Iranian authorities restated their determination to retaliate against Israel on Wednesday, following an airstrike on Monday that resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian officials and the destruction of its consulate in Syria.
President Ebrahim Raisi, speaking on Iranian state television, asserted that the attack “will not go unanswered.” Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in televised remarks and social media posts, cautioned that Israel “will face consequences.”
The strike occurred amidst ongoing hostilities between Iran-backed Hezbollah and the Israeli Defence Forces along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. It sparked widespread concern due to its significant escalation and departure from international norms regarding embassy attacks.
The IDF announced plans to reinforce its aerial defence unit and mobilize additional reservists in response to escalating tensions with Iran.
On social media, Khamenei also called for international condemnation of Israel ahead of International Quds (Jerusalem) Day on Friday. Originating after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Quds Day is observed with protests in support of Palestinians worldwide.
Iran declared that the funerals of the two generals and five officials killed in the IDF strike in Damascus would coincide with Friday’s Quds Day protests in Tehran. Major General Hossein Salami, IRGC Commander, is scheduled to deliver remarks during the event.
The Jewish man said, “Last week, my wife and I had great sex. I rubbed her body all over with schmaltz (chicken fat), we made passionate love, and she screamed for five full minutes at the end!”
The Frenchman boasted, “Last week when my wife and I had sex, I rubbed her body all over with butter. We then made passionate love and she screamed for 10 minutes!”
The Italian man said, “Well, last week my wife and I also had sex. I rubbed her body all over with olive oil. We made love, and she screamed for over six hours!”
The other two were stunned. The amazed Frenchman asked, “What could you have possibly done to make your wife scream for six hours?”
The Italian said…………..”I wiped my hands on the bedspread.”
The Presbyterian church called a meeting to decide what to do about their squirrel infestation. After much prayer and consideration, they concluded that the squirrels were predestined to be there, and they should not interfere with God’s divine will.
At the Baptist church, the squirrels had taken an interest in the baptistry. The deacons met and decided to put a water-slide on the baptistry and let the squirrels drown themselves. The squirrels liked the slide and, unfortunately, knew instinctively how to swim, so twice as many squirrels showed up the following week.
The Lutheran church decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creatures. So, they humanely trapped their squirrels and set them free near the Baptist church. Two weeks later, the squirrels were back when the Baptists took down the water-slide.
The Episcopalians tried a much more unique path by setting out pans of whiskey around their church in an effort to kill the squirrels with alcohol poisoning. They sadly learned how much damage a band of drunk squirrels can do.
But the Catholic church came up with a more creative strategy! They baptized all the squirrels and made them members of the church. Now they only see them at Christmas and Easter.
Not much was heard from the Jewish synagogue. They took the first squirrel and circumcised him. They haven’t seen a squirrel since.
As Anzac Day 2024 approaches, final arrangements are being made at commemorative sites in Australia and around the world, as we prepare to remember the contributions all service men and women have made for more than a century since the First World War. On Anzac Day, all Australians are encouraged to reflect on this, whether as part of a commemorative service overseas, or in Australia.
The Australian War Memorial will once again host the national Dawn Service, which will be telecast live on ABC TV and streamed via DVA’s Facebook page.
Returned Services League of Australia (RSL) and other ex-service organisations, as well as state and territory governments, organise Anzac Day services throughout the country. You can find out about local services by getting in touch with your local RSL sub-branch or visiting the Anzac Day page on the RSL Australia website.
A number of Australian War Cemeteries and Gardens of Remembrance hold Anzac Day services. Please check the Commemorations page on the DVA website for up-to-date information.
If you are planning a commemorative service, or choosing to commemorate Anzac Day at home, the Department of Veterans’ Affair’s (DVA) digital kitbag of printable materials can help. The kitbag includes speeches, Orders of Service, commemorative music playlists, craft activities and more. To download these resources, visit the Anzac Portal.
Services held in Gallipoli in Türkiye, and Villers-Bretonneux in France, hold special meaning for Australians. They’re where many of those who served in the First World War fought and died, and were integral in the forging of the Anzac traditions that are embraced and carried on today by the Australian Defence Force.
Anyone planning to attend either of these two services must register for a free attendance pass by visiting commemorations.teg.com.au. The international Dawn Services will also be broadcast live on the ABC on Anzac Day and streamed live on DVA’s Facebook page.
Every year, the Australian Government works with local authorities to also hold safe, solemn and dignified Anzac Day services at significant sites where Australians fought and died in the Second World War: the Bomana War Cemetery and Isurava Memorial in Papua New Guinea, Hellfire Pass in Thailand, and the Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia. Please consult the DVA website for important information about participating in these services.
“Good Morning, Vietnam!” is a phrase immortalized by the iconic American radio broadcaster Adrian Cronauer. Cronauer’s vivacious and irreverent personality catapulted the phrase into popular culture, especially during his stint as a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) in Saigon during 1965-66.
Cronauer’s booming voice echoed through the airwaves, bringing a much-needed dose of humour, music, and unfiltered commentary to American and Australian troops stationed in Southeast Asia. His energetic and boundary-pushing style challenged the conventions of military radio, earning him both praise and reprimand from his superiors.
With a playlist that spanned from rock ‘n’ roll to soul, and a sharp wit that spared no one, Cronauer became a beloved figure among soldiers seeking respite from the harsh realities of war. His broadcasts served as a lifeline, connecting troops to home and fostering a sense of camaraderie amidst the chaos of combat.
However, Cronauer’s tenure in Vietnam was not without its controversies. His outspokenness and willingness to tackle sensitive topics, including the military bureaucracy and the politics of the war, sometimes landed him in hot water with military brass. Yet, his unwavering commitment to truth and entertainment endeared him to listeners far and wide.
“Good Morning, Vietnam!” became more than just a greeting; it became a symbol of hope and defiance in the face of adversity. Cronauer’s legacy as a pioneering radio personality continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of laughter and music to transcend even the darkest of times.
Submarines have long relied on stealth to maintain dominance in the depths of the ocean, presenting an enigmatic yet formidable presence. Now, the U.S. Navy is set to elevate stealth capabilities to unprecedented heights with the implementation of a revolutionary propulsion system. American submarines will soon be equipped with the cutting-edge magnetohydrodynamic drive.
In a groundbreaking development, the U.S. Navy has chosen to outfit a Virginia-class submarine with this state-of-the-art technology, marking a significant leap forward in undersea warfare. This innovative magnetohydrodynamic drive, part of the PUMP program spearheaded by DARPA (Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency), has been in the works since its announcement in 2023. By utilizing superconducting magnets to generate a magnetic field that accelerates water passing through, this propulsion system has earned the moniker “caterpillar drive” due to its resemblance to the smooth, stealthy motion of a caterpillar.
The selected vessel to receive this pioneering upgrade is the USS Montana (SSN 794), a formidable Virginia-class attack submarine commissioned into service in June 2022. Despite her relatively young age, the USS Montana has been brought to Groton, Connecticut, for the installation of this groundbreaking technology.
The implementation of the magnetohydrodynamic drive is poised to render the USS Montana virtually undetectable, a coveted achievement in naval warfare. Unlike traditional propulsion systems with moving mechanical parts, this new drive operates entirely within the submarine’s hull, minimizing acoustic signatures and making detection via passive sonar extremely challenging. Sonar operators scouring the depths for the USS Montana are likely to encounter noises that mimic natural phenomena, such as seismic activity, further enhancing the submarine’s stealth capabilities.
Externally, the only visible indicators of this advanced propulsion system are the water intake doors located in the bow of the submarine, resembling enlarged torpedo tube shutters. These discreet openings, approximately the size of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, are positioned horizontally, a departure from conventional configurations.
Pending successful trials, the magnetohydrodynamic drive may find its way into additional submarines, including future iterations of the Virginia class and the anticipated ‘SSN-X’ models. However, it is unlikely to be incorporated into the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), as the unparalleled stealth capabilities would be redundant for submarines primarily tasked with nuclear deterrence.
The USS Montana is scheduled to undergo sea trials in the Penobscot River, Maine, providing a secure environment away from prying eyes, notably those of the Russian Navy.
While the caterpillar drive propulsion system is still in its nascent stages, its deployment aboard the USS Montana signifies the dawn of a new era in undersea warfare. Whether the trials in the Penobscot River mark the conclusion of this chapter or herald the beginning of a transformative journey remains to be seen. Regardless, the USS Montana will remain an elusive force beneath the waves.
Updated Tue, 2 April 2024 at 1:50 pm AEDT·2-min read
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Electric vehicle owners had to contend with longer than usual waiting times over the Easter weekend when charging stations were in high demand as Aussies hit the road to take advantage of the long break.
April 25 was officially named ‘Anzac Day’ by Acting Prime Minister, Alexander Pearce in 1916.
The day was to be a commemoration of the Gallipoli landing and to honour those who had served in that campaign.
Each state planned a wide variety of ceremonies to mark the occasion which included church memorial services, public ceremonies, marches and dinners for returned soldiers. A public holiday was not declared, however New South Wales Premier William Holman requested ‘every man, woman and child [to] stand still” and for trains, trams and other vehicles to stop for one minute from noon on the day’.
RSA letterhead 8/4/1916. Anzac Day as a country-wide event appears to have been proposed by the Queensland State Government to Holman in NSW and other premiers and although 25 April 1916 fell on a Tuesday, the state governments decided it was inappropriate to declare it a public holiday. In fact, Victoria at first thought it premature to arrange a ‘special day’ in recognition of the Australian soldiers, in the perceived probability that the Australian Imperial Force would further “distinguish themselves” during the course of the war.
Tasmania initially felt it was inappropriate to appear to celebrate a campaign they believed ‘must for all time be regarded as a failure’ for the blameless Australian forces. In the end, individual states decided how and to what extent their commemorations were to be held. While NSW wanted to ‘commemorate the glorious landing of Australia’s sons at Anzac’ it also saw an opportunity to encourage recruitment and fundraising. The Returned Services Association (of which Premier Holman was president) also sought to use the commemoration to raise funds through the Anzac Day Fund, to build an Anzac Memorial Hall adorned with the names of the fallen, despite a promise made by the Premier not to allow collections on the day.
At the time it was believed that church services should be central to the day’s events. Premier Holman personally requested State- wide memorial services to recognise: ‘the glorious part played by Australian soldiers in their baptism of fire, the remembrance of the many graves in enemy territory and the presence amongst us of the sick and wounded heroes of the fight’.
On the first Anzac Day in Sydney, in 1916, 4,000 returned servicemen (essentially the number of members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association of New South Wales) marched or were driven in cars through the streets following the route: St Mary’s Cathedral Gates, Macquarie Street, Bridge Street, George Street, Liverpool Street, Elizabeth Street, St James Road, back to St Mary’s Cathedral Gates and then to the Domain where 50,000-60,000 people had gathered, despite an earlier shower.
As the crowd watched the Gallipoli veterans enter the Outer Domain, the gentle singing en masse of ‘Abide with Me’ followed by other stirring tunes, was remembered years later by then Chief Secretary, George Black as one of the most emotional moments of his life.
Prayers and scripture were delivered by Reverends William Parson and R Scott-West before Archbishop John Charles Wright delivered the principal address to the soldiers. The service was concluded with the playing of The Last Post and the National Anthem – God Save the King’.
The soldiers then marched to Town Hall for a luncheon and entertainment, where ‘not one vacant seat’ was to be found on the tables which covered the entire floor of the main hall.
The event was presided over by the Lord Mayor of Sydney and Premier Holman who closed the luncheon by asking the men ‘to drink the toast not only to the memory of the fallen, but to those who were determined to see victory crown their effort’. In keeping with this last point, the afternoon was dedicated to nine recruitment rallies across the city, before the Town Hall was host once more to an evening concert for the Gallipoli veterans.
This first commemoration in 1916 started a tradition that would become increasingly important and popular in the coming years to the people of NSW and Australia.
To support veterans living with hearing conditions, we provide assistive listening and hearing devices through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP).
The devices offered through the RAP program are designed to improve a veteran’s ability to hear in specific listening situations.
While standard smoke alarms are suitable for most people with a mild to moderate hearing impairment, people with severe hearing loss are unlikely to hear a standard smoke alarm.
For these veterans, DVA provides specialised smoke alarm packages that include a high quality smoke alarm, vibration pad, and flashing light. The addition of the vibration pad and flashing light improves the ability to respond quickly and independently during a potential emergency.
Veterans may be eligible to receive a specialised smoke alarm package through the RAP if they:
have been diagnosed with profound hearing loss in the better functioning ear, and
hold a Veteran Gold Card, or a Veteran White Card for a related accepted condition.
To get a specialised package, organise an appointment with your GP, audiologist, audiometrist, occupational therapist or hearing specialist.
The Albanese government’s latest antics reveal depths of incompetence. Despite reasoned arguments against rushing an EV plan, it appears the government is caving to the demands of the Greens, Teals, and Independents. Essentially, they’re holding the country hostage in exchange for extreme measures. This means the Greens et al. effectively control the government, with figures like Bowen and Albo merely puppets in their game.
The National Vehicle Emissions Strategy (NVES) is being pushed forward aggressively, aiming to catch up with global emissions reduction efforts within an unrealistic 5-year timeframe. This rush will likely cripple traditional car manufacturers while favouring newcomers like Chinese EV brands. Starting January 2025, heavy penalties will be imposed on conventional vehicles, while EV manufacturers receive hefty incentives.
The automotive industry is rightfully frustrated with the government’s deceitful tactics, supported by EV enthusiasts and climate activists. It seems the public interest is being sacrificed in this political game, with the only hope lying in the next election.
Bowen’s infamous statement about disagreeing with his policies and not voting for him seems eerily relevant now. Australia, responsible for less than 1% of global carbon emissions, is being saddled with a pioneering EV policy. Even the US finds 2030 too ambitious. Yet, Canberra persists in its delusions, expecting car manufacturers to immediately shift to producing Euro 6 EVs with stringent regulations for a market with minimal demand.
The disconnect from reality is stark. The government’s response to concerns about higher prices for traditional vehicles is laughable, suggesting buyers will simply switch to non-existent EV alternatives. The lack of infrastructure, high costs, and low resale values make this plan absurd, especially for rural communities.
This policy disaster will go down in history alongside other governmental blunders. If Labor fails to secure a majority and aligns with a left-leaning minority, Australia risks becoming a larger version of NZ. It’s a grim outlook indeed.
