Sunday, 22 February 2026

A sad anniversary

 It is now 4 years since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Originally most 'experts' thought Russia would have a quick victory and Ukraine would become a vassal state. This proved wrong and ukraine proved to be a formidable foe.They have proved to be both industrious and very flexible.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine then they began the hostilities. It is impossible to argue Ukraine began this fight.

An expanding NATO was never a problem either as it is, lome most treaties, a DEFENSIVE treaty. you can only call on other members if someone attacks your country.

Russia is not a great military power. Their tactics are poor and they do not appear to learn from any defeats. Their economy is in very bad shape thus Putin is conning everyone about peace talks. He has to gain a lot of territory politically.

It is interesting that Estonia recently wrote about Russia if Putin is deposed and it is worse than now!!

The western world should fully support Ukraine so it  defeats Russia. Biden was way too timid and Trump is a Russian agent in acts if not in words.

No-one knows how much longer this war will last.


Postscript:

I should have added we as a nation should have given them out FA-18s. They are still okay, we are not using them and they are much easier to make airfields for!


Saturday, 21 February 2026

Bob Dylan again

Two weeks ago I went to the local pub and had a parmy with my youngest son and heard mozambique for the first time since the glory days of doublejay rock.



yet again I prefer the studio version




Thursday, 19 February 2026

Around the Traps 20/2/26

 It is time for Around the Traps again.

Aussie,Aussie,Aussie,Oy,Oy,Oy

OZ Climate

Northern America

Europe

Asia

Wonk

General

Climate

Andrew Gelman ( mainly stats)

Dianne Coyle ( quirky + book reviews)

Vox Wonk

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

What is Trump hiding?

 I am stumped at Trump's role in curtailing the Epstein files.

I have previously said I cannot see any evidence he broke the law here and I do not see Trump having sex with minors.

Releasing the epstein files alah the legislation is a no-brainer. Of course there will be embarrassments but people will forget them quickly. Getting it over and done with makes political sense however trump is doing the exact opposite. This has two main problems for trump.

  1. It keeps Epstein in the headlines
  2. People now think Trump and epstein are interwoven and has done 'wrong' things.
Trump is not very intelligent indeed quite the opposite. He is easily the most low IQ President we have seen in out lifetime. His actions on this merely proves this.

Wow Epstein in 2017 said Trump had too much orange and was suffering from dementia however this has vanished without a trace!!

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Taylor's new lineup

 Angus Taylor announced his new shadow lineup. See Michelle Grattan.

I have reservations. In no particular order here they are.

  • Taylor was a very poor minister and just as bas shadow treasurer. Why on earth does anyone think he can succeed as Opposition Leader?
  • He appointed Tim Wilson as shadow treasurer. The only person who thinks wilson is impressive is wilson.
  • He wants to cut immigration. This will impact both skilled labour and universities. There is no evidence this has penetrated the Opposition as yet. One Nation can be  moorons. the LNP cannot!
  • Changing the leader does not solve the major problems for the opposition.
  • The structural deficit is about $20b. In what time do they think they can eliminate this?
  • They have few seats in the cities primarily because they are not seen as fair dinkum on climate change.  One nation and the nationals following them will ensure this continues.

The present government is not impressive.They are very timid thus we need an opposition that is ready for government. We do not have it now and it seems unlikely for a while.

Monday, 16 February 2026

Farrer could be interesting

 John Hawkins says Farrer could tell us where australian politics is heading in the near future.

Antony Green tells us all about the lecorate HERE and HERE.

We shall get a four way fight. The Liberals who currently hold it  after they won it when Tim fischer retired. The Nationals who want it back although it was a Liberal seat before that.. One Nation who believe they are on a roll and an Independent ( no I do not believe two independents).

Okay let us make a guess. Green preferences will go mostly to the ALP unless they think they can crown the Independent.  One Nation will gain at the expense of both the Liberals and also the National party but mainly the latter.

ALP  preferences will go to the independent. This will put her into second place. The National preferences wil ggo mainly to One nation.

The Liberal vote will be down because of the Liberals knifing Ley and antipathy towards Taylor. some votes will go to one nation but also towards the independent.

Thus the contest on final preferences will again be between the Liberal candidate and the Independent. Thus I would not be surprised if the Independent wins however I say that with no confidence.

Sunday, 15 February 2026

The West Wing

 I am using youtube quite a bit these days. The rest is history, the rest is politics, legal and political issues in the USA , the invasio0n of ukraine as well as music makes it essential viewing.

One thing that came up out of nowhere was the west wing.

It was one of my favourite series.

Fabulous cast, sensational writing, characters that are good and bad. I could go on but you get the point.

If you have not watched the serries then do so. It is clearly the BEST US series I have ever watched.


Here is a sample