Open Thread – Saturday, 23 April 2022

Posted on April 23, 2022 by Adam D
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334 Responses to Open Thread – Saturday, 23 April 2022

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  1. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 26, 2022 at 1:58 pm

    Believe it or not, this bloke introduced classical music to a lot of youth. You’ll never outdo the original but this is a banger.

    2:32

    *****

    FERRY CORSTEN plays ‘Barber’s Adagio For Strings’ (Live at Transmission Prague 2019) [4K]


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  3. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 26, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    Respect to the Thai above. They are mental on land and water.

    ********

    CycleDrag:

    It’s the return of a Top Fuel Motorcycle world record holder and legend as Larry “Spiderman” McBride makes his return to motorcycle drag racing after a knee replacement and other complications kept him off of his Nitro drag bike for more than 14 months. In this video Larry McBride looks to take in easy and avoid a motorcycle drag racing fail from this Pingel test session at the soon to close Palm Beach International Raceway. As we find out in this video, chopping the throttle early is not always the easiest thing for a Top Fuel Motorcycle legend, even with a short shutdown area and the potential for a Top Fuel Motorcycle crash. Here Larry McBride scares his brother, entertains drag racing fans and let’s the world know, he is back! Welcome back Larry McBride!

    He Was NOT Supposed to do that!


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  4. mh says:
    April 26, 2022 at 8:58 pm

    Inflation nation! Single image highlights how much food prices have soared in Australia – with a bag of chips now costing $5.75

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10752783/Photo-ridiculous-price-Woolworths-chips-reveals-prices-risen.html

    ***

    $5.75 is a special, down from $6.00


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  5. mh says:
    April 26, 2022 at 9:13 pm

    Inflation figures out tomorrow

    No amount of spin from either side of the political fence will be able to hide the ramifications of Wednesday’s inflation report.

    When the Australian Bureau of Statistics releases the March-quarter consumer price index showing inflation around a 15-year high, most people will just shake their heads…


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  6. mh says:
    April 26, 2022 at 9:48 pm

    The Age

    Unvaccinated players get all clear for Wimbledon

    Wimbledon confirms that COVID-19 vaccination will not be a condition of entry for players at this year’s grasscourt major, allowing Novak Djokovic the chance to defend his title.


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  7. mh says:
    April 26, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    How much of the $1B in weapons and resources to Ukraine ended up in Russian hands?

    Apr. 22, 2022 – 5:05 – Col. Douglas Macgregor offers reaction and analysis on ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight’.

    https://video.foxnews.com/v/6304678401001#sp=show-clips


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  11. Fat Tony says:
    April 26, 2022 at 11:15 pm

    I do not trust Musk.

    After the last few years, I do not trust anyone.

    By their actions shall you know them…


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  12. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 12:06 am

    Craig Kelly MP
    @CraigKellyMP
    ·
    30m
    Great to know Novak is back at Wimbledon

    Just another nail in the coffin of the Big Pharma narrative

    There’s NO DOUBT the narrative is COLLAPSING around the world

    Disgusting that the pathetic little dictators in Australia still peddle their💩

    CRIMINALS


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  13. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 12:58 am

    I do not trust Musk.

    The battle of the oligarchs?
    They’re the key folk who patronise twitter as a platform.

    Trump holding his nose at his recent endorsement, who was a former critic – maybe he’s wising up to the political “game”?

    Salty Cracker’s a good Bell Wether – cheers at the victory over Twitter but cautious about Musk’s other activities.

    I like his take on Jack Sparrow/Amber Turd – just two Hollywood turds doing battle.
    Looks like Musk himself dodged a bullet with Amber Turd.
    The world of the elites.


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  16. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:32 am

    How much of the $1B in weapons and resources to Ukraine ended up in Russian hands?

    Salty Cracker reckons the decades old weapons sent to the Ukraine is just the weapons industry clearing out old stock/gearing up for a bit of money laundering*.

    *As there’s no accountability as to where they’ve ended up.


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  17. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:35 am

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10752783/Photo-ridiculous-price-Woolworths-chips-reveals-prices-risen.html

    Everyone’s been predicting Stagflation from the lockdowns, due to throttling supply/high unemployment.

    Well done, retards!


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  18. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:44 am

    “Stagflation happens when the economy is experiencing both economic stagnation – stalling or falling output – and high inflation. Additionally, a struggling economy will drive up unemployment.

    In other words, all three macroeconomic indicators are going in the wrong direction.”

    /The Conversation

    Small wonder Friedeggburger’s sphincter is puckering.


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  19. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:48 am

    Elon Musk gives update on SpaceX! SpaceX Launch Crew-4 Mission!
    Space X

    Jack Dorsey appears.

    They’re talking about BitCoin/Internet currency vs predatory Banks.


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  21. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 6:44 am

    Nuland-Pyatt leaked phone conversation _COMPLETE with SUBTITLES
    Apr 30, 2014
    Diddley Squat

    Gonzalo Lira said Nuland threated Putin in person to exclude Russia at the time.


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  22. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 7:10 am

    U.S. stocks fell sharply on Tuesday with shares selling off into the close, as investors dumped equities on fears of an economic slowdown.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 3.95% and hit a fresh 52-week low to close at 12,490.74. The index retreated further into bear market territory, sitting now about 23% off its high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 809.28 points, or 2.4%, to 33,240.18. The S&P 500 lost 2.8% at 4,175.20.

    For April, the S&P 500 is off 7.8%. The Nasdaq is down 12.2%, and the Dow has declined 4.2%.


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  23. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 8:16 am

    The New Atlas

    Ukraine “Massacre” Result of Artillery Most likely Fired by Ukraine

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpSM-aiaxK4


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  25. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 11:51 am

    Ukraine War Expanding to Moldova as Ukraine’s Donbass Commanders Complain of ‘Desperate Situation’
    Alexander Mercouris

    Looks like the Ruskis are “grinding down” the Ukranian Forces, just as BoJo described.


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  26. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 12:13 pm

    Whoa!

    Soaring inflation points to election rate rise

    Inflation has accelerated to its highest level in over two decades, lifting to a blockbuster 5.1 per cent and laying the foundation for a RBA rate hike as early as next week.


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  27. JohnJJJ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 11:20 am
    Twitter Employees the Day After Elon Takes Over!
    Awaken With JP
    This mob are at every University in Australia.


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  29. Shy Ted says:
    April 27, 2022 at 12:46 pm

    Shout out to the oldies who made our youth such wonderful times
    Mr Eastwood gets a coffee
    Ms Harry retires with birds, not cats


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  30. Rohan says:
    April 27, 2022 at 1:02 pm

    I received an email from work’s electricity retailer. They’re upping thier costs to us mid contract because (wait for it) unaccounted for energy (UFU). This line grabbed my attention:

    Increase in charges

    The terms of your Electricity Sale Agreement with us allow us to increase your charges where there is a change of law. Accordingly, we will be increasing our charges for the sale of electricity to reflect the impact that the introduction of the UFE is expected to have on us.

    Everybody is going to bet slugged. It’s just the big users will have this distinguished on our bill. domestic customers will have it lumped in.

    They provided a link to the AEMO info sheet on this. This UFE is energy that’s not accounted for from metering such as unmetered connections (WTF?), network faults and yes, you guessed it, “Distributed Power Generation”

    I smell a ruinable rat.


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  31. Rohan says:
    April 27, 2022 at 1:05 pm

    I forgot to add, this comes into effect tomorrow.

    Nice transparency there.


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  32. Shy Ted says:
    April 27, 2022 at 1:08 pm

    I have a theory about Elon and Twatter. bear in mind I’ve never been right about any of these things.
    Other than crypto it’s really hard to see how any of his businesses make serious money. Cryptos values are off the charts. Why? No businesses behind them. What do YOU pay for in crypto? What are they used for other than gambling on a price rise.
    Why is Twatter valued at $40bill+? They have struggled to make a profit and in the end it’s just an instant messaging service, a website. Big holders are our old friends Blackrock and Vanguard, controlled by people who make Musk look like a pauper.
    So Musk buys Twatter with crypto. B & V get their crypto. Somehow crypto is crashed. B & V have nothing. Their share price crashes. The elites behind B & V suddenly have serious financial problems.
    I came up with this theory talking with friends and acquaintances who have invested in crypto. One lady invested $1000 in bitcoin. She gets a return of $35 per week, never missed. That’s a return of 180%!!! For everybody to make a quid there needs to be a business out there making a 200% profit. Unless it’s all the money printed by central banks that goes straight into the pockets of the elite via the genuine businesses they control. Nothing else makes sense.


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  33. Shy Ted says:
    April 27, 2022 at 1:08 pm

    They’ve just asked me to go back to work again. In the NT! Can’t stop laughing.


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  34. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 1:21 pm

    This reckless spending must stop!


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  35. Shy Ted says:
    April 27, 2022 at 1:35 pm

    Our hopeful future PM, Albo walked into a bank to cash a cheque.

    When he’s called over to the teller, he says, “Good morning, could you please cash this cheque for me?”
    The teller replied, “It would be my pleasure sir. Could you please show me your ID?”
    Albo said, “Truthfully, I didn’t bring my ID with me as I didn’t think there was any need to. I’m the leader of the Labor Party of Australia.”
    The teller said, “Yes sir, I know who you are… but with all the regulations and monitoring of the banks because of impostors, forgers, and requirements of the legislation etc., I must insist on seeing ID.”
    Albo said, “Just ask anyone here at the bank who I am and they’ll tell you. Everybody knows who I am.”
    The teller said, “I’m sorry, Mr Albanese, but these are the bank rules and I must follow them”
    Getting a bit agitated, Albo snapped, “C’mon woman, I’m urging you, please, to cash this cheque..”
    The teller said, “Look Mr Albanese, here is an example of what we can do. One day, Tiger Woods came into the bank without ID. To prove he was Tiger Woods, he pulled out his putter and made a beautiful shot across the bank into a cup. With that shot we knew him to be Tiger Woods and cashed his cheque.
    “Another time, Patrick Rafter came in without ID. He pulled out his tennis racket and made a fabulous shot where the tennis ball landed in my cup. With that shot we cashed his cheque. So, Mr Albanese, what can you do to prove that it is you, and only you?”
    Albo stands there thinking, and thinking, and finally says, “Honestly, my mind is a total blank… there’s nothing that comes to my mind. I can’t think of a single special thing that only I can do. I have absolutely no idea what to do… and I don’t have a clue.”
    With a big smile, the teller said, “Will that be large or small notes, Mr Albanese?


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  37. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 2:19 pm

    Recently brought up (by Salty?) on YouTube:

    Why is my light bill so high?
    There is no doubt that electricity costs in Jamaica are too high. Out of 146 countries around the world, Jamaica stands at 142 with the highest charges. There are only four countries — Belgium, Denmark, Bermuda, and Germany — that pay more for electricity than we do in Jamaica (globalpetrolprices.com).


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  38. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 2:23 pm

    So Musk buys Twatter with crypto. B & V get their crypto. Somehow crypto is crashed. B & V have nothing. Their share price crashes. The elites behind B & V suddenly have serious financial problems.

    Strange that above alleged Space X livestream should devote time to a crypto currency battle-of-the-titans by the oligarchs.
    Russell Brand said similar in a recent YouTube – a battle of “old money” (Vanguard) vs “new money” (Musk/Dorsey, et al) taking place in the backdrop of wokeness/Rona/climate “disruption”?


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  39. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    What is that rhyming phrase about going broke?

    Netflix cancels in-production titles after subscriber loss and stock price plunge

    Netflix is already making moves after the distressing news it had lost 200,000 subscribers in the first three months of this year, resulting in a stock price plunge which wiped $54 billion off its market value.

    and

    Netflix Employee Morale Plummets as Stock Sinks and Subscribers Flee

    Netflix is experiencing a crisis in employee morale following the steamer’s report last week that it lost 200,000 subscribers during the first quarter and expects to lose a stunning 2 million more in the months ahead.


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  41. egg_ says:
    April 27, 2022 at 2:37 pm

    What is that rhyming phrase about going broke?

    Netflix commissioning a new fillum: “Wokeback Mountain”?


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  42. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    I do not trust Musk.

    Why is Musk buying Twitter? Is it because he believes free speech is very important? Or is there some other reason?
    We don’t know.

    But as Tucker says in this show:

    You just became a little more powerful

    At this point you have no choice but to put your hopes in the good intentions of an eccentric billionaire.


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  43. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 2:57 pm

    Twitter Employees Breakdown On Internal Message Boards
    Salty Cracker

    Deactivation

    No need for a broom.
    They are sweeping themselves out of twitter.


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  44. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:11 pm

    Winston’s take on Musk.

    ******

    Serpentza:

    Should you be worried? Elon Musk has for years been ingratiating himself with the Chinese government, will this have an influence on Twitter’s freedom of speech?

    Elon Musk buys Twitter for China – The Controversy Explained


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  45. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:11 pm

    Shy Ted says:
    April 27, 2022 at 12:43 pm

    The two clips on the cheating in the French elections. From the comments, it seems that there are other countries, too, where the election stealing has taken place.

    The power of the WEF – protecting its puppets.

    Will it happen here as well, next month?


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  46. Eyrie says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:22 pm

    Will it happen here as well, next month?

    Most likely. What if they gave an election and nobody voted?


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  47. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    Yesterday, in the Australian, there was a top of the front page article:

    Change of clean-energy windfall ……

    There was also an Editorial on the same Teal-Green topic.

    Anyone with online access able to paste that article and editorial, here?


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  48. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:32 pm

    Serpentza:

    Should you be worried? Elon Musk has for years been ingratiating himself with the Chinese government, will this have an influence on Twitter’s freedom of speech?

    Serpentza presents some valid points. We will have to wait and see what happens. For now, it is placing the hypocrisy of the wokerati on display. Their tantrums are providing some amusement for the rest of us.


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  49. Fat Tony says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:33 pm

    Eyrie says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:22 pm
    Will it happen here as well, next month?

    Most likely. What if they gave an election and nobody voted?

    They’d probably still get the usual total number of votes cast…


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  50. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    What if they gave an election and nobody voted?

    For that to happen, we would need an intelligent, united public fully aware of the scams by the politicians, media and other organisations.

    Out on the streets and in the shopping centres, where there is no mandatory requirement, there are still some who are masked up.


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  51. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:39 pm

    When you can find the time, 22:01.

    *******

    China Fact Chasers:

    The video the Chinese government doesn’t want its people to see!

    Hundreds of Millions of People Shared This video and it Still Got Censored


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  52. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 3:58 pm

    What the Fake Gulf War Atrocity Allegations Can Teach Us About Ukraine

    Americans should reflexively distrust every claim about “Putin’s war crimes.”

    Earlier this month, Joe Biden referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “brutal” “war criminal” who should be put on trial for his actions in Ukraine. Biden then used these allegations of war crimes to call on Congress to provide more weapons and money to Ukraine and demand increased sanctions against Russia and its citizens.


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  53. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    From a twitter poster:

    When a Age Care facility in Melbourne offered $3200 mid 2020 to my family friends to accept a covid death certificate instead of the Real one , I stopped listening to Government fear porn.

    What was the moment you stopped listening ?

    Did you accept the bribe?

    No way, family was very offended, family said we would be back in 48 with a lawyer & media, two days later we had the real death certificate in our hands.


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  54. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 27, 2022 at 4:17 pm

    These food processing plant stories….wtf is going on?

    I think that may be obvious.

    ******

    Stew Peters Show:

    The New World Order has a new plot to control the masses: A Planned-Famine.
    Edward Szall joins The Stew Peters Show to spread awareness about the not-so-coincidental plane crashes, fires, & explosions that have destroyed 19 major food plants in America.

    Holodomor 2.0: Extermination and Starvation of America through Food Factory False Flags


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  55. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    1/

    Not sure if any of you have been following this doxxing story.

    Involves a WaPo journo – Taylor Lorenz.

    Here she is in this interview, around a month ago.

    ****

    Not connected to the journo is The Libs Of TikTok a poster who has been posting on topics that upset the lefties, like this one and this.


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  56. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 27, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    Musk buys a sewer, Gates buys up farming land.

    🤔


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  57. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 4:33 pm

    2/

    WaPo journo, through contacts, gets the identity of the TikTok poster and doxxes her in an article.

    The trigger tweet seems to be this one. Or it could be all the tweets of this poster.

    The doxxing:

    Washington Post Publishes Address Of User Behind Popular ‘Libs Of TikTok’ Account


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  58. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    3/

    Today, Tim Pool got an ad in Times Square.

    Well Done, Tim.


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  60. Mak Siccar says:
    April 27, 2022 at 5:05 pm

    kaysee, for you. Sorry, I haven’t cut out the crap. I’m glad my subscription benefits someone.

    Federal election: Chance of clean-energy windfall for Climate 200 boss if independents get up
    Simon Holmes a Court has significant financial stakes in companies devoted to investing in decarbonisation and renewable energy technology. Picture: AAP
    Simon Holmes a Court has significant financial stakes in companies devoted to investing in decarbonisation and renewable energy technology. Picture: AAP
    EXCLUSIVE
    BRAD NORINGTON
    ASSOCIATE EDITOR

    10:51AM APRIL 26, 2022625 COMMENTS

    Businessman Simon Holmes a Court could reap a bonanza for his commercial interests if a team of independent candidates funded by his Climate 200 campaign organisation is elected next month and succeeds in pressuring a Coalition or Labor government to speed up Australia’s cuts to carbon emissions.

    Mr Holmes a Court, the son of Australia’s first billionaire, has significant financial stakes in companies devoted to investing in decarbonisation and renewable energy technology.

    At the same time, his Climate 200 group is donating $10m to independents committed to much tougher emissions targets than those supported by the major parties.

    READ NEXT

    Storm act on Sims confusion, Dogs eye next El Masri
    MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
    An investigation by The Australian shows the business entrepreneur has a big portfolio of family and other businesses focused on making money out of a potential boom in clean-energy technology.

    The most significant – and intriguing – of Mr Holmes a Court’s business interests is a new company he set up in late January this year called Decarb Ventures.

    The majority shareholders of Decarb Ventures with 91 per cent are Mr Holmes a Court and his wife, Katrina, while the remaining 9 per cent is owned by business associate Mitchell Hopwood through a company called Minithan.

    READ MORE:Frydenberg’s seat a social media battleground|Leaders keep distance on roads most travelled
    With these three as its only directors, Mr Holmes a Court says Decarb is currently pursuing “global” investment in clean-energy technology. But Decarb is an Australian-registered company well poised for “huge” local investment opportunities the businessman says are not available under Scott Morrison.

    The intriguing side to the creation of Decarb Ventures is the way it has uncovered how Mr Holmes a Court’s involvement with Climate 200 and Mr Hopwood are linked.

    Mr Hopwood is a self-described “alternative financier” from Sydney’s Hunters Hill who heads the Australian arm of EquitiesFirst, a company that provides “progressive capital to shareholders who have a long-term view and conviction in the assets they hold”.

    He set up a company called Climate Outcomes Foundation (COF) in April 2019. That was just two days after Climate 200 was registered as a company and a month before the 2019 election.

    Holmes a Court companies
    Click + icon to expand for more information
    Decarb Venture
    Decarb Ventures Pty Ltd

    Decarb Ventures Pty Ltd is a new Australian registered company set up by Holmes a Court and his wife Katrina with private investor Mitchell Hopwood to invest in “global” decarbonisation opportunities.

    5B Holdings

    5B Holdings Pty Ltd is a producer of portable solar panel arrays for mining projects and other off-grid sites. Holmes a Court is not a company office holder but has a reported investment along with Malcolm Turnbull.

    Future Superannuation Group

    Future Super is an “ethical investment” superannuation fund that promotes itself as “Australia’s first fossil fuel free superuannation company”. It was launched by former GetUp national director Simon Sheikh with backers including Simon Holmes a Court.

    MRH Holmes a Court & Co, WAOS, WAOS HAC, WIT HAC, SKHAC Super

    Private companies owned by Holmes a Court and members of his family and others with unknown business interests.

    Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN)

    Holmes a Court is a director of AEGN, a charity based on a similar US model to identify environmental funding opportunities. Its 180 members include trusts, foundations and individual donors.

    Climate 200

    Climate 200 Pty Ltd was started by financial controller and accountant Damien Hodgkinson in April 2019 with backing from Simon Holmes a Court to fund the campaigns of independent candidates at elections whose objectives are rated consistent with the organisation’s core principles. Hodgkinson remains the sole shareholder of Climate 200, which operates out of the Sydney office of Hodgkin’s main business, Olvera Advisers.

    While Holmes a Court is Climate 200’s leader and public face, and spearheaded its creation, he joined the board as a Climate 200 director only in September 2021. Climate 200’s three current directors are Holmes a Court, Hodgkinson and Byron Fay. Climate 200 is backing more than 20 independent candidates at the May federal election with at least $7m raised from 10,000 donors. Holmes a Court says he has contributed about $200,000 of his own money apart from time spent as the organisation’s convenor.

    Holmes à Court

    Holmes a Court former roles or shareholdings in companies

    Hepburn Wind, Observant Australia, Oberdare, Re-Alliance Limited, Capability, Courage HAC, Hazard HAC, Embark Australia, Trebor Investments, Yieldall, Future Superannuation Holdings and Heytesbury
    The purpose of Mr Hopwood’s COF remains unclear. Its only known activity seems to have been to channel funds to Climate 200 that came from undisclosed sources. Mr Hopwood initiated steps to close down COF on November 16 last year, and the company was formally wound up on January 19 this year. This was less than a fortnight before Decarb Ventures was registered to invest in decarbonisation with Mr Holmes a Court and Mr Hopwood as directors.

    Before its deregistration, Mr Hopwood’s COF channelled at least $304,000 in donations to Climate 200. The original source of these donations spent by Climate 200 supporting independents at the 2019 election remains unknown.

    Overall, Climate 200 spent $500,000 supporting 12 “value-aligned” independent candidates in 2019, including Helen Haines, Rebekha Sharkie, Kerryn Phelps, Oliver Yates and ex-Liberal MP Julia Banks. Only Ms Haines and Ms Sharkie were elected.

    Asked by The Australian to identify the source of the $304,000 transferred to Climate 200, Mr Holmes a Court said COF provided donations in 2019 and again last year, but he declined to name their original source.

    He dismissed the suggestion there could be an unknown conflict of interest for Climate 200-backed candidates at next month’s election, saying “the funds were fully expended prior to making any donations to any candidates in the 2022 federal election”.

    His response leaves open that independents in 2019 might not have known the original source of donations.

    The Australian Electoral Commission’s donor returns from the 2019 election indicate that COF money provided the bulk of Climate 200’s seed funding – $195,000 out of $270,000.

    The other smaller Climate 200 donors listed were Mr Holmes a Court ($25,000) and Atlassian software billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes ($50,000). For this election, Mr Holmes a Court says Climate 200 is backing 20 “underdog” independents with 10,000 donations totalling $10m. He claims to have donated $200,000 of his own funds.

    The business entrepreneur said in a National Press Club speech two months ago that the Morrison government’s plan to reduce emissions was “a joke”.

    He confirmed Climate 200’s strategy for the 2022 election was based on winning seats for at least three climate independents in traditionally Liberal-held seats – in addition to those held by MPs Zali Steggall and Ms Haines.

    Climate 200 candidates, if elected, would act as a coalition and seek to hold the balance of power in parliament. Under this scenario, their numbers could be used to exert influence on a minority government – most likely Labor – for faster, more radical action on climate change.

    Mr Holmes a Court’s Climate 200 campaign hopes in Sydney are focused on Allegra Spender unseating Liberal Dave Sharma in Malcolm Turnbull’s former seat of Wentworth, Kylea Tink ousting Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney and Sophie Scamps ousting Jason Falinski in Mackellar.

    In Melbourne, Monique Ryan is running against Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in Kooyong and Zoe Daniel against Tim Wilson in Goldstein.

    Another key figure behind Climate 200 is Damien Hodgkinson. Mr Holmes a Court told The Australian he “started” the organisation himself shortly before the 2019 election.

    This is a fact but, according to ASIC documents, it was formally started by Mr Hodgkinson, an insolvency practitioner and former financial controller for Ms Steggall and other climate independent candidates.

    Mr Hodgkinson was initially Climate 200’s sole director and Climate 200 continues to operate out of his main Sydney-based business, Olvera Advisers. Until July last year, Mr Hodgkinson’s Olvera Advisers was also the registered office and principal place of business for Populares, a company run by former Labor and GetUp! operatives that does paid campaign work for Climate 200 independent candidates and others.

    Despite his role as Climate 200’s leader, Mr Holmes a Court was not a director until September last year.

    Mr Holmes a Court dismisses any suggestion of a potential conflict of interest for him if climate independents with Climate 200 funding succeed in forcing their agenda on the next government.

    He says most of his investments are currently offshore, mainly in Europe, which is far advanced in renewable and clean-energy technology compared with Australia.

    But he also appears keen to be at the forefront of expanded investment in this technology if coal can be phased out quickly – with government help.

    Mr Holmes a Court told The Australian the nation stood at the precipice of a massive clean-energy and critical minerals mining boom – in cobalt, lithium, nickel and silicon – which was a “once-in-a-century opportunity”.

    In his press club address, he said “climate action means huge new industries” and “this transformation definitely is a race”.

    THEAUSTRALIAN.COM.AU07:03
    Holmes à Court attempting ‘takeover’: Falinski
    Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski says Simon Holmes à Court thinks Australian elections are like a “corporate takeover”.
    Besides Decarb Ventures, Mr Holmes a Court has shareholdings in a number of companies that profit from investment in renewables and clean energy.

    These include 5B Holdings, in which he has a reported stake along with Mr Turnbull, and Future Superannuation Group, in which he has a minor shareholding.

    5B Holdings, registered in 2015, produces portable solar panel arrays for mining projects and farms that are off-grid. Beyond Zero Emissions think tank chairman and 5B shareholder Eytan Lenko told The Australian Financial Review in November the company could roll out solar farms on a “huge” scale.

    But Mr Lenko added it needed government policy to enforce “the orderly shutdown of coal-fired power plants” and to “hasten the uptake of renewable energy” before the benefits of solar technology could be “fully realised” and “get investors a better return”.

    Future Super was launched in 2014 by former GetUp! national director Simon Sheikh as an “ethical super fund” with support from Mr Holmes a Court. It is promoted to investors as “Australia’s first fossil fuel-free superannuation company”.

    Although the Holmes a Court shareholding in Future Super remains small, his prominent role in the clean-energy movement appears to have “spooked” some in the mining industry who fear divestment by super funds could undermine funding of future coal and gas projects.

    Mr Holmes a Court has six other private companies that appear to be family-owned, or owned with others, and have unknown business interests.

    He is also a director of a charity called The Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, set up to identify environmental funding opportunities.

    While Mr Holmes a Court appears committed to clean-energy investments, he also seems interested, ultimately, in a good profit return. He is also partial to taxpayer funding to give clean-energy projects a kick along, if necessary. And he has demonstrated a willingness to drop out, in one notable case, when the going gets rough.

    Mr Holmes a Court was the founding chairman of a company co-op with 1100 investors called Hepburn Wind in 2011, which started a wind farm with “the help of state and federal subsidies”.

    The project, not far from Mr Holmes a Court’s 40h farm at Daylesford, in country Victoria, was originally promoted as a 21-turbine operation but started with just two turbines after objections from locals.

    At the time of its launch, Mr Holmes a Court said Hepburn Wind was projected to generate 12,200 megawatts of power a year, or enough for 2000 homes. Last year’s output was 6228 megawatts and sales have fallen.

    The company’s projected average dividends to shareholders were 13.9c a year. For the first eight years, there were no dividends. Investors received 2.7c last year.

    Net profits (last year $354,546) have been modest. A $1m grant from the Victorian government last year allegedly stopped Hepburn Wind, now renamed Hepburn Energy, from sliding into insolvency.

    THEAUSTRALIAN.COM.AU03:51
    Warren Mundine responds to Climate 200 founder’s ‘grub’ comments
    Warren Mundine has labelled Climate 200 founder Simon Holmes à Court as a “filthy rich boy” after being on the end of some malicious comments on Twitter.
    During a “Superpower 2022” energy update he delivered in Melbourne on February 23, the week after his Press Club address, Mr Holmes a Court declared “one of the things I’m most proud of is the Hepburn Wind project”.

    But he has not been part of the company’s direction for a while. Responding to a vitriolic critic on Twitter in August 2019, he said he had stepped down from the board in 2015 and noted, “it was voluntary, ie, totally unpaid”. In that financial year, Hepburn recorded a $166,568 loss.

    Hepburn Energy’s wind farm lives on – or limps on – without Mr Holmes a Court, although taxpayer funds could come to the rescue if Labor is elected next month.

    The opposition’s spokesman for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen, promised during a wind farm visit on April 12 that an Albanese government would commit $500,000 to building a community battery at the Hepburn wind farm as part of Labor’s $200m promise to build them across the country.

    Hepburn Energy tweeted this was “huge news” that would be a “game-changer for our co-op & progressing our communities zero-net emission target by 2030”.

    One respondent, dubbed AussieRock tweeted: “Let’s make it a blueprint for the rest of the country.” Another, Sandra, said: “Not with my tax money.”

    As Mr Holmes a Court showed during his “Superpower 2022” energy update, he is a passionate climate crusader. In responses to questions from The Australian, he said his best protection against any perception or risk of being seen to have a conflict of interest between his commercial interests and campaign funding of climate independents was “truthful, balanced and fair reporting, though I acknowledge I have no control over that”.

    THEAUSTRALIAN.COM.AU03:14
    ‘A vote for the independents is a vote for Labor’
    Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Australia “will not be served” by the instability of a hung parliaments and “fake independents” holding the balance of power.
    Asked if climate independents elected on May 21 with campaign funding from Climate 200 would have a potential conflict of interest if they pushed for measures that benefited him or his companies financially, Mr Holmes a Court said his clean-technology investments were mostly foreign, with Australian holdings representing less than 2 per cent of his assets.

    “I wish a greater proportion of my renewable and clean-tech holdings were in Australia, but frankly, a decade of government policy hostile to the sector has resulted in a dearth of attractive domestic opportunities,” he told The Australian.

    “Australia stands at the precipice of a massive clean-energy and critical minerals mining boom – we’re poised to be a clean energy superpower.”

    Mr Holmes a Court said he would not have started Climate 200 if he put his financial position ahead of the national interest.

    Climate 200 says its campaign spend is “one-tenth as much at this election as each of the Liberal Party, the Australian Labor Party and Clive Palmer’s UAP”.

    Mr Holmes a Court dismissed any suggestion there would be consequences for elected Climate 200 independents if they deviated from his organisation’s three core principles: tougher climate change action than the major parties, a legislated national anti-corruption commission and gender equality for women.

    Replying on his behalf, Mr Holmes a Court’s media team said independents would be “accountable only to voters” and what they did would be “entirely” up to them: “Climate 200 only supports candidates with aligned values. We have no say in any of their policy positions nor decisions.”

    Mr Holmes a Court argues that if elected independents reneged on promises, they would quickly lose community support. He also insists Climate 200 is not a party, does not pick candidates and does not receive “huge donations from vested interests” as the major parties do, and “much of it from undisclosed sources”.

    He said in February: “There’s no hierarchy, there’s no leader. There’s no head office, there is no co-ordinated policy platform.”

    For independents chosen by Climate 200 to receive its campaign donations and public endorsement, these are presumably reassuring words from the group’s leader as he envisions Australia cashing in on “the biggest economic and business opportunity of this century”.


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  61. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    kaysee, for you. Sorry, I haven’t cut out the crap. I’m glad my subscription benefits someone.

    Mak, Thank you.

    I listen to the main news stories in the Oz, on a community radio station. If the article has good information, I put out an appeal here. Thanks for the content – I’ll clear out the extra bits.

    Since you have a subscription, from now on, I shall tag your name with my requests. 🙂


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  63. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 5:35 pm

    Musk buys a sewer, Gates buys up farming land.

    Gates knew the food shortages were coming.
    Gates and the Davos boys planned it.

    Gates knew the pandemic was coming.
    Gates and Big Pharma planned it.


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  64. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 6:08 pm

    Google search “who gets the” and you’ll see what’s on the mind of Aussies.


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  65. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 27, 2022 at 6:19 pm

    Go Boon!

    ******

    Joseph Carter the Mink Man.

    Boon Double on Muskrats


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  66. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    From 2013, Catholics have understood that there is a Pope and a Pope Emeritus.

    The truth (pending investigations by Church authorities) may turn out to be that there is a Pope and an Anti-Pope.

    This is an hour-long interview with Dr Edmund Mazza, a professor of church history.

    What if Pope Francis is not Pope?


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  67. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 7:42 pm

    Russia halts gas supplies to Poland, Bulgaria

    Russian energy firm Gazprom (GAZP.MM) said on Wednesday it had halted gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland for failing to pay for gas in roubles, the Kremlin’s toughest retaliation yet to international sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

    Poland confirmed that supplies had been cut, while Bulgaria said it would find out soon. Both accused Gazprom of breaching longstanding supply contracts…

    Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that buyers from “unfriendly” countries pay for gas in roubles or be cut off, starting from the date payments are due for April./em>


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  68. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 27, 2022 at 8:33 pm

    What do you see First?

    One

    A plucky chicken or A pair of lips?

    .

    Two

    Good or Evil?


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  70. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    Russian energy firm Gazprom (GAZP.MM) said on Wednesday it had halted gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland for failing to pay for gas in roubles, the Kremlin’s toughest retaliation yet to international sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

    Just pay in roubles, ffs.
    It’s an America vs Russia currency war.
    Don’t damage your own economy.


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  72. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 11:22 pm

    The media wants to reference the last time the RBA raised interest rates during an election cycle – in 2007.

    What they don’t want to tell you is the actual rate:

    7 Nov 2007 — In a widely anticipated move, the bank lifted the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 6.75

    So we have the highest inflation rate since the introduction of the GST in 2001, with a cash rate of 0.1%.


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  73. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 27, 2022 at 11:24 pm

    John Stossel:

    America is blessed with abundant resources and cursed with boneheaded regulators.

    Environmentalists collude with the EPA to block economic progress.

    EPA bureaucrats thousands of miles away shut down a mine in Alaska to save fish two hundred miles downstream and fired hundreds of workers in the process.

    Now, after a decade of delays, environmentalists have also shut down the Keystone SL pipeline.

    A Classic Stossel from 2015.

    Classic Stossel: Shutting Down Progress


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  75. mh says:
    April 27, 2022 at 11:49 pm

    Thousands of teachers will be forced to walk off the job this week as Victoria’s strict vaccine mandate takes effect, placing immense pressure on an already struggling school system.
    More than 2,500 teachers who have not been triple vaccinated will no longer legally be permitted to work in Victoria onwards from Thursday, April 28, Herald Sun reported.

    The mandate requires workers across a range of industries, including education, to either be fully vaccinated or present valid proof of a medical exemption to their employer.


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  76. egg_ says:
    April 28, 2022 at 3:16 am

    Thousands of teachers will be forced to walk off the job this week as Victoria’s strict vaccine mandate takes effect, placing immense pressure on an already struggling school system.

    Sounds like the Adelaide nurses a while back, whom said their numbers been underreported in the MSM by 90%.


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  78. egg_ says:
    April 28, 2022 at 3:20 am

    Is it mandatory for ‘Elf Ministers to be fat cants?


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  79. egg_ says:
    April 28, 2022 at 3:23 am

    Musk, Dorsey love bitcoin as an idea, not an investment
    For Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey, bitcoin’s potential to become the internet’s native currency is big. But the cryptocurrency’s evolution is far from complete.

    Fin Review
    Jul 22, 2021


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  80. Bazinga says:
    April 28, 2022 at 7:00 am

    Advertising against Climate 200 non-independents should be along the lines of:
    Dont allow billionnaire pupetmasters to reap the financial windfall of Climate 200 manchurians. Dont vote teal independents.


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  81. egg_ says:
    April 28, 2022 at 7:36 am

    Simon Holmes a Court needs a “decarb” and a rebore, preferably via a “Long Bay pipeline”.

    /NADT


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  82. Ragu says:
    April 28, 2022 at 7:38 am

    A brand new, reconditioned second hand channel in his arse


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  83. Ragu says:
    April 28, 2022 at 7:48 am

    So we have the highest inflation rate since the introduction of the GST in 2001, with a cash rate of 0.1%.

    I recall a paper from a few years back on Ze Olde Cat, that said what kicked off the GFC was increasing the cost of capital. Which exposed a high ‘hidden’ unemployment rate.

    Wheres Dot, he knows this stuff.


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  84. mh says:
    April 28, 2022 at 7:49 am

    Paywallian

    Buckle up for a wild ride as inflation goes viral
    What is most to blame for inflation: Vladimir Putin, supply bottlenecks or greedy corporations? None of them, actually.

    ADAM CREIGHTON

    ***

    🤔 Any clues?


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  85. mh says:
    April 28, 2022 at 8:04 am

    President for Rothschild & Co visits working class people

    Pelted with tomatoes, Macron’s unity tour goes awry in blue-collar area

    Emmanuel Macron security detail was forced to deploy a special protective umbrella to protect him from the flying fruit, with bodyguards shouting “projectile!” as they tried to shield the leader


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  86. mh says:
    April 28, 2022 at 8:32 am

    Courier Mail

    Housing nightmare: Kids going to school from cars, tents, motel rooms

    Queensland families are being forced into ‘unimaginable situations’ with the housing crisis forcing some to live in cars, tents and motel rooms, while others are pushed into dangerous households.

    Buy a house
    h/t Scott Morrison


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  90. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 28, 2022 at 1:06 pm

    Danger Dan Reviews:

    From The Danger Dan Vault. Original upload: Thursday, 24 February 2022 . Chairman Dan dodges questions on bullying claims. You could apply this video to any one of his investigations.

    That’s just the way this works. Dan Andrews


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  91. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 28, 2022 at 2:45 pm

    Who is buying Russian gas?

    Sky News’ Economics and Data Editor Ed Conway looks at who is buying Russian gas, and how they are paying for it.


    Report comment
  93. kaysee kaysee says:
    April 28, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    North Sydney is not my electorate, but I offered to help a friend with a How-to-vote. I do not envy Conservative voters in this electorate.

    I had originally thought that the Zimmer would zip into last place. But looking at the list, these are 10 House of Rep candidates.

    1. William BOURKE – Sustainable Australia Party – Stop Overdevelopment / Corruption
    2. Robert NALBANDIAN – United Australia Party
    3. Heather ARMSTRONG – The Greens NSW
    4. Victor KLINE – TNL
    5. Lesley KINNEY- Informed Medical Options Party
    6. Dajen TINKLER – Liberal Democratic Party
    7. Trent ZIMMERMAN – Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division
    8. Kylea Jane TINK – Independent (Climate 200)
    9. Michael WALLS – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
    10. Catherine RENSHAW – Australian Labor Party (N.S.W. Branch)

    The first 5 spots are easy. The last five are the problem. Any North Sydney voters on the blog?

    Who gets 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 spots?

    That is Libs, Labor, TNL (The New Liberals = worse than the Libs) Greens, Climate 200 ?


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  97. mh says:
    April 28, 2022 at 5:39 pm

    Victorian teachers who failed to get fully vaccinated are being officially stood down on Thursday, as schools prepare to tackle the winter months with masks off and fewer windows open.

    About 420 government school teachers and school staff will have their employment officially terminated after missing the Andrews government’s mandated deadline to receive three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

    The boosters are rubbish.
    Everyone knows this.


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  99. mh says:
    April 28, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    I don’t like him… but Hadley was right.


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  100. Steve trickler Steve trickler says:
    April 28, 2022 at 6:45 pm

    Lets tax the RING of FIRE. All those volcanoes!

    Zero time for airheads speaking about emissions. CO2 does jack shit. AGW is garbage.


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