Open Thread – Saturday, 11 February 2023

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308 Responses to Open Thread – Saturday, 11 February 2023

  1. Admin Admin says:

    Speaking of Blog rules, I’ve have been permanently blocked at Powerline

    Cold-Hands,
    I do not know how the Powerline blog is run. But your experience there may be due to an automated function to block and ban all comments that contain some words. It may seem harsh to get banned after one comment.

    Should it be 3 strikes and you are out? Easier said than done.

    For websites and blogs that allow comments, there is a lot that happens at the back end. There are the real commenters but also trolls, d**kheads, bots. There is plenty of Spam and Trash. There are also errors/typos/some words that the system will block and that has to be sorted by the system admin.

    If a blog has been there for many years and has hundreds or thousands of commenters it is hard to keep track of first “offence” or repeat. So the blog may decide to just ban any comment with those words. Or use a commenting system that will do it.

    Otherwise it will need moderators 24/7.


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  2. mh says:

    THEY DID IT

    Russell Brand

    Surprise surprise – you were right about Nord Stream all along.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDA2-HMcNZ8


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  3. Admin Admin says:

    To explain a bit more what happens at the back end.

    Posters on conservative sites want free speech. The blog owners want to allow free speech, without any rules, but at the same time you have to draw a line somewhere.

    While some people use **** words in every sentence and want the freedom to say (and post) whatever they want, there are readers (posters and lurkers) who will turn away from a blog where certain swear words are allowed to be used. There’s few who enjoy rudeness and abuse on a site but other readers may be turned off by this type of interaction.

    Is it better to lose commenters who want to swear and abuse or lose those who don’t like swearing and abuse?

    If we had a blog poll: How many on this blog use or don’t mind the **** words and how many don’t like the use of those words?

    How does a blog or website owner handle all that?

    We can all slip up sometimes and forget that we are not sending a text msg or email to a friend who is used to the ****

    There are blogs that do not permit the use of certain words. Banned.
    On this blog, I’ve suggested self-moderation so I don’t need to block or ban those who know the rules.


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  4. Admin Admin says:

    The disappearing comments that were brought to my notice.

    The word “remarkable” should now get through.

    The word “em-bed” (as one word) cannot be used. Haven’t been able to sort that. I’ve asked our tech expert to check it. For now, it needs a hyphen to get it past WordPress.

    The bug with the time delay in viewing comments cannot be sorted as any attempt causes unmasking. The commenters who log in as registered or have the Save box checked will have no problems but others are not able to see the latest comments as soon as they are posted.

    Remember to check that Save my name checkbox if you are an occasional commenter and not aware of the bug.


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  5. mh says:

    HOLY SH*T, This Just Happened In Ukraine

    Russell Brand

    Zelensky’s cracking down on corruption in the Ukraine. But hang on, an allegedly corrupt oligarch is now linked to Hunter Biden! This story keeps getting stranger.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr-UN5vxwYo


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  6. johanna johanna says:

    The Powerline comments section has pretty strict rules, as well as a caveat for the admin to delete or ban if he/she thinks it is warranted.

    That said, as Adam points out, there are software glitches in play as well. Twitter is a good example – while leftist moderators are often at fault, sometimes it’s just the software that applies sanctions to apparently innocuous comments.

    Whatever the site manager does, there will be a downside. For example, at Sinc’s back in the day he banned the use of the word ‘Jew’ because of a persistent anti-Semite who kept creeping in under aliases – guess who? Trouble was, it meant that if someone put up a comment using the word ‘jewellery’ it got blocked.

    There are no perfect solutions, just like everything else in human affairs.


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  7. Steve trickler says:

    A fabulous ending. The old bloke is still going strong at 95.

    ********

    Fleccas Talks:

    This Week in Culture #135


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  8. mh says:

    Starlink Internet CUT! Ukraine Brags Of Using Drones To Deliver Chemical Weapons

    iEarlGrey

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvraO-tg6tY


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  9. Steve trickler says:

    A nurse in hospital agreed with me on this. They still have to wear them when dealing patients, knowing it is all BS.

    ***********

    The Jaxen Report with Del Bigtree.

    New Study Shows Masks Don’t Work Against Illness, But What Does?

    Link.


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  10. johanna johanna says:

    Steve, the ideologues are sweeping under the carpet all the hard earned knowledge that we have about the importance of ventilation.

    I think it was Florence Nightingale who brought awareness about the need to avoid stale, germy air from accumulating around sick people.

    As for masks, they don’t prevent transmission of nasties inwards, but they do restrict the expelling of your nasties outwards.

    It might seem counter-intuitive, but the key is dilution. If you breathe fresh air outside, it has all sorts of nasties in it – but the dose is so low it doesn’t matter. Wearing a mask means that the bugs that you would normally expel to be diluted into harmlessness get a nice warm, wet place to multiply and be breathed back in again.

    On the few occasions when I was forced to wear a mask, I wore it for no more than an hour, and then sterilised it with hot water, soap and disinfectant before re-use.

    Making someone wear a mask all day is like keeping a kid in a dirty nappy all day, possibly worse.


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  11. johanna johanna says:

    Re ventilation, I should also mention the current trend to save on your huge energy bills by sealing up your house.

    Yes, it saves on your energy bills, but no, it is not good for your health.


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  12. Steve trickler says:

    johanna says:
    February 11, 2023 at 12:22 pm

    As for masks, they don’t prevent transmission of nasties inwards, but they do restrict the expelling of your nasties outwards.

    I was watching all and sundry in hospital, touch their mask, fiddle with their mask and proceed to touch everything whilst going about their duties without gloves…the face nappies became a source of contamination in my book.


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  13. Steve trickler says:

    I don’t think gloves would have mattered either. Oops.


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  14. kaysee kaysee says:

    From the Australian

    The debate on the Indigenous voice to parliament has shifted as Anthony Albanese offers more engagement and detail on the referendum while ramping up the risk of a failed vote.
    and
    Mr Albanese told parliament that Australia’s international reputation was on the line and that a No result could damage some key economic….

    Albo warns us that if the referendum fails it will affect Australia’s international reputation and also the economy, as it could impact relations with trade partners.

    Well, Albo, let’s see.

    Since international reputations are affected by the decisions made in a country, Australia (the Albanese govt.) has cancelled trade with China due to its treatment of its citizens, the Uyghurs, the people of Hong Kong, Taiwan, any dissidents. Australia has vowed to never ever trade with China because of its reputation on human rights.

    Australia has also firmly told Indonesia that it will not trade with it due to the issues connected to West Papua.

    It will not deal with Ukraine due to its suppression of the opposition parties and media.

    All those visits to China and meeting with Chinese govt by Albo and Wong were to point out the failings of China and its bad reputation. Those trips weren’t to beg Commie China to resume trade with Australia.

    Yes, if the voters of Australia, a democratic nation, decide to reject the Voice, it will cast a huge stain on our reputation and all our trading partners will blacklist us.

    Jacinta Price says it: ’emotional blackmail’

    One of the comments:

    If it comes down to who precisely knows what is good for Aborigines, and that comes down to just two people. Either Jacinta Price or Anthony Albanese, I will pick Jacinta each and every time.


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  15. Steve trickler says:

    Those two dogs @2:02 look like they belong in a qwerty freak show. I’d be happy to take the piss out of the owners if walking by.

    Geez.

    ************

    Lt. Rowdy:

    Lt. Rowdy Mini Horse Representing Valley Community Cavalry First Time @ Rodeo Drive 2023 (4 of 11)


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  16. kaysee kaysee says:

    This is how politicians deal with the really big issues.

    I get lots of letters in this job.

    But I particularly appreciated this one from 8 year old Elle, asking me to change the symbols on pedestrian lights, so they don’t all look like men.

    I know it is not nice of me to be cynical, especially about a sweet 8-year old girl. But I must ask a few questions:

    – Is Elle related to Greta?
    That is, are her parents in the same activist group of families that don’t mind using their school-aged kids to further their own woke agendas?

    – Did Elle skip school and sit outside the electoral office of Kate Thwaites where she wrote her letter?

    – Will 8-year old Elle still be ‘Elle’ in a few years or ‘Il’ after transitioning, having discovered that ‘she’ is a ‘he’ and ‘his/their’ parents will be very supportive?

    – Maybe she/he/they will, at the age of 10 or 12 years write a book about their life experiences facing gender discrimination against wymyns and trans peoples?

    – Lastly, can the public meet Elle to understand whether she sees these men-pedestrian lights when she is a busy pedestrian rushing to get to work or a passenger in a high-end luxury car?


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  17. JohnJJJ says:

    then sterilised it with hot water, soap and disinfectant before re-use.
    If I had to wear the mask, I used the freely available alcohol in hand sanitizers. After all, if it can kill the VIRUS on your hands, it should do it on the mask. Just part of the bizarre logic of COVIDays.
    The density of the virus in the air was never questioned, but was always in the background. Seems obvious that small hits would help strengthen you. But who knows. I guess we will never find out.


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  18. kaysee kaysee says:

    Gender Paygap

    Women should be paid the same as men.

    It’s as simple as that.

    But right now, there’s not enough transparency around the gender pay gap in workplaces.

    That’s why we’re introducing a bill to fix that.

    Question Time, PM:

    Can we see the real data from companies and employers where two people – one man and one woman – doing the exact same work, same hours, same skills, same experience, same responsibilities, qualifications – but the man gets paid more than the woman?

    I do trust the government, of course. And the Prime Minster, even more. They are really concerned about equality and women’s rights.

    Nothing about the lefty-woke agenda, getting votes and keeping up with the Greens’.


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  19. kaysee kaysee says:

    Gender Equality, again

    I am honoured to be Australia’s new Ambassador for Gender Equality.

    I look forward to promoting 🇦🇺’s commitment to gender equality and the human rights of women and girls, and persons of diverse gender identities.

    The Ayes have it.

    What an inspiration for young weemen everywhere.
    Elle’s role model?


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  20. kaysee kaysee says:

    Steve,

    Glad to know that all went well with the surgery.


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  21. Steve trickler says:

    @Dovers. Comment did not appear.

    Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bearesays:
    February 11, 2023 at 1:45 pm
    A disgrace to humanity.

    Attacks like this on Rosie are uncalled for.

    She mentions that hydroxychlorquine had FDA approval withdrawn as it caused heart palpitations in Covid patients. Well, yes, that was the reason offered, without further consideration of this drug’s utility, nor taking into consideration of its widespread use and general population safety. This unusual side effect was at that time a very convenient excuse to knock out further research.

    However, the side effect is real. Hydroxychloroquine does cause heart palpitations in some people.

    Rose was simply reporting a fact. The FDA did use this reason. Perhaps she could have added that it provided a convenient excuse to push attention onto prevention by vaccines rather than by other preventatives or treatments. But this ad femina abuse of Rose should stop.

    State why you think she is wrong rather than abuse her in the most dreadful manner for a truthful statement. Who the hell do you think you are, Trickler and Matrix, so be so vile and pick up so many upticks for it? Why do people want to agree with such vileness here?

    BS!

    You, like Rosie, have defended Big Pharma since the get go and played along with people getting that sh*t injected into their arms as if it was a good thing. “I’ve read heaps of epistemological studies”…you probably still think the vaccination schedule for everyone is all honky-dory. Kids getting injected immediately after leaving birth canal? No problem in your book, right?

    It ain’t. It all needs to be questioned, so my advice is STFU.

    DEL BIGTREE Presents The Vaccine Safety Project

    ICAN CEO and ‘The HighWire’ host, Del Bigtree, presents ‘The Vaccine Safety Project,’ a comprehensive presentation on Vaccine Safety and Policy in America.
    The presentation explains the framework in place to monitor safety, shortcomings of the current vaccine licensing process, details the history of vaccine safety, and establishes the failure of the current system to establish the safety of the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule.

    https://rumble.com/v2883xk-del-bigtree-presents-the-vaccine-safety-project.html


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  22. Admin Admin says:

    Steve trickler says:
    February 11, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    Steve,
    Please check the blog rules, especially this link.

    Read the second paragraph, carefully. Read the third paragraph and the rest of that comment.


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  23. Steve trickler says:

    Admin says:
    February 11, 2023 at 3:52 pm

    Noted. I’ll chill.


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  24. kaysee kaysee says:

    The Nord Stream Pipeline

    1/
    PJW

    US intel blew up the Nord Stream pipelines and the media is more interested in talking about Chinese balloons.

    Biggest story of the year


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  25. kaysee kaysee says:

    2/

    How America Took Out The Nord Stream Pipeline

    Seymour Hersh
    Feb 8

    The New York Times called it a “mystery,” but the United States executed a covert sea operation that was kept secret—until now


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  26. kaysee kaysee says:

    Pfffizerrr has some friends on the Project Veritas board.
    Or they just twisted some arms.

    It doesn’t matter. James O’Keefe is Project Veritas. So say the major donors.

    Cease and Desist’ letter sent to Project Veritas Board
    by major donors as James O’Keefe’s future with company is in peril

    “The big wig donors to Project Veritas are not taking the board actions against James O’Keefe lying down,” says a source, according to Swig. “Looks like they have hired a big name law firm that sent a letter which seems to suggest the board is running afoul of Virginia law and exposing themselves to substantial liability!”


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  27. kaysee kaysee says:

    Just searched for job description of a custodian and found this info:

    Custodians clean and maintain buildings of institutions such as schools and hospitals. In some instances, custodians mow lawns, rake leaves and shovel snow.

    There are more details, but do you know why I wanted the job info?

    This Washington university requires custodians to get on board with DEI

    Job listings on Eastern Washington University’s (EWU) “Employment Opportunities” website appear to require applicants to get on board with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ideology as a condition of employment, from custodian to associate dean.

    Each job requires the applicant to write a “Diversity Response” describing how they will “apply an approach that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal access, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.”

    They’ll have thousands of custodian/janitor applicants rushing for a job with this awoke employer.


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  28. kaysee kaysee says:

    A baby

    with Down Syndrome was just adopted and this is him smiling at his new mother ❤️

    My heart can’t, This is the cutest thing ever.


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  29. kaysee kaysee says:

    How It’s Made

    Cinderella’s Ball Gown

    400+ hours of work in 6 minutes!


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  30. mh says:

    Australia all out for 91 and India go 1-0 up in the series.


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  31. rosie says:

    Can I just point out there is no vaccine recommendations for children under the age of five in Australia?
    In the US and maybe a few other places children aged between 6 months and five years can get a quarter dose.
    If you want people to have parental rights in relation to gender identity (and I certainly do) you have to respect them in relation to vaccinations too, dont you?


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  32. Steve trickler says:

    rosie says:
    February 11, 2023 at 8:35 pm

    Yes, it varies from place to place, however, everyone needs to watch the Del Bigtree clip above. You will not see anything like it in the bought and paid for Big Pharma sponsored MSM.

    You will certainly not see it on breaky TV.

    Ask yourself, why? Most do not have a clue about it and it’s deliberate in keeping it hidden.

    No hard feelings. Safe travels.

    Transformers – Dam Scene | N.B.E. One (HD)


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  33. Steve trickler says:

    The guy is a JET!

    Do not try this at home, you’ll screw the record player up and damage your vinyl.

    MIX MASTER MIKE – Best DJ Scratch & Turntablism ✨🏆✌️🏆✨ DMC world Dj Championship EP 4


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  34. Steve trickler says:

    The greatest character in the Marvel universe. Phil Coulson.

    He sh*ts all over the woke characters. If you haven’t watch Agents of Shield, lucky you. Season 1 is shit, after that, it is a absolute ball-tearer.

    Have fun.

    Coulson Interrupts the Broadcast – Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 4×19


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  35. rosie says:

    Don’t watch breakfast TV in particular or free to air in general.
    I’m not to watch randoms on YouTube either.
    It’s interesting how people trust conventional medicine when the chips are down.


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  36. Steve trickler says:

    rosie says:
    February 12, 2023 at 12:02 am
    Don’t watch breakfast TV in particular or free to air in general.
    I’m not to watch randoms on YouTube either.
    It’s interesting how people trust conventional medicine when the chips are down.

    Yet, you are still sucked in by Big Pharma. Try as you will, you can not hide from it. You, linking to Facebook fact checking sites was telling. Remember that?

    I like how say “randoms”. Interesting. They can back up their claims.

    Enjoy the rest of your holiday.


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  37. rosie says:

    I dont use Facebook either.


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  38. rosie says:

    Big pharma developed and manufactured the medication that makes life much better for asthmatics, antibiotics have probably saved millions of lives and new and innovative drugs are keeping a family member alive, so yes, I’m a fan of Big Pharma.


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  39. Steve trickler says:

    rosie says:
    February 12, 2023 at 4:54 am
    Big pharma developed and manufactured the medication that makes life much better for asthmatics, antibiotics have probably saved millions of lives and new and innovative drugs are keeping a family member alive, so yes, I’m a fan of Big Pharma.

    The same mob who are responsible for promoting antibiotics (one example) and there continual use…having them dished out like lollies to kids in a candy store. GP’s are under their spell. Probably the most corrupt and evil people on the planet, rosie, who’s health of the individual is not at the forefront with their thinking.$


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  40. Steve trickler says:

    and their continual use…


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  41. <