nomadpete

But you don't need a passport to send a mainlander back to where they come from. Well it didn't happen to my pair of violent repeat offenders. I suspect it isn't practiced much.

That's my gripe of the day. I don't think we ever had a government that hasn't spruiked the greatness of 'foreign investment'. In my opinion, every foreign investment is just exploiting an opportunity to siphon wealth out of our country. The foreign investors seldom give back in proportion to their profits. And usually minimise their tax contribution.

Dreary Australian politics...... This article by Alan Kohler sums up the outlook for 2025. So much is happening in the world around us and our politicians are squabbling over tired old paradigms. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-24/democracy-climate-change-ai-robotics-war/105085846 What do you think?

Do we have any laws that could deport an undesirable alien? I don't mean little green men. Case in point: I was once mugged and robbed by a pair of New Zeelaners. Turns out, I wasn't their first conviction. It would be a significant deterrant if such people could be 'sent home'. Its not quite what Spud is proposing but it is related. There are more nuances to his brainfart.

The HK I had was a drum braked van. The brakes faded to nil after a single (fast ) stop. It also frequently was stopped in summer - from vapor lock due to hot path fuel lines. The sedans had terrible visibility out the back quarter when reverse parking. The HQ waggon (poor coil spring back end) had terrible wallowing on corners but the van much was better. Except that when cornered hard on a RH turn, the engine starved halfway around the corner resulting in total loss of power, making a dramatic change of line. (202 c.i. motor). What about the shiny vinyl bench seat that had you clinging to the steering wheel to stop the driver sliding across when cornering? Or the hand brake that curiously didn't work when going backwards, but would go over centre and jamb on, allowing no forward motion until the NRMA arrived? Thankfully, silly stuff like the above is unheard of now. No, do not yearn for those cars.

Anyway, back to positives.... Beaut mild sunny day..... rode down to the next town, a bit closer to the south pole. Geeveston is still nice and warm. Had to take the leather coat off to sit and enjoy a burger. Lots of sweeping curves all the way. Few crazy car drivers. Love the autumn weather. The trees are starting to turn their colours. If world leaders spent a few days like this, there would be less wars.......

Well it is old enough to go onto 'special interest ' rego. Which is cheaper. And if those turkeys can get 'classic rego' on old HK, or older Holdens.... what can I say, they were dogs to drive when they were new! Classic what? Classic crap?

Hollow vessels float the best!

Yeah but yours is a classic!

Steep slippery grassy ground. Then half a K of sreeo gravel driveway. Road tyres are like on ice. Great fun while it stays upright.

Well, the USofA has been labelled as a dysfunctional democracy, for many years. So the recent events have just been a logical progression.... or should I call it a logical regression, soon to be followed by a logical 'depression that we had to have'. (Apologies to P. Keating)

Virago XV1100 Odd fuel system - no tap. When the low fuel light comes on or it splutters, turn on the electric boost pump. Touch wood, it's been a very reliable ride.

Thanks for your concern, Nev. I was surprised how quickly I got back into reading the road closely. Your points are stuff that I have practiced whatever I drive. I learnt to survive on 2 wheels before I started driving cars. Nevertheless I am acutely aware that my reactions are nowhere what they once were. Sad to say, it is time to sell my bike. End of an era 😞

It's good to see a positive LLM application and outcome. I still have reservations about its use WRT social media and social control. I visualise it as a bit like handing out AK 47's (all with hair triggers) and megaphones, to anyone who wants one and waiting to see what happens. Oh, wait.... That is that experiment already under way? ...........

Sadly we collectively follow without proper thought or debate. Unfortunately the modern voter prefers a noisy hollow candidate, to a quiet, more effective candidate. Not that the incumbent is dogs gift to the country. But he hasn't made any noisy grandiose blunders either.

Looks like a bureaucracy..... Needs a dose of Musk

My positive of the week..... I have been reluctant to confess to the forum (you lot might be critical). My motorcycle has been trapped in the shed for 4 or 5 years due to unfinished heavy stuff awaiting major repair. Note that my dearest never mentioned its inactivity - she probably hoped I'd forget all about it. (Sensible girl, that one. But oh, so wrong). Anyway I recently had old mates visit and we got those big jobs fixed. Of course I hadn't forgotten the bike. Cleaned it up, serviced it, new battery.... and got it going. Then dread.... am I too old to ride? Have I lost the awareness needed on 2 wheels? Well after a few tentative brief laps of the paddock, I gave it a go. Absolute heaven! Now I have been out for a cruise into town every day this week! The awareness of surroundings - the scents, the wind, sights are all sharpened. Absolute delight! PS: I do know I'm no longer the same bulletproof rider I once was. But you can't wipe the silly grin off my dial.

Were you too frightened to use the oars?

My arms are hurting, just from reading uour update.

I thought you'd learn from your mistakes....

Yeah. The site definitely feels cleaner now. Thanks Ian.

Great work! Soon you will finish your apprenticeship in archaic architecture restoration. There are some great bargain do-er-uppers you can pick up for a song.... in Italy. Or France.... or Spain. https://renovita.net/ Map of One Euro houses in Italy. So much to choose from!

I try to look after my bedside two strokes. (Nobody ever called me Victa!)

My point is, the other parties are too afraid to voice the 'will of the people'. Oh, and this sentiment is a consequence of Chump's ramblings. I call them ramblings because they do not seem connected to rational outcomes.

The way modern politics works, the French are justified if they ask for it back.