IndyWatch Castlemaine VIC All Topics Summary Archiver

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IndyWatch Castlemaine VIC All Topics Summary was generated at Castlemaine VIC IndyWatch.

Friday, 19 May

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Thursday, 18 May

17:08

Mealy-mouthed waffle from NSW Police Minister after police taser a 95 year-old woman. "IndyWatch Feed National"

A 95-year-old dementia patient is fighting for life after being tasered by police who found her armed with a knife in a nursing home at Cooma in the NSW Snowy region. Only the people who were there know what happened ... witnesses, the Police, and the woman - and there'll...

16:26

Victorian Bar Council promoting Albanese's Vanity Voice - plenty of pissed off members "IndyWatch Feed National"

From the notes I'm receiving this doesn't have unanimous support - here's a good example: As a member of Crim Bar Assoc I cant believe Hallowes believes he can speak/show support on my behalf in regards to political matters. The Victorian Criminal Bar Association supports the proposal to amend the...

13:39

Australia's welfare mentality in one sentence "IndyWatch Feed National"

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/changes-if-you-get-family-payments?context=22136#:~:text=From%2010%20July%202023%2C%20if,from%2085%25%20to%2090%25. Families taking in more than half a million a year DON'T NEED HANDOUTS.

13:17

US Congress members criticise IPEF digital proposals that conflict with US laws "IndyWatch Feed National"

May 18, 2022: Eight prominent Democratic Congress members have written a letter to US Trade Representative Katherine Tai expressing deep concerns about the secrecy of proposals on digital trade in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF ) negotiations. They argue that proposals conflict with the Biden administrations efforts to restore competition and protect consumers, workers, and small businesses, particularly when it comes to Big Tech platforms.

They argue that broad proposals to prevent illegal trade discrimination against foreign companies have been used by companies to argue against other countries national public interest  laws on the grounds that they disproportionately impact companies headquartered in the US.

They document that these companies have sought US trade action against Canada for its pending Online News Act, which, like a U.S. bipartisan proposal, would require Big Tech platforms to pay for the news they profit from. US companies used trade discrimination arguments against similar laws in Australia

The letter documents that these companies have also attacked South Korean legislation that is similar to another bipartisan congressional proposal that reins in companies like Google and Apple from using their dominant app stores to extort app developers. And the US Chamber of Commerce has attacked both the European Digital Markets Act and bipartisan US legislation to prohibit anti-competitive self-preferencing, for allegedly engaging in trade discrimination against big US tech companies.

The letter also asks for IPEF not to limit governments ability to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) by preventing scrutiny of AI source code and algorithms. Companies are increasingly outsourcing important decisions to AI, in spite of clear evidence that it can discriminate on a massive scale through black box algorithms that can create inhumane and unsafe working conditions, make life-altering employment decisions, reject loan applicants, and misidentify women of colour in police footage.

The letter argues that it is not trade discrimination for the US government or any of our trading partners to regulate Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon to protect online competition, as tech industry groups have claimed it is common sense, and trade-pact terms should in no way inhibit it.

The letter criticises the lack of detail provided to Congress and the deadline imposed to finish the negotiations by November 2023, saying an artificial deadline must not come before ensuring that the deal fulfills the Biden Administrations commitments to promote competition i...

12:48

Materialising the internet (of things) "IndyWatch Feed National"

The debate about how our data is used is a valuable one, but a more substantial one can only be had once we stop seeing the internet as an immaterial flow of information and begin to see it as a vast material infrastructure, with equally vast resources demands and its own environmental impacts. We need to understand the construction of smart technology and the Internet of Things as coming from mines running on slave labour, lakes of toxic sludge, data centres with militarised security, and will possibly result in a second scramble for Africa.

The post Materialising the internet (of things) appeared first on Overland literary journal.

12:45

Everybody Knows, Part 15: Judge Ermines Court Is in Session "IndyWatch Feed National"

by Mary W Maxwell, LLB (Adel)

Good day, attendees of this session of the Brisbane District Court. I am Judge Ermine.

The case before us is The King versus Patrick ODea and Russell Pridgeon. The prosecutor for Queensland, please stand, is Miss Karen Grace Brumby. The defendants, please stand, are self-representing. Please be seated.

Audio recording is permitted; photographing is prohibited. As one of the defendants is hard of hearing. I have ordered a screen to placed in front of him with an instant printout of what is being said. If it fails to work, he should signal the bailiff.

This is the peoples court and it is also th...

11:12

Brittany Higgins DPP replaced "IndyWatch Feed National"

The sneaky left ACT Government has very quietly 'temporarily' replaced him..

11:02

Sexist NSW Greens: not one male MP "IndyWatch Feed National"

The sexist sisterhood is alive and well in the NSW Greens. Not one male MP. Where are the sexism "callers out"?? Disgusting. Feeling physically sick. Vagina festival. etc

08:54

Rugby Australia now selling Albanese's Vanity Voice "IndyWatch Feed National"

Another blow for Albanese's Vanity Voice - Rugby supports it Today's full page ad in the Financial Review - it's as if the timing of announcements among the codes is co-ordinated! The Vanity Voice has all the kinds of people and organisations supporting it that leave regular Australians a little...

08:11

Leaders call for action on nuclear arms control "IndyWatch Feed National"

Contributed by Jim Hayes

A group of 256 former world leaders has called for the world to get nuclear arms control back on track, in an open letter to be delivered to this weeks G7 meeting in Japan. Having the names of 6 former heads of state, 20 cabinet-level ministers and experts from 50 different countries including China, Russia and the US lends weight to this initiative.

Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida, who is from Hiroshima, the victim of a nuclear bomb during the closing of World War Two, has called for the worlds powers to at least agree to a timetable for a roadmap to renew arms control talks.

Photo by Richard A Brooks/AFP/Getty: The Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, where the G7 meeting is taking place

On 8 April 2010 the United States and Russia signed what is called the New Start II treaty, which replaced the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty of 1991. It did not work, because the United States failed to keep up its side of the agreement. The first treaty, renamed Start1, expired in 2009.

The two powers were supposed to engage on partial denuclearisation, while still maintaining formidable stocks. A major problem was that the terms imposed by the United States on a weakened Russia after the collapse of the soviet union, ensured that it would maintain a superior position in ter...

03:52

Elon Musk Interview Musk See Interview I Created AI May 17, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"

This is a very good interview. A mature adult conversation for a change.

Often I find Fox, for example, unbearable. Too much hysterics, too many loud aggressive voices. Not enough respect and patience with people being interviewed.

I dont watch any of the leftwing media in Australia and America. Too woke. Too much leftwing propaganda. Too much gay propaganda.

03:16

Chewed up and spat out: SBS documentary delves into world of megachurch Hillsong. SBS Australia "IndyWatch Feed National"

May 18, 2023

Heres another garbage documentary on Hillsong. By SBS Australia. Media are going nuts over Hillsong.

SBS Australia is supposed to be a multi-cultural tolerant government funded Australian media. In reality, SBS like ABC Australia, another government funded media is leftwing, Woke and intolerant of conservative Bible believing Christians.

This SBS documentary features a Pentecostal Christian who went gay. Another Tony Venn-Brown type. Theyre always so bitter. And so deluded from a Biblical point of view. I really find it very hard to listen to, watch or read about their moanings and tripe.

And they attack the Jesus, the Holy Bible and Biblical things. So from a Christian point of view theyre really agents of the Devil.

We must be very careful when and how wee criticise Christians and the Christian Church.

Sure Brian Houston and his fellow Prosperity Gospel pastors worldwide are apostates, scammers, charlatans and are preaching another gospel, as the Apostle Paul put it.

Christian evangelism, Christian meetings, Bible studies, being filled with the Holy Spirit, divine healings, speaking in tongues, casting out demons and so on are all great New Testament things.

In the article below we read a lot of delusional tri...

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Wednesday, 17 May

23:17

The Tasmanian AFL Stadium Protest "IndyWatch Feed National"

Every now and then, the sharpened, dedicated means of halting a monstrous white elephant before its birth can work. The wise suddenly seem in charge, conscious and aware that folly can be averted. This, however, is a rare feat indeed. In Tasmania protests of some magnitude against a proposed stadium for Australian Rules Football are starting to have some effect. These have taken place against a dark backdrop: a persistent, critical housing crisis; the presence of homelessness; concerns about food and energy security, and healthcare.

On May 13, thousands gathered on Hobarts parliamentary lawns protesting the $715 million proposal that envisages a redevelopment of the Macquarie Point precinct, a rather disingenuous justification to build a needless 23,000-seat structure on prime real estate using public funds. The package totalling $745 million, also envisages upgrades for York Park (UTAS Stadium) in Launceston.

A conspicuous figure present at the protests was one of Australias more prominent authors, Richard Flanagan. As he wrote in The Age last month, Tasmania, and its population of 550,000 people, has two stadiums where AFL games are routinely played. Tasmania doesnt have a stadium problem. It has a housing and homelessness problem. Rents in Australias poorest state have almost doubled over the last five years; affordable properties were elusive to those on Youth Allowance and JobSeeker.

In its myopic vision and scope, the stadium could be said, argues Flanagan, to be a symbol of government inaction on these issues that blight Australias smallest state. In addition to housing, it has Australias worst public health system, and, with 50 per cent illiteracy, a public education problem.

Also present at the protest was federal Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie, who proved to be both colourful and agitated. Tasmanians, she declared in her address to the crowd, have had a bloody gutful over the stadium and you can stick it up your bum.

In what must surely be considered an act of self-harm, the Tasmanian Liberals also find themselves in a governing minority largely because of Premier Jeremy Rockliffs edifice fetish. A day before the large protests, Liberal backbenchers John Tucker and Lara Alexander quit the party. As Alexander reasoned, The proposed shady deal to build a stadium in Hobart has sharply divided the community. While she did not often agree with her opposite nu...

22:04

Grooming event held today at Parliament House in Melbourne "IndyWatch Feed National"

Dictator Daniel Andrews has hosted a child grooming event inside Parliament House!!! A groomer event...

20:40

Durham Report Exposes Election Interference and Manufacturing Conspiracies "IndyWatch Feed National"

Introduction by DM

The Durham report lays out that the government had very little to go on when it opened the Crossfire Hurricane investigation and that it may have been done due to hostile feelings by higher-ups in the FBI. Indeed, the report says that the

speed and manner in which the FBI opened and investigated Crossfire Hurricane during the presidential election season based on raw, unanalyzed, and uncorroborated intelligence also reflected a noticeable departure from how it approached prior matters involving possible attempted foreign election interference plans aimed at the Clinton campaign.

...

19:38

A tale of one bird and two plants "IndyWatch Feed Cvic"

A tiny denizen of the plains, the Golden-headed Cisticola is always a delight to encounter.

These days it can be mainly found in tall, rank grasslands (I often refer to such areas as rough country), as well as densely vegetated creeklines and grassy swamps all make ideal habitat for this beautiful songster. More often than not I find it perched on a Phalaris stem, inspecting its surroundings and occasionally bursting into snatches of insect-like song.

Sadly the nature of its homeland has undergone profound changes in recent decades. The vast expanses of native grassland are no more reduced to narrow roadside strips dominated by introduced grasses, especially Phalaris Phalaris aquatica. Like many native birds, the Golden-headed Cisticola has adapted to a degree and can be reasonably common in in such places.

Phalaris is probably the most persistent and productive temperate perennial pasture grass sown across southern Australia and is an important component of many profitable livestock grazing systems. It is a native of southern Europe, north west Africa and the Mediterranean region. It was first introduced into Australia from the United States in 1884, where it became known as Toowoomba Canary Grass.

Ill confess to not being a huge fan of Phalaris* but wont bore you now with my compelling reasoning!

Back to Cisticola exilis.

One of its former strongholds would have been Long Swamp, a large shallow wetland at the core of the Moolort Plains wetland complex. Fringed by River Red-gums the floor of the swamp was once dominated by dense stands of Southern Cane-grass Eragrostis infecunda. Unlike with Phalaris Im a big fan of this wonderful native grass, now regenerating nicely after a wet 2022 and carpeting large areas across the wetland. As dusk approached several cisticolas gathered around me, enjoying the last rays of sunshine and looking very much at home. I wandered off slowly, imagining a Brolga flock passing overhead.

...

18:31

Whats in the budget for you? "IndyWatch Feed National"

THE Black Dog Institute welcomes the Albanese Governments first full Federal Budget which included $586.9 million in new funding for mental health as well as $14.6 billion in cost-of-living support. 

Helping people meet their basic needs feeding their family, having a roof over their heads, keeping the lights on is as much a mental health measure as it is economic,

Black Dog Institutes First Nations Director Clinton Shultz said the Institute welcomed the $10.5 million in new funding towards supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people in the lead up to, during and following the Voice referendum. 

First Nations people are already feeling the impact of the referendum debate. Weve seen increased distress in communities around our country, Mr Shultz said. 

We hope this funding can be used to both understand and prevent social and emotional impacts to First Nations people, not only during the Voice debate but through the whole implementation of the Uluru statement including Truth and Treaty processes. 

The Black Dog Institute welcomes funding for The Essential Network (TEN), providing a tailored mental health service for frontline healthcare workers and the National Emergency Worker Support Service (NEWSS) a mental health service for employed or volunteer first responders, including police, fire, ambulance, maritime rescue

18:30

Banksia Hill riot prompts further calls for reforms "IndyWatch Feed National"

FOLLOWING another riot at the notorious Banksia Hill Youth Detention Centre, the union that represents prison guards has added its voice to those calling for a change in the way youth justice is approached in Western Australia. 

Aboriginal, legal and health experts and the CPSU/CSA all say the problems at Banksia Hill have been well documented and represent a failure of government policy and investment. 

The latest major disturbance started after a number of detainees escaped their cells on Tuesday night and gained access to the grounds of the centre before climbing onto the roof. 

The riot was brought to a close after armed officers were sent in. 

Premier Mark McGowan said the behaviour of the youths was a form of terrorism and activists should not make excuses for them. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar said the premiers response wasnt good enough. 

Here was an opportunity for us to acknowledge the depth of the issues and the problems that are leading to why these children are in Banksia Hill in the first place and why theyre on the

18:29

Voice inquiry backs laws "IndyWatch Feed National"

A CROSS-PARTY parliamentary committee has backed laws setting up a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in the constitution. 

The inquiry report, released on Friday, said the need for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is unquestionable.

Witnesses spoke about the torment of powerlessness, how it impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and threatens to affect their childrens lives, and their children, the report said.

They spoke about the potential for a Voice to overcome this powerlessness. 

While some witnesses raised concerns regarding certain aspects of the legislation, the committee is satisfied that the constitution alteration is not only fit for purpose but also will enhance Australias systems of governance and laws, the report said. 

The committee has only one recommendation: the passage of the constitution alteration, unamended.

Committee chair and Labor senator Nita Green noted the late Indigenous leader Yunupingu called for an honest answer from the Australian people to an honest question. 

This is an honest question; it is now time for the Australian people to be given the opportunity to provide an honest

18:27

TITLES TURN 10 "IndyWatch Feed National"

A TOP-LEVEL national Indigenous surfing event will mark its 10th year this month, cementing itself as the premier event in its field. 

The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles will mark its return to Djarrak/Bells Beach on Wadawurrung Country on Victorias Surf Coast.

The event brings together First Nations surfers from across the country including Western Australia, Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Victoria. 

Surfing Victoria is excited to welcome back the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles to Bells Beach/Djarrak, Surfing Victoria chief executive Adam Robertson said.

The event is an incredible showcase of First Nations surfers and a true gathering of surfers from around the country.

Divisions at the AISTs including Open-age men and women, junior boys and girls under-18s, over- 35s, Elders longboard. 

Were excited to welcome the leading First Nations surfers to Djarrak for the Australian 

Indigenous Surfing Titles, Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said. 

As a council, we support events that encourage people to stay longer on the Surf Coast in our off-peak season, and appreciate and care for this place. Its exactly what these national titles do, welcoming top First Nations surfers from across Australia to connect with each other and connect with

17:53

Why the media silence on Paul Kent's domestic violence arrest? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Former Australian Cricketer Ian Healy quite rightly asks - why has the rugby league media in Sydney gone soft on one of their own, Paul Kent and his arrest on domestic violence and choking allegations? The footballers, cricketers, and celebrities they frequently cover don't get the same treatment: https://twitter.com/SENQLD/status/1658261063941623808?s=20 Healy...

17:44

Cricket Australia turns the game into a vehicle for wokeness. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Remember when Cricket used to be a national unity game? Everyone who cared went for the national team. Those who didnt care, tolerated it through the Summer. Now the game has become a vehicle for attention seeking minorities, taking a knee, and celebrating fringe causes. Get ready for crickets proud...

17:40

THE BOYLE FACTOR "IndyWatch Feed National"

Richard Boyle is a whistle-blower who is being railroaded by the Australian Federal Parliament and the following text is basically all about de-railing that criminal abuse of public office by insisting that the prosecution subpoena me.

Posting short link: https://wp.me/p1n8TZ-3hA

As this website reveals, I have been a whistle-blower for many years and the best way to deal with overt process corruption, is to confront it head-on, which is precisely what this email to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is all about. The message is very simple the prosecution of Richard Boyle could bring down the Federal Parliament.

The Assistant Director-CDPP (Adelaide)
Via email: adelaide@cdpp.gov.au

CC: Steven Millsteed KC
smillsteed@bjennings.com.au

CC: Counsellor Lauren Gavranich,
lgavranich@ebchambers.com.au...

17:36

No Dig Veggie Gardens "IndyWatch Feed National"

No dig garden bed

On a recent trip to my local shopping centre (one of those monolithic structures so big it has its own postcode) I was shocked to discover that the fashions of the 80s were back!

Despite the hefty price tag and designer labels on many items, I still couldnt comprehend it. I mean, the gear we wore in the eighties wasnt that great then I cant imagine what has prompted its resurgence! Either Ive been avoiding fashion for too long (and just about anyone who knows me would agree with that), or it is true what they say fashion and trends do go in cycles.

This got me thinking about garden trends and design styles, and the recent flurry of interest I have had in the construction of no dig gardens. Daily, my inbox is full of requests for information on no dig gardens what are they, how do they work, why are they so good, and, most importantly, how to construct them. And, just like that dreaded eighties fashion, no dig gardens have come back into vogue.

But, despite what many people may think, they are not a new concept. No dig gardens have in fact been documented since the 1800s, but the pioneer of the no-dig gardening concept is Masanobu Fukuoka of Japan, through his excellent 1953 book entitled The One-Straw Revolution. Mr Fukuoka, we salute you!

What is No Dig Gardening?

As the name suggests, no-dig gardening is all about going up, rather than down, essentially a patch above ground. Although it can be known by a number of different names, no-dig gardens are definitely NOT no-work gardens! Yes, there may be less work in setting up a no-dig patch (as opposed to the traditional dig down style of garden) but its important to remember that all gardens, particularly edible ones, require on-going maintenance, monitoring and work. Think above-ground pool vs. in-ground pool they all need work to keep them looking good, but it is somewhat easier to install an above ground pool.

Why we love them

There are so many things to love about no-dig vegetable gardens, so lets start from the ground up! No-dig veggie gardens are fantastic in Australia, as a great deal of our soil is nutrient deficient, hard to work and somewhat inhospitable to our favourite herbs and vegetables. As these raised beds do not require the soil beneath them to be dug over before installation, the risk of damage to the structure of the soil is minimised (especially important on clay soils).

Construction of these types of gardens has the two-fold advantage of both protecting and improving the...

17:06

Torquay Hotel crowned as Victorias best live entertainment venue "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

The winners of the 2023 Australian Hotels Association, Victoria (AHA Vic) State Awards for Excellence the pinnacle event of the Victorian hospitality industry were announced at Crown Palladium once again this week, with a bunch of favourites taking out the top honours.

Held annually, the awards recognise hotels and pubs in Victoria both metropolitan and regional that demonstrate excellence across 40 distinct categories, from excellence in service, best chef and best family dining, to the best outdoor experience, best innovative retail space and even best gaming venue. Theres even the best parma category, arguably the most coveted title of the lot.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

The AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence is a celebration of the accomplishments of Victorias pubs and hotels, where we come together to recognise outstanding hospitality service and delivery, stated Paddy OSullivan, CEO of AHA (Vic).

We also express gratitude to the dedicated pub and hotel staff for their invaluable contributions to ensure the success of our industry.

Honouring and celebrating the industrys strengths and successes, the Torquay Hotel was one of the local feel-good stories of the night taking out gold in the Best Live Entertainment Category, beating out the likes of the Corner Hotel in Richmond, the Croxton Bandroom in Thornbury and The Westernport in San Remo.

Sister venue The Grovedale Hotel was also a beacon of success, taking home the Ian Larkin Overall Hotel on the Year for regional, Best Sports Bar in regional, best Pubtab for regional, and best gaming venue in regional Victoria. Talk about cleaning up!!

With both venues owned by the Taylor Group, its the Torquay Hotels recognition that warms our soul. A cornerstone of Torquay and our region, the last few years have seen an inconceivable regeneration and transformation of the venue which has solidified itself as a cultural gem as much as an iconic musical one.

With general manager Joel Taylor and local musician Luke Hindson at the helm, the Torquay Hotel has experienced an incredible reawakening, with their aim to bring live, local music and atmosphere back to the heart of the surf coast. Since the first summer series back in 2018 with San Cisco, Ziggy Alberts and Phil Jamieson, the hotels flourishing music culture is attracting world-class acts not just in summer, but all year round, and fostering homegrown talent until they themselves are world-class acts. And no matter your musical persuasion, theres something for everyone.

...

17:00

Canada And Chinas Diplomatic Tit-For-Tat Is A Warning For America "IndyWatch Feed National"

China dictator Xi JinpingBiden should reach out to Canada and Australia's leaders and learn from their experiences in dealing with the CCPs political interference.

Advancing prop tech "IndyWatch Feed National"





 this is real progress on props.  we are getting it now because we can use 3d printing to mock up trial props for testing.  In the past it meant cranking up the machining tools and every best guess was only so good.

I do think that the big market will be in the water.  They have to find a way to cast them and finish with machining.  Yet every outboard needs this and every power boat.  That number is actually finite and we can tune them with printed props in order to get them right.  Then apply speed with metal and perhaps some trim then

We have needed a better prop solution forever.


16:33

Australian Endangered Species Conservationists Celebrate As 29 Animals Removed From The List "IndyWatch Feed National"

Reddit

In an incredible feat, Australia has managed to recover at least 29 different animals after undergoing a rather large-scale research project study where they were able to officially remove them from the endangered species list.

This list, also known as Australias Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act has at least 446 species of different animals that require immediate care and protection at the moment, however now, at least 29 species are now no longer on that list. According to the report, these include 15 mammals, 8 birds, 4 frogs, a reptile and a fish.


Some of these critters are the golden, Western barred, and Eastern barred bandicoots, Western quoll, sooty albatross, waterfall frog, Flinders Range worm-lizard, yellow-footed rock wallabies, greater bilby, humpback whale,...

16:31

Get your gang together, The Sphinx is bringing back its karaoke nights in Geelong "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

If youre feeling brave enough to take on one of Geelongs most well-known venues, then head to The Sphinx Hotel the North Geelong food and entertainment bar now catering to confident karaoke connoisseurs.

With an exterior that you cant miss, both indoor and outdoor dining, a rotating roster of live entertainment and comedians, a sports bar and a menu primed with old favourites and classics, the Sphinx is now adding karaoke to the mix.

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

Launching on Friday, 19 May, the newest karaoke night will take over the venues Cazbar Dance club from 8:30pm.

Hosted by Siren Entertainment, there will be a huge selection of songs to choose from, where you can impress your date or torture everyone with your rendition of Wonderwall.

If you need a little liquid courage, the bar will be flowing all night long.

Cue David Bowie, well see you there.

Head here for more info. 

The post Get your gang together, The Sphinx is bringing back its karaoke nights in Geelong appeared first on Forte Magazine.

15:56

More than ten Drag Queen Story time events cancelled "IndyWatch Feed National"

READ MORE AT BINARY At last Australians are waking up to the danger of Drag...

15:54

How to Create a Successful Direct Mail Marketing Campaign "IndyWatch Feed National"

Despite what you may think, direct mail marketing is far from dead. Although many have come to think of it as outdated, it remains one of the most effective marketing strategies thanks to its ability to capture your markets attention.

Because direct mail isnt as common as it used to be, people are paying more attention to the mail that they do receive. This means that your direct mail marketing campaign has a higher chance of standing out to its recipients and a higher chance of an impressive ROI.

But how do you go about creating a truly successful direct mail campaign? Lets take a look at the steps to take in order to launch an effective campaign that makes an impression and helps your business grow.

Create Your Mailing List

When deciding on your mailing list, we recommend following the 40-40-20 rule. This rule dictates that the success of your direct mail campaign is determined by the following factors:

  • Your audience 40%
  • Your offer 40%
  • Your execution 20%

With this in mind, its always a good idea to start off your campaign by coming up with your mailing list. After all, if you get your target audience wrong, your work will most likely go to waste and it wont matter how much time and effort you put into your offer or the execution.

Set some time aside to think about who youd like to offer your services to. Is it other businesses? Pre-existing customers that youd like to entice back to your business? Take some time to consider these factors and always make sure the addresses on your mailing list are both formatted and spelt correctly. 81% of Australians open and read their mail immediately, so with the right mailing list, youre sure to make an impression on countless prospective clients.

Decide On a Format

Mail Marketing Campaign

Direct mail is available in all different shapes and sizes, so take a look at your budget and marketing goals to determine which option will work best for your campaign. Some of the most common mailer types include:

  • Postcards: Postcards are generally 46 inches and are a very popular direct mailing format. Cost-effective and convenient, postcards are commonly used to promote events, announcements and new products and services.
  • Brochures and catalogues: A fantastic way to highlight y...

15:30

Unsound Adelaide returns to South Australia, celebrating 10 years of bold and bracing experimental music "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

A celebration of innovation, music, art, light and technology, Adelaides winter music and arts event, Illuminate Adelaide, will see the city come alive with lights, live music, visual art, discussion, installation and much more for its third year.

From June 28 to July 30, Illuminate Adelaide will transform laneways, venues and spaces across the city with free and ticketed immersive experiences, world premieres and Adelaide-exclusive events.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

With a program bolder and more dynamic than ever before, Illuminate Adelaide will host Krakows cult-favourite experimental electronic music event Unsound Festival, hailed as one of the greatest festivals in the world.

 

View this post on Instagram
...

15:12

Pit Stop Lorne brings a retro American beach diner experience to Apollo Bay "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Prepare your taste buds for a delicious journey as Pit Stop Lorne, renowned for its mouthwatering dishes and top-notch service, expands its culinary empire with the opening of an American Beach Diner, Pit Stop Bros, in Apollo Bay.

Taking over a shop front at 137 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, food enthusiasts and beachgoers alike can now relish the flavours of classic American cuisine without travelling far from the stunning shores of Apollo Bay.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Bathed in pastels, timber and neon, the Pit Stop Bros American Beach Diner, an extension of Pit Stop Lornes successful brand, promises a gastronomic adventure like no other. Step inside and find yourself transported to a vibrant beachside eatery, with lively music, friendly staff, and a menu bursting with irresistible options.

Sink your teeth into juicy, flame-grilled burgers crafted from the finest ingredients, paired with crispy fries that will leave you wanting more. Bringing across some of Lornes favourite items, expect to find the cheeseburger, mac and cheese burger, and the American muscle double stack, alongside perfectly crinkle-cut fries, blooming onions, and BBQ ribs.

Indulge in thick, creamy milkshakes that come in a variety of flavours, from classic vanilla and chocolate to innovative combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.

But the American Beach Diner experience doesnt end there. Prepare for a dose of nostalgia with an assortment of pinball machines, adding an extra layer of entertainment to your dining experience. Challenge your friends to a friendly game or test your own skills while waiting for your delicious meal to arrive. Theres even a jukebox, taking you back to the golden era alongside retro memorabilia and charming beach decor.

Whether youre a local seeking a new culinary gem or a visitor searching for a taste of Americana, the American Beach Diner at Pit Stop Bros in Apollo Bay is the place to be. With its delectable menu, lively atmosphere, and retro finishing touches, its bound to become a go-to destination for food and fun.

Gather your loved ones, pack your appetite, and make a pit stop at this exciting new addition to Apollo Bays culinary scene.

Pit Stop Bros Apollo Bay is open seven days from 11am-9pm.

Hea...

15:06

Text and video of Former Frankston Mayor Glenn Aitken speaking at the Stop the Great Wall of Frankston Rally 13 May 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"

 

The following is much of the text of Glen Aitken's remarks between introductions of other speakers. Glen was the presenter of the rally, but he was also asked to speak before or after or between introducing other speakers.  So the transcript below is compiled of a number of interesting things he said in that context, particularly the insights he provided about how council operates, and especially his advice about how the people of Frankston could help the Council to stand up to the bully that State Governments and ministers have become.  [Glen does not actually call them bullies, but they clearly act that way.  The great fear of council is that they will have their powers even more severely abrogated by the state government if they don't give it everything it demands.]

Transcript of a compilation of Glen Aitken's comments

[Some Councillors] didn't really want to know about it and cried other people down who were trying to make great improvements for your local city. And we're actually in the shadow of one of the buildings that came out of that bad decision making here today. [The South East Water building on Kananook Creek esplanade.]

In the years that I was in Counsel [] I always worked to try and get a better planning outcome with all the applications that came before us in the chamber as far as was possible. What happened in Frankston was about seventeen, eighteen   oh, it would be twenty years ago now - the whole concept of transit cities, was put to us and other key places around Melbourne, such as Box Hill and Dandenong.

Now, councils were promised a treasure trove of money, development, stimulated economies. And, of course, councils wanted to see that in their local area, but one of the conditions, I suppose, of a Transit city is high-rise buildings. Now, in Dandenong, they've received a vast amount of money to redevelop Dandenong centre, and that's very obvious. If anybody has been to Dandenong. You can see all the boulevard, the white areas of paving, and other buildings going up. ...

15:00

Is AR6 the worst and most biased IPCC Report? "IndyWatch Feed National"

By Andy May This is the text of my presentation on Tom Nelsons podcast which can be viewed here. The question and answers start at about 18:15 into the interview.

14:33

Luke Kidgell is bringing his new show Happy Hour to Geelong in July "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Fresh from his International Cheers to that! tour, Luke Kidgell returns to the comedy circuit with his brand new show Happy Hour.

Luke will take over Costa Hall Deakin University Geelong Waterfront on Fri, 21 July 2023. Hell also perform in Bendigo on 14 July, Ballarat 20 July, and Warrnambool 29 July.

Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.

 

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13:51

Mayd Festival: Shop from 25 local creatives at this two-day makers market in central Geelong "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

With a focus on locally made goods, allowing markers to engage with local audiences, the beloved Mayd Festival is returning to central Geelong across two days this month with a lineup of makers and creatives, live musicians, roving performers and interactive workshops.

Providing an exciting opportunity to discover unique wares while supporting passionate makers, creatives, emerging and professional artists and art and design students, the bustling makers market will host 25 stallholders at Little Malop Street between Moorabool Street and Banks Place and the Centrepoint Arcade.

Stay up to date with whats happening within the regions art scene here

The makers festival will run from 5:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday 26 May and 10:00am to 3:00pm Saturday 27 May 2023 while shoppers will be entertained by 20 performers over the two days.

 

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13:14

Ryan Adams announces first solo Australian tour in over a decade "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

More than six years since he last performed on Australian soil, and over eleven years since performing solo in Australia, globally acclaimed singer/songwriter and seven-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Adams has announced his long-awaited return down under, following the release of four new studio albums in 2022 and three covers albums in the last two years: Bruce Springsteens Nebraska, Bob Dylans Blood on the Tracks and Oasis Morning Glory.

Having previously wowed audiences around the country on his previous stint in Australia as part of his Prisoner World Tour, Ryan Adams will once again descend upon massive venues in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne in January 2024.

Ryan Adams Australian Tour

Wednesday 17 January Astor Perth
Friday 19 January AEC Adelaide
Saturday 20 January ICC Sydney
Monday 22 January Eatons Hill Brisbane
Wednesday 24 January Forum Melbourne

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Alone on the stage, the upcoming Australian shows which feature Ryan, his guitars and a piano in an acoustic tour-de-force will take audiences through his awe-inspiring catalogue, highlighting and showcasing Ryan Adams life-long dedication to songwriting.

Bewitching vocals and captivating guitar playing, combined with a new setlist at each show, ensure that the performances (which can average 30 songs per concert) will be truly unique and unmissable occasions to all of those who appreciate the craft and performance of Ryan Adams unique soulfulness.

First introduced to music at a young age, in the front seat of his Grandmothers Plymouth Fury, Ryan Adams has spent almost three decades dedicating his life to creating and performing music.

Praised as one of rocks most talented songwriters by critics around the world, hes amassed 22 studio albums accumulating in millions of sales, written and released two acclaimed books, produced records for esteemed musicians including Willie Nelson, Jesse Malin, Jenny Lewis and has collaborated with some of musics most influential artists such as Weezer, Fall Out Boy, America and many more. Throughout the course of his multifaceted career, Adams has been applauded by countless music icons including Noel Gallagher, Taylor Swift and the legend Elton John.

Adams profound contributions to music have taken many different forms throughout his career; from his songwriting, to his producing, to fronting the rock/alternative country band Whiskeytown, and forming, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals,...

12:59

Unpacking the language of food sovereignty: Agroecology and Regen Ag "IndyWatch Feed National"

In the coming months, AFSA will be rolling out a series of informative blog posts around the language of food sovereignty. To begin, heres an introductory look at key differences between agroecology and regen ag, where we address semantics and distinctions to grow our movement.

...

12:47

Edition 801 on sale now! "IndyWatch Feed National"

WALKING to Mount Everest base camp was something that Waanyi and Kalkadoon man Joshua Creamer just had to do.

With no prior training, the Brisbane barrister took on one of the biggest challenges of his life as a reset. 

My youngest brother committed suicide after having mental health battles and it was pretty brutal getting through this year, Joshua said. 

Sorry business knocks you out and I needed to challenge myself physically and mentally. 

Id never aspired to do Mount Everest before, but Id been watching the TV series Alone, where people survive in the wilderness. 

I knew I needed a reset and I thought Im going to do
this.

So, within the week, he bought hiking gear and jumped on a plane to Nepal. 

I didnt do much research before I went, or I would have scared myself, Joshua laughed. 

Leaving his Brisbane-based legal practice, his wife and children, Joshua caught a small plane to Lukla the worlds most dangerous airport. 

I was sitting on the plane behind the pilot and the whole time the plane sounded like its going to crash, he said.

I thought am I going to die here? 

More on this story in our current edition.

12:45

Shine a light on neurofibromatosis: the awareness event that lights up Australia "IndyWatch Feed National"

Shine a Light will light up buildings blue and green in May. Photo www.ctf.org.au/page/285/shinealight

Neurofibromatosis (NF) awareness month in May is an important event for those living with a condition that has been in the shadows for too long. A debilitating and unpredictable condition, NF is one of Australias most common genetic neurological disorders. Over 10,000 Australians are affected by NF, and yet awareness surrounding it is still very low. To shine a light on this disease and acknowledge the struggle of all affected by it, over 100 of Australias most prominent landmarks and buildings will light up blue and green on 17 May. 

Neurofibromatosis is a group of genetic disorders that manifest differently in every individual, however, it can cause tumours, hearing loss, blindness, physical variations, abnormalities in the bones, learning difficulties, chronic pain, and cancer. People born with NF require constant care, and unfortunately, there is not yet a cure for this condition. Scientists have struggled for many years to understand the intricacies of this complicated disease, and many questions still remain to be answered. 

The Childrens Tumour Foundation (CTF) is currently helping to raise awareness surrounding NF, through continuing advocacy, campaigns and crucial fundraising activities. During this years NF Awareness Month, events and activities include the Shine a Light on NF light displays, a virtual...

12:40

A Handmaids Tale with Nazis: the enduring message of Katharine Burdekins Swastika Night "IndyWatch Feed National"

While some aspects of her work can be challenging, including the English nationalism of Swastika Night, Katharione Burdekin's bold speculations were extraordinary for the periodas is the fact that she got them into print with major publishers, to appreciative reviews. As a writer on gender Burdekin is even more relevant in our troubled times. Her words, her ideas, retain their danger now.

The post A Handmaids Tale with Nazis: the enduring message of Katharine Burdekins Swastika Night appeared first on Overland literary journal.

12:38

Grasslands Audit - "It's like a doctor giving you a check-up but failing to report that you have a missing hand" - VNPA "IndyWatch Feed National"

Yes, the audit is harsh in some of its detail, but it could have gone much further if it wasnt so heavily constrained by its scope," say the Victorian National Parks Association, adding that, Its like a doctor giving you a check-up but failing to report that you have a missing hand." Candobetter Ed: Well, what else would be expect of a Victorian Government biodiversity audit, when high-rise developers have overtaken the state government? The bastards don't even want us to retain 1% of our grasslands, whilst they already have 90% of the nation's wealth!

An critical audit of the Victorian Governments flagship grassland conservation program is calling for major changes to protect some of the states most precious landscapes.

The long-awaited Strategic Audit of the Melbourne Strategic Assessment was tabled in parliament on Tuesday.

It made 16 recommendations to redesign the program, including a new governance framework to support better decision-making and risk management practices at all levels.

The MSA is an agreement between the Victorian and federal governments to protect matters of national environmental significance. This includes the critically endangered grassland communities and the bandicoots, frogs, lizards, and threatened plants that depend on them for their survival.

The MSA is also supposed to streamline development of the 60,000 hectares of land released for urban growth back in 2010.

But the Strategic Audit plainly describes the MSA as limited in scope, stating it lacks the comprehensive analysis of biodiversity values at an ecosystem scalerequired to achieve whole-of-landscape outcomes.

It highlights that critical gaps in vital data and knowledge hamper the MSA programs ability to adequately assess whether it is meeting its conservation commitments.

Conservation groups the Grassy Plains Network and the Victorian National Parks Association have called for effective governance of the failing program for years. 

Victorias grasslands have suffered huge losses since colonial settlement, with 99% destroyed by grazing, cropping and urban development. Once covering almost a third of the state, our native grassy ecosystems are on the brink of extinction.

But, if these recommendations are acted on, at long last we might get some change for the better, Grassy Plains Network facilitator Adrian Marshall said.

The audit found the few high-quality patches of grassland acquired by the MSA are stable which is good news but the bulk of the supposedly protected grasslands are in decline. It also highlighted a clear absence of any requirement to assess how effective different management options are. 

This backs up what....

12:33

WTF was Ambassador Kevin Rudd doing while Biden was cancelling and embarrassing Albo? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Therapeutic Albo will rue the day he appointed Kevin Rudd to be Australiaa ambassador in Washington. Is this Kevins first stuff up since his appointment to the US? While Rudd does selfies, Albo has been humiliated with a cancellation of a visit of Joe Biden, only hours after Albo put...

11:59

Jen Cloher unveils new podcast, celebrating First Nations songwriters "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Titled Everybodys Trying To Find Their Way Home, the groundbreaking new podcast from Jen Cloher celebrates the exceptional journeys of Mori and First Nations songwriters dedicated to writing and performing in their ancestral languages.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Spanning six episodes, Jen embarks on a profound exploration of Australia and Aotearoa (NZ), delving into locations that hold profound significance for each artist on their transformative path of language reawakening. With a deep respect and curiosity, Jens podcast sheds light on the inspiring stories behind these musicians profound connection to their cultural heritage.

 

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11:46

11:30

WA Labor Senator Fatima Payman says Israel's continued existence is a 'CATASTROPHE' "IndyWatch Feed National"

From the Australian Jewish Association. LABOR SENATOR FATIMA PAYMAN MOURNS ISRAEL'S CREATION Several Labor and Greens MPs and Senators have taken part in events to mourn Israel's creation. Here, Senator Payman appears with a map of Israel, overlaid with the word 'Nakba' or catastrophe. The Senator came to Australia after...

11:09

Beyond the ratings: The cultural impact of Australias Reality TV obsession "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Since the first season of Big Brother debuted on our screens in 2001, the genre has become an integral part of Australian television culture, captivating audiences across our sunburnt country. The cultural impact of reality TV on Australia is undeniable, and the statistics reveal just how significant the effect is.

While critics have long debated the merits of reality TV, there is no denying its immense popularity. Australians love talking about their favourite reality TV shows on social media, and every new season and the show is eagerly awaited (FBoy Island Australia, anyone?).

Keep up with the latest Melbourne film and television news here.

The numbers speak for themselves: reality TV shows dominate television in Australia. According to ExpressVPNs analysis of social media and search trends, Survivor, Married at First Sight (MAFS), and The Block are the most talked-about reality TV shows, with Survivor alone hitting a whopping 108,075 share of voice mentions across social media platforms.

While the top four shows, Married at First Sight, The Block, Masterchef, and LEGO Masters, dominated the charts with the highest viewership numbers during their most recent season finales, Ninja Warrior and Love Island were the most searched shows in Northern Territory and Western Australia, respectively.

So, what do these statistics say about our viewing habits? Beyond numbers, the appeal of these shows lies in the drama, the competition, and the emotional connections that viewers feel with the participants.

One possible explanation for reality TVs enduring popularity is its comfort and familiarity. Many of these shows follow a similar formula: a group of contestants live together, compete in challenges, and form alliances, all under the watchful eye of cameras. This formula allows viewers to become invested in the contestants and their storylines, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

Additionally, audiences can tune in week after week to follow their favourite contestants and feel a sense of continuity and routine, providing a sense of community in our hectic modern lives.

At the same time, reality TV also provides a sense of escapism. For many of us, reality TV is an opportunity to switch off from the stresses of everyday life and indulge in guilty pleasures. Shows like Married at First Sight and Love Island offer a glimpse into a world of glamour and luxury, while shows like...

10:08

Scammers sending fake Telstra mail "IndyWatch Feed National"

(source:supplied)

When people think of scammers, many might have the idea in mind that sophisticated hooks are embedded in emails or websites or smartphone related communications.

But scammers have gone 'old school' for quite some time.

Scammers have enlisted Australia Post to deliver their fraudulent message (fake envelope on the right), as they have done so for over a decade in relation to another scam that the government has failed to act on, early in the piece, where some people are still receiving those types of letters.

In relation to the Telstra scam, the scammers have gotten hold of the customer's full name and address, stating that they have been trying to contact that person.

In the letter, there is a phone number which the scammers are in possession of, in order to steal more information to commit fraud.

Scammers have used Australia Post previously to con businesses to 'renew' their internet domain name.

The scammer's letter looks like it's a renewal for the targeted business, where in the scam letter there will be number zero (0), instead of the letter 'O', or any other character that will be different from the legitimately registered internet address.

See post:

Domain Name Group Fraud

...

10:07

Queensland Government changes state Coat of Arms to Gay Pride Rainbow Flag "IndyWatch Feed National"

Thank you Andrew. See https://www.facebook.com/QldEnvironment After the first four comments happened they had to shut it down because things definitely werent going their way.

10:01

Everybody Knows, Part 13: Hands across the Ocean to Help Children "IndyWatch Feed National"

(L) Aztec ceremony of heart-removal, Photo: Wikipedia (C) Sarah Moore, Photo: distractify.com (R) Deep sleep, Photo: Flickr at piac.asn.au   

by Mary W Maxwell, LLB

Since 2005, I have known about extreme child abuse, thanks to Carol Rutz. She spoke at a meeting in Connecticut, under the auspices of Neil Brick at SMART, which has hosted survivors conferences since 1998. After then reading Rutzs book, A Nation Betrayed, I read Kathleen Sullivans Unshackled, and this prompted me to run for Congress in 2006 from the state of New Hampshire.

The goal of the article at hand is twofold: to show how the Internet enables persons with a grievance in one country to get help from abroad, and to make an outline of what is involved in chil...

10:00

Biowarfare Through the Food Supply "IndyWatch Feed National"

In an April 17, 2023, opinion piece in STAT News,1 Dr. Peter Lurie and Beth Ellikidis argue for the genetic engineering of food, claiming newer technologies can make highly targeted changes at the base-pair level one specific rung on the DNA ladder enhancing precision and reducing the likelihood of off-target effects in which the base pairs are unintentionally added to or deleted from the genome.

While targeted genetic engineering is indeed possible, and modern technology lowers the likelihood of unintentional additions or deletions, this precision does not guarantee there wont be adverse effects. One of the reasons for this is because many genes are multifunctional and can have multiple downstream effects.2,3

By altering a single gene, you can inadvertently affect the expression of hundreds of others. Whats more, the multifunctionality of genes is rarely intuitive. So, while it may seem convenient to genetically engineer cows without horns to prevent injury to other cows and farmhands, as suggested by Lurie and Ellikidis, theres no telling what that tweak might do to internal organs or biological pathways.

In turn, theres no guarantee that cascading effects will not alter the nutrition of the meat or dairy that comes from that cow. Maybe itll be fine, maybe it wont. The problem is that, oftentimes with genetically engineered foods, safety testing is minimal or absent.

Who Do Lurie and Ellikidis Answer To?

When assessing the trustworthiness of people, it can be worthwhile to look at their funding and various partnerships. In the case of Lurie and Ellikidis, both are in league with Bill Gates and other Great Resetters that are pushing to replace all natural foods with patentable, genetically modified foods.

Lurie a former FDA associate commissioner is the president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). In the summer of 2020, Lurie launched a comprehensive campaign to put Mercola.com out of business by sending the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission after us based on bogus charges.

CSPI is funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Rockefeller Family Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies and other billionaire-owned foundations. Its also partnered with the Cornell Alliance for Science, a global communications initiative whose primary funding comes from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Greg Jaffe, who heads up CSPIs Biotechnology Project, is also the associate director of legal affairs at Alliance for Science.

Considering those ties, the CSPIs long history of promoting industry scien...

09:58

Footage of Groomer Event at Curtin House Rooftop Bar in Melbourne SHOCKS NATION "IndyWatch Feed National"

Link READ MORE AT XYZ Australians have been shocked by footage on social media of...

09:51

Falls Festival cancels its summer festival run for 2023/24 "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

After an impressive 28 years ringing in the New Year with some of the worlds biggest acts, the beloved Falls Festival team have announced they wont be going ahead with a run of festivals this year, switching on their OOOs and taking this New Years season off to rest, recover and recalibrate.

Coming out of two years of postponed events during Covid lockdowns, Falls made a spectacular return in 2022/23 with an all-star lineup that included Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X, Peggy Gou, Jamie xx, Chvrches, Spacey Jane, Amyl and the Sniffers, Genesis Owusu, PinkPantheress and crowd faves, The Wiggles, gracing stages in Byron, Fremantle and for the very first time Melbourne City.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Review + Gallery: In a brand new city location, Falls Festival was a triumphant three-day celebration of the music we love 

Secret Sounds Co-CEO and Falls producer Jessica Ducrou said The past few years has seen unprecedented change in the live music space, both front of house and behind the scenes. While Falls reboot in 2022/23 was full of amazing moments and we were thrilled to reconnect with our Falls Fam, our team needs a break, so this year well take time off to enjoy the holiday period and allow some space to re-imagine how Falls will look in the future.

We send huge love and appreciation to all our patrons for their ongoing support and for the great vibes they brought to the 2022/23 events. You really are the heart and soul of Falls and we look forward to updating you with our plans when the time is right.

We also want to send our love and thanks to our extended Falls team including staff, contractors, volunteers, sponsors, partners, suppliers, stakeholders and key agencies that we work with each year, for their enduring passion, dedication and support said Ducrou.

Known for its incredible line-ups, massive stage productions, and a solid festival atmosphere, after 27 years in beautiful Lorne, festival organi...

08:48

Nuclear Fantasies "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

ERoEI, or rather lack of it, is what will determine our future. So when a video explaining it really well comes along I like to watch. Id never heard of Leigh Goering before. Initially he certainly sounds like an intelligent person with a great grasp of the subject of ERoEI and its history and the history of the deployment of modern energy systems like fossil fuels and renewables. I even learned quite a lot from this video. But then, he inexplicably starts waxing lyrical about nuclear power as if it wasnt subject to all the limits of the other energy sources he obviously thinks have no future

Over the past few years I have come across a lot of this nuclear fantasy. Its where Simon Michaux shines methinks, no vested interest in any BS!

Leigh Goehring believes nuclear power has astonishingly high ERoEI while he correctly pulls non renewable renewable energy harvesting technologies down to realistic levels. A quick search on work by Charlie Hall who invented the idea of ERoEI reveals nuclear power has an actual ERoEI of 5~15. This is what always happens when you include everything and dont cherry pick stuff to make your favourite saviour look good.


Digging a bit further, I found that the literature is very divided on the EROI of nuclear, listing it at anywhere from 1:1 (i.e., uneconomical at any price) to 90:1 (i.e., the most bountiful energy source in history). Limits to growth will be nuclears last nail in the coffin. Were already in a surplus energy crisis and theres nowhere near enough left to save complex civilisation. I think its ironic this video is titled shortage of everything, except, obviously, nuclear power

08:36

Rental listings collapse (PropTrack) "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Biggest April fall in years

This doesn't look good for renters. 

Although rental vacancies are rising across many regions of Australia - and in Hobart and Canberra - overall, April's rental listings was the largest in many years, according to Cameron Kusher of REA/PropTrack. 

When comparing to the available rental stock from pre-pandemic days, the 40 per cent declines in Sydney and Melbourne are alarming, and the same is true for Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth,


Source: PropTrack

CoreLogic's figures showed a similar picture, with rental vacancies falling to record lows. 

The Budget projects a population increase of around 2.2 million over the next 5 years, though projections often end up being on the low side. 

Investors often aren't keen or able to invest, with very tight lending restrictions in place, and new home s...

08:29

The cost of the obscene tax cut to for the rich is now blowing out "IndyWatch Feed National"

Contributed by Joe Montero

New Parliamentary Budget Office costings on the Stage Three Tax Cuts, which had been requested by the Greens, has revealed that the cost is rising and now sits at $20 billion for the first year (2024), and will increase each financial year to $42 billion in 2033-34. This is a total of $313 billion, and it is likely to end up costing even more.

Any decent and caring human being should be moved to anger and turn their back on anyone who promotes this obscenity.

The numbers speak for themselves. They reveal how much that small group at the top of the income pyramid is taking, and how little everyone else is getting in the face of an ongoing rise in the cost of living. Those in the middle get small shift in the tax margins, and what they gain is a sop that will soon be taken over by inflation. The share of national income will keep on flowing outwards. Those on annual incomes less than $45,000 get nothing. The screws will continue to tighten on government expenditure on services that benefit the majority.

Pocketing the money are those with incomes over $180,000 a year. Most of this will go to a much smaller group of billionaires. The much larger group in the middle-income range will be given a sop through modest marginal tax bracket adjustments. Not big enough to deliver any real change, and this will soon be eaten away by inflation. Those with an income below 45,000 a year will get absolutely nothing.

Its those down the pyramid who will be paying the cost to line the pockets of those at the top of it, through the taxes they pay, and in the absence of services that could otherwise have been provided with this money.

For example, the money could have been used to lift those liv...

08:25

CWA calls for NSW govt to reject waste-to-energy incinerators "IndyWatch Feed National"

Waste to energy incinerator. Photo Falco Oberhausen.

State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, says the NSW Country Womens Association (CWA) voted at its recent AGM to oppose waste-to-energy incinerators.

A waste-to-energy incinerator proposal for the Richmond Valley Jobs Precinct in Casino prompted local resistance, after a similar plan was rejected in Western Sydney owing to air pollution impacts. The Casino proposal, under the previous LiberalsNational government, came without any community consultation.

Additionally Casino, Lithgow, Goulburn and Parkes were locations excluded from a state-wide incinerator ban by the then NSW government.      

Ms Saffin said the Tabulam branch put the motion, which was one of several successful motions from the North Coast Group at the AGM in Bathurst this month.

She says, The CWA has adopted a policy to advocate for the newly elected NSW government to rescind its decision to establish waste-to-energy incinerators, and instead immediately introduce technology and waste reduction programs that use methods...

07:58

Bewegung in Mittelost "IndyWatch Feed National"

Hoffnung im Jemen

In der saudischen Hafenmetropole Jiddah stand bereits gestern bei den Gesprchen von Auenministerin Annalena Baerbock mit ihrem saudischen Amtskollegen Faisal bin Farhan der Krieg im Jemen zwischen den Huthi und dem von Saudi-Arabien gesttzten Regime auf der Tagesordnung. Mit dessen Auenminister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak wird Baerbock heute Gesprche fhren. Die Vereinten Nationen bezifferten die Kriegstoten im Jemen schon Ende 2021 auf rund 377.000; 60 Prozent davon seien durch indirekte Kriegsfolgen Hunger, Krankheiten zu Tode gekommen.[1] Saudi-Arabien, eine der Hauptkriegsparteien, konnte sich bei seinen militrischen Operationen im Jemen sowie bei der Durchsetzung seiner Hungerblockade gegen die jemenitischen Huthi auch auf deutsche Waffen sttzen (german-foreign-policy.com berichtete [2]). Inzwischen wchst die Hoffnung, der Krieg knne sich dem lange ersehnten Ende nhern. Ursache ist die Annherung zwischen Saudi-Arabien und Iran, die im Jemen jeweils verfeindete Kriegsparteien sttzten. Die saudisch-iranische Annherung wiederum, die jetzt einen Ausgleich auch im Jemen mglich erscheinen lsst, wurde erst durch chinesische Vermittlung mglich gemacht, gegen Widerstand aus dem Westen.[3] Auch Berlin hat Annherung und Entspannung nicht untersttzt.

Krieg im Sudan

Gegenstand der Gesprche zwischen Baerbock und Bin Farhan war zudem der Brgerkrieg im Sudan. Zwar ist der Sonderbeauftragte des UN-Generalsekretrs fr Sudan und Leiter der UN-Mission UNITAMS, der ehemalige SWP-Direktor Volker Perthes, in Berlin bestens vernetzt. Doch verfgt die Bundesrepublik in Sudan selbst nur ber wenig Einfluss. Whrend die beiden Brgerkriegsparteien jeweils von verschiedenen arabischen Staaten untersttzt werden die regulren Streitkrfte unter General Abdel Fattah al Burhan von den in gypten herrschenden Militrs, die Rapid Support Forces (RSF) unter Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti Dagalo von den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten [4] , gilt Saudi-Arabien als Macht, die annhernd gleiche Distanz zu beiden Seiten wahrt und daher als etwaiger Vermittler in Frage kommt. Riad ist es gelungen, die Evakuierung von ungefhr 8.000 Menschen ber die Hafenstadt Port Sudan nach Jiddah zu organisieren; es hat Verhandlungen zwischen beiden Brgerkriegsparteien ebenfalls in Jiddah abgehalten, bei denen ab dem 6. Mai einige Regeln zum Schutz von Zivilpersonen festgelegt wurden.[5] Dabei hat Riad die Verhandlungen gemeinsam mit Washington gefhrt, das bemht ist, seinen zuletzt schwindenden Einfluss in der Region zurckzugewinnen. Baerbock war gestern ihrerseits um Einfluss bemht.

Normalisierung in Syrien

Heute wird Baerbock zu weiteren Gesprchen im Emirat Qatar eintreffen. Dort steht unter anderem die Entwicklung in Syrien auf dem Programm. Im Nahen und Mittleren Osten schreitet mittlerweile nach dem Scheitern der vom Westen angefhrten Versuche, Prsident Bashar al Assad zu strzen, die Normalisierung der....

07:13

Biden cancels on Therapeutic Albo hours after Albo announces hes coming. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Says plenty about how in the loop Albo really is. Tues 1030pm : Albanese press release announcing Biden is coming. 5am Wed - Biden calls. Not coming. Biden and Albo : Two idiots. President Biden called me this morning to discuss his upcoming visit to Australia. The President apologised that...

06:36

Market Talk May 16, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"

ASIA:

Chinas industrial output and retail sales growth in April fell short of expectations, indicating a loss of momentum in the economy at the beginning of the second quarter. This has increased pressure on policymakers to support the post-COVID recovery. The data also revealed a further decline in property investment, raising concerns about the outlook for the worlds second-largest economy. Industrial output grew by 5.6% compared to the previous year, lower than the anticipated 10.9% increase. However, it was the fastest growth rate since September 2022. Retail sales, on the other hand, increased by 18.4%, the highest since March 2021, but still lower than the expected 21.0% growth. These year-on-year figures were influenced by the strict lockdowns and restrictions imposed in major cities in April 2022 due to the pandemic, which severely impacted Chinas growth in the previous year.

The major Asian stock markets had a mixed day today:

  • NIKKEI 225 increased 216.65 points or 0.73% to 29,842.99
  • Shanghai decreased 19.75 points or -0.60% to 3,290.99
  • Hang Seng increased 7.12 points or 0.04% to 19,978.25
  • ASX 200 decreased 32.40 points or -0.45% to 7,234.70
  • Kospi increased 0.89 points or 0.04% to 2,480.24
  • SENSEX decreased 413.24 points or -0.66% to 61,932.47
  • Nifty50 decreased 112.35 points or -0.61% to 18,286.50

 

 

The major Asian currency markets had a mixed day today:

  • AUDUSD decreased 0.00416 or -0.62% to 0.66564
  • NZDUSD decreased 0.00125 or -0.20% to 0.62275
  • USDJPY increased 0.515 or 0.38% to 136.625
  • USDCNY increased 0.03412 or 0.49% to 6.99342

 

 

Precious Metals:

  • Gold decreased 22.9 USD/t oz. or -1.13% to 1,997.70
  • Silver decreased 0.444 USD/t. oz or -1.84% to 23.666

 

Some economic news from last night:

China:

Fixed Asset Investment (YoY) (Apr) decreased from 5.1% to 4.7%

Industrial Production (YoY) (Apr) increased from 3.9% to 5.6%

Chinese Industrial Production YTD (YoY) (Apr) increased from 3.0% to 3.6%

Chinese Unemployment Rate (Apr) decreased from 5.3% to 5.2%

Australia:

Westpac Consumer Sentime...

06:02

Dont Tell Chat AI Anything You Wouldnt Want to See on a Billboard "IndyWatch Feed National"

Comments by Brian Shilhavy
Editor, Health Impact News

With the continual frenzy and hype over the new Chat AI software that is causing most people to fear being left behind if they dont start using it immediately, it is nice to see others in the field of technology start warning the public over some of the REAL dangers that this new Chat AI technology presents, such as recording and storing all of the personal data you choose to share with it, which then is included in the data that they use to answer questions for others.

PCMag has just published an excellent article by Neil J. Rubenking, who, like myself, is an old-school technologist who has been around since the 1980s watching all of this technology develop since the beginning of the computer age.

He is PCMags expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces. (Source.)

His new article titled Dont Tell ChatGPT Anything You Wouldnt Want to See on a Billboard, is must reading for anyone who is enticed to start using all this new Chat AI software.

Chatting with an AI program feels personal and conversational, but dont be fooled. Heres why you should keep a lid on what you reveal to ChatGPT and its ilk.

by Neil J. Rubenking
PCMag.com

Excerpts:

ChatGPT is a gossip. Googles Bard, too, and maybe Bing AI. What you get out of them depends on all the information that went in. And thats precisely the problem.

Why?

Because everything you ask them, tell them, or prompt them with becomes input for further training. The question you ask today may inform the answer someone gets tomorrow....

06:01

Dont Tell Chat AI Anything You Wouldnt Want to See on a Billboard "IndyWatch Feed National"

Comments by Brian Shilhavy
Editor, Health Impact News

With the continual frenzy and hype over the new Chat AI software that is causing most people to fear being left behind if they dont start using it immediately, it is nice to see others in the field of technology start warning the public over some of the REAL dangers that this new Chat AI technology presents, such as recording and storing all of the personal data you choose to share with it, which then is included in the data that they use to answer questions for others.

PCMag has just published an excellent article by Neil J. Rubenking, who, like myself, is an old-school technologist who has been around since the 1980s watching all of this technology develop since the beginning of the computer age.

He is PCMags expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces. (Source.)

His new article titled Dont Tell ChatGPT Anything You Wouldnt Want to See on a Billboard, is must reading for anyone who is enticed to start using all this new Chat AI software.

Chatting with an AI program feels personal and conversational, but dont be fooled. Heres why you should keep a lid on what you reveal to ChatGPT and its ilk.

by Neil J. Rubenking
PCMag.com

Excerpts:

ChatGPT is a gossip. Googles Bard, too, and maybe Bing AI. What you get out of them depends on all the information that went in. And thats precisely the problem.

Why?

Because everything you ask them, tell them, or prompt them with becomes input for further training. The question you ask today may inform the answer someone gets tomorrow....

05:46

Dont Tell Chat AI Anything You Wouldnt Want to See on a Billboard "IndyWatch Feed National"

Comments by Brian Shilhavy
Editor, Health Impact News

With the continual frenzy and hype over the new Chat AI software that is causing most people to fear being left behind if they dont start using it immediately, it is nice to see others in the field of technology start warning the public over some of the REAL dangers that this new Chat AI technology presents, such as recording and storing all of the personal data you choose to share with it, which then is included in the data that they use to answer questions for others.

PCMag has just published an excellent article by Neil J. Rubenking, who, like myself, is an old-school technologist who has been around since the 1980s watching all of this technology develop since the beginning of the computer age.

He is PCMags expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces. (Source.)

His new article titled Dont Tell ChatGPT Anything You Wouldnt Want to See on a Billboard, is must reading for anyone who is enticed to start using all this new Chat AI software.

Chatting with an AI program feels personal and conversational, but dont be fooled. Heres why you should keep a lid on what you reveal to ChatGPT and its ilk.

by Neil J. Rubenking
PCMag.com

Excerpts:

ChatGPT is a gossip. Googles Bard, too, and maybe...

05:27

"IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica" "IndyWatch Feed National"

<p><p>Welcome to <a href= "https://www.thelastamericanvagabond.com/daily-wrap-up/" rel= "nofollow noopener" style="color: #ff0000;" title= "This link will take you away from steemit.com">The Daily Wrap Up</a>, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (5/15/23).<br> As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant.<br> (<a href= "https://www.rokfin.com/TLAVagabond">https://www.rokfin.com/TLAVagabond</a>)(<a href="https://www.bitchute.com/channel/24yVcta8zEjY/">https://www.bitchute.com/channel/24yVcta8zEjY/</a>)<br> !function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u2q643"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+"/?url="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&args="+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window, document, "script", "Rumble");<br> <br>  <br> <br> Rumble("play", {"video":"v2lkatw","div":"rumble_v2lkatw"});<br> <br> Video Source Links (In Chronological Order)<br> <br> <br> <br> <a href="https://tlavfreespeech.itemorder.com/shop/home/">The Last American Vagabond - Free Speech Absolutist | Big Frog Beaverton | powered by OrderMyGear</a><br> <a href="https://truthclothing.io/collections/tlav">THE LAST AMERICAN VAGABOND Truth Revolution Clothing</a><br> <a href= "https://thelastamericanvagabond.locals.com/post/4011202/the-azov-patriot-front-agenda-did-depleted-uranium-explode-in-ukraine-is-it-dangerous"> (10) The Azov-Patriot Front Agenda, Did Depleted Uranium ... - thelastamericanvagabond Community</a><br> <a href= "https://www.thelastamericanvagabond.com/us-govs-toxic-legacy/">US Gov's Toxic Legacy, The War On America Domestic Terrorism, E-Verify & The Partisan Trap
(22) LastAmericanVagabond (@TLAVagabond) / Twitter
(30) Decensored News on Twitter: " WATCH - Certain tweets by Gab CEO @BasedTorba appear to be censored when searching his account namely the ones where he responded to Musk directly &amp; rebutted his recent claims about why Twitter supposedly had to censor for the Turkish government, &amp; other such commentary. https://t.co/hNpljq8mBP" / Twitter</a><br> <a href= "https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/elon-musk-gives-government-pressure-censors-tweets-before-turkey-election-1715817">...

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Tuesday, 16 May

23:34

The US is No Democracy! "IndyWatch Feed National"

I just love it when all the media political pundits and talk show hosts ( News Talk?) throw out that word Democracy. You dont have to go to a ranch to find more bull excrement than that. Folks, this is not a democracy and probably never was one, all the way back to our founding. Why? MONEY MONEY MONEY is the answer. As long as the masters of our republic keep allowing private money into electoral politics you will continue to smell that bull excrement period!

The Open Secrets site follows the flow of money in political campaigns. After reading the enclosed data you may see why so many of our fellow citizens do not even bother to vote. Not good to do, but here is why, according to 2022 figures:

The average House of Representatives winner spent upwards close to $ 3 million. The loser spent on average around $800k.

The average Senate winner spent over $26 million. The loser spent around 1/2 of that ($13 million)

In my state of Florida DeSantis spent around $200 million. Democrat Charlie Crist spent $31 million, and people wonder why there was such a LANDSLIDE.

In 2022, 384 incumbents ran for re-election in the House 359 won!!

In 2022, 28 incumbents ran for re-election in the Senate 28 won!

If Claude Rains from the film Casablanca was monitoring things for our elections he would have said: I am shocked! There is massive spending going on here!

Statewide and local citywide races are not really different. If someone wishes to run for just about any elected office, where they allow party affiliations, if you are not from one of the Two Party/One Party gangs, then forget it buster! Oh yes, the only exclusion is for someone to be super duper wealthy enough to spend his or her own money to equal that of the other two gangsters. Or have some very very rich friends. If you cannot get your name and ideas out to the general public with an equally massive staff and volunteers. No way Jose! Money talks and everyone else walks! Is that what we want, super rich people being the only ones outside of the Two Party/One Party scam to win office?

In 1997, this writer was living in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was active in street protests against the empire, on both foreign and domestic issues. I was also a writer for a progressive weekly and was lucky to interview attorney Ed Garvey from Wisconsin. He was travelling the nation promoting the just passed Maine Clean Election Laws. In Maine, they actually were able to legislate some form of public funding of statewide elections. Candidates could decide to forego accepting private donations and rely on the small amounts of public funding for their campaigns. Obviously, their Republican and Democrat competitors would still outspend them...

22:57

Audio: New Episodes of Peace Witness with Liz Remmerswaal "IndyWatch Feed National"

By Liz Remmerswaal, Vice President of World BEYOND War, May 16, 2023

Peace Witness features those who stand up to be counted as advocating for nonviolent ways of resolving conflict.

SONIA SMITH:


MAIRE LEADBEATER:

The post Audio: New Episodes of Peace Witness with Liz Remmerswaal appeared first on World BEYOND War.

22:50

Thwarting Facial Recognition - #SolutionsWatch "IndyWatch Feed National"


We all know about the danger of a future society where we're all tracked everywhere we go every single day in real time by our phones or devices . . . but actually, it's worse than that! You're already being tracked everywhere you go, every day, and it doesn't matter whether you leave your phone at home just as long as you bring your face. Today on #SolutionsWatch, James explores some of the options that are on the table for heading off the facial recognition dystopia.

22:17

Ukraines EU Membership: Now Comes the Hard Part "IndyWatch Feed National"

This summer marks a year since Ukraine became an official candidate for European Union (EU) membership under an accelerated process following Russias invasion. Kyiv currently sits at the doorstep of the negotiations stage, which could start this year according to EU officials. Historically, this stage is the longest, most technical, and bureaucratic part of the process, requiring extensive reforms under the Copenhagen criteria a set of political, legal, and economic membership conditions.

In June 2022, the European Commission recommended granting Ukraine candidate status with an understanding that Kyiv must implement seven steps to strengthen anti-corruption and rule of law standards. Kyiv recently stated that it has complied with each of these conditions. The decision now lies with the EU, who must determine if Ukraine fulfilled basic requirements before the rigid negotiation process can start.

While Ukraines progress from applicant to candidate status was rapid, advocates should temper expectations for subsequent steps toward membership; they will not be as swift or simple. Kyiv could be caught in pre-negotiation limbo akin to current Western Balkan EU hopefuls. For reference, it took Belgrade and Podgorica about two years to start negotiations after reaching candidate status. Tirana waited six years to open formal negotiations after becoming a candidate in 2014, while Skopje sat idle for 15 years before opening talks with Brussels. Each nation had a particular set of challenges prohibiting their progress, but these roadblocks were nowhere near Ukraines predicament of fending off an invading military prior to starting negotiations.

The EUs new accessions methodology, revised in 2020, is intended to make enlargement a more credible, predictable, and dynamic. But this modified approach likely wont yield faster results for Ukraine or current candidates. EU accession is grounde...

21:15

Everybody Knows, Part 12: Saluting Wilfred Seymour "IndyWatch Feed National"

Dr William Russell Massingham Pridgeon (right) being driven to the Brisbane Watchhouse Photo: (AAP: Darren England), from ABC News under the heading Doctor accused of masterminding child-stealing syndicate

by Mary W Maxwell, LLB

In the legal profession, we always enjoy saluting a past or occasionally a present master of the art. On entering the main building of Harvard Law School, for example, you are greeted by a huge painted portrait of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr (1841-1935).

I have only recently discovered the work of Wilfred Massingham Seymour whose main law textbook preceded World War I. Not that I came by it randomly it was called to my attention by the grandson of the master. The book is entitled:

Native law and custom; being a compendium of the recognised native customs in force in the native territories of the colony of the Cape of Good Hope, together with legislative amendments, and reports of some of the more important decisions of the native appeal court of Griqualand East, 1901-1909

It is about the native law of the people of South Africa, and has sparked my interest to find a similar work on the native law of indigenous people in North America, Australia, Philippines, or anywhere. With regard to the Philippines, Id be curious to find what principles of law were on the books before the unruly takeover by American military forces in 1898, when the...

19:26

FBI statement on the Durham Report - scary thing is how little mainstream media covered it "IndyWatch Feed National"

The findings are shocking. What's worse is how easily the media and establishment have accepted it as OK. https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/statement-on-report-by-special-counsel-john-durham

19:18

Monarchists do a freedom of information check on Stan Grants Coronation debacle. "IndyWatch Feed National"

Monarchists Pursue ABC Through FOI 16 May 2023 The Australian Monarchist League has made a formal FOI request under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act (1982) (FOI Act) which provides a right to request access to certain documents held by the ABC in regard to its pre-Coronation broadcast. Details of...

18:20

Tickets are now on sale for Sovereign Hills Christmas in July event, Winter Wonderlights "IndyWatch Feed Cvic"

Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is transforming into a magical winter wonderland to celebrate Christmas in July with their annual Winter Wonderlights event, and its set to be bigger and better than ever before.

An annual sell-out event attracting more than 100,000 visitors of all ages in the past, the Winter Wonderlights spectacular will be lighting up Sovereign Hill once the sun sets from 24 June to 16 July, 2023 and tickets are now on sale.

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here

Throughout the day, visitors can wander the streets as snow falls, enjoy pantomimes and theatre shows, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, the chance to share a photo with St Nick, and wonderful wintry treats like mulled wine and gingerbread.

As the sun goes down, ever-changing projections bring Sovereign Hills streetscape to dazzling life, as a spectacular light show illuminates the much-loved museum and the Victorian-style buildings along the main street.

 

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...

17:56

Uptown Geelong is the sunny Pakington Street cafe going beyond the rudimentary with its brunch offering "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href= "https://www.uptowngeelong.com.au/">Uptown Geelong</a> is the go-to breakfast and brunch restaurant for anyone looking for a unique fusion of Modern Australian and Asian cuisine in a contemporary retro-style setting.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Located in the vibrant and diverse Pakington Street, previously home to Butter & Co, the restaurant is ideally situated close to Geelong CBD and surrounded by a mix of small and large businesses, making it a perfect spot for various groups in the local community.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region </i></b><a href= "https://fortemag.com.au/food/"><span class= "s1"><b><i>here</i></b></span></a><b><i>.</i></b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the perfect ambience for all occasions, w</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">hether youre feeling full of life, or after a recovery meal, Uptown has you all sorted, serving food and drinks made with love. The menu features a number of breakfast and brunch options, including classic dishes like fluffy pancakes, french toast and eggs benedict to more innovative creations like smashed avo, chilli scrambled eggs and breakfast burritos. Theres something for every taste and craving, with a bunch of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.</span></p> <blockquote class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <p> </p> <div style="display: flex;"> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex;"> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style= "display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style= "color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 14px;"> <div>...</div> </div> </div> </blockquote>

17:16

This store is my love letter to Geelong: Popcultcha Records on becoming one of Australias best independent record stores "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Theres just something to be said about the experience of selecting a distinctive vinyl from a shelf, extracting the record from inside and sliding it onto the player. Its absolute *magic*.

Since its move to the old Griffiths Bookstore at 96/98 Ryrie Street back in 2021, Popcultcha, Australias premier pop culture retailer, has been aiding local music lovers in search of wax with its dedicated record section within the store and online.

Now giving vinyl purveyors something truly to get excited about, Popcultcha is seriously changing the game locally with the launch of their latest retail venture Popcultcha Records

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

 

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...

17:01

Open Letter Stephen Crothers Part 2: False Information Provided by the Australian Government about a Medical Intervention "IndyWatch Feed National"

Stephen Crothers, is an Australian Scientist, Occupational Hygienist, and Forensic Investigator (11 October 2021). Here is a link to his Open Letter to the Australian people in full Open Letter. False Information Provided by the Australian Government about a Medical Intervention Professor Skerritt has stated before Parliament that the COVID-19 vaccine programme is an experiment.... [Read more]

The post Open Letter Stephen Crothers Part 2: False Information Provided by the Australian Government about a Medical Intervention appeared first on Vaccination Decisions.

16:39

Regional Victorian distiller Echuca Distillery wins international gold in San Francisco "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

In an Australian first, Echuca Distillery, based in the Victorian river port town, recently became the first Australian distillery to win not one, but two gold medals for their Agave Spirits, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition the worlds largest and most prestigious competition for premium Agave Spirits.

Made from start to finish at the four-year-old distillery, Echuca Distillerys Chilli Lime and Smoked Agave Spirits were awarded gold medals, while the Silver and Gold Agave Spirits took home silver medals a real vindication of the attention to detail that the distillery puts into the production process.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Agave Spirit production (including Tequila, Mezcal and Agave Spirit) is seeing unprecedented growth globally, and Echuca Distillerys twin brother owner-operators, Peter (Head Distiller) and David De Vries (Operations Manager) are on a mission to be at the forefront of this industry from both an innovation and quality perspective.

The brothers backgrounds in the manufacturing of flavours and fragrances which is something they believe is in their DNA has enabled them to research and develop the perfect mix of ingredients which includes 100% Blue Weber Agave Nectar which they import from Mexico.

Distilling Agave Spirit from the nectar is a little like distilling Rum from molasses, explains Peter.

The Agave Nectar has a rich, slightly smoky flavour and aroma which we ferment in-house, then twice distill with particular care put into maintaining the flavour and aroma of the Agave Spirit, continued Peter.

We are really proud of what we have achieved at Echuca Distillery in a relatively short space of time, says David.

The brothers are keen to celebrate and share their passion for what they do with as many people as possible.

Although we have a small list of stockists, Bar Lee is Echuca Distillerys exclusive cellar door and is a great place to enjoy some of the awarding winning spirits in a cocktail and on their own, David concluded.

...

15:55

Embrace the Magic of Port Fairy Winter Weekends, returning for three charming weekends in June and July "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

When winter arrives in the picturesque coastal town of Port Fairy, a sense of enchantment fills the air. Port Fairy Winter Weekends is the uplifting community festival that beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a world of warmth, culture, and festivities. With its charming streets, cozy atmosphere, and a myriad of captivating activities, Port Fairy becomes a haven for winter wanderers.

Returning for 2023, the Winter Weekends will run over three weekends throughout June and July, transforming this coastal gem into a winter wonderland. The towns historic buildings, lined with vibrant gardens, take on a magical aura as they embrace the chill of the season, and with the backdrop of the wild Southern Ocean, Port Fairy becomes a scenic haven for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Port Fairy Winter Weekend Dates 2023

Weekend 1 June 9,10,11 (Dachshund Dash)
Weekend 2 June 23, 24, 25
Weekend 3 July 7, 8, 9

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

As part of the lengthy event, a Winter Hub will take to the centre of town in the form of a huge, warm beautiful teepee from the tea, at Tierra Events. Its here that visitors will attend opening night (featuring music from local DJ Naomy, Rainbow Connection DJs and other special guests) and a bunch of other events over the June long weekend. Come for the music and the bar, stay for a little or a looooong while and revel under the canvas crown, right in the centre of townits a stunning festival first.

Alongside the opening party, the first weekend, 9-11 June will host Port Fairys much-loved Women in Song concert showcases, Queen Camillas Market, twilight market, pre-loved art sale, a live music event with Guy Blackman, Sweet Whirl and Cool Sounds; and a songwriter panel, Sonder: A Circle of Stories and Song by Find Your Voice Collective.

Other highlights include the Winter Weekends and the Port Fairy Folk Festival showcase artists and official launch the 2024 Port Fairy Folk Festival, and of course the 15th Port Fairy and Community Bank Dachshund Dash. Immerse yourself in the thrill of 100 canines dashing, leaping or sniffing to the finish line.

...

15:41

Airspace restrictions over Sydney and Canberra 22-25 May for a 'Significant Event' "IndyWatch Feed National"

There will be airspace restrictions in Sydney and Canberra between 22-25 May as the cities host a significant event. Drone owners are urged to check one of the CASA-verified drone safety apps if planning to fly a drone within 28 km of Sydney Airport and 21 km of Canberra Airport...

15:13

The Deck is hosting bottomless potatoes and vodka sessions in Geelong "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Potatoes are one of those miracle vegetables that taste good in just about everything. Fries? Check. Shepherds Pie? Check. Roast Veggies? Check. You get the point.

Celebrating all there is about this starch-filled treat is The Decks newest bottomless occasion, dedicated entirely to potatoes and vodka.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Running on Saturday 20 May and 27 May across multiple time slots (4pm, 6pm, 8pm), potato lovers can get their stomachs filled with a whole lot of potato goodness. Were talking hash browns, gnocchi, scallop potatoes, sweet potato fries, potato salad, chips, wedges and loaded jacket potatoes, all alongside unlimited vodka. Yes, UNLIMITED VODKA.

And all for just $49 per person.

The Deck is proof that not all heroes wear capes. Bookings are essential so call 52295504 to avoid some serious disappointment.

The post The Deck is hosting bottomless potatoes and vodka sessions in Geelong appeared first on Forte Magazine.

14:00

Power plants may soon go all in on carbon capture. But does it actually work? "IndyWatch Feed National"

The EPAs new proposed rules will require U.S. power plants to slash pollution. But experts are divided on whether carbon capture is the answer.

In a remote field in Saskatchewan, not far from the border with North Dakota, the Boundary Dam coal power plant sends its exhaust into a massive system of pipes and tanks that absorb CO2 and then compress the gas so it can be shipped off to a nearby oil producer for injection underground. The carbon capture system, which cost more than $1 billion to build, first started running nine years ago. Its currently the only large-scale facility of its kind in use at a power plant anywhere in the world.

Read Full Story

13:01

Melbournes Axil Coffee Roasters barista crowned as best in Australia for the second year in a row "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Melbourne barista Jack Simpson from Axil Coffee has been crowned the Australian Barista Champion at the ASCA National Coffee Championships, marking the second year in a row Axil Coffee have taken out the title.

With over 10 years of experience in the coffee industry and seven years as a barista with Axil, Jack will now go on to represent Australia at the World Barista Championship in Athens, Greece in June, reminding the world that Melbourne is indeed one of the foremost destinations for defining cafes, coffee-producing global barista champions and award-winning roasts.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

 

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12:45

The gender pay gaps grim legacy: homelessness among older women in Australia "IndyWatch Feed National"

My mum took her first job in 1980, when she was fourteen. In my childhood, she worked as a medical receptionist. For every hour she worked, she was almost certainly paid less than a man in a job of comparable value. For every curtailed pay check, there was a lower superannuation benefit, a lower amount left for savings at the end of each week and, inevitably, a lower amount to put towards a house deposit.

The post The gender pay gaps grim legacy: homelessness among older women in Australia appeared first on Overland literary journal.

12:10

Western Bulldogs bring AFL to Ballarats Mars Stadium this weekend "IndyWatch Feed Cvic"

Unless youve been living under a rock, youd notice the 2023 AFL season has finally arrived, and along with it an arduous six months of studded boots, hip and shoulders, wild goal celebrations, cold froffies, meat pies, and some serious SuperCoach leagues.

While its hard to rival showtime at the G, regional football fans are in for a treat this year as the Western Bulldogs once again expand the Clubs community beyond the suburban fringe of Melbournes West to include Ballarat and Western Victoria.

Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.

In partnership with the City of Ballarat, the Western Bulldogs will bring two AFL Premiership games to the region in 2023, host Adelaide on Saturday 20 May at 2.10pm (round 10) and Greater Western Sydney Giants on the final weekend of July (round 20), at a time yet to be determined.

This weekend will be particularly special, with the Ballarat clash taking place during Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the AFLs two-week celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and its contribution to football.

The occasion will also feature a Welcome to Country before the match and other Indigenous celebrations to mark the event.

In addition to the match itself, the club will continue to show its commitment to the City by holding a Bulldogs Heroes at Hop past players night on Friday 19 April. Join former Bulldogs players Easton Wood, Clay Smith and Josh Carter (Hill) for a special fan night at Hop Temple. The event is free, but bookings are essential via the Western Bulldogs website.

This partnership has been a lasting one since AFL history was made in 2017 when Ballarat hosted the states first AFL game for premiership points outside the footy heartland of Melbourne and Geelong.

We continue to be so proud of the Western Bulldogs and we encourage the entire city to get behind them, even if you do already have a favourite team, City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said.

Its amazing to have them playing in our city and given their recent form, it will be a game you do not want to miss.

Ballarat AFL Game Getting There

For those heading to the match, a free shuttle bus service will return, with hundreds of parking spaces also available at C.E Brown Reserve and surrounding ovals. These parking spaces can be accessed from Dowling Street, giving patrons access to the Mars Stadium gates via a short walk.

Additional on-street parking will be available for drivers in Howitt and Norman Streets, as well as Creswick Road (north of Norman Street).

Drivers are reminded there is also accessible parking at the North Ballarat Sports Club, however all other traffic will be directed to park at one of the other designated parking areas.

A drop-off and pick-up zone will a.......

11:31

Dripping with individuality, Sunfruits new-age, anthemic psychedelia and indie-pop debut album One Degree truly has it all "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

If youre into Victorias boutique festival scene, you would have encountered Sunfruits by now.

Throughout the last couple of years, the Melbourne/Naarm-based neo-psychedelia group have become absolute favourites amongst Melbournes gig crowd. Many punters have come to love the groups easy-going and sprightly take on pop-rooted psych-rock.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Upon listening to their debut album One Degree, its evident why listeners have been having such fun exploring the groups diverse soundscapes.

Refreshingly, One Degree doesnt take itself too seriously. Its not trying to be the coolest kid on the block or showcase a new sound, yet it still manages to drip with individuality.

Believe It All is replete with nursery keys and upbeat pop-rock rhythms, Made To Love melds punk-rock energy with Brit-pop vocal harmonies, while Reeling adds hand-percussion elements providing an atmospheric Latin flavour to the songs rhythms.

In short, its a lot of fun.

But this is not to say that One Degree lacks depth: there are several perspectives on environmentalism, the world and relationships with oneself and others while musically, the title track One Degree strips it back, allowing for isolated vocals and stagnant key arrangements to act as the songs main driving force. We also see this in the folk-rooted Warning Signs, which delicately adds strings alongside all four members unison vocal arrangements.

For a debut, One Degree truly has it all. Whether youre a fan of modern psych-rock or a lover of more vintage tones, its a release thatll be packing something for you.

One Degree is out now via Third Eye Stimuli Records. Stream it here

The post Dripping with individuality, Sunfruits new-age, anthemic psychedelia and indie-pop debut album One Degree truly has it all appeared first on Forte Magazine.

11:01

A three day Festival of Magic is taking over Ballarats Kryal Castle in June "IndyWatch Feed Cvic"

Its time to service those broomsticks.

Promising a spellbinding adventure for all involved, the popular regional tourist attraction Kryal Castle in Ballarat is hosting a three-day Festival of Magic over the Kings Birthday long weekend.

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

Running from Saturday 10th until Monday 12th June, guests of Kryal Castle will be enthralled by mystical performances and take part in a host of magical activities.

Be fully immersed in the world of fantasy by dressing up and visiting the Magical Markets for enchanting adornments and treasures to take home, or for those seeking to master the art of wizardry, daily spellcasting lessons will be offered where budding witches and wizards can craft their own wands and try out a few spells before snapping a pic with a Nimbus 2000. Ensure no magical training is left out by visiting The Wizards Tower to learn the techniques and ingredients required to brew a magical potion.

Across the weekend, guests will also be awed by magnificent live jousting performances by the castles resident knights in the main arena. All will be on the edge of their seats as these skilful knights charge at each other on their loyal steeds. Lucky ones may even meet the horses and give them a pat while asking the knights a question or two.

To have lifes mysteries unveiled, the tarot card readings are a must-visit for those interested in the occult for some fascinating foretelling. Other spellbinding activities include a live magician and roaming magic tricks sure to charm even the most sceptical.

Set to be an exciting weekend, the festival will be full of magical fun for fantasy lovers of all ages with a number of new attractions to experience, as well as the castles usual entertainment on offer with a magical twist. The Festival of Magic will be the perfect escape for the long weekend, said CEO of Kryal Castle Bart Hamilton.

Attendees are also encouraged to don their best magical-themed outfit, and thankfully, both muggles and wizards are welcome.

For festival bookings, head here. 

The post A three day Festival of Magic is taking over Ballarats Kryal Castle in June appeared first on Forte Magazine.

09:43

Microsoft enforcing its internet browser needs a reminder like in the good ol' days. "IndyWatch Feed National"



Microsoft is again engaging in anti-competitive behaviour without any court action.

It's 'forcing' its users to use the inbuilt browser, instead of allowing the user to freely choose competitive products.

Last time this occurred, Microsoft was in the courts and as a result it was fined.

No such action even after months of this fraudulent activity?

See more within the link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/02/16/discover-new-ways-to-multitask-with-microsoft-365-and-edge/

See also video:



09:05

Durham Report finds biased FBI opened Trump/Russia investigation based on unevaluated intelligence from Australia "IndyWatch Feed National"

Their ABC Four Corners 'Story Of The Century'. Unlike the FBI's opening of a full investigation of unknown members of the Trump campaign based on raw, uncorroborated information, in this matter involving a Clinton campaign, the FBI never opened any type of inquiry, issued any taskings, employed any analytical personnel,...

09:03

08:40

Campaign for Woodside to clean up its mess and stop its Scarborough gas project "IndyWatch Feed National"

Contributed from Victoria

Woodside is best known for exploiting the gas fields off Australias western coast and has been in the firing line of those who want to get Australia off an addiction to gas.

Less known is that Woodside leaves behind a mess when leaving a gas field. It has done so with the sinking An 83-metre-high tower close to the Ningaloo Reef. This was decommissioned years ago and just left to rust and decay. This is not all right, because besides steel it contains taxic chemicals that will eventually pollute the sea. Offshore regulator National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority directed Woodside in January, to mitigate risks. Nothing has happened yet.

Woodside believed cleaning up would cost too much and had just walked away from its responsibility. They did so because they can. The law preventing this is too weak and ineffectual. The consequences are minimal. This must change.

In came Greenpeace and its flagship Rainbow Warrior. They went to the wreck on 14 May and put up a banner saying, Woodside dont be a tosser. There is serious concern that pollution will cause major damage to unique wildlife. Greenpeace is campaigning to put an end to this sort of irresponsibility by drawing what Woodside is doing to public attention.

But Greenpeace has also joined the campaign of many conservation and Indigenous groups, as well as broader local communities, to put a stop to Woodsides plan to exploit a much bigger project on and off the Burrup Peninsula.

Facilities are already being built on the Burrup, to bring in gas from the Scarborough site. The $16.2 billion joint venture with BHP, will significantly expand Australias gas extraction. This is at a time when Australia is supposed to be heading towards zero net emissions. The exploitation of Scarborough will pull in the opposite direction. Emissions from this will be the equivalent of 15 coal powered stations.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter said that Woodside was treating Australians with contempt by forging ahead on the project.

For so long as the company persists on this course, the corporate name of Woodside will become synonymous with the destruction of everything that Australians hold dear.

Aust...

08:08

Government promises $236m for national disaster warning network "IndyWatch Feed National"

The federal government has pledged $236 million over 10 years to fund a national flood warning network, in a bid to protect communities from the types of flooding which took place last year in the Northern Rivers.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the funding would be used to purchase and upgrade flood gauges in disaster-prone areas, such as the North Coast.

For almost a decade, experts have been telling us that we have to upgrade Australias flood warning infrastructure, Ms Plibersek said.

Weve seen really terrifying examples in recent years where communities were left with not enough information; they were unprepared during floods because of broken or outdated flood gauges.

Federal Environment minister Tanya Plibersek. Image www.tanyaplibersek.com

Ms Plibersek said the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) owned about a third of Australias flood gauges, but the rest were operated by state or local governments or private entities.

Many of them are old, they have to be read manually, so youre sending people out into dangerous weather to read flood gauges, she said.

The roll out of new flood gauges will start in Queensland, and come under the a...

06:42

Market Talk May 15, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"

ASIA:

Indias annual wholesale price index (WPI) fell for the first time in nearly three years in April, as prices softened across the board. WPI fell by 0.92% from the same month a year earlier, having risen 1.34% in March. The data compared with a Reuters poll that predicted a fall of 0.20%. In April, the food index rose 0.17% year-on-year, compared with 2.32% in March, while fuel and power rose 0.93% as against a 8.96% rise in the previous month. The decline in the rate of inflation was broad based, primarily driven by falls in prices of crude, energy prices, non-food and food articles, the government said in a statement. Data released on Friday showed Indias annual retail inflation eased to an 18-month low in April, staying well below the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) upper tolerance limit for the second consecutive month.

The major Asian stock markets had a green day today:

  • NIKKEI 225 increased 238.04 points or 0.81% to 29,626.34
  • Shanghai increased 38.37 points or 1.17% to 3,310.74
  • Hang Seng increased 343.89 points or 1.75% to 19,971.13
  • ASX 200 increased 10.40 points or 0.14% to 7,267.10
  • Kospi increased 3.93 points or 0.16% to 2,479.35
  • SENSEX increased 317.81 points or 0.51% to 62,345.71
  • Nifty50 increased 84.05 points or 0.46% to 18,398.85

 

 

The major Asian currency markets had a mixed day today:

  • AUDUSD increased 0.00565 or 0.85% to 0.67025
  • NZDUSD increased 0.00489 or 0.79% to 0.62379
  • USDJPY increased 0.347 or 0.26% to 136.057
  • USDCNY decreased 0.01156 or -0.17% to 6.95964

 

 

Precious Metals:

  • Gold increased 5.81 USD/t oz. or 0.29% to 2,016.96
  • Silver increased 0.166 USD/t. oz or 0.69% to 24.076

 

Some economic news from last night:

Australia:

Building Approvals (MoM) (Apr) decreased from 3.9% to -0.1%

 

Some economic news from today:

India:

WPI Inflation (YoY) (Apr) decreased from 1.34% to -0.92%

 

 

EUROPE/EMEA:

Efforts are being made to extend a deal that allows the safe export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea, despite Russia threatening to quit the...

05:54

Its time to embrace community-led conservation vs. the colonial kind (commentary) "IndyWatch Feed National"

When I lived on the remote island of Beqa, in Fiji, I watched as foreign-based NGOs entered villages and told Fijians how to live their lives, saying things like no more eating ika bula (sea turtle), and it is time you stop fishing kawakawa (grouper). These environmental NGOs had good intentions, of course, but their work was ineffective. Why would a Fijian man who has been eating ika bula for traditional occasions since childhood suddenly stop because some white guy who spent three days in his village told him to? Why do international conservation organizations often ask Indigenous people to halt their traditional and sustainable practices instead of focusing on larger issues at play, such as the bycatch of giant fishing vessels? I went into conservation to answer the call to better our planet. People like me who want to dedicate their career to help this earth and all of its species will not accomplish anything by allowing any sort of continuance of traditional conservation. Most of our current models of international conservation are dated and ineffective. If we want to make real change, we need to change our mindsets. We need to challenge current conservation practice. The village of Naceva, Beqa, Fiji on a cloudy day. Image courtesy of Audrey Moreng. Some of international conservation today still takes on a new form of colonialism. Colonialism is the exploitation of people, often Indigenous, by a foreign power. It usually involves taking resources, making the colonizer more powerful, all while furtheringThis article was originally published on Mongabay

01:57

BEST OF THE WEB: Reality-blindness, and Ethics as Practical Reason "IndyWatch Feed National"

Are moral standards real, relative, or both? Reading through Hill's overview of the history of western philosophy in After the Natural Law, I was reminded of a thought: that this history and development has largely been an ongoing battle between two opposing worldviews, with land lost and regained over the millennia. Materialism and idealism. Absolutism and relativism. Atheism and theism. Their seeds are all there in the ancient Greeks. But the land itself remains largely the same. And perhaps therein lies part of the answer: it is all the same land. As in, both positions occupy some ground, but like changing borders they miss the wider truth: that the land itself encompasses both. Reality can tolerate either extreme position, to a degree, because each takes into account a part of reality as a whole. But they are incomplete on their own, and when either demands exclusive worship like some tribal god, they commit a form of philosophical blasphemy. Borrowing somewhat from political...

01:29

Gwangju and the Fort Benning Connection "IndyWatch Feed National"

NEW: A South Korean truth commission created by law in 2019 is seeking classified U.S. military and intelligence records for its wide-ranging investigation into the Gwangju Uprising of 1980. It also wants answers about South Korean generals who were trained by U.S. Special Forces and fought with the United States during its counterinsurgency war in South Vietnam. Washington has not responded - yet.

00:32

Why Doom-Scroll When So Much is Possible? "IndyWatch Feed National"


Roger Bannister on May 6, 1954

The first professional one-mile race was held in London on July 26, 1855. Charles Westhall won with a time of 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Over the next 90 years, the time was slowly but surely whittled down to 4:01.4 by Swedens Gunder Hagg on July 17, 1945.

Nine years later, on May 6, 1954, Englands Roger Bannister did the impossible. He ran a 3:59.4 mile. The following month, the impossible was done again. John Landy of Australia ran a 3:58 mile on June 21, 1954.

Within a year, we had three runners breaking the four-minute barrier in the same race.

The current mile world record holder is Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco with a time of 3:43.13. As of this writing, about 20 male high school runners have accomplished the impossible.

So, what changed since July 17, 1945?

Some may point to training or nutrition and perhaps they play a recent role. But remember, Bannister made history in 1954 and his record was smashed just 46 days later. So, yeah its more than training and nutrition.

Could it be that once we choose to envision the possible instead of fixating on the impossible, our power is released? If so, where can we effectively focus this power today?

*****

(FYI: The womens record is 4:12:33 run by Sifan Hassan of The Netherlands.)

Monday, 15 May

23:59

Radio Free Asia: A US Propaganda Organ "IndyWatch Feed National"

Radio Free Asia: A US Propaganda Organ

On April 26, Mary Zhao, a writer for Radio Free Asia, wrote a bizarre piece attacking China for not providing transgender girls with necessary medicines, exposing once again the absurd lengths to which the US propagandists will go to undermine a nation it has targeted. The same day, they posted a cartoon of French President Macron portrayed as a chicken for daring to state that Europe must reduce its strategic dependency on the U.S. to avoid getting caught up in crises that are not ours and for China commenting positively to what he stated. On the same front page, they posted false stories about North Korea, Myanmar and Vietnam.

So, as we celebrate International Press Freedom Day on May 3, what is Radio Free Asia?   The answer-it is an arm of the US propaganda forces arrayed against the peoples of Asia to try to maintain US hegemony over them by manipulating their minds, their thoughts, their perception and their understanding of the world around them.

RFA tries to mask its role as a propaganda organ by attempting to appear objective. One of the devices they use is a Fact Check page, where its editors ask themselves questions and provide their own answers. For instance, they ask if the waters between Taiwan and the mainland of China are international waters. The answer they give is, of course, yes, and so US naval patrols through the Taiwan Straight are, according to them, legal under international law.

But of course, they arrive at this answer by regarding Taiwan as a separate country and not part of China when in fact Taiwan is part of China and so the waters between the mainland and Taiwan are all Chinese territorial waters just as Canadas waters in its archipelagos are considered internal waters by Canada. There are other examples of their facts clashing with reality, but let...

23:26

Japan to open NATO liaison office in new provocation against China and Russia "IndyWatch Feed National"

By Ahmed Adel | May 15, 2023

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi announced that his country is considering opening a NATO liaison office, demonstrating that Tokyo is deepening its ties with the US and becoming more hostile to China and Russia. Tokyos rapprochement with NATO would strengthen the anti-China/Russia alliance and advance the US plans to create a NATO-styled organisation in the Far East.

We are already in discussions, but no details (have been) finalised yet, Hayashi said on May 10.

He specifically referenced Russias special military operation in Ukraine as something with repercussions far beyond Europes borders that made Japan rethink regional security.

The reason why we are discussing about this is that since the aggression by Russia to Ukraine, the world (has) become more unstable, he claimed. Something happening in East Europe is not only confined to the issue in East Europe, and that affects directly the situation here in the Pacific. Thats why a cooperation between us in East Asia and NATO (is) becoming increasingly important.

However, the foreign minister failed to explain how events in Ukraine affect those in East Asia. Rather, Hayashi is using this as a weak justification for why Japan is militarising, which directly relates to Tokyos claims against sovereign seas and territories belonging to China and Russia.

The opening of a NATO office in Japan does not mean that the country will join the Alliance, but it does open a path for Japan to become a member of an expanded AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States). This, in turn, will require Tokyo to strengthen its contacts with NATO.

It is recalled that NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, went to Japan and South Korea in January 2023 to lay the groundwork for strengthened ties. This is one of the reasons why Tokyo is already involved in conflicts that are not directly related to the region, despite some of the mental gymnastics it procures to create a justification.

The Japanese government is also providing $5.5 billion in aid to Ukraine, which can be seen as a step forward for the country to join AUKUS and confirms Tokyos intentions to strengthen its relationship with NATO. However, NATO will not officially expand to include Japan because members of the Alliance, such as Hungary, do not always align their position for the sake of serving US interests.

At the same time, France, at least in rhetoric, is seeking a degree of autonomy from the US. French President Emmanuel Macron said on April 9 that Europe needs to limit its dependence on the US.

In this way, the expansion of NATO to Asia is not likely since this initiative could lead to a further weakening of unity within the military alliance. The Americans are aware of this, and for this reason, they are working on a separate Eastern bloc to strength...

23:20

Community Shares | May 15th 2023 "IndyWatch Feed National"

  • MapLight Therapeutics is currently seeking patients between the ages of 12 and 45 for their IRIS Phase 2 clinical trial. This study is designed to evaluate the potential impact of their ML-004 compound on the social communication deficits and associated irritability symptoms experienced by individuals with autism. For those interested in participating in this trial, please contact Kelly Amaguin at kamaguin@maplightrx.com.
  • Dont miss an opportunity to watch SPELLERS, the new film about nonspeakers with autism that asks, What if weve been wrong about every single one of them? The movie answers this intriguing question through the stories of eight nonspeakers who all found their voice using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Screenings of SPELLERS are happening across the country. You can watch the film online if there isnt a screening near you. 
  • Researchers from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation have recently identified four distinct sets of alterations in functional connectivity that could help explain clinical and behavioral differences among individuals with autism. Their new study used an extensive collection of neuroimaging data to identify ASD subtypes to produce testable theories about how different biochemical, genetic, and cellular processes may shape the wide range of ASDs clinical manifestations. The researchers found that individuals with ASD clustered into ...

23:07

The Ideal River: An Introduction "IndyWatch Feed National"

The Disorder of Things is back, and with a symposium too. Over the next week well feature a succession of posts on Joanne Yaos The Ideal River: How Control of Nature Shaped the International Order, followed by a rejoinder from Joanne herself (the full set of posts will be available in one easy spot here). The first post is an introduction to the book and commentaries from George Lawson. George is Professor of International Relations at the Australian National University. He is a global historical sociologist who works primarily on revolutions. His most recent books are: On Revolutions: Unruly Politics in the Contemporary World (with Colin Beck, Mlada Bukovansky, Erica Chenoweth, Sharon Nepstad and Daniel Ritter) (Oxford, 2022), and Anatomies of Revolution (Cambridge, 2019).


...

21:44

Big Australian lottery loss coming soon "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Is Peter Dutton for real? If so, it will be the first time a major political party has questioned the mad high immigration policies begun by the Howard Government in the late 1990s.

If he is not for real, his objection made in his Budget response to the Big Australia policy of the past quarter century is just a short-term opportunist grab to attack the Government at best, or dog-whistling at worse.

It would be good if he were for real and Australians could have a serious debate about population and immigration policy without name-calling people as racist if they dare point out that high population growth is appallingly destructive of the environment and an economic misery for all but a few economic elites.

Two weeks ago I wrote in this space: Being shut out of housing and facing shrunken government services can also cause resentment by people already living here of not only of this years or next years intake, but of immigrants in general. This fear should not be taken lightly.

Well, Opposition Leader Duttons Budget response and, more importantly, a lot of the reaction to his response is proving that point.

Dutton has been accused of dog-whistling by many commentators. Dog-whistling is a message that is pitched so a few dogs will hear while the bulk of humans will not.

The dog whistle part is a racist suggestion that immigrants as outsiders pose a threat to the (white) Australian Way of life. The general message is that high immigration adds to housing and infrastructure woes. The latter is demonstrably true. The former is not.

The trouble is, of course, that Dutton has form on this. Remember he said people people in Melbourne were scared to go out to restaurants because of African gang violence. He called refugees illiterate and innumerate and said they would be taking Australian jobs. He said Malcolm Fraser had made a mistake resettling Lebanese-Muslim refugees. He walked out on the parliamentary apology to the Stolen Generations (regretting it since). And he opposes the Voice.

That form could lead people to conclude that his comments are just dog whistling. Moreover, given it was Coalition Governments that began and continued ramped up immigration, Duttons comments could be dismissed as hypocrisy.

But those are ad hominin arguments. The core issue that Dutton raised deserves serious attentio...

21:35

Are ZK-proofs the answer to Bitcoins Ordinal and BRC-20 problem? "IndyWatch Feed National"

Zero-knowledge proofs could be a viable means to address recent network congestion and high fees on the Bitcoin blockchain.

20:00

Compromised survey data leads to article retraction and university investigation "IndyWatch Feed National"

An article based on results from an online survey has been retracted for data issues, and an Australian university is investigating what happened.

The article, International nursing students perceptions and experiences of transition to the nursing workforce A cross-sectional survey, became available online on Jan. 29, 2022.

Published in the journal Nurse Education in Practice, the study reported 110 responses to an online survey of nursing students who came to Australia from other countries and planned to remain there to work.  

The retraction notice, posted this month, stated:

This article has been retracted at the request of the authors because the data reported in the manuscript are likely to have been compromised. It came to the co-authors attention after the publication of the article that a large proportion of the surveys reported in the study had been completed by a respondent using the first authors IP addresses.

The authors would like to apologize to readers for this error.

Della John McKitterick of the University of South Australia, and the first author on the paper, seemed to dispute the information in the notice. 

One of the respondents has used my username (not my IP address) to enter the data, McKitterick told us. McKitterick, whose ORCID profile indicates she is a PhD student at the university, did not tell us how she learned of the data breach or respond to our follow up query about the discrepancy between the retraction notice and her statement regarding the IP address. 

The University of South Australia is investigating the matter, which McKitterick cited as her reason for not divulging further details. None of the articles other authors replied to requests for...

18:11

Theres a Simpsons trivia night happening in Geelong next week "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Do you know your steamed hams from your hamburgers, the year the first episode of The Simpsons went to air, or who actually shot Mr Burns?

If the answer to all of these is yes and youre ready for so much more then youre going to want to sign up for the upcoming The Simpsons Trivia Night at The Sporting Globe in Geelong on Wednesday 24 May.

Stay up to date with all the epic events happening in and around the region here.

Taking over the Sporting Globe from 7pm on the chilly Wednesday night, these yellow four-finger icons will be the subject the sporting pubs latest trivia night bringing together amazing food, great drinks, games and trivia!

The questions are fun not hard and will take you back through all the best bits. Dont worry, therell be some head-scratchers in there to separate the winners from the rest.

This event is hosted by Australias themed trivia experts, Grape Vine Events and will see 40 questions take place across five rounds with new activities and new ways to win!

Grab some dinner, drinks, and check the venue out before settling in for questions, games, and fun. You and your squad can win some killer prizes!

Doors open from 6:30pm. Simply reserve a free ticket for each of the people participating so the SG can allocate tables for you. Add one ticket per participant at your table.

Book your spot here

The post Theres a Simpsons trivia night happening in Geelong next week appeared first on Forte Magazine.

17:35

The defining Israel/Palestine conflict and the challenge for Jews "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Writing personally about Israel/Palestine, why I have the positions I do, is something I mostly avoid. But a notable exception is my long essay in this weeks edition of the Good Weekend magazine, inserted every Saturday into the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age. The readership is over one million people and its one of the biggest magazines in the country.

The striking profile photo was taken by Wolter Peeters.

The response to my article has been overwhelming, with huge numbers of people writing to express gratitude, support and relief.

PDF: Israel-Palestine conflict_ Antony Loewenstein on being Jewish and critical of Israel

...

17:27

Death By Dumplings: Bird Rocks weekly all-you-can-eat dumpling night is back "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Surely one of mans greatest inventions ever, dumplings are so simple and yet oh so scrumptious. Theres nothing quite as satisfying as dipping these little pockets of amazingness into sauce and then stuffing your face! And nothing says stuffing your face like all you can eat.

Thanks to California-born restaurateur Anthony Gist, the iconic Bird Rock in Jan Juc best known now for its delectable dumplings, delicious bao and Sunday Yum Cha is bringing back its absolutely iconic weekly all-you-can-eat dumpling night.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Launching back in June last year, the appropriately dubbed Death By Dumplings night was a roaring success for the venue, attracting dumpling lovers from across the region to indulge in a bottomless plate of oh-so-delicious dumplings!

The absolute feast will kick off on Thursday, 18 May, and take place every Thursday evening. Its $40 for all-you-can-eat dumplings and a pot of Blackbird Mexican Lager (or a juice or soft drink). Theres no doubt that you will be rolling on out once your belly is full.

 

View this post on Instagram
...

16:56

Nazi Rally @ Victorian Parliament, May 13, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

On Saturday, May 13, the neo-Nazi groupuscule National Socialist Network (NSN) organised a rally at Parliament House in Melbourne. Desperately unhappy at being unable to afford to leave their parents leafy homes in the eastern suburbs, approximately 30 NSN members Continue reading

16:50

The Geelong Wedding Expo returns this weekend bringing together a bunch of local wedding vendors for one day only "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

When you first start planning your wedding, the list of things involved in the big day can feel seemingly endless. From the venue, photographer, food, rentals, music, photo booth and more; not to mention what you will wear for the big day the list of things to book or buy and decisions to be made goes on and on.

While there are tonnes of magazines and blogs out there, theres something special about face-to-face interactions with those playing a part in your big day. If youre hoping to make more of a personal connection with those involved, be more efficient with your planning efforts (and money), or youre just keen for a fun day out with your bride tribe (or groom squad), the Geelong Wedding Expo has you covered with the very best of what the local wedding industry has to offer.

Returning for its 24th year and conveniently popping up at the Geelong Racecourse once again, The Geelong Wedding Expo is a not-to-be-missed event if youre tying the knot somewhere in this stunning region that we call our home.

The Geelong Wedding Expo 

  • The Geelong Wedding Expo returns bringing together a bunch of local wedding vendors for one day only
  • Theres even more than $10K in prizes to be won on the day
  • The event goes down at the Geelong Racecourse on Sunday, 21 May 2023

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

Taking over the huge racecourse on Sunday, 21 May, the much-loved annual event is bringing together a bunch of local wedding vendors, for one day only. This is your chance to meet all the essential peeps that could help make your special day spectacular. Therell be wedding gowns, stylists, celebrants, florists, caterers, photographers, videographers and more, all conveniently located in one location.

 

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16:31

Im comin home: Dom Dolla announces largest ever hometown headline show at Sidney Myer Music Bowl "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Renowned Australian house music producer Dom Dolla (aka Dominic Matheson) has announced his largest-ever headline hometown show this summer at the legendary Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on Saturday, December 16th.

With a busy start to the year, playing at Coachella, sold-out Red Rocks Colorado, sold-out headline tours across North America, Europe, and the UK, as well as headlining Beyond The Valley, performing the countdown and bringing out Nelly Furtado on stage, the beloved San Frandisco DJ will finish off the year at home at the iconic stage in the heart of Melbournes CBD.

Ive dreamt about hosting a show at the bowl since I was DJing in my bedroom. Ive lost count of the amount of huge shows and festivals Ive attended there over the years growing up in Melbourne, Dom Dolla says.

I never thought something like this would really be possible, this really is a dream come true and I cant wait to show you what we have in store for it. IM COMIN HOME!

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Dom Dolla is experiencing a meteoric rise in the music industry. His signature style of house music has connected with global audiences, making him one of the most exciting names in electronic music.

His most recent single Rhyme Dust, a collaboration with MK, was one of the most anticipated tracks leading into 2023. The song took the internet by storm, going viral prior to its release after he included it in his Selected Sessions stream from a rooftop in Belgrade. The original sound received over 80 million streams prior to its drop, resulting in an outpouring of fans demanding for it to be released.

Since its release, Rhyme Dust has clocked up over 30 million global streams, featured as BBC Radio Ones Hottest Record In The World, been most played song on triple j, was #1 on the Aria Club Chart, went top 10 US Billboard Dance chart and was #1 overall on Beatport globally.

Dom Dollas breakout year following the release of Take It has been followed by a royal flush of releases, including San Frandisco, Moving Blind, Pump The Brakes, and Strangers w/ Mansionair. His catalogue now accumulates over half-a-BILLION streams, with 2x Platinum & 2x Gold Certified Singles. He

16:23

A bunch of new Geelong V/line train services are being added this month including a late Saturday night train "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Following the month of disruptions to the Geelong train line, local passengers will soon see a swathe of extra services added later this month.

Providing more options of travel on the Geelong line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds, there will be 31 extra extended services every week thanks to new train stabling facilities in Waurn Ponds, announced by the state government.

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

There will be 21 extra services for South Geelong and Marshall stations and 26 extra services to Waurn Ponds Station, with extended services in the morning and evening peaks, including the last train to Geelong on Saturday night. Currently, the last train home from Melbourne on a Saturday night is at 12.10am, with a coach service at 2.15am. With the new services, there will be another train now at 1.10am.

The new services will start running from Sunday 28 May.

A newly built train stabling yard in Waurn Ponds has made the extra services possible by providing storage for trains overnight, supporting more services on Victorias busiest regional train line.

Were continuing to improve services for passengers on Victorias busiest regional rail line, giving the growing Geelong community better access to more reliable, frequent and affordable public transport, says Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan.

The 31 extended services are on top of the 20 extended services per week delivered last May following upgrades to Waurn Ponds Station.

Major construction is also ramping up on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication which will enable even more services to support Geelongs rapid growth. The project is delivering eight kilometres of duplicated track, station upgrades, level crossing removals and more than five kilometres of new walking and cycling paths.

Passengers further up the line will benefit from platform extensions at Sunshine Station, which will allow nine-car VLocity trains to stop at Sunshine, boosting capacity along the south-west corridor by 50 per cent.

More detailed information on the new timetable is available at ptv.vic.gov.au, vline.com.au and PTVs journey planner app.

The post A bunch of new Geelong V/line train services are being added this month including a late Saturday night train appeared first on Forte Magazine.

15:42

Australias Voyager place 9th at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Australian synth metal band Voyager placed 9th in the Grand Final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest after winning in the second Semi Final.

The band performed their progressive pop metal trag Promise alongside 25 finalists from competing countries. The official results were determined by combining the scores of the voting juries and viewing public in 37 countries, as well as the rest of the world for the first time. Loreen from Sweden won the contest with her song Tattoo, followed by Krij from Finland in second place and Noa Kirel from Israel in third place with her song Unicorn.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Voyager expressed their gratitude for the love and support they received from Australia and the world throughout their Eurovision experience. They were honoured to represent Australia as the first band to do so and are excited to continue their journey with the release of their new album and upcoming tour. Voyagers performance, complete with custom sequined outfits by Perth-based label Zhivago and 80s staging with a Toyota MR2, was well-received by Liverpool and the world.

Their Eurovision appearance is the perfect launchpad for their eighth album Fearless in Love, set to be released on July 14 via Season of Mist, with homecoming tour dates in Australia and Europe to follow.

 

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14:08

New Circus Contact Details "IndyWatch Feed Cvic"

Castlemaine Circus welcomes Caz Walsh as our new Enrolment Coordinator.

We have grown in size and we now need a dedicated Enrolment person. As such, we have a new email and phone for the office.

Please direct all enrolment queries and absences/make up requests to: enrol@castlemainecircus.com.au. Caz currently works on Mondays and Fridays.

We also have a new phone number: 0488 424 657

Please direct all enrolment enquiries, text messages and last minute absences to this phone number. We will endeavour to check these regularly and get back to you as soon as possible

All financial questions, venue enquiries, performances or discussions about circus workshops outside the regular timetable can still be directed to Kirsty on classes@castlemainecircus.com.au or 0435 462 749.

The post New Circus Contact Details appeared first on Castlemaine Circus Inc.

14:04

Coldplay announce second Australian 2023 stadium concert due to overwhelming demand "IndyWatch Feed Vic"

Due to extraordinary (and unsurprising) demand during todays presale, Coldplay will now add a second Perth concert as part of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour.

This second history-making event will take place on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Perths Optus Stadium. An Australian-exclusive, the tour is expected to drive thousands of visitors to Western Australia to experience an incredible performance, injecting millions into the local economy.

The new show for Sunday, November 19 will go onsale at 10am tomorrow, Tuesday, May 16 and fans are being warned there will be no presales, no registrations and no codes required. ALL tickets for the new event will go on sale to the general public at 10am (AWST) via the Live Nation website.

Coldplay Australia 2023

  • The universally beloved band is confirmed to play at Perths Optus Stadium on November 18 and November 19 2023
  • The new show for Sunday, November 19 will go onsale at 10am tomorrow, Tuesday, May 16.
  • There will also be a limited amount of tickets released for the first show on Saturday, November 18.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Alongside the news of the new show, there will also be a limited amount of tickets released for the first show on Saturday, November 18.

Coldplay have also confirmed they will make a limited number of Infinity Tickets available for the two Perth shows at a later date. Infinity Tickets are released for every Coldplay show to make the Music Of The Spheres World Tour accessible to fans for an affordable price. They will cost just $40 AUD per ticket. They are restricted to a maximum of two tickets per purchaser, and must be bought in pairs (which will be located next to each other).

Coldplay announce one-off Australian 2023 stadium concert in Perth

Support on this new event will be provided by Australian multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Tash Sultana, along with Thelma Plum, who will each perform standalone sets.

Due to unprecedented demand, Coldplay will be adding a second show in Perth for their Music of the Spheres tour. Its incredible to see that thousands...

14:00

Australian Dollar and Bitcoin "IndyWatch Feed National"

1.00 AUD = 0.00002 BTC
0.00010 BTC = 4.10 AUD
Converter

11:30

Bringing the latest research to your local "IndyWatch Feed Cvic"

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt energised, calm, or drained? What if the design of the building was making you feel that way? A Pint of Science can tell you why.

Next week, University of South Australia (UniSA) postdoctoral researcher Dr Isabella Bower will address this important gap in knowledge, explaining to local Adelaide pub patrons how aspects of built environment design (like the size or colour of a room) affect us.

Dr Bower is one of three UniSA researchers stepping out of the laboratory and into the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Thebarton as part of Pint of Science Australia from May 2224.

Pint of Science

The Pint of Science Australia festival is returning for its ninth year, bringing together scientists and researchers from all over the country to share their latest discoveries in a casual and relaxed setting local pubs!

Pint of Science is an international festival held in more than 400 cities worldwide. This year, the Pint of Science Australia festival will take place in 30 pubs across 15 cities, including Adelaide, Bendigo, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Geelong, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Toowoomba, and Townsville with and online option available as well.

Attendees will be able to enjoy a pint of their favourite beverage while listening to fascinating talks from science communicators and experts in their respective fields including fantastic phalluses, battling bees and the future of AI among other curious topics.

This international festival will showcase the latest breakthroughs and innovations in areas such as health, technology, and the environment.

An interactive environment

Over three evenings, attendees can learn from experts in various fields, ask questions in an interactive environment and gain a better understanding of the role science plays in our everyday lives.

Pint of Science Australia Co-CEO Maria Roitman said the group is excited to bring insights from all corners of Australian research to share with the public in a fun and engaging way, making science accessible for everyone.

Pint of Science Australia Co-CEO Jin-Oh Choi said: We encourage everyone to attend, even if science is not your thing. Its a great opportunity to learn something new and meet other inquisitive minds.

Tickets for the Pint of Science Australia 2023 festival are on sale for $8.

For more information about the festival, including participating pubs and speakers, please visit the Pint of Science Australia website.

 

The post Bringing the latest research to your local appeared first on The Echo.

04:08

Palestinian refugees answer questions about the Nakba "IndyWatch Feed National"

Despite the continued denial of the Nakba by Zionists, Palestinian refugees have not forgotten what was done to them. And more than four generations later, they have not given up on the hope that they will return.

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