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Analysis by Gergana Krasteva, Senior Foreign Reporter for Metro: What was billed – at least, in Trump’s words – as a historic, war-ending summit in Alaska, so far looks less like a turning point in geopolitics and more like a coffee date in the park. If this was meant to be the moment when guns will finally fall silent on the frontline, it is difficult to understand why the leader whose country is under attack is not even in the room. Citing ‘protocol’ just like a Buckingham Palace butler, the White House finally gave a reason why Zelensky is not invited. But it is hardly good or believable enough to justify his absence. Another point of contention that no one seems to be talking about is that the meeting between Trump and Putin was touted to be a massive breakthrough in the ceasefire negotiations. Yet, Trump’s office has since – subtly – tried to downgrade it. The US president told reporters it will now serve as a ‘feel-out’ meeting in his efforts to end the invasion. Other terms used for it has been a ‘listening exercise’ and a ‘fact-finding mission’

BREAKING: Donald Trump's fascism hits a shocking new level as a leak reveals that he's evaluating the creation of a “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” of hundreds of National Guard troops to crack down on American cities at a moment's notice. We can hear the jackboots already and it gets so much worse... According to The Washington Post which reviewed internal Pentagon documents, the new military force would be "tasked with rapidly deploying into American cities facing protests or other unrest." As we have already seen from Trump's deployment of troops in Los Angeles and now Washington, D.C., there doesn't need to be actual unrest for him to act. He will lie, pretend that there's a crisis, and then send in soldiers so that he can look strong to his supporters and crack down on his political enemies. The deeply authoritarian plan would place 600 troops on "standby at all tines" which would allow them to deploy in as quickly as one hour when given the order. There would be two groups of 300, stationed at military bases in Alabama and Arizona. The estimated costs could reach hundreds of millions of dollars, burning through tax dollars to pay for keeping military aircraft and aircrews ready 24 hours a day. The documents contain elements that have time stamps from as recent as late July and early August, indicating that the idea is still under active consideration. The earliest that they could be implemented is fiscal year 2027 if the program is created through the usual budgetary process, but given Trump's penchant for lawbreaking and disrespect for norms, it's possible that he may ultimately try to accomplish it through nontraditional means. If we let this force be created, there will be no putting the genie back in the bottle. Trump will have a highly trained, heavily armed military force that he won't hesitate to deploy whenever he needs a distraction from his failed presidency. We'll be subjected to brutal authoritarianism to cover up stunning incompetence.

Here's an eye test for you. Find the 5 in all the upside down 2's in 30 seconds.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/top-aide-urged-putin-to-end-the-war-now-he-s-fired-as-advisor/ss-AA1KnmlD?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=058fd19836b34906ab82f5b3af1dc28c&ei=23

A report on MSN news says they are considering banning driving for over 80's in Britain. Jerry may know more. Is this the beginning of the end?

TACO has so many contradictions. Claims he is the great negotiator, but buckles to US big money. He says he wants production of medicines in America and cheaper medicines for Americans, and to do that he has to hit other countries with outlandish tariffs. Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and others got the cheaper medicines by negotiation with the manufacturers - lower your prices or no approval. He is so dependant on big pharma money to stay where he is, he's too gutless to do the same over there.

Melbourne does it again. Supposed to be a meteor shower tonight, but guess what? It's overcast and raining.

This guy was having a problem with mice in his apartment. “Dude,” he told a friend, “I’ve tried everything and those damn mice keep coming back.” “I had the same thing man,” his friend says. “All you have to do is stuff steel wool in their little holes.” “That’s it?” the guy asked. “I’ll do it tonight if it means getting rid of the damn rodents.” About a week later the guy gets a call. “How’s it going with the mice, buddy?” “Not so good, dude.” “What’s the problem?” his friend asks. “To be honest, I’m having a lot of trouble holding their little legs apart.”

The one I got today was an Amplifon.The audiologist, Adam, said I had less than 40% hearing in my left ear and less than 50% in my right ear. It was the right ear aid that was replaced. I'm sitting here listening to the TV. clear but a little like an echo chamber, with the TV volume on 35. Adam said the brain takes about a week to adjust to the change in sound and I have a followup appointment next Tuesday to check all is OK. I asked about the iPhone airpods which now have hearing aid approval by the gov't body, used in conjunction with a newer model iPhone. Adam said he had heard people talking about them, so got some to check them out (He showed them to me). He said they are only good if you have over 60% hearing. They are about $300 plus the phone cost. He also said a cochlear implant would not work with my level of hearing.

They could put me on a payment plan at $160 per fortnight.

Six months or more ago, I lost one of my hearing aids. The other was only really any good for listening to the TV on bluetooth. The aids were issued in Feb 2023, and free government aids for pensioners are only available every five years. In my last hearing test, I was told they couldn't do much withthese aids, and I would have to rely on lipreading to suppliment the hearing aids. I've had to ask people to repeat themselves 3 or 4 times. Today, I decided to visit another audiologist. I explained that I had a neew set of hearing aids in 2023 and was not elligible for another set till 2028, and I had a hearing test last November. However they had been advertising free hearing tests and I wondered if their aids were any better than the ones I had. They gave me a full test, and tried some top of the line aids which were great, but cost $9,000. There are 5 levels of aids, top level $9,000, second level $7,000, 3rd level $5,000. The bottom two levels are the ones issued free to pensioners. They said if I completed a stat declaration that I had lost a hearing aid, they could replace it free of charge under a government replacement scheme. I completed the form, got it witnessed at a chemist shop in the shopping centre, and they issued me with a replacement on the spot. Unit cost $0.00, annual maintenance charge $0.00. Without Bluetooth, I had to listen to the TV with volume at 78. With this replacement aid I can hear it at 36. I can now hear my daughter clearly first time, minimal repeating. No need for lip reading. An absolute positive. Can't wait to see how it goes at the Shed. I might be able to hear what is said at the lunch table. Have to take it out when the machines are running.

Correct.

Magnificent day today with a top of 19 degrees. The photo below was taken out of the car window when I pulled up at home after the Shed, at 2:45 pm. However, rain predicted for the next few days.

The co-ordinator at my Men's Shed previously worked for Guide Dogs Victoria, so I put that question to him today. He said in the training for people getting a guide dog, they are trained to pat the dog on the back if it stops. If the back is arched, they know the dog is taking a dump, so they can get out their plastic bag or rubber gloves and feel around for the product.

Correct/

The question is being discussed. The claim is that current limits were set years ago, and car braking has improved, crumple zones improved etc. European roads had 130 kph limits (Poland 140), and American speed limits of 80 mph equals 129 kph.

https://7news.com.au/news/drivers-make-lucky-escape-after-fiery-crash-in-dimboola--c-19635798 And they want to increase speed limits to 130.

Correct.

Correct.