DragonFlame

Happy to have found this place and the wide variety of interests to enjoy. Proud to be genuine lefty and support Greens, caring about our planet's future. Still struggling to advocate for good govt & strong progressive community policy.

Profile header shows view of Paris- City of Light

Love where I live in Ngunnawal/Ngambri country #Canberra #Australia #Auspol
#EverydayPlaces #BloomScroll #Bookstodon #Gardening

Joined: 28 Dec 2022

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rhw_at_mastodon.au@momostr.pink

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Last Notes

2026-03-15 21:49:18 UTC

'We are distracted from the horrors of Gaza by panic about antisemitism and Jewish safety even though it has been exposed as mostly fake. Meanwhile, Palestinians are expected to put aside their grief and pander to Jewish discomfort about a slogan, keffiyeh or a watermelon.'
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2026/03/antisemitism-its-a-trick-we-always-use-it/

2026-03-09 22:02:16 UTC

'Nationals senator Matt Canavan and MP Kevin Hogan have also benefited from the scheme, which offers financial incentives to install systems such as rooftop solar, solar batteries, solar water heaters or air-sourced heat pumps.
Independent MP Zali Steggall blasted the “breathtaking” hypocrisy of the conservative MPs for accessing the scheme while publicly undermining policies aimed at achieving net zero emissions.'
😡😡😡😡😡
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/09/pauline-hanson-renewables-solar-power-rebate?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-03-07 20:53:41 UTC

#auspol #USwar 'In 2003, the then Labor opposition leader, Simon Crean, declared the Iraq war to be “illegal, unnecessary and unjust” when the Howard government joined the US-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.
History, of course, has since shown that war was based on a false premise – to dismantle weapons of mass destruction that were never found.
As recently as 2023, the current defence minister, Richard Marles, said he would “definitely support the position that Simon Crean as our Labor leader took then" '
What changed you, Richard Marles?
Being made a Kentucky Colonel?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/07/pms-pragmatism-on-trumps-iran-fury-risks-australia-following-us-into-operation-epic-fail?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/116/189/875/833/480/706/original/266904488085b30a.jpg

2026-03-05 23:27:39 UTC

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Glad you are enjoying your visit, hope you are getting around to all the places you want to see. Doubt I can manage to meet you, not able to go far alone now, but sending you many hugs for a fun time here, you deserve so much.
😊🤗🤗❤️

2026-03-02 23:51:39 UTC

Some unvarnished truth
'As explained by Lowkey of Double Down News, “Israel, in 600 days, has bombed Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen and the coast of Malta. Israel is setting the world on fire to protect its genocide. From a settler-colonial ideology, to an imperial power. The choice in the region is between independence or direct Israeli control. Israel today is a psychopathic entity. It kills as it breathes.” '
Read David Milner in The Shot.
https://theshot.net.au/uncategorized/stop-pretending-to-be-dumb-the-iran-war-is-about-greater-israel-not-liberation/

2026-03-01 06:42:36 UTC

'New hatreds will be seeded, terrorist vendettas sown. The west’s foes will rejoice. And almost nothing of enduring value will be achieved.'
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/28/donald-trump-bombs-iran-war-middle-east?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-02-25 07:16:11 UTC

#auspol
'Since coming to power, the Albanese Government, which seemed keen on transparency as an Albanese opposition, has embraced secrecy. They’ve done so in a much slyer way than the Morrison Government did – Morrison never promoted transparency as a good thing. Albanese does whilst simultaneously trying to kill it off.
Whistleblowing is a form of transparency – where the insider who can see all, or most, acts on information that is normally hidden. The Albanese Government has actively prosecuted whistleblowers in a campaign to discourage whistleblowing.'
https://michaelwest.com.au/spurning-the-black-rod-labors-transparency-dummy-spit/

2026-02-24 22:21:00 UTC

'That developer, Altus Property Group’s David Young, has twice gone bankrupt.'
Hope this bankrupts him again.
Maybe all the building trade unions and their suppliers could put a Black Ban on this #PedoTower.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/25/trump-tower-gold-coast-queensland-australia-glitter-strip?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-02-24 04:31:02 UTC

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What a joyful set of pictures both on the beach and at home. Hope the new meds help and work well, but Summer is probably the most successful medicine of all. Shame you couldn't put the tyre in your backpack😄😄
🤗🩷

2026-02-22 07:27:16 UTC

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I think I was 4 years old, remember the awful coughs shook my whole body and made terrible sound. Don't know what treatment, no vaccine then. Probably rubbing chest with eucalyptus oil and kept warm. As adult my mother said she and Grandma were terrified. Father away in RAF. I know I was very lucky.

2026-02-22 06:33:34 UTC

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#vaccination
This comment is highly relevant: -
"It’s hard because nowadays lots of people haven’t seen any of these diseases,” says Menton, a community immunisation nurse at Gold Coast Health. In that way, she says, vaccines are a victim of their own success. “I talk to them about when I was a student nurse, and I was … on night duty having to care for a little child who had meningitis, and I would be fingers and toes crossed all night long that the child would still be alive the next morning.”
Only the older generations now in over 75's, actually suffered themselves from these past diseases or lived with those who did.
I had whooping cough, measles and chicken pox as a child. I can still remember how painful and scary they were. I had schoolfriends die of polio and others crippled for life by it.
As soon as vaccines were finally available all parents got their children vaccinated without question. My children and grandchildren have all been fully vaccinated.
It is heartbreaking to see these grim diseases surfacing again.
This criminal mindset started with the fools who wouldn't vaccinate against #COVID. Now the #US has become officially vaccine denying and they are causing a wider spread of these diseases around the world.
Measles is bad but polio is far, far worse and a cruel killer. I dread the time it will re-emerge again unless this anti-vax ignorance is stopped.
'

2026-02-19 05:16:32 UTC

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/19/sydney-writers-festival-swf-kpmg-sponsor-randa-abdel-fattah-speaker?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Well, well, well.
I think the Sydney Writer's Festival will benefit by having #KPMG removed from its list of donors.
They have a most unsavoury reputation for conflict of interest and playing all sides of a fence.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jun/27/kpmg-australia-launches-internal-review-after-potential-conflict-of-interest-concerns-raised?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/tax-compliance/21600-kpmg-responds-to-large-scale-tax-fraud-conducted-by-former-employee
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/24/incredible-failure-kpmg-rejects-claims-it-assessed-the-wrong-company-before-423m-payment-to-paladin?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-02-16 23:44:03 UTC

#AsylumSeekers
Remembering #RezaBarati who was murdered on #Manus on 17th February 2014. 🕯🕯🕯
He was 23 years old and tried to come to Australia from Iran. He was a Kurd who hoped to find safety. Instead we caused and were responsible for his cruel death in our off-shore detention camp.
https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2023-8-11-settlement-reached-over-the-murder-of-asylum-seeker-reza-berati-on-manus-island/
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/116/082/936/216/976/772/original/9165abb109182767.jpg

2026-02-13 01:32:59 UTC

#Olympics
'But there is one thing we can say for certain: Heraskevych has got the horrors of the war in Ukraine back on the agenda, which was his aim all along.'
Brave, steadfast young man. Devastating.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/12/vladyslav-heraskevych-ioc-skeleton-ukraine-helmet-winter-olympics?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-02-09 01:17:04 UTC

#Auspol #OneNation #BarnabyJoyce
Has this racist disgrace ever looked at who works on building sites? Who makes up most of our doctors and nurses, caregivers for aged and children? Many brilliant IT specialists? And so ad infinitum....
They don't fall asleep at work.
They don't sprawl drunk on public pavements
He has the nerve to spout this nonsense yet again:-
"What sort of people do you need, do you need unemployed people having babies or do you need builders?
We’ve got to look for the skill sets of the people we need, and we’re gonna say here’s the contract, you want to live in Australia there’s two things you cannot be – in the crime pages or on social security.
I don’t care if you’re coming from the Vatican, central America, central Africa or the middle of Europe. If you’re gonna turn up and yak on, cause problems then you stay where you are. If you pine for where you came from and say ‘I really want Australia to be just like the shithole I came from’ then go back there."
No way, Barnaby Joyce, you are exactly the kind of person we don't need. Certainly not in the Australian Parliament.
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/116/037/988/659/402/303/original/d94cc379dc43c907.jpg
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/116/037/989/530/734/351/original/1c4eca508068d581.jpg

2026-02-07 07:59:05 UTC

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@caity Would love to meet you and will follow hastag, not very mobile or not evening time, but if you are having coffee meeting will try to join in. Even if not this time, perhaps when G for George comes back. Special to me as well.
Whatever happens have a lovely time, enjoy NGA and Skyfire so glad you are having a visit. 😊🤗

2026-02-05 00:18:47 UTC

#Auspol Fiona Katauskas and the #Herzog visit
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/feb/05/what-will-the-israeli-president-be-bringing-on-his-trip-to-australia-ntwnfb?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-02-01 23:47:28 UTC

#Auspol #Bernadi #ON
So racist, alarmist Cory Bernardi is possibly throwing his hat in the ring again?
All the old authoritarians crawling back out of the woodwork.
No surprise Cory is eyeing #ON. Even George Christensen is waking up. Oh my, he is indubitably a Trump-lover, so many common interests.
Remember this? Ban the burqa, not for womens' rights even, but only because they were all going to commit armed robbery.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8667330.stm
Q
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/bernardi-pushes-for-burqa-ban-in-parliament/2ct89dm3c

2026-02-01 09:47:57 UTC

#CBR #Belconnen
We all suffered this week from the heatwave, but thank you for this beautiful Sunday, Ist February sunset. A little solace.😊
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/994/703/972/992/418/original/b839ca59f896e353.jpg
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/994/706/524/686/187/original/ec7256b6d804c250.jpg

2026-01-27 06:20:11 UTC

#books #writers #bookstodon #kidstuff
Escape from the heat and world grimness for a while.
Help choose Australia's Best Children's Book.
Maybe not best, that seems extreme because so very many are special and loved. Maybe choose as your favourite. Still hard to single out one. But just vote😊 and keep on voting every day.
Have a happy trip back to when these were read to you, or when you read them to kids in your family.
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/ng-interactive/2026/jan/27/australia-best-childrens-picture-book-poll-vote?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-01-24 01:40:02 UTC

Think #Allhomes #Canberra has a loose #AIslop playing games.
Online there is a pic of a home I knew intimately for 40 years. A modest 3 bedder w reasonable size block.
Apparently it now has sweeping water frontage and is many many hectares in size.
What did I miss? How did I not notice?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

2026-01-19 01:10:35 UTC

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Suspect possible gun law reform has sent more to #OneNation / #LNP. Remember how weasel Ashby went to USA and sucked up and tried to get support from #NRA?
Also MacKenzie keen on shooting from wayback.

2026-01-17 11:43:22 UTC

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Love that steam train and it brings memories, thank you.
Used to travel often between Bath Spa and Paddington on the GWR as a student in the 60's. Could easily have been in one of those carriages or pulled by that engine.
Bath had another railway terminal then for the LMS, London Midland and Scottish.
So relaxing to look out of the window and watch the countryside.

2026-01-16 08:26:09 UTC

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Please listen to the end.
He says "I'm just trying to stand up for community, dude. We're all human beings here. I don't give a shit who you are, where you came from, what colour you are, it doesn't fucking matter. This is wrong."
Good honest man.

2026-01-16 04:00:34 UTC

#Auspol #hatespeechban #Newscorpse
My favourite Friday truth, with a grim smile, from the talented John Birmingham. Enjoy.
https://aliensideboob.substack.com/p/i-get-the-top-bunk-rupe?utm_source=substack&publication_id=39090&post_id=184730860&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=false&r=4rk9v&triedRedirect=true

2026-01-16 01:20:36 UTC

#Uspol #EsteeLauder #Greenland
#Ukraine
Aussie women unite - time to boycott all Estee Lauder products.
'As Trump has ratcheted up his threats to seize Greenland, Lauder has acquired commercial holdings there. Lauder is also part of the consortium whose desire to access Ukrainian minerals appears to have spurred Trump to demand a share of the war-torn country’s resources.'
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/15/ronald-lauder-billionaire-donor-donald-trump-ukraine-greenland?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-01-14 02:16:37 UTC

#CBR #Belconnen
Will someone else please put their washing out and get those promised thunderstorms started?
🥵

2026-01-13 22:47:55 UTC

Yes, we all came down in the last shower.......
Neo-Nazi group claims it will disband before Labor’s hate speech legislation is brought to parliament
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/13/asio-chief-given-powers-to-recommend-organisations-be-proscribed-as-hate-groups-under-labors-new-laws?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-01-07 23:46:52 UTC

#USpol #Greenland
The Evil Orange Pedophile Godfather gloats about 'needing Greenland'.
I wish this was only the latest dystopian fiction
'A company called Praxis – with funds from Peter Thiel – has been pursuing the idea of starting new countries with cryptocurrency; one of its founders, Dryden Brown, went on record claiming that “Praxis would like to support Greenland’s development by coordinating talent, companies, and capital to help secure the Arctic, extract critical resources, terraform the land with advanced technology to make it more habitable, and build a mythical city in the North”.'
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/07/the-trump-doctrine-exposes-the-us-as-a-mafia-state?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-01-07 07:02:24 UTC

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Glad it is getting better for you and delighted you and Rosie found each other a lovely companion.
Wishing you more strength and better health going forwards.🤗😊

2026-01-07 06:55:29 UTC

#Auspol This is all seriously wrong and getting way out of hand.
Israel comments always conflating opposition to a genocide in Gaza as anti-semitic is self defeating and transparent.
Such comments re Israeli actions in #Gaza are anti-cruelty, anti-ignoring a ceasefire, anti-killing children, anti-starving a nation, anti- demolishing cities, anti-limiting aid.
Who in all decent humanity would be 'pro' any of those?
Just asking.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/07/nsw-mp-asks-home-affairs-minister-to-investigate-potential-foreign-interference-after-israel-targets-him-in-dossier?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2026-01-06 23:18:41 UTC

#USpol 'A direct line connects Trump’s attempted coup five years ago to his capture of Nicolás Maduro last weekend. Both were lawless. Both were premised on the hubris of omnipotence.'
That same line connects to Trump’s current threats against Cuba, Colombia, and Greenland.'
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/06/donald-trump-threat-civilization?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-12-29 22:48:27 UTC

Finally got to sit by our beautiful Lake Ginninnderra again yesterday, my peaceful place. Thank you lone oarsman, I loved your energy, but enjoyed just watching.😊
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/805/278/624/911/359/original/be647c676d4d6683.jpg
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/805/278/994/703/004/original/7133222bbf96496a.jpg

2025-12-28 08:37:10 UTC

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This all sounds extreme and I agree #NSWLabor have completely lost it and gone way overboard trying to cope w #Bondi.
There have been kneejerk reactions all round including by PM, and very poor decisions. But truly it was one helluva terrible shock and not something that Australian politicians could have expected to be faced with. No doubt in future such scenarios have to be expected and more appropriate reactions must be planned.
As an aside, I do strongly object to #CityNews pretending it is an independent paper as it is completely reliant on business advertising, reflected in most of content articles, just like #RegionCanberra. They are all blatantly right wing and the latter has the most bad tempered and narrow minded comments I have seen since the old days of Letters to the Editor from 'Disgruntled of Hampstead'.
They are extremely anti Labor and delight in stirring the pot.

2025-12-27 21:28:58 UTC

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Interesting perspective. Have read and enjoyed all JA and absorbed those facts of inheritance, but did not appreciate how well it had been set out.

2025-12-21 00:55:39 UTC

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Well a podiatrist I planned to visit requested my permission to use AI to record my session and interviews.
Cancelled quick smart. At least they asked.
.

2025-12-19 08:14:02 UTC

Come on #Belconnen #CBR please try harder - give us a good soaking thunderstorm and a real rainbow.
This pathetic glimpse and a few meagre rain spots really won't do at all⚡️⛈️⚡️
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/745/216/336/864/600/original/5b867d0915b0cdb2.jpg

2025-12-18 04:09:29 UTC

#bondi #auspol
Thank you, Ronni Salt. This makes sense and helps to deal with the conflicting feelings I have had all week.
'...at the moment we’re angry because we don’t know which path to take through all of this. Because whatever path we cautiously pick through, whatever opinion we may foster, it will never be the right one for some. We are never right because we are all angry and yelling and sad and convinced our view is the right one. Perhaps our collective anger is the problem. Perhaps it’s also part of the solution. Righteous anger can sometimes be a good thing. Good trouble...
Be angry at the right things.'
https://theshot.net.au/uncategorized/dont-look-back-in-anger/

2025-12-16 12:03:42 UTC

#Auspol
Linda Reynolds has no need to worry about her reputation any more.
This week she has ensured it will be well remembered.

2025-12-12 21:44:38 UTC

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I have been through this process and it has been spread over several years starting with just transport help under the old CHSP program. As my health declined I was re-assessed and given cleaning and shopping help. To both I contributed a very reasonable amount.
A year ago I was re-assessed for the new scheme of packages and approved but it has rtaken about a year to be granted.
I have to stress, I was already in the system by being in CHSP so to come to this point has taken about 4 years, but now when my needs are high I am being well provided for and the contributions, assessed on my income are fair.
For those in #ACT I highly recommend that you get advice and help from #ADACAS both to start this process and to guide you tbrough it. They have been outstandingly kind and helpful as it is a very laborious process.
Both choosing a provider and the ensuing interviews and paperwork is very confronting, while necessary to protect interests of all concerned. Again #ADACAS were invaluable.

2025-12-03 08:54:53 UTC

Just been reminded of #PeterStarstedt and found this song. So many memories ...
Nostalgia to share with others who sang along or danced to it long ago.
Where Do You Go to My Lovely https://share.google/OoLniCOoh9B8BBwVC

2025-12-01 22:43:25 UTC

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This is cruel and unacceptable. I hope disability advocates and the Deaf Community can rally to change this. It will affect many.

2025-11-28 00:06:49 UTC

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I do believe you deserve Pie Champion of the Year, you make so many for giving to other people. Glad you have Summer to help. Wishing your happy household a Happy Thanksgiving as it is still Thursday for you although Friday now for me. 🤗🍏🍏

2025-11-25 19:11:00 UTC

#CBR Good morning, Belconnen, how I love you. Today will be a good day.
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/611/887/816/353/763/original/217bc38bf62be472.jpg

2025-11-18 04:02:45 UTC

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Trish,so sorry, frightening experience. Hope by now you have seen doc for treatment and support and safely home.🤗🤗

2025-11-14 21:47:58 UTC

#Auspol Laura Tingle always worth reading.
Am sick of news always on about the internal politics of #US, don't need Epstein files to be convinced the evil old man was fully implicated.
Nor to know he is a deranged petty malicious bully suing for revenge, pardoning insurgents, hating on any 'foreigners' of colour.
Nor to know he doesn't care two hoots about any American citizens except those who can bribe him or his family with more money or favors.
We do need to know which of his random decisions affect Australia
More importantly we need to be assured that our govt is concentrating efforts to get closer to all the rest of the world and ally our trade, defence and co-operation with them instead of US.
I do believe they are trying but will never, ever understand why they did not immediately back out of Morrison's terrible #AUKUS suck up. He only did that to try and give himself some personal credit for a possible future US income when he knew he was poison in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-15/trump-bb-epstein-sagas-international-relations-rewritten/106010438?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

2025-11-11 10:57:49 UTC

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Thank you for sharing that glorious, quiet beauty with us.🤗
When you walk the labyrinth do you start at the middle or the edge? 😉😊

2025-11-11 09:26:25 UTC

#USpol
This article is spot on.
'Even as many UN delegates grimaced, Trump said: “On the world stage, America is respected again like it has never been respected before.” Donald Trump can dream, but Ishaan Tharoor, a global affairs columnist for the Washington Post, wrote on X that a senior foreign diplomat had told him: “This man is stark, raving mad. Do Americans not see how embarrassing this is?” '
Not just embarrassing - crude, disgusting and altogether vile. US is now irretrievably diminished in the eyes of the rest of the world.
Brutish, bullying, imperialistic: the Ugly American is back
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/10/donald-trump-ugly-american?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-11-05 08:38:31 UTC

Remember these names - if they had any knowledge or understanding of stiĺlbirth they would not have aired their abysmal cruel ignorance.
'but a number of rightwing members in the House of Representatives last week and in the Senate on Monday – including Hastie, Joyce, Tony Pasin, Henry Pike, Matt Canavan, Alex Antic, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Sarah Henderson – initially raised or backed concerns about abortion.'
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/05/coalition-mps-abortion-comments-horror-from-liberal-women?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-10-28 22:40:48 UTC

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Interesting how much garbage is in most of these products. Worth price to get top one w real dairy ingredients. I usually buy vanilla, so assume same applies and eill look for same brand.
But OTOH, I don't have teens to demolish ice cream by the litre.😉

2025-10-27 19:25:39 UTC

#Auspol
First Dog telling Welfare Truths.
Yes it is an absolutely cruel shambles and Albo, who went on and on about his single mum's understandable struggles, should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2025/oct/27/welfare-in-australia-is-a-cruel-shambles-how-about-we-actually-try-to-help-people-not-squish-them?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-10-24 22:15:33 UTC

#louvre #jewelleryheist
Excellent article by Virginia Trioli, couldn't agree more. 😉
'The Versailles-level weddings and celebrations of technocrats and oligarchs and industry moguls, with deep-planed faces and necks straining to hold up Flintstones-sized diamonds and emeralds appal us.
But the tale of nimble thieves in high-vis vests, on puttering mopeds who refuse to get out of bed before 9.30am make us clap our hands with delight.'
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-25/louvre-jewellery-heist-brooch-tiara/105920432?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=otherhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-25/louvre-jewellery-heist-brooch-tiara/105920432?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

2025-10-21 05:45:04 UTC

There have been comments here recently about the cash containers that once whizzed around overhead in department stores. They took payment from sales counters to a central accounting space where change and receipts were issued and returned.
This system changed to pneumatic 'tubes' in some stores and there is a splendid picture in this gallery of a Myers tuberoom. All those young ladies sitting somewhere among the tubes all day ☺️☺️☺️
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/gallery/2025/oct/20/hidden-lost-and-dramatic-melbourne-heritage-interiors-in-pictures?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-10-15 21:37:15 UTC

'The government should recognise that politics of appeasement don’t work. Concessions to bullies only embolden them to demand more. In the long run, if Trump continues to hack away at rules and norms, it will impose high costs for everyone.'
In Donald Trump’s game of geopolitical musical chairs, will Albanese find a seat?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/15/donald-trump-anthony-albanese-meeting-relationship?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-10-15 20:50:28 UTC

I simply cannot understand why our #Labor govt still seems to toddle along pretending the US is normal and is still pretending #AUKUS is anything but a scam to take our money and bind us to what is now an evil warmongering regime.
The IMF reckons the global economy remains ‘in flux’, but the Trump effect is real – and Australians aren’t fooled
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2025/oct/16/usa-economy-trump-effect-imf-economic-outlook-australian-tourists-avoiding?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-10-12 00:04:35 UTC

#Bloomscrolling Happy Sunday everyone. I tried to grow two irises in pots on my balcony and over the moon with this first flower. Perfect start to the day.😊
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/358/227/620/288/255/original/367b9ba0d4d6dbbb.jpg

2025-10-10 02:16:21 UTC

'This is not a peace plan — it's a temporary ceasefire.'
'After claiming credit for that agreement, US President Donald Trump then appeared to lose interest and his administration subsequently allowed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to turn down or alter new ceasefire proposals, after Hamas had accepted them.'
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-10/analysis-trump-eternal-peace-in-gaza-turns-into-shaky-ceasefire/105874742?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

2025-10-10 02:03:38 UTC

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I had to downsize because of the physical needs of very large garden. It became a burden instead of a joy, but I missed it badly for a long time.
Can you simplify yours ? Or pay for occasional help to keep it tidy?
My older home needed constant maintenance too which was a worry.
Also, have to consider at some stage when you can no longer drive? That is devastating and you need to be near shops, docs etc
Have to say honestly once I actually moved to unit w lovely view, balcony to plant pot garden, nearer a CBD it was a great relief and I am very happy. With much less work to do.😉
I loved our family home, but I just couldn't care for it as it deserved. But have photos and memories and I hear there is a young couple there now, so I am hoping it will be another family home one day.
Good luck to you, whatever you choose to do, it is a very hard decision to make.😊🤗
* Edited to add
If you decide to move be very very very careful what you buy. Get best solicitor, read all AGM's for last 10 years, check out who builder was, who strata manager is and check their records. If possible talk to other unit holders about maintenance upkeep etc and if owners committee is active.

2025-10-02 06:05:59 UTC

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The chancellor was very busy doing essential work in 2021.
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/303/051/874/750/282/original/bd6e2bafbd7c16b4.jpg

2025-10-01 20:26:29 UTC

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🤗🩷

2025-10-01 19:59:20 UTC

Vale - a truly good person.😥https://www.theguardian.com/science/gallery/2025/oct/01/jane-goodall-a-life-in-pictures?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-09-30 00:56:04 UTC

#FIONAKATAUSKAS #Nauru #Offshoredetention #Auspol
Back to the colonial roots. Ship the convicts out of sight and out of mind. Why not just keep them to rot in old hulks in Sydney harbour*?
Would be cheaper.
*Yes, sarcasm in case our local fascists mistake my meaning.
What are people saying about our new Nauru detention deal?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2025/sep/30/what-are-people-saying-about-our-new-nauru-detention-deal?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-09-22 07:13:53 UTC

#USpol #Auspol #newscorps This is from 2021 and still relevant.
Acknowledgment to Bramhall21 NYDN.
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/246/662/810/921/230/original/9df8c6139e52d3e2.jpg

2025-09-22 00:32:41 UTC

#Wildflower #Gardening Please can anyone identify this tiny spreading ground cover plant for me? Remember it in #UK as a wildflower, often in hedgerows or on drystone walls, in the countryside. I suspect mine came as a free addition in a flower nursery potplant. Delighted with it, but frustrated as I cannot remember even common name.
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/245/041/344/020/237/original/f6625c553586369f.jpg

2025-09-18 00:00:29 UTC

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You are two genuine treasures. 🐕🦴😊⚘️🌻

2025-09-16 21:45:08 UTC

#UKpol #USpol He gets the envied pomp and ceremony, meets a real life King, but snatches away the carrot once he's sure of a banquet and a carriage parade.
Vulgar scum.
Plan to slash US steel tariffs shelved hours before Donald Trump’s UK visit
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/16/plan-slash-us-steel-tariffs-shelved-ahead-donald-trump-visit?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-09-14 02:25:04 UTC

#AUKUS #Auspol
Billion-dollar coffins? New technology could make oceans transparent and Aukus submarines vulnerable
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/14/aukus-australian-submarines-vulnerable-new-technology?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-09-13 23:46:29 UTC

#Auspol #Labor #AUKUS
How does WA feel about being such an obvious and easy target when Russia, China and N Korea finally decide to act in this part of the world? We are so much easier to reach than the US.
Morrison and Albanese have sold Australia out to US with absolute impunity. Might as well be another US state already.
Our young Australians will be dying for a future full fascist #US one day not too far distant. Even when Trump is gone it is clear there are many as bad to follow and not even senile. How do you feel about that parents and grandparents of Australia?
I am nearing end of my life and never expected world to be in worse state than when I was born in 1941 in a UK being bombed to hell.
Brought my young children here in 1979 because living in shadow of Cold War promised no future. Now it is likely to happen again and blight the lives of my grandchildren.
Have been angry since AUKUS began, now sad and full of dread for those I love so dearly.
Albanese government pours $12 billion into expanding AUKUS defence facility near Perth - ABC News
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-13/albanese-announces-aukus-12-billion-dollar-defence-spend-perth/105770188

2025-09-09 21:27:02 UTC

#Gaza #Israel #US
'The swiftly made Israeli statement saying there was no US role in the strike and that this was a "wholly independent" action brings to mind the old adage: "Never believe anything until it is officially denied."
Israel has literally blown up the Gaza ceasefire negotiations while opening another front in its war
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-10/israel-has-literally-blown-up-the-gaza-ceasefire-negotiations/105755918?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web

2025-09-09 00:05:45 UTC

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Quokkas😍😍 thank you🤗

2025-09-06 21:10:39 UTC

#USpol Most telling comment: -
“This insatiable hunger for Donald Trump to be gone convinced otherwise intelligent people who pride themselves on scrutiny that here was the hope that he was dead and gone,” ...
What the ‘is Trump dead?’ rumours reveal about our current moment
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/06/donald-trump-health-death-conspiracy-theories?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-08-30 06:27:54 UTC

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Won't be JC coming for him.😁👹

2025-08-29 05:58:58 UTC

' "...you know, he has these think tanks. and they build— they build buildings for people that think. and it’s really not thinking, it’s uhh, a little bit of combination of thinking, but it’s uhh, it’s something you sort of have, or you don’t have.”
holeeeey shit. ‘they build buildings for people that think.’ no, wait — they don’t just think, they do a combination of thinking. or they don’t, because it’s something only some people have."
here’s your pudding cup, Sundowning Grandpa Befuddlepants. it’s obviously way past your bedtime.'
😵‍💫
(1) he’s so fucking guilty — and everyone knows it
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/hes-so-fucking-guilty-and-everyone?utm_campaign=posts-open-in-app&triedRedirect=true

2025-08-26 01:26:10 UTC

#CBR This is paywalled, but headline enough to make me sick.
At height of pandemic this attention seeking man said COVID wasn't airborne and children should not be vaccinated. 😡
Liberals: Nick Coatsworth’s political aspirations grow with Senate flirtation
https://www.afr.com/rear-window/dr-nick-coatsworth-s-flirtation-with-the-liberals-graduates-to-romance-20250817-p5mnkk

2025-08-25 20:51:12 UTC

#USPol Trump's Team Building.
Blunt and spot on.
'Easy. They could never succeed on their own merits. As soon as their incompetence became apparent – which was likely to be as soon as they took the first job that required some degree of intelligence and integrity – they were fired.
So they learned that to be rewarded with promotions, money and power, they cannot rely on the normal processes and systems of recognition for jobs well done. If they’re to make anything of themselves, they must instead become ass-lickers, lap dogs and sycophants.'
Why Trump built a staff of incompetent sycophants
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/25/trump-staff-incompetent-sycophants?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-08-25 05:58:34 UTC

#CBR #Belconnen
Thank you to The Lady On The Lake today.😊
It was the first warm enough day for me to get to my favourite sitting spot near the #Ginninnderra Sea Scouts Hall. I watched from distance as The Lady prepared her kayak meticulously and started to paddle. Only just got camera out in time to catch shot as she sped off out of sight leaving whoosh of substream. I loved seeing that enthusiasm and energy and hope somehow this message reaches her.😊🤩
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/115/087/809/955/273/519/original/92235831f2d9f213.jpg

2025-08-18 07:10:29 UTC

This is a fitting tribute and will bring back memories for most of us.
My probable favourite is Far From the Madding Crowd,but hard to choose.
Terence Stamp: a life in pictures
https://www.theguardian.com/film/gallery/2025/aug/17/terence-stamp-a-life-in-pictures?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-08-17 22:32:24 UTC

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The Sovereign Citizen group, mostly from Melbourne, behaved appallingly after their anti-vax march in Canberra. A straggler group hung around the city for weeks, haranguing locals in the CBD and surrounds, shouting at drivers at traffic lights, set fire to the door of Old Parliament House, leaving muck and rubbish wherever they camped and being utter idiots.
But they are extremely dangerous idiots.
https://region.com.au/dont-you-dare-sovereign-citizen-protesters-cause-chaos-in-court/527519/
https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/parliament-protest-a-bust-as-cops-clean-up-rubbish-left-behind/news-story/0b2517eb2c9610e79d0c915f02c59a60

2025-08-15 07:54:08 UTC

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Yes, I realised nobody had taken it on as a proper production commodity, the competition sponsors only produced a very limited number. It was a good gesture but clearly not obligated to take it further. I just hope someone sees the potential and makes it commercially viable. Then it could be used for homeless donation all the time.

2025-08-15 06:54:13 UTC

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This solar backpack/blanket sounds excellent. Hope it will go into production somehow, it would be perfect kind of genuinely useful cause to donate towards and help homeless in a practical way.

2025-08-10 05:56:19 UTC

#Nuclear #auspol Nuclear energy and nuclear defence enthusiasts never address the question of nuclear waste, do they ?
1) The lethal legacy of Aukus nuclear submarines will remain for millennia – and there’s no plan to deal with it
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/10/the-lethal-legacy-of-aukus-nuclear-submarines-will-remain-for-millennia-and-theres-no-plan-to-deal-with-it?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
2) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/09/radioactive-water-bomb-base-scotland-leak-sea-files?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-08-06 04:39:39 UTC

#Uspol #Colbert
Stephen Colbert: ‘What you thought you knew is just history’
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/aug/05/stephen-colbert-what-you-thought-you-knew-is-just-history?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-08-05 02:25:51 UTC

'You and I are watching a human-made starvation, with full internet access, with journalists risking their lives to show us. There is nothing hidden. Nothing secret. We know. And knowing comes with responsibility.'
https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2025/aug/05/as-i-sit-here-in-australia-watching-israel-starve-palestinians-to-death-i-cant-help-but-think-it-could-have-been-me-ntwnfb?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-08-04 01:21:22 UTC

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🫂🫂❤️

2025-08-01 02:29:57 UTC

#AI #LLMS John Birmingham tells of Norway's brilliant own AI with ethics, just read and weep, because I doubt Aus would be smart enough to try the same.
https://open.substack.com/pub/aliensideboob/p/defeating-the-fanboys-of-the-torment?r=4rk9v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

2025-07-31 06:30:55 UTC

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A day trip from Paris to Monet's house and garden at Giverny will give you a beautiful memory.

2025-07-30 05:29:50 UTC

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Sorry this is so hard, hope you can get someone you trust to be there with your mother for the presentation. Can you prepare a list of questions with your Mum for her to ask and write down answers? Then have time to think about them.
Suggest she does not sign anything on the spot, but has time to discuss and see it all in writing, with time to discuss.
They should send her final forms by post or online or preferably both, suggest to her to ask for both then she can forward the online one to you and you could follow together any questions or concerns to be asked. With paper it is easier to highlight or scribble notes etc. Do not let them rush her, although I realise help is needed urgently. Did you manage to approach an org like ADACAS ? They should still help with dealing w provider for her, even directly to raise her queries, until it is settled.
It is hard and the paperwork and admin is horrendous, but once finalised w a good provider it should be worthwhile.🤗🤗

2025-07-28 06:46:35 UTC

not everyone can fly marjorie dinner plate (1) – First Dog On The Moon
https://firstdogonthemoon.com.au/shop/not-everyone-can-fly-marjorie-dinner-plate-1/

2025-07-25 04:15:57 UTC

#Gaza
Ben Jennings on starvation in Gaza – cartoon
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2025/jul/24/ben-jennings-on-starvation-in-gaza-cartoon?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-07-24 20:56:21 UTC

#RenewableEnergy
Bunnings charges into rooftop solar and home battery market with zero up front subscription offer - One Step Off The Grid
https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/bunnings-charges-into-rooftop-solar-and-home-battery-market-with-zero-up-front-subscription-offer/amp/

2025-07-24 07:59:09 UTC

#CBR
Goodnight #Belconnen🤗😴
https://o.mastodon.au/media_attachments/files/114/907/137/432/508/894/original/9e65cf89f574fbec.jpg

2025-07-19 22:17:49 UTC

#Auspol Yet another full on red light.
It is impossible to exclude religion from politics, so many politicians have personal religious beliefs and that will always influence their decisions. But they should not be owned because of donations or influence by their particular religion or allowed to promote those viewsin parliaments. Sigh- as if it could be so.
Did we learn nothing from the 'Wealth will buy you heaven' Scott Morrison?
We really have to be more aware of these dangerous extremists, Australians in general seemed to be reasonable and pragmatic but discontent, uncertainty, fear of WW3 and a pervading feeling of being unable to change the craziness of the evil bullying of US and Russia, makes people grasp for hope in strange places.
These archaic, authoritarian religions and demands to control are dangerously terrifying.
‘It’s a takeover’: the South Australian power player reshaping the state Liberal party
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/20/liberal-party-south-australia-power-player-alex-antic-reshaping-conservative-politics-ntwnfb?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-07-18 03:42:31 UTC

#auspol #antisemitism #Gaza
John Birmingham's thoughts on the appointment and demands of the newly appointed Anti-semitism Envoy, Jillian Segal.
This appointment immediately rang alarm bells to me and JB sums up my feelings and expresses them far better than I could.
He brings well needed perspective to a kneejerk and ill considered reaction by PM Albanese, in an attempt to placate influential Jewish interests.
Violence in Australia against Jews and synagogues is stupid and unacceptable, but severe criticism, discussion and ongoing peaceful protest against Israel committing blatant genocide in Gaza should never be compromised.
https://open.substack.com/pub/aliensideboob/p/crimes-against-reality?r=4rk9v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

2025-07-16 22:22:35 UTC

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Caity, in Canberra ADACAS helped me with kindness, patience and courtesy to go through and sort out most useful providers. This is their equivalent in SA.
https://www.sa.agedrights.asn.au/
Phone them and ask if they can help you and set up a quick meeting, explaining urgency. They should know which providers can fully cover your parents' particular needs and help you draw up a short list.
I also set myself some personal no-nos depending on who controlled each org. Eg religious, political allegiance, distance, bad reviews. This may help narrow down if you apply your own parents parameters.
There is a LOT of paperwork involved, but most advisers are kind.
If you can get a lawyer to run over your final choice it would be worthwhile, but again ARAS could probably help clarify. Be very careful when reviewing costs/fees/extras etc.
Hard work for you, but hope you end up with peace of mind and your parents with help they need.❤️❤️

2025-07-16 02:10:30 UTC

#CBR #Cockatoos Fellow Canberrans, I have queries, as follows:-
I have a view of Lake Ginninderra parkland, roughly facing Kingsford Smith Drive. Many cockatoos return to roost in the trees at night.
Every morning, in all weathers, flocks of cockatoos, between twenty to forty in number, fly past heading south. Also a few stragglers in smaller groups.
Where are they going?
Do they work in CBD? Or Fyshwyck?
Do they go to gossip in Kingston cafes?
Do they shop in Manuka or Woden?
Do the young ones attend school in Campbell, Weston Creek, Garran?
Do they come to overturn your pot plants and steal your apricots?
If they arrive for the day in one of your suburbs, I would be interested to know where and what attracts them. They always return before dusk, but not in huge flocks so clearly have different knock off times.

2025-07-11 01:33:06 UTC

Thirty years ago we said never again, Srebrenica. How much longer before we declare: never again, Gaza?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/11/thirty-years-ago-we-said-never-again-srebrenica-how-much-longer-before-we-declare-never-again-gaza?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-07-05 02:58:16 UTC

#USpol
'There is no such thing as a deal with America any more. Canada and Mexico made one with Trump in 2018. He broke it at the first possible opportunity. Their national word is worthless. They understand only force and money, and increasingly not even those. Their military actions are more or less random, half-considered, about as deep and significant as a social media rage post. They instantly forget who helped or hurt them. All those Afghans who saved American lives a decade ago have lived to regret it, being deported, just for the spectacle of it all, back to their torturers.'
This Fourth of July, the world declares its independence from America
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2025/jul/04/independence-day-america-decline?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-06-24 05:02:54 UTC

'Hours after the US president claimed a permanent ceasefire had been agreed to end the war in the Middle East on Tuesday morning Australian time, Israel continued to strike Iran with bombs, putting an immediate pause in hostilities in doubt.'
What a surprise.

2025-06-22 23:41:24 UTC

#auspol
Australia must stand firm in its support for a rules-based order and reject any US requests for military aid
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/23/australia-must-stand-firm-in-its-support-for-a-rules-based-order-and-reject-any-us-requests-for-military-aid?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2025-06-20 22:47:04 UTC

The Australia-US alliance is facing a decisive test, and not just over the Middle East
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/19/the-australia-us-alliance-is-facing-a-decisive-test-and-not-just-over-the-middle-east?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other