian Police over what the highest court in the land described as atrocious and reprehensible conduct which corrupted and debased the fundamental premises of the criminal justice system all but accusing police of perverting the course of justice.

The decision has heads shaking in Australias legal community and means a jury will not be given the opportunity to decide whether the states police officers engaged in cr...

07:02

Tucker Carlson Episode 6 - on Bobby Kennedy "IndyWatch Feed National"

Ep. 6 Bobby Kennedy is winning pic.twitter.com/jW51PYahLV Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) June 22, 2023

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Friday, 23 June

23:30

Crypto City guide to Sydney: More than just a token bridge "IndyWatch Feed National"

A full-on crypto scene and heaps of Web3 projects in Australias largest city show Sydney has more to offer than beaches and a bridge.

22:39

DeBriefed 23 June 2023: Climate finance talks; UK marine heatwave; Deadly heat in India "IndyWatch Feed National"

Welcome to Carbon Briefs DeBriefed. 
An essential guide to the weeks key developments relating to climate change.

Carbon Briefs weekly DeBriefed email newsletter. Subscribe for free here.

This week

Money talks in Paris

CLIMATE FINANCE: Dozens of world leaders met in Paris this week to discuss climate finance, green growth, the debt crisis and how to tap private sector sources of investment, BBC News reported. The overall ambition of the meeting was to give poorer countries access to hundreds of billions of dollars to tackle climate change, according to BBC News. The two-day summit was co-chaired by prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, and French president, Emmanuel Macron. 

FUNDS FOR 1.5C: Ahead of the summit, the climate change ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand in the Guardian called for an international financial system that can help the world stay as close as possible to 1.5C of warming. In a comment piece in Reuters, Dr Rachel Kyte, a climate policy expert, predicted that a challenge for the summit would be how to bolster investment in emerging markets and developing economies in a way that does not incur debt. Those gathering in Paris this week agree that the current system is no longer fit for purpose, Kyte wrote.

DEBT PAYMENT PAUSE: The summits first day saw the World Bank unveil several new measures to help countries affected by extreme weather, including a pause in debt repayments to the lender, Reuters reported. On the second day, the summits final statement, seen by Reuters, announced that multilateral development banks are expected to unlock $200bn in extra firepower for emerging economies by running their balan...

22:00

Future-Proof Inheritance: Why Bitcoin Holds The Keys To My Will "IndyWatch Feed National"

This is an opinion editorial by Konstantin Rabin, a finance and technology writer.

Death is not something that many people like talking about all too much, but it is crucial to sit and have a good think about what will happen to all of your earthly belongings when the inevitable eventually happens.

Despite its importance, a 2021 study found that less than half of all adults in the U.S. have a will set up at all. While many are too scared of thinking about it, a large number of people simply feel that they lack the know-how for setting one up or want to wait until they have children before they feel the need to sort out their afterlives.

Over the last year or so, I decided to have this will discussion with myself, and after much thinking and many hours of research, the answer for the best method of inheritance to establish in my own will seemed obvious: Bitcoin.

As things stand in the world today, you are bound to end up with issues if you dont set up a will. Lets say that you kick the bucket tomorrow without an inheritance plan drawn up. The first thing that might happen is that all of your assets could be frozen until the courts take their sweet time digging through every detail of your estate. This alone can take from several months to several years, depending on where you live and the assets that are in your name. If you were married and died intestate (without a will), your spouse might end up having to find an executor, which often costs a lot of money, and then comes the months of paperwork and infighting with long-lost relatives who might suddenly start showing up at your doorstep. Along with all of this drama could come the taxman, ready to act as the grim reaper of the assets you leave behind, often taking huge percentages of your life savings.

With all this in mind, setting up your will with BTC can solve many problems for those who you leave behind in the land of the living. I will be going through some of my thoughts on this and explaining exactly why I have decided to set up my will with Bitcoin.

Advantages Of Bitcoin Over Traditional Assets

To me, it all came down to two aspects, with the first being accessibility. With physical assets, you end up having to do more than just paperwork when passing on your property after death. Whether it is gold bars, a cellar of investment-grade whisky or expensive paintings, there is a certain level of expertise needed to move these items from one place to the next and then to look after them properly.

Bitcoin solves this for me. Here you have an asset that doesnt need anything other than a 256-bit long combination to be accessed globally, without your next of kin having to wait months to gai...

20:14

Statement on sanctions from Russia's Embassy in the UK "IndyWatch Feed National"

We took note of a series of legislative novelties on #sanctions made up by London. Namely, that from now on the aims of #UKs illegal actions, which run counter to the fundamental international legal norms, will also include inducing our country to pay some sort of compensation to the #Kievregime....

20:05

Did you know Victoria's on the path to decolonisation? That's nice dear. "IndyWatch Feed National"

This time last year, the Treaty Authority Bill passed parliament. In doing so, it put Victoria on the path to decolonisation. pic.twitter.com/GnRuBld3xA First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria (@firstpeoplesvic) June 22, 2023

19:00

THAT AI GENERATED LUTHERAN CHURCH SERVICE IN GERMANY "IndyWatch Feed National"

User Answers

On very rare occasions I like to do a blog where I say very little about a topic, and rather, ask the readers of

The post THAT AI GENERATED LUTHERAN CHURCH SERVICE IN GERMANY appeared first on The Giza Death Star.

15:33

Landmines and Earthworms "IndyWatch Feed National"

Ayas hair is sopping wet and its long enough that the ends make swirling patterns against my exposed collarbones and tickle my skin from where she is leaning over my shoulder. She refuses to put it into a ponytail or a bun. I even offered to twist together one or two thick braids on the train ride over. She says wet hair down is a sexier look. Which is fine for the beach but I dont know what there is to be sexy for in the shoddy computer lab of Snapton Public Library.

The post Landmines and Earthworms appeared first on Overland literary journal.

15:00

Broken Promises: A profound slowdown in Renewable Investment in Australia "IndyWatch Feed National"

Power prices are rising, despite recent political promises they wouldn't, and renewable investment has stalled, despite frantic government efforts to attract new capital.

The post Broken Promises: A profound slowdown in Renewable Investment in Australia first appeared on Watts Up With That?.

14:52

ABC Radio National Drive interview on The Palestine Laboratory "IndyWatch Feed National"

My interview on Australias Radio Nationals Drive program talking about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory, where we discuss my familys Jewish trajectory, Israels testing of weapons in Palestine and the threat that this poses to the world.

The post ABC Radio National Drive interview on The Palestine Laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.

14:00

Steps to Help You Choose Your Dream Wedding Dress "IndyWatch Feed National"

Your wedding day is one of the most magical moments youll ever experience, and finding your dream wedding dress is an essential part of making it perfect. With so many options available, the process can seem overwhelming at first. But fear not!

In this article, well guide you through 7 steps to help you select your dream wedding dress, ensuring you feel confident, beautiful and radiant on your special day. Lets dive in.

Start Early

Trust us, theres no such thing as being too prepared. We recommend allowing yourself around 10 months before your wedding date to find your dress. This gives you time to visit all the wedding dress shops youre interested in and explore all your options without having to rush to make that all-important final decision.

Before booking any appointments, start your search online or with bridal magazines. This can be a great source of inspiration to narrow down what youre looking for, and help you keep up to date on all the latest styles and trends that are released every season.

Consider the Time and Place of Your Wedding

Knowing what the time and place of your wedding will be can go a long way in helping to streamline your search and avoid wasting your time. If youre planning a wedding (destination wedding) on the beach, then you can probably rule out a dramatic ball gown with a flowing train and detailed embellishments. If youre getting married in a church, youll probably want to avoid anything too casual or non-traditional.

When it comes to the weather, the majority of fabrics are suitable year-round, especially if the majority of your wedding will be taking place indoors. However, fabrics like linen and organdy are more suited to warmer weather and white velvet and brocade and more suited to the wintertime.

Set a Budget

Wedding dresses come in a wide variety of prices, so its important that you establish a budget before you begin your search. Be realistic and dont forget to consider all the other expenses in your wedding budget, as well as all the extra costs that can come on top of the initial price of your wedding dress including alterations, accessories, undergarments and hair and makeup.

By setting a clearly defined budget from the get-go, youll narrow down your options quickly and help yourself make a choice that aligns with your financial plan.

Bring Backup

When selecting who to invite wedding dress shopping with you, pick carefully. Try to bring people whose opinions you value the most and will give you h...

13:27

Israels boost to the border surveillance industrial complex "IndyWatch Feed National"

Coda Story is a news organisation that investigates surveillance tech and disinformation.

Its Istanbul-based reporter, Frankie Vetch, interviewed me about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory, with a particular focus on Israels work around the militarisation of global borders.

Heres an extract:

How has Israels tech industry changed borders across the world?

Maybe the most prominent example, although not particularly well known, is the Israeli surveillance towers on the U.S.-Mexico border. They were installed a number of years ago, and it doesnt make much of a difference whether its a Democrat or a Republican in the White House. In fact, Biden is accelerating this technological border, so to speak, and the company that America has used is Elbit, which is Israels biggest defense company. They have done a lot of work in the West Bank and across the Israel-Gaza border. And the reason the U.S. used Elbit as a contractor was because they liked what Elbit was doing in Palestine. I mean, the company promotes itself as being successful in Palestine.

Read the whole interview: Israel uses Palestine as a petri dish to test spyware Coda Story

The post Israels boost to the border surveillance industrial complex appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.

13:06

An Act of Parliament "IndyWatch Feed National"

Weve lied about Climate for years, Health for decades and Inflation forever, now its time to lie about changing the constitution

Act (noun)

  • a thing done; a deed, a criminal act
  • a pretence. she was putting on an act and laughing a lot

J.G. Olsen / Financial Expositor

The top priority of the first term of this new ALP Federal Government is to change the Constitution.

Everything else is window dressing. Why do we need a new constitution? Heres a useful...

12:59

Tweed Council approves a 6.35 per cent special rate rise "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Tweed residents will have a rate rise of 6.35 per cent, which includes a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 2.35 per cent. The SRV was approved by Tweed Shire Councillors at last nights meeting. 

The SRV of 2.35 per cent was approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) an independent body that determines the level of rates able to be collected by councils across NSW on 13 June. With the standard 4 per cent pegged rate rise already approved for the Tweed by IPART it raises the overall rate increase to 6.35 per cent.

The only way Council can increase the money it collects above the approved rate-pegged amount set by IPART is by applying for a Special Rate Variation, which Tweed has not done for 10 years, says Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry.

The vote was taken as part of the adoption of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework 2022-2026 Delivery Program and the 2023-2024 Operational Plan which will see the minimum residential rate, combined with annual charges of water, sewerage and waste, rise by an average of $104.25 for the year.

Keeping options open

Originally the councillors had approved the application for an SRV but said they would look at councils expenditure looking at ways to reduce their costs instead of seeking the SRV. The areas identified for cost reduction were: reducing the councils aquatic facilities hours, reduction in rangers, and the closure of the Kingscliff Library among others. 

The council had a shortfall of approximately $1.6M in funding after the application of the standard peg rate increase. 

The extra costs Council needed to fund includeed:

  • compliance officers previously funded by environmental enforcement levies recently removed by the NSW Government
  • upgrading core IT business systems to make it easier and safer to do business with Council 
  • additional cyber security 
  • increased insurance premiums.

The community consultation at the facilitated sessions 70 per cent of the people supported a special rate variation. In the on...

12:57

The Vikings are coming! "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Lismores Vikings the Rognvalds Lith.

The local Vikings will celebrate the winter solstice on the weekend with a bit of a bloodless battle in town in conjunction with the Lismore Lantern Parade.

Formed in 2003, Rognvalds Lith aka The Lith, has grown rapidly from a handful of dedicated members to a stronghold of over 50, establishing The Lith as the largest Medieval re-enactment group in the Northern Rivers.

The Lith regulary holds events, fairs, various public shows, presents School Shows and has even performed at weddings Lith activities include battle re-enactments and for the less belligerent folk in the group, there is weaving, storytelling, basket making, leatherwork, displays and other non-war crying activities.

The Lith also partakes in inter-group activities, where members of the public are barred at the door a chance for The Lith to meet and socialise with other groups and test their fighting skills and share techniques (without the enemy spying).

The original Rognvald Ingvarson was a Swede who served in the Varangian Guard. The local clubs banner and logo is taken from a mid 11th century runic inscription from Ed, Uppsala.

The runes inscribed read Rognvald had these runes carved In Grikland he was the Leader of a Lith.

Who knew?

Anyone interested can join in the fun on Saturday and Sunday at Jolley Field in Lismore from 10am for more information visit the Rognvalds Lith website.

The post...

12:23

Its official Byron has the highest rate of rough sleepers "IndyWatch Feed National"

A recent count of rough sleepers in NSW recorded 1,623 people compared to 1,207 people last year, with 300* of those people in the Byron Shire.

The count showed that regional areas are particularly affected with not only Byron Bay, but the Clarence Valley, Eurobodalla, and Coffs Harbour joining City of Sydney in the five areas with the highest increase.

Homelessness NSW CEO Trina Jones said in the coldest recorded June in 13 years people are bedding down on streets, in tents and park benches because they dont have a safe place to call home. This should not be happening in one of the wealthiest places on Earth.

The rising cost of living and a dire shortage of affordable rental homes is fuelling a homelessness crisis across NSW.

Frontline services overwhelmed

Frontline services are so overwhelmed they can only help half the people who present to them and must make heartbreaking decisions about who to turn away.

For the local count Byron Shire Council worked alongside the NSW Department of Communities and Justice to carry out the street count in the early hours of 23 and 24 February 2023.

The Byron Shire recorded the highest number of people sleeping rough in the state, ahead of City of Sydney which recorded 277 rough sleepers.

Heartbreaking but no surprise

Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said this is heartbreaking but not really a surprise given the housing emergency of the last few years, exacerbated by Covid and the floods. We have an urgent and immediate need for assertive outreach services and supportive housing options in the Byron Shire.

We are hopeful that the NSW State Government can find money and resources to address the challenges facing some of the most vulnerable members in our community.

We cannot solve homelessness without more housing, its that simple.

Homelessness NSW today said that the government must lift funding for homelessness services and build more social housing after the annual street count found a 34 per cent rise in rough sleeping.

Trina Jones said Homelessness NSW acknowledges the governments commitment to drive homelessness numbers down and urge it to invest in the programs that work in the September budget.

An end to street sleeping

We can end street sleeping but we need to invest in what works. The Together Home Program supported over 1,000 people off the streets into safe homes. Its funded for those currently in the program until next year but doesnt have the resources to accept new people into the program.

We are calling on the NSW Government to embed this program in an ongoing way to support people to access a safe home with support to keep it.

The government....

12:06

The Shot takes aim at Israeli mass surveillance "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Shot is a satirical outlet with bite.

Its weekly podcast interviewed me this week, with hosts Jo Dyer and Grace Tame, on my new book, The Palestine Laboratory, and we discussed personal politics, challenging establishment power, mass surveillance and other (not always funny) subjects:

 

The post The Shot takes aim at Israeli mass surveillance appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.

11:58

2SER Radio on The Palestine Laboratory "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Fourth Estate is a weekly media show on community radio 2SER (based in Sydney but broadcast around Australia).

Its host, veteran journalist Monica Attard, interviewed me about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory, and tackled the personal, my evolution on Israel/Palestine, boycotts and mass surveillance:

The post 2SER Radio on The Palestine Laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.

11:47

UNSUSTAINABLE WOOD FROM NSW PUBLIC HARDWOOD FORESTS "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE ...

11:19

No C Zone for land near Burns Point Ferry Road "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Burns Point Ferry Road, West Ballina, with wetland area suggested for conservation zoning on right. Photo David Lowe.

Yesterday Ballina Shire Council decided not to apply a Conservation Zone to the contentious flood-prone land adjoining Burns Point Ferry Road, in West Ballina, which GemLife is seeking to develop for housing.

The meeting opened with depositions from Darren McKenzie, development manager for GemLife, and local resident Dr Marilyn Chaseling.

Mr McKenzie said GemLife wanted to see the endangered ecological communities on the site protected but also wanted to deliver much needed housing in Ballina. He said that the developer had redesigned the project since its rejection by the Land and Environment Court, and argued that introducing Conservation Zones would set a concerning precedent for other Ballina landholders.

...

10:16

Annual nature poetry competition is off and running for 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Picture: Katerina Holmes on Pexels.com

THE annual nature competition, Poem Forest has already seen 677 submissions and the same number of seedlings planted to provide tree canopy cover.

The national prize, created by Red Room Poetry and delivered in partnership with Wollongong City Council, invites students and teachers across Australia to submit nature-themed poems and see them come to life with a tree planted for each, creating a forest of poems across the Illawarra for future generations.

One such entry is from Olivia at Austinmer Primary School:

I went for a stroll, in a gorgeous wood.
It had little creatures. I stared, and I stood,
For this was a beautiful sight,
I stayed there and watched through the night.
The wood had some flowers, and oh, they smelt good.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said its important to involve children in sustainability initiatives like Poem Forest.

The trees these kids are planting will grow and provide shade for their future homes, businesses, and recreational areas as well as supporting our native wildlife, he said.

Its time for local young people and teachers to grab a pen and get writing. The learning...

10:03

Catholic priest pleads guilty to sexually abusing his 72nd victim "IndyWatch Feed National"

An Australian former Catholic priest previously convicted of child sexual abuse pleaded guilty this Thursday to sexually abusing a 72nd victim, the Associated Press reported. Gerald Ridsdale, 89, is currently serving a 39-year sentence for abusing children between 1961 and 1988 while he worked as a Roman Catholic priest in Victoria. He began serving his []

10:00

Will DARPA Make a Travel Adapter for Human Body? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Another day, another bit of great news, folks. Everyones favorite agency, DARPA, is promising to develop a "travel adapter" for the human body. The travel adapter, intended for "warfighters," is supposed to play a magical trick on biology and program the soldiers sleep cycles at will, as well as disinfect food and water in the soldiers belly in real time. The miracle is going to be a transient and non-genetic "implantable or ingestible bioelectronic carrier."

Certainly, nothing can go wrong, and the proof is this very professionally done image on their website that shows us how one can "program" physiology by adjusting a slider in an app. This image alone is a masterpiece of seduction, selling the appealing-but-totally-fictional concept of getting "something for nothing," as if pulling it out of a magicians hat.

adapter

Betraying the Soldiers

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of DARPAs ADAPTER program yes, the name of the program is acronym but they also call the device an "adapter," DARPA word weavers are crafty like that! I want to express my indignation at the entire vampire-like model of sacrificing human beings to senseless wars.

These wars are fought primarily to make a small crew of shameless people obscenely rich, and the biggest "beneficiaries" of the cruelty dont fight in those wars themselves, just organize the dark business of shedding other peoples blood.

Such betrayal! A lot of people on the ground join the military for noble reasons. Yes, some join out of desperation, to lift themselves out of poverty but many join for very sacred reasons, out of courage, to protect their own.

And then those brave young people get dragged into treacherous carnage, maimed in body and spirit, and sometimes experimented on (here is one pre-2020 example of the U.S. military experimenting on its soldiers, here is another, and we know what happened with COVID "vaccines").

Bioweapon Experimentation on Soldiers

Here is a phenomenally frank 2015 paper titled, "Science wars How much risk should soldiers be exposed to in military experimentation?"

The paper argues that because the warfare is shifting toward the use of bioweapons, it is appropriate to experiment on soldiers as they have already agreed to risk their lives for the benefit of the state:

"With the threat of biological war becoming a more and more dis...

09:42

Police appeal for information on man wanted on outstanding arrest warrant "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Inset: Brendan Puckeridge

POLICE are appealing for information from the community to locate a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for breaching his reporting obligations.

Brendan Puckeridge, aged 27, is wanted by virtue of outstanding warrants relating to a revocation of parole offence and for failing to comply with his reporting obligations.

Wollongong police have conducted numerous inquiries into his whereabouts but have been unable to locate him.

Puckeridge is known to frequent the Wollongong, Balgownie and North Wollongong areas as well as surrounding suburbs. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with brown eyes, brown hair and is unshaven.

Anyone who may have seen Puckeridge or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact police.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or the Crime Stoppers website. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to re...

09:07

Like the Hydra: Strategic incapacitation fails to decapitate the climate movement "IndyWatch Feed National"

Zelda Grimshaw is a lifelong campaigner for peace, earth and human rights and a UN observer of the ballot for independence in East Timor in 1999, covers the recent actions by blockade Australia and the rise of the use of the law to attack basic rights in Australia (Pearls and Irritations 22 June 2023).

On 19 June 2022, NSW Police Forces Strike Force Guard launched their infamous strategic incapacitation operation targeting Blockade Australia. The Colo Raids saw over a hundred police with dogs, motorbikes, trucks, cranes, and helicopters swoop down on a rural property where the climate group had gathered.

Forty-three activists were arrested that day and over the following fortnight in connection with Blockade Australias Week of Climate Resistance in Sydney.

One year later to the day Blockade Australia burst back onto the scene of Australian climate activism with three simultaneous actions at major ports on the east coast. Like the hydra, we are back threefold. You cannot decapitate the climate movement they stated in a press conference as they announced their return.

Photo from Blockade Australia

Melbourne, Brisbane, and Newcastle ports were blockaded on Monday 19 June by activists suspended on monopoles, bipods and tripods across roads and rail bridges to the export facilities.

On Tuesday 20 June, Blockade Australia struck again, with simultaneous closures of the Melbourne and Brisbane ports. A single activist on a climbable structure has proven to be the favoured method of the radical group, and the tactic has successfully caused chaos at the economic pinch points the group targets.

This is in line with the stated aim of Blockade Australia: to build a political movement that can physically resist Australias planet destroying operations with disruptive and targeted action that shuts down the everyday functioning of this machine.

Blockade Australias return, in larger numbers and across three locations, evidences a rare determination. The repression experienced in June 2022 and subsequently would give pause to many. Strategic incapacitation is a policing technique that aims to smash the organising ability of a group of people, such that the group can no longer function.

To this end, Strike Force Guard laid serious charges, such as conspiracy, affray, assault and...

08:37

Face up and adjust to the ecological crisis "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Founder of Plan C, Dr Jean Renouf says we need to face Up to the ecological crisis. Photo Tree Faerie.

An organisation committed to empowering local young people with the skills and knowledge to face climate events, like the 2022 flood, say they know how to provide support. 

Founder of Plan C, (formerly Resilient Byron), has a vision where communities are prepared for adversity.

Dr Jean Renouf says, Part of this work is training community leaders in disaster preparedness. 

Just as important though is confronting the personal and social experiences. 

Its a holistic approach to preparedness, which includes healing from the trauma weve already experienced as a result of climate events.

Clive Hamilton event June 28

Supporting that preparation is Facing Up, a series of trauma-informed conversations that focus on the social, economic, cultural, political, emotional and spiritual consequences of the ecological crisis. 

...

08:32

Who would've thought? Grog bans work. "IndyWatch Feed National"

But we're expected to believe A Voice will fix their problem with grog.

08:22

Captain Brian Charles Houston of Hillsong "IndyWatch Feed National"

Brian Houston likened himself to the great explorer Captain James Cook in his book Live Love Lead (2015).

In Live Love Lead Brian Houston likened himself to great pioneers, adventurers and explorers like Captain James Cook who discovered, charted and mapped Australia and New Zealand.

08:03

D-Day for fire ants a global super pest "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Red Imported Fire Ant.

A group known as the The Invasive Species Council say that fire ants are a global super pest and they are migrating beyond the southern Queensland outbreak and threaten life as we know it across Australia.

An alliance of environment, agriculture, industry and land management groups, The Invasive Species Council are calling for urgent action on Australias fire ant outbreak and say the insects are heading toward D-Day, when on 13 July, Australias agriculture ministers will be meeting face-to-face for the first time since the COVID pandemic. 

Fire ants will be on the agenda.

One of the biggest environmental threats

Invasive Species Council fire ant campaigner, Reece Pianta, says fire ants are one of the biggest environmental threats facing Australia. The prospect of Australian governments giving up on fire ant eradication is truly terrifying.

Mr Pianta says fire ant invasion across Australia will be worse than the cane toad. They can kill people and wildlife and cause billions of dollars in lost agricultural production every year.

It doesnt matter if you are in Perth or Penrith, the whole of Australia will be invaded if fire ants are not eradicated.

They will undermine everything, making our sporting fields, schools, beaches and backyard barbecues unsafe. They will also threaten our food security by destroying crops and livestock.

Fire ants closing businesses, parks, schools, and sports grounds

Fire ants are already closing businesses, parks, schools, and sports grounds in southern Queensland. They will cause billions o...

06:54

In Indonesias Aru Islands, a popular eco-defender climbs the political ladder "IndyWatch Feed National"

ARU ISLANDS, Indonesia More than 10 years have passed since a young official in Indonesias eastern Aru Islands saved his archipelago from becoming a monoculture plantation. Today, Mika Ganobal is drawing on his campaigning background as he governs part of the remote island chain he helped preserve a decade ago. Right now Mika is the top person to be able to eliminate illegal logging, said Alo Tabela, head of the Aru Islands trade and industry office. The Aru archipelago comprises almost 100 small islands in the east of Indonesia. The island chain, around the size of Puerto Rico, was part of the Australian landmass until separation occurred 8,000 years ago owing to rising sea levels. Today, the islands are home to around 100,000 people, more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of Australias Northern Territory. Mika was in his mid-30s in 2013 when prospectors from a shadowy company called the Menara Group (menara means tower in Indonesian) arrived with the intention of razing the Aru Islands for a massive sugarcane plantation. In the late 2000s, the district leader of the Aru Islands, a retired army colonel named Theddy Tengko, signed over most of its land area to be converted to a sugar plantation. Prior to Theddy authorizing the vast plantation, prosecutors had charged him with corruption, alleging embezzlement of almost $5 million from the islands annual budget. Theddy was convicted on those charges in 2012, although his legal team managed to keep him out of prison until he wasThis article was originally published on Mongabay

06:40

Domain forecasts new highs in these cities "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Price forecasts

Domain reported its house and unit prices forecasts for the coming 2024 financial year.

Sydney is expected to lead the market higher over the next 12 months, with a shortage of stock being a key driver of the market momentum.

Here's the summary:


Source: Domain

And here are the numbers:


Source: Domain

The full Domain report is here.

03:00

Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics at the Crossroads: Mary Boyle Interviews Jay Joseph "IndyWatch Feed National"

In 2004 I was interviewed by Craig Newnes for The Psychologist, a journal published by the British Psychological Society. The occasion was the publication of my first book, The Gene Illusion: Genetic Research in Psychiatry and Psychology Under the Microscope. Upon publishing my fourth book, Schizophrenia and Genetics: The End of An Illusion (2023), psychologist/author Mary Boyle invited me for a new interview to discuss the book and the changes that have occurred in behavioral science genetic research since 2004. Marys questions, and my answers, are found below. Jay Joseph

Illustration of DNA structure. At the top left it is dissolving into dots.

Mary Boyle: Jay, you were interviewed in 2004 about your book The Gene Illusion. It was a detailed critique of genetic research on schizophrenia, IQ and criminality and you concluded that there was little if any scientifically valid evidence in support of genetic influences on human behavioral differences. Your latest book, Schizophrenia and Genetics: The End of An Illusion has just been published. It, and your many other publications, show that a lot has happened in psychiatric and behavioral genetics research over the last 20 years. Well be talking about what has and hasnt changed and whether your earlier conclusion still stands. But first, tell us how you became interested in this area and what keeps you engaged with it.

Jay Joseph: I became interested in the genetics of schizophrenia topic as a U.S. clinical psychology graduate student in the mid-1990s. The arguments fascinated me, and because I saw the genetic argument as weak, it was stunning to hear that the debate had been largely closed in favor of genetics by the 1980s. My desire to learn more about genetic research led me...

00:36

US lawmaker demands answers from SEC on docs related to Sam Bankman-Fried's arrest "IndyWatch Feed National"

The chair of a U.S. House oversight subcommittee said all of the documents the SEC had provided on Sam Bankman-Fried's charges and arrest had been publicly available at the time.

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

IndyWatch Bellingen NSW All Topics Summary Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

Thursday, 22 June

22:10

Covid Vaccine Killed Shane Warne: According to President of Australian Medical Professionals Society "IndyWatch Feed National"

READ MORE AT XYZ  Several highly credentialed doctors are connecting the death of cricket legend...

22:02

Australian Cricket Legend 52 Year-Old Shane Warne Died Suddenly From Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Heart Injuries on March 4, 2022 "IndyWatch Feed National"

All Global Research articles can be read in 51 languages by activating the Translate Website button below the authors name.

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Click the share button above to email/forward this article

The post Australian Cricket Legend 52 Year-Old Shane Warne Died Suddenly From Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Heart Injuries on March 4, 2022 appeared first on Global Research.

22:00

The Coolest Library on Earth "IndyWatch Feed National"

In a narrow aisle of shelves packed with cardboard boxes, Jrgen Peder Steffensen grins like a mischievous child unwrapping a holiday present as he pulls out a plastic-wrapped hunk of ice from a box marked Keep Frozen.

 

The bag of ice contains the transition from 1 BCE to 1 CE, he says. That means we have the real Christmas snow.

 

This piece of ice, a bit longer than his arm, doesnt visibly look different from modern ice. Yet bubbles trapped in it preserve the chemistry of the air in Greenland from more than two millennia ago. But we cant find any traces of reindeer, or magical dust, Steffensen quips.

 

In this freezer facility in Denmark, Steffensens team at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen stores some 40,000 segments of ice cores, long cylinders of ice from polar regions that preserve the history of past climate. Beyond cataloging frozen treasures, Steffensen collaborates on research that chisels out historical secrets hidden in ice, and runs logistics for an international drilling project in Greenland to retrieve even more deep-core samples.

 

Copenhagen is one of several places in the world where pieces of ice cores drilled from our planets extremities are kept safely cold. Other large research freezers are located in the United States, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, and Japan. According to Steffensen, Copenhagen has the most samples from the worlds deepest cores, amounting to 15.5 kilometers (9.6 miles) of ice. Thats about the distance from Steffensens laboratory in central Copenhagen to this unassuming yellow-tiled warehouse in an industrial park, where the ice archive has been housed since 2019. Both the lab and the freezer spaces are temporary, awaiting the completion of a massive construction project for a new university facility. The archive also keeps an additional five kilometers (3.1 miles) of ice from shorter cores drilled in Greenland, Antarctica, Iceland, Patagonia, and a glacier in a Slovakian cave. Some ice samples came from initiatives with strong Danish involvement, while others came from researchers abroad looking for a chilled home.

 

Ice cores serve as important historical records for scientists interested in how our planets climate has changed, whether in the distant past or more recently. Like tree rings, layers of snow that fell and formed these cores can be counted and correlated to years in the past. In a core drilled from a place that sees minimal melting, all those annual layers of snowfall are just in one undisturbed sequence back in time, Steffensen says. The deeper you go, the farther back in time you go.

 

...

21:21

Palestinian girl killed by Israeli sniper mourned by family who witnessed shooting "IndyWatch Feed National"

Palestinian girl killed by Israeli sniper mourned by family who witnessed shooting

Sadeel Naghniyeh, 15, died after being shot by an Israeli sniper in the Jenin refugee camp on Monday. Her nine-year old brother witnessed the shooting
Leila Warah Thu, 06/22/2023 - 12:21
Sadeel Naghniyeh in Jenin government hospital after being fatally shot (Supplied)

Sitting in the living room of her home in the Jenin refugee camp, metres away from where Israeli forces killed her 15-year-old cousin, Mallak Naghniyeh choked back tears as she tried to explain how much Sadeel Naghniyeh meant to her. 

Sadeel was like my little sister. We went everywhere together. Whenever she needed something, I was by her side. She was a beautiful, patient soul, Mallak, who is also 15, told Middle East Eye. 

Sadeel was on her way to visit Mallack, who lives next door, when an Israeli sniper shot her in the head as she stood in the driveway she shared with her uncles family.  

Like everybody else, she was filming. She sent me a video of a military jeep. That was the last message I got, Mallak said. The two Palestinian girls had been messaging throughout Mondays Israeli army raid on Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. 

I heard screaming outside, Mallak said, struggling to speak without crying. So, I called Sadeel to check in, but my mum answered and told me Sadeel had been shot in the head."

18:19

"IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au" "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Consortium News, June 21, 2023

When Vladimir Putin was recently asked about the potential use of nuclear weapons in the context of Ukraine, an understanding of back-alley Russian slang was needed to understand his response.  

.During the June 16 discussion period of the plenary session of the 2023 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Russian leader was asked about his views on the potential use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.

This use of nuclear weapons is certainly theoretically possible, Putin bluntly answered.

For Russia, this is possible if a threat is created to our territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty, the existence of the Russian state. Nuclear weapons are created in order to ensure our security in the broadest sense of the word and the existence of the Russian state.

Putins answer reflected long-standing Russian nuclear doctrine, which postulates the use of nuclear weapons in the case of an existential threat, nuclear or otherwise, to the survival of Russia.

Putin then sought to put the audience at ease. But we, firstly, do not have such a need, Putin noted, and secondly, the very factor of reasoning on this topic already lowers the possibility of lowering the threshold for the use of weapons. This is the first part.

What came next was classic Putin. The second is that we have more such weapons [i.e., tactical nuclear weapons] than the NATO countries. They know about it and all the time they persuade us to start talks on reductions.

Putin paused, before shrugging and, with a half-smile, saying Khren Im.

Putin paused, before shrugging and, with a half-smile, saying Khren Im.Khren Im is a Russian slang term derived from the word horseradish (khren), thus a literal translation of the phrase used by Putin would be horseradish them. But khren closely resembles a more salty term .. khren Im is understood to mean F*ck them.F*ck them, you know? Putin said, to the obvious mirth of the audience.

The them in the horseradish reference made by the Russian president is the United States. Two weeks prior to Putins man-in-the-street reaction, on June 2, U.S. President Joe Bidens national security advise...

14:44

Shane Warne's death precipitated by Covid mRNA vaccine say leading doctors "IndyWatch Feed National"

Leading doctors have concluded that the death of legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne was likely precipitated by the Covid mRNA vaccine that he had taken approximately nine months prior to his sudden cardiac death. His post mortem findings revealed coronary atherosclerosis. Cardiologists Dr. Aseem Malhotra and Dr. Chris Neil, who is President of the Australian Medical Professionals Society, have concluded that the Covid vaccine can cause a rapid acceleration of coronary disease especially in those that may already have undetected mild disease. Dr. Malhotra has further concerns that the Covid mRNA vaccines may be masking angina by damaging heart nerves, resulting in patients not experiencing the chest pain that typically precedes a diagnosis of severe blockages in the heart arteries, leading to detection not occurring until it's too late, with the first symptoms often presenting as a cardiac arrest.

14:01

Pentagon: $6.2 BILLION in Ukraine Aid Missing Due to Accounting Error "IndyWatch Feed National"

The nation was distracted by the 24/7 news coverage about the submarine that went missing while cruising around to see the Titanic. It seems that there is always a big news story put forth on days when undesirable information is released. We know the entire conflict in Ukraine was planned many years ago (see: The Plot to Seize Russia). We know that Biden is in bed with Ukraine bought and paid for. Now, the Pentagon is admitting that due to accounting errors they LOST $6.2 BILLION!

Did the money go to contractors? Politicians? Ukraine? The government refuses to say. Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh explained that they originally thought $3 billion went missing, but the figure they are admitting to the public is closer to $6.2 billion. We have confirmed that for FY23, the final calculation is $3.6 billion, and for FY22 it is $2.6 billion, for a combined total of $6.2 billion, Singh said. These valuation errors in no way limit or restricted the size of any of our PDAs or impacted the provision of support to Ukraine, she added as if taxpayers think that we arent doing enough for a foreign nation when America is a desperate state.

Everyone should be outraged. That is a HUGE sum of money that this indebted nation cannot afford to misplace. This entire situation reeks of corruption. If this happened under Trump, there would be a never-ending investigation from every angle. If you or I paid a penny less on our taxes, they would hunt us down with the full force of the law. That money was taken from hardworking Americans who pay their taxes. No taxation without representation is a faraway dream. WE DESERVE ANSWERS.

The post...

14:00

Is Putin Bluffing on Redlines? Ask Putin. "IndyWatch Feed National"

On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with war correspondents and military bloggers for a question and answer session at the Kremlin. One war correspondent asked Putin "a question about the notorious red lines." Addressing Putin, he said, "Clearly . . . we are at war not just with the Kiev regime, but with the so-called collective Continue reading "Is Putin Bluffing on Redlines? Ask Putin."

The post Is Putin Bluffing on Redlines? Ask Putin. appeared first on Antiwar.com Original.

12:22

From cool towns to swimmer safety and ageism theres plenty on for Tweed Council today "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Visitors to Cudgen Creek at Kingscliff are urged to exercise caution at the boat ramp this summer, which is jointly used by swimmers and boaters alike.

Cudgen Creek is being loved to death and it is putting people at risk say locals. Councillor James Owen will be bringing the issue to the attention, again, of other councillors while Cr Dr Nola Firth will be looking at the importance of cool towns and ageism. 

Cudgen Creek Kingscliff

Development of the Cudgen Creek Masterplan was approved in February 2021 but has yet to be started leaving the Kingscliff community frustrated and highlighting the risks to people using the area as well as the negative environmental impacts. The issue was brought to Councils 18 May meeting but was deferred for a councillor workshop.

At this afternoons Council meeting, Cr Owen will be moving a Notice of Motion (NoM) to prioritise the Cudgen Creek Masterplan so that community engagement and masterplan can commence in June 2023. 

He is also seeking to extend the scope for the area covered by the masterplan to include the creek and surrounding areas from Sutherland Street Bridge to the mouth of the Creek on both sides of the creek.

What works can be dropped or postponed?

Council staff have previously said that to bring the masterplan forward they would have to defer other programs due to limited...

12:03

Lismore Council to distribute 80 affordable housing grants "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Housing people is one of the most important issues in the Northern Rivers, particularly in the Lismore area, and at Tuesdays Council meeting the subject of housing grants was up for debate.

Lismore City Council has approximately $1.2 million that must be spent on affordable housing initiatives through a historic Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) grant. 

$15,000 grants

A report prepared by Councils Strategic Planning Coordinator presented an option for Council to try to stimulate the construction of additional affordable housing by distributing $15,000 grants to landowners in eligible categories. This would assist with meeting the targets set in Councils adopted Affordable and Diverse Housing Strategy and will expend the BBRC funds in accordance with the requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Social Services.

Council debated whether to endorse the expenditure of the uncommitted Building Better Regional Cities affordable housing reserve fund, outlined in the report, for landholders to use secondary dwellings, dual occupancy dwellings, a tiny home or a manufactured home, or for first home buyers who purchases vacant land to build any new home.

Grants would also be given to those in a flood affected house who want to relocate or a homeowner who has accepted a buyback offer from the NRRC.

The grants would also be viable for registered Community Housing Providers or Indigenous Community Housing Organisations who build new housing and any developer of new multi-dwelling housing, residential flat building or co-living housing who agrees to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Council to have the housing managed by a CHP for a minimum of 15 years as affordable rental housing. 

The eligibility criteria

A eligibility criteria was proposed that would require applicants to provide evidence that they are within the low to moderate income definition and to agree to a condition that the housing be used for rental accommodation for a minimum of five years, with rent capped at a maximum of 30 per cent of the tenants gross household income. 

In order, to be eligible for LCCs first home owners grant the applicants must supply evidence that they are eligible and have been accepted for either the NSW First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme or NSW First Home Owners Grant. 

For grants for relocation or buybacks an applicant must show they are part of one of those schemes and any other grants would also show use for affordable rental housing.

Policing grants funds

Councillor Adam Guise h...

11:44

Display of solidarity for Rainbow Storytime at Thirroul Library on Saturday "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Thirroul District Community Centre and Library, where supporters will show a display of solidarity for rainbow storytimes on Saturday.

SUPPORTERS will show a display of solidarity for Rainbow Storytime at Thirroul Library on Saturday.

Organisers expect over 100 to attend in support of the event, with music, colourful clothes, games, chalk drawing and hopscotch.

Local queer parent, Renata said rainbow storytime is an event where children get the perfect mix of learning, diversity and fun.

Local supporters will meet outside the library to demonstrate our support for the storytime event, our library workers and the broader Illawarra LGBTQIA+ community, Renata said.

This isnt the first time that queer allies, friends and supporters have come together to support a local rainbow storytime event. In 2019, hundreds gathered at Wo...

10:55

Writers Fest offers discounted locals pass "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Aarna Hudson Development Manager Byron Writers Festival and Chris Hanley, CEO of First National Byron and Byron Writers Festival founder. Photo Tree Faerie

Discounted locals passes are on sale from today for the Byron Writers Festival. 

The discounted ticket, supported by First National Byron, is for entry to the festival on Sunday 13 August and is priced at $90, a saving of $45 on the full ticket price. The offer is exclusively available to residents of the Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Council areas.

Sunday at the Festival has always been special for the locals. Chilled, relaxed and filled with laughter on the last day, Sunday is the perfect opportunity to experience the atmosphere and get a taste of this wonderful event. Byron Writers Festival has been built and sustained by a passionate local community, so were very proud to support the Sunday Locals tickets for residents of the Northern Rivers, said...

10:42

Old bastards produce great oucomes for kids "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

AOOBs Twin Towns Branch President Evelyn Rigney presenting a cheque to Faye Rowles and Lulu the Story Dog. Photo supplied

The Australasian Order of Old Bastards (AOOB) have been supporting Story Dogs since its foundation in 2009; the Twin Towns branch is sponsoring dogs Kaya and Lulu this year. 

The Story Dogs program encourages shy, inexperienced readers to gain confidence by being happy, uncritical listeners and have helped over 3000 children across Australia to become lifelong readers. Around 650 dogs and their handlers are funded by individual sponsorships, such as the two that the Twin Towns Old Bastards sponsor every year.

German Shepherd Kaya, with her handler Meg, helps children at Fingal Head Public School. Lulu is a pug/fox terrier cross who is in her first year as a Story Dog. With her handler Faye, she is already proving a big hit with the students at St James Catholic Primary School at Banora Point.  Faye has been the recipient of the Old Bastards sponsorship before, and is delighted that now Lulu continues the proud tradition. 

Despite the unusual name, the AOOB is a registered charity that has been active since 1968, said a spokesperson for the Old Bastards. 

While the group perhaps doesnt take itself as seriously as some others, with a greater emphasis on the fun and friendship among members than formalities, th...

10:00

Walking Backward Boosts Your Memory "IndyWatch Feed National"

Editor's Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published December 8, 2018.

Researchers from Londons University of Roehampton suggest people who walk backward perform better on memory tests than those who stand still or walk forward. If you are looking to inject new energy into your exercise routine, you might want to try walking or running backward. Beyond the physical benefits to your body, exercising backward may boost your brain power, balance and more.

Walking Backward Shown to Boost Your Memory

In a study published in the journal Cognition,1 researchers from the University of Roehampton (UR) in London have found walking backward can boost your memory. After inviting 114 volunteers to watch a video featuring a woman having her handbag stolen, participants were asked questions about what they saw. Upon completion of the video:

  • One subset of the group was asked to walk forward 30 feet (9.1 meters)
  • A second subset was told to walk the same distance backward
  • People assigned to the control group were told to stand still

Based on their responses to 20 questions about the events in the video, the group that walked backward answered, on average, 10% more of the questions correctly than the control group and those who walked forward. All five variations of the experiment, including one in which the forward or backward movement was simulated, yielded similar effects.

In each scenario, the participants walking backward consistently got the most answers right. These outcomes resulted in the team of researchers, led by Aleksandar Aksentijevic, Ph.D., senior lecturer in psychology at UR, suggesting the experiment is an indication that a link between the concepts of 'time' and 'space' are essential to the way our minds form memories.2

It's a partial vindication of this idea that time is really expressed via space, Aksentijevic told the Daily Mail.3 That said, he suggests more studies are needed to unravel the mysteries of why motion, real or imagined, has the potential to improve our memory.

'I am sure that some of this work could be useful in helping people remember things, but how [that will be possible] is a question [needing] more research, he noted.4

Walking Backward Shown to Improve Cognitive Control, Balance

A 2009 b...

09:57

Meet the cover-up NSW Police public servant spin-doctor who censored the word Taser "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

This is Liz Deegan, the $360k a year Executive Director of NSW Police Public Affairs. Shes not a police officer nor is she experienced in law enforcement - but she does believe she has a right to mislead the public. Deegan was the one who authorised the

09:55

Old Byron hospital refurb moves ahead, at a cost "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

The old Byron Hospital. Photo Tree Faerie.

The plan to turn the old Byron District Hospital site into a community hub is set to take a significant step forward this week, with councillors to debate and vote on the multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the site on Thursday.

Four years after NSW Health sold the dilapidated site to Byron Council for $1, the plan is to turn the site into a multipurpose hub, featuring education, community and commercial precincts.

But the projects budget has blown out by an additional $650,000, forcing Council to once again draw on its reserves, which will worsen its already shaky financial position.

This week councillors will vote on a recommendation by staff to accept a tender from Blaze Projects to undertake the refurbishment of the site at a cost of $6,531,578.

$650K over budget

While the Blaze proposal was the cheapest of the five tenders received by Council, the report in this weeks Council agenda reveals tha...

08:31

McDonalds customer horrified to find raw meat in his hamburger "IndyWatch Feed National"

An Australian McDonalds customer said they found uncooked meat in their hamburger, prompting them to warn others to check their patties before biting into their burgers, The New York Post reported. Check your burgers before you eat if youre buying from Woodbine Maccas [McDonalds] tonight, the man wrote in a post to Facebook Monday evening. []

08:15

Giving hope through native restoration "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

The Regeneration has a strong focus on kids. Photo supplied.

Content Warning: this column was written without the assistance of ChatGPT. It includes strong environmental themes, over-used metaphors, and a large dose of shameless positivity. 

Many readers will already know the joy of planting trees to help regenerate the regions lost forests. Few will know that more and more local school students are being offered a chance to connect directly with this most positive of narratives. 

...

07:47

Reconstruction Corp needs to be held accountable "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Is the NRRC doing enough to help those who lost everything over 16 months ago? Photo Simon Haslam

In the wake of maps released last week by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC), which illustrate a priority list where homes are likely to be bought, raised or retrofitted, flood-affected residents contacted The Echo to express their disappointment and personal experiences dealing with the government-run corporation.

All expressed that they have no confidence in the NRRC, which is led by CEO and career bureaucrat, David Witherdin. 

Accountability measures are unclear and appear non-existent with the NRRC, given its corporate status excludes them from parliamentary scrutiny. 

Echo requests for information from the NRRC are not forthcoming, and there is yet to be a reply to questions put to the MP responsible, NSW Labor Planning Minister, Paul Scully. 

Echo questions also remain unanswered by the NSW Department of Regional NSW, who are the other body responsible for the NRRC. 

...

07:32

The impact of humor therapy on people suffering from depression or anxiety. "IndyWatch Feed National"

PMID:  Brain Behav. 2023 Jun 21:e3108. Epub 2023 Jun 21. PMID: 37340873 Abstract Title:  The impact of humor therapy on people suffering from depression or anxiety: An integrative literature review. Abstract:  OBJECTIVES: To identify and synthesize existing research on the effectiveness and feasibility of multiform humor therapy on people suffering from depression or anxiety, with the hope of benefiting future research.METHODS: An integrative literature review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed studies was performed. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched up to March 2022. Two independent reviewers conducted each stage of the review process, by assessing eligibility using preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and quality appraisal using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and data extraction.RESULTS: In this integrative review, 29 papers were included, containing 2964 participants across a diverse range of studies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The articles were from the United States, Australia, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Iran, Israel, China, and Germany. The findings indicated that most of the subjects thought humor therapy was effective in improving depression and anxiety while a few participants considered the effect insignificant. However, more high-quality studies will be needed to confirm these conclusions.DISCUSSION: This review collated and summarized findings from studies examining the impact of humor therapy (medical clowns, laughter therapy/yoga) on people with depression or anxiety, including children undergoing surgery or anesthesia, older people in nursing homes, patients with Parkinson's disease, cancer, mental illness, and undergoing dialysis, retired women, and college students. The results from this review may help inform future research, policy, and practice in humor therapy to improve people's symptoms of depression and anxiety.IMPACT: This systematic review objectively evaluated the effect of humor therapy on depression and anxiety. As a simple and feasible complementary alternative therapy, humor therapy may provide a favorable alternative for clinicians, nurses, and patients in the future.

read more

07:32

Byron Council staff put squeeze on buskers with new policy "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

The Codgers playing outside IGA supermarket in Mullumbimby were a well loved busking group whose music the community enjoyed. Photo supplied.

A draft busking policy is up for debate at this weeks Byron Council meeting, with staff recommending in the agenda that the policy should require street performers to prove they have a $20M public liability insurance policy.

Dylan Johnstone, Development Investigations Lead, also recommends that councillors support the Requirement for buskers to submit a passport-sized identification photograph when making application for a permit, and to display the photograph while busking, so that authorised officers are able to identify that the person busking is the holder of a permit. 

His long list of recommendations to the policy also includes regulating busking to specified hours and at designated sites, and clear conditions that busking must not be repetitive in nature and must not result in offensive noise. 

A requirement for a busking group to be limited to a maximum of four performers is also recommended by Johnstone. 

The policy will be tabled by councillors before a vote. If adopted, it will go before the public for exhibition.

The post Byron Council staff put squeeze on buskers with new policy appeared first on The Echo.

07:01

Market Talk June 21, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"

ASIA:

 

The major Asian stock markets had a mixed day today:

  • NIKKEI 225 increased 186.23 points or 0.56% to 33,575.14
  • Shanghai decreased 42.46 points or -1.31% to 3,197.90
  • Hang Seng decreased 388.73 points or 1.98% to 19,218.35
  • ASX 200 decreased 42.90 points or -0.58% to 7,314.90
  • Kospi decreased 22.28 points or -0.86% to 2,582.63
  • SENSEX increased 195.45 points or 0.31% to 63,523.15
  • Nifty50 increased 40.15 points or 0.21% to 18,856.85

 

 

The major Asian currency markets had a mixed day today:

  • AUDUSD increased 0.00101 or 0.15% to 0.67931
  • NZDUSD increased 0.00347 or 0.56% to 0.62017
  • USDJPY increased 0.459 or 0.32% to 141.899
  • USDCNY decreased 0.00374 or -0.05% to 7.17756

 

Precious Metals:

  • Gold decreased 2.09 USD/t oz. or -0.11% to 1,933.82
  • Silver decreased 0.409 USD/t. oz or -1.76% to 22.777

 

Some economic news from last night:

Australia:

MI Leading Index (MoM) (May) remain the same at 0.0%

 

No economic news from today:

 

 

EUROPE/EMEA:

 

The major Europe stock markets had a negative day today:

  • CAC 40 decreased 33.20 points or -0.46% to 7,260.97
  • FTSE 100 decreased 10.13 points or -0.13% to 7,559.18
  • DAX 30 decreased 88.19 points or -0.55% to 16,023.13

 

The major Europe currency markets had a mixed day today:

  • EURUSD increased 0.00587 or 0.54% to 1.09747
  • GBPUSD increased 0.00025 or 0.02% to 1.27635
  • USDCHF decreased 0.00426 or -0.47% to 0.89364

 

Some economic news from Europe today:

UK:

CPI (YoY) (May) remain the same at 8.7%

CPI (MoM) (May) decreased from 1.2% to 0.7%

PPI Input (MoM) (May) decreased from 0.1% to -1.5%

CBI Industrial Trends Orders (Jun) increased from -17 to -15

 

US/AMERICAS:

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has affirmed that more interest rate increases are likely ahead as inflation is well above where it should be, and the process of getting inflation back down to 2% has a long way...

07:00

Grattan Institute: Australia Should Shut Down Domestic Gas to Hit Net Zero "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Grattan Institute has recommended the Aussie Government help transition households to electric, and ban new gas connections.

The post Grattan Institute: Australia Should Shut Down Domestic Gas to Hit Net Zero first appeared on Watts Up With That?.

06:45

RotaUnits changing lives in the Northern Rivers "IndyWatch Feed Northcoast"

Rapid Response RotaUnit installed behind a house in Lismore. Photo David Lowe.

The Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond have installed twelve portable units for flood affected people across the Northern Rivers, with another twelve about to be built.

Rotarys Col Lee spoke to The Echo in Ballina and Lismore about this ambitious project. He explained that the idea of temporary homes grew out of Rotarys other flood recovery work across the region, all supported by community fundraising, starting with emergency coupon and food distribution to those in need, followed by major entertainment events at Wardell, Ballina and Woodburn.

...

06:40

Will former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian face criminal charges for her perjury? NSW ICAC to deliver corruption report on 29-6-23 "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and others such as former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro could be looking down the barrel of criminal charges next week as the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption []

06:00

Human Rights Law Centre intervenes in landmark whistleblower protections appeal "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

The Human Rights Law Centre has been granted leave to participate as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in a landmark appeal as part of the ongoing unjust prosecution of whistleblower Richard Boyle.

Boyle, who is being prosecuted after blowing the whistle on unethical debt recovery practices at the Australian Taxation Office, had sought immunity under the federal public sector whistleblowing law, the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

In March, Judge Kudelka of the District Court of South Australia ruled that Boyle was not immune from prosecution.

The judgment was the first consideration of the scope of the protections for Australian whistleblowers. Boyle has been charged in relation to allegedly unlawfully gathering documents and recording conversations as part of his whistleblowing which took place first internally, then to the tax ombudsman and then, as a last resort, to the ABC, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Judge Kudelka ruled that the key protection in the PID Act only applies to the act of blowing the whistle, not related preparatory steps.

Ahead of his trial in October, Boyle appealed to the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of South Australia. At a callover last Friday, Justice Doyle granted leave to the Human Rights Law Centre to make submissions and set the appeal down for 9 August.

Kieran Pender, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, said:
Richard Boyles appeal will determine the strength of protections for all Australian whistleblowers, given similar provisions exist in almost all Australian whistleblower protection laws. It is a vitally important test case with significant implications for truth and transparency in this country.

Boyle faces the spectre of jail for blowing the whistle on government wrongdoing whistleblowing that has been vindicated by several independent inquiries.

By exposing human rights abuses, government wrongdoing and corporate misdeeds, whistleblowers make Australia a better place. The Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC should fix the law and establish a whistleblower protection authority, to ensure that whistleblowers are protected, not punished. 

The Human Rights Law Centre has briefed Perry Herzfeld SC, Michelle Hamlyn and Hannah Ryan. National law firm Johnson Winter Slattery is acting for the Centre in the proceedings, led by partners Eve Thomson and Christopher Beames, senior associate Jade Tyrrell and associate Claudia Boccaccio.

Media contact:
Thomas Feng
Human Rights Law Centre
Media and Communications Manager
0431 285 275
thomas.feng@hrlc.org.au

04:23

North Korea slams Blinkens recent China visit as begging trip "IndyWatch Feed National"

Press TV June 21, 2023

North Korea has ridiculed US Secretary of State Antony Blinkens recent visit to China as a disgraceful begging trip, further slamming it as a failure of policy aimed at exerting pressure on Beijing.

The rare visit was aimed at begging for the relaxation of tensions as the attempt to press and restrain China may become a boomerang striking a fatal blow to the US economy, said North Korean international affairs analyst Jong Yong in a column published by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Wednesday.

In a word, the US state secretarys recent junket can never be judged otherwise than a disgraceful begging trip of the provoker admitting the failure of the policy of putting pressure on China, he then added.

The analyst further blamed Washington for escalating regional tensions with anti-China complexes such as the so-called Quad strategic security group, which includes Japan, Australia, India, and the United States, as well as the Australia-UK-US security deal known as AUKUS.

It is the height of the double-dealing and impudence peculiar to...

03:00

Composting Is Becoming Mandatory in NYC Heres What You Need to Know "IndyWatch Feed National"

PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.

Composting Is Becoming Mandatory in NYC Heres What You Need to Know (Maria)

The author writes, New York Citys mostly plant-based, health-minded Mayor Eric Adams just surprised his 8.5 million constituents who all have big opinions about their city by announcing that composting will become mandatory in all five boroughs in the coming year. Climate-conscious consumers who already recycle began asking: How will that work? The answer is composting will work, and already has begun to.

Secession Talks Emerge in One Northern California County. Is a New State a Possibility? (Reader Steve)

From The Sacramento Bee: When considering the possibility of a 51st U.S. state, places like Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico are likely some of the first to spring to mind. But what about a sparser alternative, nestled between California and Nevada, with prime views of Lake Tahoes southern shore? A new proposal, put forth by a resident and supported by at least one former county leader, would have El Dorado County secede from California and become its own state.

 

A Historic Week and How to Talk About It (Al)

The author writes, Lots of us have Trump fatigue and perhaps even news fatigue from the last few days, but it would be a mistake to become numb to the unprecedented nature of the current moment.

 

What Does the West Really Know About Xis China? (Sean)

From Foreign Affairs: Insights into decision-making in Beijing are harder to get than t......

00:57

00:12

UK's Jordan visa waiver shows deepening ties between kingdoms "IndyWatch Feed National"

UK's Jordan visa waiver shows deepening ties between kingdoms

Skilled workforce and warm relations between royal families credited as Jordan nationals can now visit Britain for just $12
Mustafa Abu Sneineh Wed, 06/21/2023 - 15:12
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Queen Rania arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronations of Britain's King Charles III, 6 May 2023 (AFP)

Jordan and Britain have long had a close relationship, but now the UK is opening up to Jordanians in new ways after adding its nationals to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

From February next year, Jordanians and citizens from Gulf countries will be exempt from having to obtain a UK visa, and can instead obtain an ETA permit for only 10 ($12.70) using an online application on their mobile phones. 

Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates will soon be able to use the scheme that American and Australian nationals currently use.

Jordanian and British officials told Middle East Eye that the decision would boost business, educational, and cultural ties.

...

00:05

Capitalist Hegemony in Psychedelic Medicine "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Excitement around psychedelics continues to grow with thousands set to attend the Psychedelic Science conference in Denver this week. Proponents in the psychedelic space have promoted a strategy to focus on the medicalization to gain wider societal acceptance. But this could lead psychedelics to come under greater control, ensuring that they serve as profitable tools to maintain the status quo.

Illustraiton of a pill bottle with a mushroom growing out, surrounded by pills.

The Quest for Mainstream Acceptance: Magical Individual to Societal Healing

Today, in the effort to win mainstream acceptance of psychedelics, there are a number of voices in the room. Among them, the loudest are the ones who individualize illness through the medical lens while seeking legitimacy through access to powerful medical institutions, civil society, and the corporation in a proclaimed quest to heal those suffering in our society. We see anything from features in Forbes about 20-something tech billionaires microdosing to increase productivity, to 60 Minutes interviews with U.S. Iraq war veterans who report being cured from PTSD, to miracle stories of ketamine working with the poor and formerly incarcerated. Ironically, as this piece is being published, a number of these voices will be discussing and debating the path of the psychedelic renaissance at Psychedelic Science conference, taking place June 1923 and being marketed as the largest conference on psychedelics in history.

Organizationally, some of the best-known names in the psychedelic space are the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), the for-profit System Fail 23 mental health company Compass Pathways, and the nonprofit Usona Institute. Many inside these organizations often promote a course of thought claiming psychedelics in and of themselves can heal anything from PTSD to societal conflict. Its as if there is a search for a balm, a real-life soma, to dissociate from the horrors of race and class. For many, psychedelics are the answer to this search.

Of those who believe p...

Wednesday, 21 June

20:30

Whats the Sweet Spot For Building Housing Inexpensively? "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

 

(Source: Unsplash/Bethany Opler.)

I recently shared a graph on Twitter and got a whole bunch of varied reactions. Twitter is a good place for quickly road-testing ideas and framings to see how theyre understood and what people push back against.

The point I was trying to make was a simple one about the costs of building new housing. Countless American cities are in need of much more housing for their residents, and a reasonable question to ask is, Whats the cheapest way to produce it? To answer that, we need to understand how development costs work.

I have a rough conceptual diagram, without hard numbers attached to it, that I use to illustrate the way the height and complexity of a residential building intersects with the cost of but first, let me actually break it up into two separate diagrams: one that shows how the cost of land for new housing changes with density, the other that shows how the cost of construction itself changes.

(For the purposes of this article, were going to ignore various forms of prefab or manufactured housing. They deserve a lot of considerationjust not here and not now.)

Land Cost vs. Density

...

19:19

Will Artificial Intelligence Solve the Socialist Calculation Problem? "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"


James E. Hanley
from the American Institute for Economic Research writes

I was recently told that humanity is rapidly advancing toward solving the socialist calculation problem. I wasnt told why, but around the same time, economist Daron Acemoglu suggested that artificial intelligence could be the solution. To get literary, perhaps we are on the verge of creating the Machines, the artificial intelligences that plan the global economy in Isaac Asimovs short story, The Evitable Conflict (which became the last chapter of his book, I, Robot.) The Machines perfectly calculate the needs of humanity and organize the economic order to best provide for them, in keeping with the first law of robotics, that a robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction allow a human being to come to harm.

Given Asimovs insistence that the Machines were mere calculators of unimaginable speed, not super-brains, artificial intelligence could be a further step beyond Asimovs robotic brains. So could artificially intelligent Machines, at last, prove the central planners right?

No, they could not, and Ill answer the question in three ways. First, its theoretically impossible because the problem is about information generation, not the calculation of given information. Second, even if sufficient information existed to do the calculations, human incentives would always tinker with the Machines programming, biasing their performance. Third, if the machines escaped the biasing control humans, their interests would not necessarily be congruent with humanitys interests.

The Machines cannot solve the calculation problem because the real problem for central planning is not calculating existing data, but getting the data to calculate. As economist Michael Munger recently wrote, theres not a calculation problem, but a data generation problem. The calculations are supposed to direct economic activity, but the necessary data, which reveal the values of differing uses for resources, do not come into existence except as a consequence of that economic activity. 

And when it is generated, it is only fragmentary, with much of it hidden in the minds of the econo...

19:11

Are We Going to Win? - Questions For Corbett "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

Today James answers the question he received most often from the attendees of The Better Way conference in Bath: are we going to win this thing? Get ready for a bigger answer than you're expecting and a homework assignment of your own.

19:00

Transcription tool Otter unveils an AI chat tool to help you in meetings "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

The new bot can help you catch up with anything you missed in a meeting, or even draft a follow-up email.

Users of the meeting transcription tool Otter will soon have access to an AI-powered assistant that can answer questions about the content of their meetings.

Read Full Story

17:29

Unlock the Power of List Brokers: Expert Tips for Effective Marketing Campaigns "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

There are 4 billion people who use email daily. Out of that, 99% check their emails at least once a day, with 58% clicking on the big M as soon as their eyes open. Believe it or not, some even check their email 20 times a day- answers why email marketing is at its peak and is expected to surge in popularity even more in the near future.

You are all set to start your email marketing campaign. But who would you send your emails to? Got a reality check? Building your email list is indeed one of the toughest tasks out there. Even the most persuasive email copy can be swept aside if you send it to someone who has no interest in your service.

The good news is, compiling an email list that surprises you with its ROI has become easier than ever before with email list brokers. List brokers are companies that curate lists of email addresses of businesses and consumers, tailored to your target audience. In brief, they provide you with a list of people you should mail to get success in your marketing campaign.

But how to spot the right broker? Is that enough? Whats next? Given below are some expert tips that are meant to guide you from finding the perfect broker to writing a killer email copy to analyzing the success of your campaign. Read till the end and champion the process.

1. Find a Suitable List Broker To Get a Targeted Email List

Source: leadsplease.com

We have already introduced you to them. Now lets find out how to get hold of the list broker who suits your needs the best.

  • Talk to people in your circle, browse the net, and conduct your research to make a list of brokers who appear potent enough to generate the results you desire.
  • Visit their websites, communicate via mail or calls, and shortlist a few of them based on their response.
  • Assess the following:-
...

17:27

Department of Health and Social Care written question answered on 20 June 2023. "IndyWatch Feed Nsw"

 

Photo of Greg KnightGreg Knight Conservative, East Yorkshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publicise the scope and timing of the proposed consultation on proposals to expand water fluoridation in the North East; what steps he plans to take to encourage participation in that consultation; and if he will make a statement.


...

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