Get some Zep in while you recuperate. I genuinely wonder if herb assists....

The Cows continue to surprise and against quality.

Geeking out on the Election tonight. Looks like Scomo is gone, but no love for Albo. Independents dominate. Both majors are fucked.

Winter definitely upon us now. COLD of an evening and morning. Struggling to get out of bed. Even the doggo's are feeling it.

Fuckin right mate. it's like we've swapped places! You can have it back anytime Chillz....

I still think there is a space for giant airships IF - someone like Musk decides to turn the attention of their mega-wallets to it. Same goes for some limited return of selected steam trains (maybe more so in England/Australia, not sure if Us has love affair with steam trains) Sorry, a bit off topic.....

FB link is dead (for me). Is it an AUD or SB recording? Any info?? Exciting.....

Rain. Every damn day for the last - 2 months???? (seems longer) I'm hoping we will get a few nights where the night sky is visible. I like tracking where the stars are in their seasonal shift. It's quite fun and in the last 3 years of seasons I've worked out where features will be at what times. But this rain....

I second that. We had the full moon last night through high cloud so got the "iris" effect really nicely, but no blood moon. Then crazy nice fog this morning in patches which made the morning sun a beautiful feature.

So first of all, no and no. Maybe. Cheers.

"Something" means self determination. No?

That is a beautiful guitar.

But Ukraine wishes to be - or become something. Russia wants to stop that. Should they be allowed?

This.

Indeed Steve, and will be a monumental effort to stave off the Chinese war machine if it comes to that. I doubt the PLA will be able to surround it given the US commitment (bi-partisan) to come to the aid of Taiwan, not to mention the eastern side is mountainous and not at all favourable to landings or strikes from that side. An invasion of Taiwan is no easy feat though Steve. It would be bigger than Normandy in scale, and Taiwan does already have the an understanding of defensive requirements. I think this is going to come down to strategic interest wholly driven by Taiwan's unique semiconductor manufacturing capability along with the second chain of islands doctrine/consideration that US military analysts must consider. Also, if China takes Taiwan, it will be a massive shift in tech capability. It would offer China a "fast track" to technological dominance. Of course, the US - even if Taiwan was lost, would probably not stand idly by - but would likely destroy the Taiwanese semiconductor plants. I cannot imagine any scenario where the US simply resigns itself to the loss of that advantage. This of course all hinges on the assumption the US will actually come to Taiwan's defence. If they are distracted by theatres elsewhere, or by a President/Congress who don't have fucks to give - that's a different scenario. At the end of the day Steve, I trust you are on the side of the US - for all her faults and missteps. The alternative is a very dark future for all. That may be true on a certain level, but is still disappointing to see this is your overall view. Ukraine wants to determine it's own future and wishes to step well away from the "Russian dream" of a reconstituted Soviet empire. I would think that is reasonable no matter how corrupt or fucked up the Ukrainian democracy has been until now. They at least have that right. Right???

lovely re-heated curried sausages and rice for lunch. One of those dishes that does not lose anything when served as "leftovers". 3 containers left in the freezer.

I don't think it is fear, it is China playing the long game. They realise the situation calls for patience and the status quo actually suits them while they prepare, but they will attempt unification at some point, and soon. By force or coercion depending on circumstance. By force will not be easy for a while yet but Taiwan definitely needs to go hard on defence spending now.

My mistake, it is my understanding tipping was compulsory over there - and if you were to decide not to tip you are viewed as almost criminal. When I went to the US (almost 30 years ago) I'm sure it was mentioned multiple times that tipping was "compulsory" to avoid trouble.

Exactly, but if it is compulsory, it is nothing to do with compensating for good service - it's compulsory! Only in America is the concept of "tipping" completely ruined. (AFAIK it's only the US) compulsory tipping I'd say is a form of socialism wouldn't you say Kip? BTW, welcome back.

There seems to be a lot less civility here when there is not much Led Zeppelin related stuff happening. Kinda understandable given the vastly different types on here, but still a pity.

I was thinking exactly the same thing. Done, done, onto the next one....

Abandon Ship