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From Professor Ian Rutherford Plimer – an Australian geologist, professor emeritus of earth sciences at the University of Melbourne, professor of mining  geology at the University of Adelaide.  He has published 130  scientific papers, six books and edited the Encyclopedia of Geology.

PLIMER: “Okay, here’s the bombshell. The volcanic eruption in Iceland. Since its first spewing of volcanic ash has, in just FOUR DAYS, NEGATED EVERY SINGLE EFFORT you have made in the past five years to control CO2 emissions on our planet – _all of you._

Of course, you know about this carbon dioxide that we are trying to suppress – its that vital chemical compound that every plant requires to live and grow and to synthesize into oxygen for us humans and all animal life.

I know….it’s very disheartening to realize that all of the carbon emission savings you have accomplished while suffering the inconvenience and expense of driving Prius hybrids, buying fabric grocery bags, sitting up till midnight to finish your kids “The Green Revolution” science project, throwing out all of your non-green cleaning supplies, using only two squares of toilet paper, putting a brick in your toilet tank reservoir, selling your SUV and speedboat, vacation in Bali getting hit every day on your bicycle, replacing all of your 50 cent light bulbs with $10.00 light bulbs…..   well, all of those things you have done have all gone down the tubes in just four days.

And there are around 200 active volcanoes on the planet spewing out this crud at any one time – EVERY DAY.

I should also mention that when the volcano Mt. Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines in 1991, it spewed out more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the entire human race had emitted in all its years on earth.

Of course, I shouldn’t forget to mention the effect of solar and cosmic activity and the well-recognized 800-year global heating and cooling cycle, _which keeps happening despite our completely insignificant efforts to affect climate change. _

And I do wish I had a silver lining to this volcanic ash cloud, but the fact of the matter is that the bush fire season across the western USA and Australia this year alone will negate your efforts to reduce carbon in our world for the next two to three years. And it happens every year. Just remember that your government just tried to impose a whopping carbon tax on you, on the basis of the bogus ‘human-caused’ climate-change scenario.

And, how interesting is it that now they don’t mention ‘Global Warming’ anymore, but just _”Climate Change”. Why? It’s because the planet has COOLED by 0.7 degrees in the past century and these global warming alarmists got caught with their pants down. And, just keep in mind that you might yet be stuck with an Emissions Trading Scheme – that whopping new tax – imposed on you that will achieve absolutely nothing except make you poorer.

Welcome back to the FLUCTUS channel to witness various rapid insertion and extraction techniques of the United States forces.

Courtesy of the Department of Defence 

Bomber Command veteran, 101-year-old Ray Merrill, recently presented RAAF Base Edinburgh with a special gift.

He donated framed photographs, a biography and a signed letter written by General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during the Second World War (and later the 34th president of the United States), which is now on permanent display in the officers’ mess.

Flight Lieutenant Robin Karumba, from 462 Squadron, said the mementos will inspire aviators visiting the mess, and remind them of the service and sacrifice of those who served during the war.

‘It was a great opportunity to compare and contrast the evolution of Air Force culture after having Ray share his experiences with his old unit,’ Flight Lieutenant Karumba said.

‘Ray’s escapades and ability to relate to aviators who have a different mustering made him the most interesting person in the room.’

Born in Port Augusta, Ray enlisted in the RAAF on Anzac Day 1943, at age 20. After completing his training, he deployed to Britain as a tail gunner, flying Lancaster and Stirling aircraft with the Royal Air Force’s 218 Squadron.

He completed 36 missions for Bomber Command on various operations, including Operation Glimmer, which supported D-Day by tricking German forces into thinking the landings would occur at Calais rather than Normandy.

During one mission, incendiary bombs crashed into Ray’s aircraft from a plane above. Showing immense courage, he jumped from his position and quickly freed the bombs from the fuselage, throwing them out of his aircraft. For this action, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), representing ‘skill and fortitude in operations against the enemy’.

Ray missed the opportunity to receive the award from the King at Buckingham Palace due to another ‘priority’. His favourite greyhound had the inside track in a race at Sheffield and was unbeatable. The dog won but left Ray in trouble with his commanding officer for failing to go to Buckingham Palace. He eventually received his DFC in Australia.

462 Squadron honours Ray on a daily basis, with a conference room named after him. Commanding Officer 462 Squadron Wing Commander Duncan Scott said seeing Mr Merrill was a reminder of the squadron’s heritage.

‘It gives us the need to honour the service and sacrifice of our past serving members,’ he said.

Ray holds a photo of his crew while Air Commodore Adrian Maso, left, holds a memento for Ray and Wing Commander Mark Sweet holds the letter signed by Eisenhower, at the RAAF Base Edinburgh officers’ mess. 

US Republican Senator JD Vance has issued a stern caution to European leaders, urging them to take significant steps towards bolstering their own security measures. He characterizes Europe’s failure to do so as an “implied burden on the American people,” with far-reaching consequences.

Since Russian troops breached Ukraine’s borders in early 2022, Europe’s illusion of a peaceful hiatus from historical conflicts has been shattered. This awakening was long overdue, considering the impact of unfettered economic globalization and the erroneous belief in the absolute triumph of liberal democracy, epitomized by Francis Fukuyama’s “End of History” theory.

Today, we find ourselves facing the harsh reality of autocratic powers asserting themselves globally, while the established post-World War II order, both economic and strategic, faces a steady decline. From major powers like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy to smaller yet influential nations like Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, the increasingly multipolar world poses significant security challenges across Europe.

This predicament isn’t new; European nations, especially the larger ones, opted to shirk their defence responsibilities, leaning heavily on the United States’ unparalleled military might following the Soviet Union’s collapse. NATO’s collective security umbrella further entrenched this dependency. European powers focused on niche forces and expensive yet limited military platforms, failing to invest adequately in their own defence.

This approach has bred resentment, particularly in the United States, where a growing consensus questions why America should bear the brunt of defence expenditures. JD Vance, now a Republican senator for Ohio and formerly a venture capitalist, echoes this sentiment in his piece titled “Europe Must Shoulder Its Defence Burden.”

Vance highlights the staggering amount Europe could have invested in defence had it maintained Cold War-era spending levels. He argues that Europe’s reluctance to do so effectively places a burden on American taxpayers for European security.

Criticism of Europe’s defence posture isn’t exclusive to Vance or the Republican Party; it dates back to the Obama administration. President Obama himself chastised European allies for not pulling their financial weight within NATO. Vance emphasizes that this sentiment transcends partisan lines.

The conflict in Ukraine serves as a glaring example of Europe’s weakness. Despite possessing robust economies, European nations have neglected their military capabilities. Vance questions why the US should bear the burden of aiding Europe when it should have the capacity to handle such conflicts independently.

Moreover, the vulnerability of Europe’s defence industrial base has become increasingly evident. Fragmented industries on both sides of the Atlantic struggle to produce essential weaponry swiftly and at scale, leaving Europe ill-prepared to face potential conflicts.

Vance’s message to Europe is clear: it must reassess its defence readiness and commit to rebuilding its military capabilities. He also challenges the US to prioritize rebuilding its defence industrial base to maintain global stability in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.

As Europe grapples with its security challenges, Australia faces similar dilemmas in the Indo-Pacific region. The need for a robust defence posture and industrial capacity has never been more urgent. Failure to act decisively could leave both regions vulnerable to aggression and coercion from revisionist powers.

In conclusion, Vance’s warning underscores the imperative for both Europe and its allies to step up their defence efforts in an increasingly uncertain world.

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing (AIHW) reveals concerning statistics regarding Indigenous children in Australia’s care and protection system. As of June 2022, approximately 24,600 Indigenous children were under care and protection orders, marking an increase to 72 per 1,000 children from 62 per 1,000 four years prior. Notably, nearly a third of these children fall within the age bracket of 10 to 14.

Despite constituting only 5 percent of Australia’s child population, Indigenous children comprise almost half of those within the child protection system. The percentage of Indigenous children placed with relatives for out-of-home care rose from 50 percent in 2017 to 54 percent in 2022. However, out of the total 19,000 children in out-of-home care, not all could be placed with family, with 14,000 classified as being in long-term care, separated from their primary family for two years or more. Additionally, 70 percent of those with at least one sibling in out-of-home care were fortunate enough to be placed with at least one sibling.

These figures underscore a worrying trend, indicating a failure to meet the objectives outlined in the “Closing the Gap” strategy, which aims to reduce Indigenous children’s placement in out-of-home care by 45 percent by 2031. Despite substantial government spending, estimated at $4.2 billion annually on Indigenous children related issues, progress toward this goal remains inadequate.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in his address regarding the Closing the Gap initiative, announced the establishment of a national commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, emphasizing the imperative of strengthening families and ensuring children’s safety. However, reports such as the one by the South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, April Lawrie, highlight ongoing challenges. Lawrie’s report suggests that if current trends persist, the number of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care could increase by 50 percent over the next decade.

Key recommendations include the establishment of Aboriginal Children’s Commissioners in each State and Territory, along with a national coordinating body. Additionally, there’s a call for the development of a national strategy to address the over-representation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care.

Issues such as lack of access to safe and stable housing further exacerbate the situation. Data from AIHW and the National Indigenous Australians Agency indicate significant housing disparities, with Indigenous people being disproportionately impacted. They are significantly more likely to live in social housing, access homelessness services, and reside in overcrowded homes, reflecting broader socio-economic challenges that contribute to the vulnerability of Indigenous families and children.

In a recent session of the Senate Committee on February 22nd, officials from the Defence Department elaborated on the proposed duration former defence personnel must wait post-retirement to gain clearance for employment with foreign entities under the military secrets legislation.

The bill, introduced in September 2023, aims to thwart efforts by hostile actors to pilfer Australian classified information. This initiative followed alarming reports indicating that the Chinese Communist Party had been recruiting former military personnel from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States to impart training to its armed forces.

The government’s objective is to establish a “reasonable” timeframe concerning the obsolescence of an individual’s expertise and competencies. This timeframe is crucial to ensuring that the knowledge and skills of retired defence personnel no longer pose a significant risk to national security.

The duration will be contingent upon the nature of the roles individuals held during their military tenure. Various job categories will have distinct timeframes, with some entirely exempted and others subject to shorter durations, typically around five years. For roles where knowledge retention is more enduring and integral to national security, the timeframe may extend up to 10 years.

However, it’s essential to note that exemptions do not extend to former defence personnel possessing insights into tactics, techniques, procedures, and sensitive data concerning export-controlled goods. Restrictions on such individuals remain lifelong to uphold the integrity of national security protocols.

THERE is no maritime equivalent of Sydney’s famed Parramatta Road Magic Mile of Motors, where on a whim you can buy a new or used car to suit your needs and budget.

No doubt there are mercenary Arthur Daleys about offering to move superannuated naval stock, “one careful owner, low wars, never mind the rust it’ll paint over”, but you get what you pay for.

Nor can you always requisition unneeded stock from a full inventory, especially when the need is pressing, and now.

The last time Britain “requisitioned” two almost completed ships, both paid for by and destined to serve Turkey’s navy caused such outrage Germany stepped in with a “gift” of two of its surplus-to-requirement vessels.

CLICK LINK to continue reading

There’s no fast track to acquiring vessels | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

Terry Wayne Fator is an American ventriloquist, impressionist, stand-up comedian, and singer. Born in Dallas, Texas, he developed an interest in ventriloquism from a young age, honing both this skill and his talent for singing. After initially performing with two bands, Terry Fator eventually conducted solo performances, combining ventriloquism and singing with comedy. His breakthrough came when he won the second season of America’s Got Talent, which significantly boosted his career. As a result of his success, he secured a five-year multi-million-dollar contract to headline shows in Las Vegas, Nevada. From 2009 to 2020, he headlined at the Mirage Las Vegas, and since 2021, he performs regularly at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Terry Fator has also used his performances and talent to contribute to charitable causes, and he consistently ranks among the world’s highest-paid comedians.

Hands up all those who thought judges were learned people who weigh evidence and make sensible, informed decisions …..

Work on Australia’s most expensive resources project has been halted because of the danger it poses to Spirit Whales. Woodside Energy Group has been ordered to halt work on a $16b gas project off the coast of Western Australia that, if completed, will power 8.5 million homes for the next 30 years. But the Federal Court ordered work to stop after hearing evidence the area was home to mythical whales. The Spirit Whales, according to Indigenous fables, tell the fish of the sea what to eat, when to mate and where to migrate. If the gas project was to go ahead, the Spirit Whales would be endangered. And if the Spirit Whales were killed, none of the creatures of the sea would know what to do.

Short of Aqua Man stepping in to save the day, the planet would be sunk. How did the Federal Court know all of this? Raelene Cooper!

Ms Cooper, or as her activist friends like to call her, the Custodian of Whale Dreaming, speaks to the Spirit Whales. And they speak to her.

Seriously.

This was in evidence presented to the Federal Court.

Apparently, the Spirit Whales aren’t thrilled about the Woodside Energy Group’s project which, coincidentally, puts the Spirit Whales and environmentalists on exactly the same page.

Whoever would have imagined?

The Environmental Defenders Office, a group that received $8m in public money to help it oppose projects benefiting the public, brought Cooper’s Spirit Whale baloney to the urgent attention of the Federal Court.

Even Nemo knows that the greenies at the EDO don’t buy the Spirit Whale crap. But that doesn’t mean they won’t manipulate Indigenous mythology and those who sprout it to stop major projects.

So, the case was put to the court of Australia. ” … but Your Honour, the Spirit Whales!”

And Judge Craig Colvin, whilst not confirming or denying that Spirit Whales existed, ruled that Woodside had a duty to consider “cultural harm” caused by their project.

Now what I think that means is that whilst absolutely no-one believes that Spirit Whales exist, it would be against the law to upset the wild fantasies of a woman who imagines she talks to whales.

Because the woman is Indigenous.

And evidently Indigenous fantasies must be indulged, as a mark of respect.

Woodside argued that they had invested significant time, energy and money liaising closely with Indigenous groups for more than a decade. And yet this was the first it had heard that Spirit Whales were blowing their lids over the project. Woodside had done all of the environmental checks and had been given clearance to begin the project.

Not so fast, ruled Judge Colvin.

He ordered Woodside to conduct a more thorough environmental assessment of the project.  In other words, work out terms with the Spirit Whales.

Oh, and Woodside were ordered to pay Ms Cooper’s costs.

1. I used to be an artist before I joined the army. Afterward, they told me I’d never be an army officer. Probably because I was always drawing fire.
2. My friend recently got promoted from captain to a higher military rank. It was a major day for him.
3. Last week, I sent my baby to the army. Weirdly, they put her in the infantry.
4. People who wear sleeveless shirts in the army are basically defending their right to bare arms.
5. If you feel like you’re not being thanked enough in the army, don’t worry about it. Cavalry officers never say tanks.
6. My instructor just told me that he never saw me at the camouflage training. I replied, “Thank you, sir!”
7. Writers should be comfortable joining the Navy. They are already familiar with magazines.
8. Brooms would make such great army officers. They can easily perform good sweeps.
9. I once heard a story about a Roman army that got famous for selling milk products. It was Legion Dairy.
10. The veteran is now a volleyball coach. He told his students that the most important skill is knowing how to serve.
11. An army general was known to retreat from a Navy fleet that was wearing sandals. He was scared of de-feet.
12. The first thing pigs learn when they join the army is ham-to-ham combat.
13. I had no idea that you can’t eat ice cream in the Air Force. Apparently, you get arrested for deserting.
14. When the commanding officer told the Emperor that they had 385 volunteers, the Lord told him to round them up. He just replied in return, “Okay. 400, my liege.”
15. During the American Civil War, on the first day of the third month of last year, both sides’ armies had to March first and then have breakfast.
16. I know a great joke based on the National Guard and Army Reserve. But it only works on one weekend of the month.
17. I served under the calmest commander of the US Navy. General Anaesthesia helped put all disputes between fellow soldiers to bed.
18. I was once in the Army, but when I came back home, I started working with animals. Now I’m a military vet.
19. My father used to work as a baker when he was serving. He used to go in all buns glazing.
20. I had a senior officer that didn’t like playing the minor scales. So I always had to tell him, “Play a flat major.”
21. A guy named Will decided that he never wanted to be a soldier. I found out it was because he once heard them say, “Fire at will!”
22. Old Macdonald’s son chose to join the army rather than do farm work. I guess now he is E.I. G.I. Joe.
23. There was once an army of drawing tools. Their commanding officer was the ruler.
24. My grandfather used to work as a mime in the Army during the world war. He doesn’t like talking about it.
25. Two PFCs were walking down the street when one of them suddenly said, “Oh! Is that a dead bird?” The second PFC got worried, looked up toward the sky, and said, “Where? I can’t see it!”
26. The soldiers had to get rid of some bugs. They did it with a raid.
27. There’s only one kind of plant that grows in a soldier’s garden. It’s called an ambush.
28. Why does the militaryhave a strict dress code for ceremonies and events? To minimize civilian casual tees.
29. How do army soldiers greet each other when they ride in helicopters? “Helo!”
30. How do the soldiers freshen their breath? With a tic attack.
31. What kind of sergeant usually carries a long stick along with them wherever they are going? The Staff Sergeant.
32. What would you call it if a soldier leaves to go to play games? A deplayment.
33. Why did the soldier bring a blanket to an active battle zone? He needed cover.
34. What would you call a soldier who makes you stay beside them at all times? The company commander.
35. What do the soldiers read whenever they get bored? Their magazines.
36. What is a soldier’s least favourite day of the year? March 4th.
37. What do you call it when two low-ranking officers are discussing? A Private conversation.
38. Which area of an army base usually needs the most cleaning up? The mess hall.
39. How do soldiers move when they want to get an orange slice? In a wedge.
40. What happened to the Air Force pilot who tried his stand-up act at a comedy club? It was the bomb!
41. What military branch is the favourite of the horses? The Neigh-vy.
42. Which officer in the army uses the bathroom the most? The lootenant.
43. What is the main similarity between the army and musical composition? They both have majors.
44. What do you call a baby that was born on an Air Force plane? Airborne.
45. What would you call an unknown army ranger who tries talking to you? Ranger Danger.
46. What would you call a soldier who’s good at caring for animals? A vet.
47. Where do soldiers get their shoes? At Boot Camp.
48. What did the man reply when his father told him, “You wanna join the navy? You can’t even swim!”? He said, “No one can fly in the Air Force either.”
49. What would you call a drill sergeant who’s polite? A Drill Sergeantlemen.
50. What would you call the Private if they get exposed? The Public.
51. How did Steve get his lungs injured when he was serving? He tried to blow up the tank.
52. What did the Colonel say when someone asked him the lowest rank in the Army? He replied, “It’s Private.”
53. Did you hear about the man that shared a rented property with another man in the army? He took the right half, and the soldier was the left tenant.
54. Have you heard that the American soldiers recently arrested a pigeon on suspicion of being a spy? It seems that it was staging a coo.
55. How do you play Air Force Bingo? A-10 … B-52 … F-16!