JoNova
A science presenter, writer, speaker & former TV host; author of The Skeptic's Handbook (over 200,000 copies distributed & available in 15 languages).
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Statistics
The Gorgon Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, located on Barrow Island in Western Australia, is the world’s largest CCS facility, designed to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from natural gas production. Despite its potential, the project has faced significant technical challenges and has underperformed, capturing only about 30% of the CO2 it aimed to sequester in recent years.
[So says DDG Search Assist]
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I meant to add that this project is mentioned in a post today on WUWT.
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Thanks for putting this up John, I had assumed that the idea of CCS would have been dismissed long ago.
That Western ‘Civilisation’ can be so easily manipulated and driven to perform such acts of pointless engineering magnificence is frightening.
I am left with images of a Pinocchio stringed puppet being jiggled from on high and a dog chasing its tail until it falls exhausted on the ground.
Somewhere, someone is laughing at us.
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When I read “the world’s largest” with regard to some “green” “energy” project, I automatically parse it as “the world’s worst” (from a rational-thinking point of view).
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I always parse it as “world’s tallest midget”.
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Experts are both puzzled and shocked. Yet another “green” project that doesn’t deliver on it promises. Wo would have thought?
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CO2 has many industrial applications such as carbonated soda.
If this project reduces the commercial cost of CO2 then I’m all for it.
Otherwise just plant trees.
40
The Islamo-socialist Starmerfuhrer of Englund is very angry.
Dutch commentator, Eva Vlaardingerbroek, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom after critisising Keir Starmer’s handling of migrant-related crime. The ban follows recent social media posts by Vlaardingerbroek on Jan. 9 in which she accused Starmer of permitting “the ongoing rape and killing of British girls by migrant rape gangs.” She also criticized the prime minister’s threats to restrict access to X in the UK.
Rape Crisis and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report, that England & Wales has the highest rate of rape on Earth. Rape Crisis report that the UK had an estimated total of 474,847 rapes in 2024, the highest in the World. 87% of the victims were white girls raped by immigrants, including those given British citizenship by the Labour & Tory Governments.
Eva said that “Keir Starmer wants to crack down on X under the pretense of “women’s safety”, whilst he’s the one allowing the ongoing rape and killing of British girls by migrant rape gangs. Evil, despicable man.”: https://x.com/EvaVlaar/status/2009668133083291855
Elon Musk posted Eva Vlaardingerbroek’s speech at #CPACHungary: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1784388834538762425
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Some people may recall that back in the day, the Left used to support free speech.
But they weren’t in power then, nor had they totally infested all the institutions.
Of course, any place where the Left were in power, the USSR, China, National Socialist Germany, Cuba, North Korea etc. there was or is no free speech.
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You keep quoting this figure which is wildly overstated.
There were some 74000 rapes in 2024. The figure you quote is probably all sexual assaults which includes things like posting sexual pictures of a person on the Internet without permission
I agree that Eva should not have beenbanned
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/sexualoffencesinenglandandwalesoverview/yearendingmarch2025
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Tony,…Are you saying the Rape Crisis report data is incorrect ?
What is the source of your figure ?
30
They come from the office of national statistics who dispassionately look at data
00
The source takes about five minutes to find.
https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/statistics-sexual-violence/
That’s the number actually reported, and of course I don’t know how many were real reports vs false reports … nor is there a reliable way to know how many went unreported.
The Rape Crisis people believe, based on many phonecalls, that many go unreported.
The police only chase up the cases where they expect sufficient proof to make it through a court case … and of course we know about well documented political pressure on police not to chase up certain cases in certain areas.
30
Thanks Tony. I’ve tried to get this acknowledged before. Misinformation like this is bordering on vilification and looks like a personal agenda and not objective commentary.
29
There are some 70000 sex offenders in the UK which somewhat matches the number of rapes quoted by the ONS.this link shows the number per county. It doesn’t remotely match the huge numbers cited above.
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/mapped-number-sex-offenders-devon-9866166
11
yep
02
The number of sex offenders being about 70,000 and the number of rapes being about 70,000 in a year in no way “somewhat matches”.
One is a total figure and one is an annual figure. Sex offenders are not labelled sex offenders for just the 12 months in which they offended. Of the 70,000 rapes reported in a year there might be few cases that are even resolved. The two figures do not match. They just happen to be similar.
The figure of 70,000 rapes is an official figure of rapes reported to police. You don’t need to resort to obtuse correlations to justify it. The question is whether the estimated 474,000 is a reasonable estimation of total reported and unreported rapes.
See my comment #2.2.4 below.
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There is also the matter of the number of rapes cf the number of charges cf the number of convictions. Only convictions will show on the stats.
20
OOPS! Rapes will show on the stats.
20
The 474k figure (which appears to be a 2026 projected number) pales when you look at the data.
https://rape.restorationist.org.uk/
Reported rapes are a fraction of the true number, which is climbing noticeably.
80
Tony (and Gee Aye), It appears you’re using a number of reported rapes to police for England and Wales.
Paul appears to be using a UN “estimated” number of rapes for the whole UK.
So there will be a difference on the basis of Paul using the whole UK, as well as an estimation of unreported rapes.
One thing to note, just using your reported rapes in England and Wales. These have tripled over the last decade.
Is that simply because women are more able to report incidents? Or has there actually been a tripling of incidents and why?
If you think there is an inaccuracy then good to point it out. But note the difference in what is being measured. If there’s still a discrepancy after accounting for the variables of the two numbers then point out the flaw. Some have claimed survey figures indicate only 1 n 6 rapes get reported. I’m dubious about that sort of discrepancy, but I can’t pretend to understand the psychology of victims. If it is of that order, then your 70,000 becomes about 474,000 as an estimated figure for the whole UK.
But also consider what you’re arguing over. A figure of 70,000 being nicer than an estimated 474,000, when the 70,000 incidents reported to police is a tripling in a decade.
These stats show the big increase over the last 10 years or so. Maybe that dramatic increase should be more of a concern than estimations.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/283100/recorded-rape-offences-in-england-and-wales/?srsltid=AfmBOorY1mMNDdo4DRckMl8PBFeP7kvMvFKuh0dTjId9xZtNAIo9n1zm
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Here are the figures-out of date- for those crimes by ethnicity-see table 4
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/sexualoffencesprevalenceandvictimcharacteristicsenglandandwales
The number of rapes and sexual offences reported is going to be different to those that may have actually occurred, but just 2% of reported cases result in further action as there is often no evidence or it was found to be a false claim. Don’t forget the figures include those for a whole category of offences these days which stop far short of actual rape, including posting sexual photos without permission of the person on the internet and upskirting. Most police forces have trained rape counsellors and this has encouraged more people to come forward
Rape is fortunately still uncommon enough to warrant large articles in our local newspapers or on regional TV. The huge numbers cited are divorced from reality although of course any unwanted attention needs to be abhorred and dealt with
11
The figures in your link differentiate between rape and sexual assault. Figure 3.
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/sexualoffencesinenglandandwalesoverview/yearendingmarch2025
Rape 71540
Sexual assault 77659
Other sexual offences 39789
Total sexual offences 209079
These are as recorded by police. So they are the known accusations. Rape has it’s own category.
Google suggest 2.8% in the UK. A very low figure.
Yes. Many cases would not be proceeded with because of a low chance of a conviction. Even when there is evidence that sex occurred. One word against another without any corroborating evidence of no consent is a problem for victims and prosecutors. I wouldn’t present that as a point to diminish the number of rapes significantly. Insufficient evidence does not automatically mean the complaint is genuine.
We likely have a number where the victim decides not to proceed because their life gets put on trial.
The false accusation is an issue. Did you have a percentage for that?
So, we have 70,000 rape accusations recorded with police in a year. We suspect that more go unreported.
There’s been a tripling of police recorded accusations over the decade.
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Rape Crisis report that England & Wales had an estimated total of 474,847 rapes in 2024, the highest in the World, as reported by a United Nation chart on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_statistics#Policy_and_statistics_by_country
Rape Crisis say that 71,227 rapes were recorded by police in 2024, but only 15% of victims told Rape Crisis that they chose to report the crime to the police. 85% said they didn’t think the police could help, thought it would be ‘embarrassing’, thought the police wouldn’t do anything about it, or thought the police wouldn’t believe them: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/statistics-sexual-violence/
20
As previously said, 97% of rapes are carried out by people known and often trusted by the victim, not by strangers. The definition of sexual offences has been greatly broadened in recent years.
As we know from other topics “estimated” are often wildly different to actual. The offence is still uncommon enough to be individually reported on local news and Tv which wouldn’t be the case if there was this estimated vast epidemic which I see no evidence of. It is good that more people are reporting it and actual cases need to be rigorously pursued.
10
The organisation you reference is no doubt very worthy and helps many people to deal with a traumatic event, however it does need to promote matters in a certain light to retain influence and ensure its high profile continues to channel in funding. They are a huge self proclaimed “feminist” organisation who will have a certain take on matters. Funding directly and indirectly from the govt through their efforts is some £500 million over 2 years.
https://rapecrisis.org.uk/news/funding-update-for-rape-crisis-centres/
I don’t want to minimise the importance of their work but it does not help when figures are “estimated” and presented in a certain manner. In that respect they have similarities to Stonewall.
01
You keep saying the definition of sexual offences has been broadened as if the numbers are greatly inflated because they include everything from rape to flashing to using AI to make a picture. They don’t. The numbers specifically relate to rape. Your own links show that.
One of the spreadsheets in the ons.gov data indicated this was closer to 80%-85%
Can’t immediately find it again.
30
Can you imagine how long the no-fly list would be if Trump banned everyone who called him a fascist, a nazi, a dictator, or simply criticized his handling a policy issue from coming to America? It would be in the millions.
It’s weird how tolerant Mr WorseThanHitler is towards his critics. He lets people call him names on public airwaves, let’s them enter and leave the country, let’s them mock him in the most vulgar ways on talk shows and scripted TV shows, movies, newspapers, magazines, and various and sundry websites. And people say all those nasty things without any fear of receiving the late-night ‘knock’ and being carted off to a gulag or made to dig their own shallow grave. On the contrary, many have made quite lucrative careers out of insulting the president, with no discernible downside. Heck, even half the people in his administration have said naughty things about him before they saw the light.
It’s almost enough to make you believe he’s not really an authoritarian tyrant. Almost.
180
Government apparatchiks view working class white girls with no money or connections as disposable white trash to be sacrificed on the altar of diversity. They would gladly ignore all of them getting raped and killed if it got them a promotion at work and invites to swank dinner parties hosted by the right kind of people.
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That is simply not true. Where on earth did it come from. The rape crisis centre specifically say that migrants should not be demonised which does not square with those figures.
I suspect that this quote is the well recognised one that 97% of perpetrators know their victims often a relative or friend of the family which again does not square with the statement
34
The 87% figure is from a Closed Material Proceedings Court, covered by a DSMA-Notice, but is mentioned in Hansard. However Andrew Bridgen rounded up the figure to 90%, told Parliament, and then Tommy Robinson said it was 90% to the crowd.
20
Paul, with respect – I need that report of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Anyone, those numbers came from somewhere
Where from?
00
It’s amazing that Leftists/feminists regard a white man looking at a woman as a form of rape but were and are utterly silent about the rapes and other sexual atrocities commonly practiced by a certain demographic throughout Europe and UK and during the Gazan invasion of Israel and atrocities in Iran (e.g. raping virgins before execution) and similar countries.
https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-12-09/debates/292F9375-C8B2-4B56-848A-70D76CF4EFBC/GroomingGangsIndependentInquiry
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More strawman lies Dave . What ‘leftist/feminists’ are claiming that ‘looking’ is rape ?
Your logic, however, is a carryover from your alternative science.
06
The discussion about this has been going on for years. Here is a old video by Janice Fiamengo outlining how the male gaze is sexual assault in some feminists view.
https://youtu.be/N01T4YLyYTY
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‘Some’ being expanded to ‘all’ is a cheap tactic .
03
I said some thinking that there was probably at least one out there somewhere.
00
FWIW
“Tropical Tropospheric Temperature Trends, 1979-2025: The Epic Climate Model Failure Continues”
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/01/14/tropical-tropospheric-temperature-trends-1979-2025-the-epic-climate-model-failure-continues/
30
The actual temperature trend follows the upward trend in peak solar radiation.
10N has increased 0.63W/m^2 since 1920. Equator 0.59W/m^2 and 10S 0.36W/m^2. So not surprising there is increasing temperature but it has nothing to do with CO2.
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‘The unusually warm year of 2024 really stands out (likely due to a decrease in cloud cover letting in more sunlight) …’
No mention of the Hunga Tonga eruption.
32
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, of failed VP and financial oversight fame, has decided to lead his state into territory not since 1861.
Governor Walz Addresses Ongoing Federal Presence in Minnesota
Office of the Governor of Minnesota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGTsYXBWQgU
… “under trained” armed federal agents “are going door to door ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live” … and “dragging pregnant women down the street”
That’s a direct quote @ 0:24
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not seen since 1861
30
I’d say it’s closer to 1957/1963, when Eisenhower/Kennedy federalized the National Guard in Arkansas/Alabama in order to enforce federal laws that were unpopular with the locals.
We aren’t quite to the point of firing on Fort Sumter.
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So will it be MN National Guard vs National Guard from another state shipped in, or National Guard vs ICE?
A three way?
A non-binary Fort Sumter?
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5677541-walz-minnesota-national-guard-ice-shooting/
There may be even more participants.
Minneapolis rioters successfully BROKE OPEN a weapons locker in a federal vehicle and STOLE A RIFLE and ammunition before fleeing
Videos Capture Minneapolis Rioters Looting DHS Vehicles, Exposing Agent Info Online
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/videos-capture-minneapolis-rioters-looting-221846505.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFY670H05WLL7bqUhX_Vmbfipa04Xr7wHLsmK5qQQxMa0UgrMqjS8PkRWinAqJoovDvToWbNzr-Ha3f-B6eIWFVJhI0jVTu_1WVkKZsCVKwTsAvGZVO6V0JncDbDnyGu7MsmfVEpX1iUzvxPeAcpFFRP_1COAuIAEQTrnJmu_zi2
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If we are talking 20th century civil rights scenario, then the Minnesota National Guard will recognize the authority of the Commander in Chief to nationalize them and take command away from the Governor. In which case, they will work with ICE, most likely providing crowd control / security while ICE agents do their jobs.
If we are talking the 19th century civil war scenario, then the Minnesota National Guard will reject nationalization and take their orders from the Governor, which would qualify as a rejection of the supremacy clause and honest-to-God sedition. Things could get VERY ugly from there. Abe Lincoln wasn’t having that back in the 1860s and I doubt Donald Trump would tolerate it in the 2020s.
That said, I refuse to believe the 19th century scenario is a realistic possibility. The most likely scenario IMO is that Minnesota’s politicians back down now that Trump is floating the idea of nationalization of the Guard. Second most likely is they don’t back down, forcing Trump to nationalize, and the Guard follows the constitution and takes orders from the Commander in Chief. Third most likely (and very unlikely IMO) is that both the politicians and the Guard choose outright sedition and risk civil war.
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In the 19th century, neither side of the political equation believed that men could birth children and humans beings controlled the weather.
So we have advanced.
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By this stage isnt he just viewed as a failed looney?
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Yep, there is no relation to 1861.
So there won’t be a civil war, but revolution might be on the cards.
03
FWIW – for the covid file
“Fauci Knew That Natural Immunity Was Superior to Vaccine and Still Pushed to Require It”
https://hotair.com/david-strom/2026/01/15/fauci-knew-that-natural-immunity-was-superior-to-vaccine-and-pushed-to-require-it-anyway-n3810834
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Not at all surprising, but it’s nice to finally get confirmation.
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I am living proof (of the above headline) as are most of us here at Jo’s. Is Tony Fauxi behind bars yet?
50
Still another revelation about ze vaxx announced.
Anyone care?
20
Here is an indigenous man talking about love of country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lG-YlBpBNo
Always was, always will be…..beautiful.
30
Interesting lack of commentary from the B.O.M. on the rain event that struck the Great Ocean Road yesterday. A huge rain total of I think 160 or 180 mm in just a few hours that caused significant property damage.
I cannot recall the bureau even issuing a rain forecast for this area let alone a spectacular one. ( I may have missed it ) still, no warnings no evacuation notices no move to higher ground alerts, just wow, look what happened.
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FWIW
I noticed recently that, if you click “Rivers and Lakes”, the BOM’s new site shows no rivers in Qld west of the Condamine River.
I guess that rearrangement of geography means they can dispense with stream gauges and flood warnings for a large chunk of Qld?
70
No warning for that part of the coast.
There were warnings for East Gippsland, which are still present.
I have driven along the Great Ocean Road and admired the little camping ground on the narrow flood plain of the Wye River. I now know why it is called a River rather than a creek.
70
An SES person said warnings were issued by 1pm. It seems it happened not long after that.
Some people camping there commented on social media that they packed up because of warnings and noted not many seemed to take note.
But I guess they were late reactionary emergency warnings rather than a forecast warning. The fires may have exacerbated what might have been a more typical event, with additional heat and moisture pushed up.
The question I ponder is how warnings get issued. Especially in an emergency. Was it just an app alert with a vague warning for Wye River flooding.
Does someone from the camp ground walk around, a local police officer or an SES person, with a loud speaker saying we advise you leave?
People on holiday aren’t necessarily looking at their phone. And, even if they are, the warning relies on someone’s own judgement or nervousness as to how proactive or conservative they are to act. Or what the warning really means. I have the Vic Emergency app and the number of weather warnings that ping is ludicrous. Basically amount to crying wolf. Apathy (no pun intended) is created.
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AI fakery you’ll like
https://va.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_t8hvcpaWvq1zwrq1v.mp4
100
Very clever.
When I was in London my son photographed me on the famous Abbey Road crossing. In the olden days he would have photoshopped the image. This time he uploaded the image to one of the AI fakery programs and gave it instructions to make it look like the Beatles album cover. Almost instantly there I was with Ringo and Paul and the VW in the background. The software apologized for not also including John and George. Apparently that was all the processor time that came for free.
But that was a still picture and this is video. I’d say Hollywood has a lot to fear as does anybody who relies on photographic evidence.
As I said to my son his baby daughter will grow up saying things have always been the way they are.
Beam me up Scotty. I’m done.
60
I recently came across a YouTube channel belonging to a drummer (can’t remember the name) who adds the drums to AI-produced versions of well known songs, swapping the genre. One of his best is a Michael Jackson song ‘remastered’ as a Dark Country song.
It’s a bit depressing though, insofar as, for me, it cheapens some of mankind’s greatest achievements, one of which is great music. The track I mention here is absolutely brilliant and it pains me to say a computer made it (apart from drum track).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piNujLi91js
20
Very good.
I’ve never been a fan of Michael Jackson and his verbal ticks. This version appeals to me in a way that cover versions rarely do.
And I agree that it is the human touch which gives music, art or literature its unique character. Computer software which can do versions of music, art or literature “in the style of” has the potential to suppress talent in its formative years.
And we thought Cheap Trick and Oasis were highly derivative. As BTO would sing, we ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
30
He was an early adopter. I think I first saw him doing this stuff a couple years ago. Very well done.
00
He is very good, and has being doing this kinda trickery, with CGI,for along time, well before AI came into the scene. So much so, some companies have used him for advertising their products.
Zach King is a social media content creator known for his magic tricks and digital sleight of hand. He has over 105 million followers across platforms and has partnered with brands like Disney, Apple, and Nike.
https://www.youtube.com/@ZachKing/videos
00
Snowfall in Russia breaks 146 year record:
https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/russia-snowfall-peninsula-snowfall-winters-kamchatka-warm-oceans-climate-change-advisory-adaptation-2851667-2026-01-14
A layer of snow has blanketed Russia as the nation continues to experience the annual seasonal spectacle across its regions.
But the snowfall this year has been a record-breaking one.
According to Russia’s national weather department, a 146-year-old record has been broken by the relentless snowfall that has covered Moscow and other regions in layers of white.
Weather experts have attributed the unusual conditions to repeated cyclonic systems over the Pacific Ocean. These systems are pulling in large amounts of moisture, which turns into heavy snow when it meets Kamchatka’s freezing air and rugged terrain.
Since 1920, the number of days sustaining monsoon conditions in the tropics of NH has increase by 2.5 – more than 10%. So more warming, leads to more cyclones, leads to more snow.
Who would have thought that a warming world would create more snowfall?
Boreal winter 2025/26 was bound to see above trend snowfall because the summer solar intensity was above trend and the winter solar intensity was below trend. That means poleward advection well above trend.
80
“Warmer oceans can also hold more moisture,”
That’s pretty interesting, I thought oceans were 100% wet normally.
120
But that must be “compressed water” then?
10
Re “the compressibility of water”
Years ago I saw an article on the production of the chassis for Aveling Barford graders. The front section was a large bore heavy wall pipe that was bent to shape in a large tonnage hydraulic press – IIRC 100 tons. The hydraulic fluid used was water.
00
I was somewhat under that impression too.
10
‘ … repeated cyclonic systems over the Pacific Ocean.’
Others are reporting that the cyclone came from the south.
‘Moscow recently experienced its heaviest snowfall in 146 years after a powerful Mediterranean cyclone hit the region.’
01
We dropped below $2.00/gal gasoline here. $1.91. I just topped off for $15 bucks.
50
Sigh… Travelling around South Queensland we saw prices close to $2/litre and sometimes over! Energy costs affect the whole economy, but still they tax it.
80
FWIW – I was told about these prices at Roma Qld
E10 149.5, U91 154.5
https://fuelradar.com.au/map/station/0597f2de57080b44c1f6fc43
10
From a cartoon without links
“BIDEN LOGIC
MY POLICIES WORKED. WHEN 1 WAS PRESIDENT
YOUR GAS TANK HELD $100,
UNDER TRUMP IT ONLY HOLDS $65.”
“Elbow”?
130
In just one short trip earlier this week in SEQ, prices varied by around $0.50c/litre. It pays to shop around or, as I do, get hold of a good price tracker app.
20
Interesting isn’t it.
In my town there are two petrol stations (and three bookshops). The thing I notice is how stable petrol prices seem even during times of big fluctuations near the coast.
Price of Tim Tams in the local Woolworths on the other hand is anything but stable. They can be anything from $3 to $6. But no matter the price the price tags on nearly every item seem to perpetually claim that everything is on special. Thank goodness the check out chicks are friendly and helpful.
20
I was down in Melbourne yesterday and noticed a large span of prices. Lowest was $1.57 at at US style pay at the pump station to $2.15 at one of the majors for 91. Very odd, the spread is usually a few cents.
I filled up with LPG at $0.81 which is the lowest its been in a long time. Usually it tracks along at about 50% of 91 octane.
00
Western Sydney today diesel $1.68 per litre.
On the mid north coast yesterday morning it was $1.93 per litre
00
US$1.91 per US gallon to cents per liter is approximately US$0.5045 per liter.
US$0.5045c is A$0.7532.
So you are paying the equivalent of A75c per litre.
Less than half of what we pay and sometimes even a third.
Australia used to have some of the cheapest petrol in the world until a) PM Howard introduced world parity pricing. b) Very heavy petrol taxes. c) Exploration highly restricted. d) Shut down of most oil refineries. e) The ongoing war of the Left against the private motorist.
100
A quick trip, priced in AUD, per litre.
Libya – 41c/l
Venezuela -51c
USA – $1.23
Russia – $1.27
Ukraine – $2.09
New Zealand – $2.33
UK – $2.68
Germany – $3.02
Hong Kong – $5.54
10
Our litre of petrol has 52c excise and 10% GST. Approx 65c out of $1.80 for ULP91.
Google tells me the US has 18c per gallon excise on gasoline, and state taxes that average 33c. (so 51c per gallon average or 14c per litre) But some states like California push up to about 70c per gallon. (or 23c per litre)
So we’ve got an extra AUD 50c to AUD 42c tax in our higher price.
Remember the Pyramid tax that stayed on well after it had recouped its dollars. (insert angry emoji)
20
As Rick describes above; https://www.joannenova.com.au/2026/01/friday-143/#comment-2891347, there are other factors at work in the maintenance/variations of Earth’s temperature.
In this case he is referring to the change in output of Solar energy, but in previous posts he has ticked many other factors involving orbital mechanics and galactic factors.
Most climate scientists would have little comprehension of these and remain fixated on what is paradoxically the “Non-Science” of human origin carbon dioxide aka CO2.
Thanks Rick.
On another matter, Batteries, I make no further comment except to say that they can be very useful on isolated farms where it would be too expensive to pay for an extension to the grid. In built up areas they are simply an unwanted element and confirmation of the failure of modern politics.
50
Z-Propaganda Demands NEW INVASION of an Asian Country.
Is this the new world order?
There are currently three major powers indulging in the above.
10
Meet the new world order. Same as the old world order. But different.
And remember that Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia.
40
Putin and Trump think they are all powerful, but the game has changed in Beijing, so leave Xi out.
02
I suppose you are looking past the kerfuffle in the South China Sea?
20
Tensions will continue in the South China Sea, but should ease off, unless big brother sends in a battle fleet.
That would be provocative and Beijing is now determined to avoid antagonising anyone.
01
Not sure whether bloggers here have read the Steve Lewis/Chris Uhlmann trilogy, published about a decade ago. Reading these over the seasons break, and listening to current affairs news felt eerily similar, but I digress. The three books are..
Marmalade Files
The Mandarin Code, and
The Shadow Game
The last one has an interpretation of a South China Sea standoff/battle between the two major protagonists – eerily relevant today.
10
Lol!
“Russia is bogged down in Ukraine, bleeding manpower, facing recruitment crises, sanctions pressure, and strategic failure “… uh-huh. So Ukraine has won, Putin is gone, the Yanks have broken Russia in 15 small states that it controls and Exxon-Mobil have everything…
The other propaganda posts are just as good on that page-
“RUSSIAN CITIES BURN AFTER MAJOR ATTACKS,”
“Russia is a ‘failing regional power’ as Putin’s alliance collapses without Iran”
“Russia’s Modern Army Just Got Humiliated”
“Total Collapse of the Russian Oil Economy is Coming Soon”
“Putin Cornered: Russia Bleeding on All Fronts ”
“Ukraine Obliterates Entire Russian Army Overnight ”
etc etc… A great way to spend taxpayer’s money from the UK and America, ‘military’ units just making up rubbish videos for the proles.
Meanwhile, Ukraine lost another city.
Some DPA might help people who get lost in the NATO propaganda.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vB3NEDvgNI
40
Plus “Russia is a paper tiger” which the puppet media somehow reconciles with the parallel claim of “Russia wants to conquer the EU”.
Meanwhile Russia’s primary nuke targets are the UK and Germany, a fate they brought on themselves.
20
But – FWIW
“Fantasy “Loan” for Ukraine Gets Adjusted Again as EU Faces Priorities Reality Check”
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/fantasy-loan-for-ukraine-gets-adjusted
Doesn’t sound like the EU celebrating anticipatory repayment from reparations Ukraine is getting from Russia?
20
Also FWIW
“Mass Desertions, 2 Million Draft Dodgers… New Ukrainian Defense Minister Opens up About Kiev Military’s Dire Straits”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/mass-desertions-2-million-draft-dodgers-new-ukrainian/
10
And on the state of the world
“WHAT? Embattled EU Top Diplomat Kaja Kallas Says That the State of the World Means It May Be a ‘Good Moment to Start Drinking’ ”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/what-embattled-eu-top-diplomat-kaja-kallas-saya/
10
FWIW – just now
“SITREP 1/15/26: “Winter Break” Over? Russian Campaign Stirs Back to Life”
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/sitrep-11526-winter-break-over-russian
00
Is Thomas Massie the USA’s most likeable politician?
Anyway, he was on Breaking Points the other day talking about:
– appointing an ‘amicus’ judge to force AG Bondi’s hand re the Epstein files.
– Trump’s use of Weapons Of Mass Distraction, i.e. picking fights overseas to draw attention away from the Epstein files.
– 3 foreign government-aligned billionaires trying to destroy his career.
There are some funny stories about calls with Trump, too
05
Most likeable politician?
Interesting concept. A bit like most trustworthy liar or most fragrant turd.
110
A very flexible quantity there, dependant on viewpoint –
On the one hand the person who did what he/she was bribed to do
On the other hand the person who didn’t take the bribe
20
I definitely prefer rules based software which can explain its decisions. Computer says no just doesn’t do it for me.
20
Cheap hydrogen?
Sorry if this has been covered but I haven’t been reading much lately. I link this without comment, it is beyond my paygrade [retired].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le4tH9qHjrw
10
Except that, expensive or cheap, H2 leaks like proverbial…
40
Hydrogen haters will still hate.
Bio synthesis (no electrolysis)is the go, transport using LOHC (non flammable, non explosive, no cryo, no UHP).
Hydrogen haters still gonna hate.
11
I love Hydrogen.
But I love ADF more.
00
Hanrahan:
South Australia operates a small PEM plant and the efficiency is stated (by Government) as 62% a fair way from the 98% claimed.
It seems also that the alkaline hydrolysis figure is a bit more than normally stated about 38% for hydrogen and the rest for oxygen.
I would suggest not rushing out to invest in this.
10
Why tell me? As I said, beyond my pay grade.
00
At best it is merely academic enthusiasms, at worse it is a scam.
Hydrolysis means some energy to release hydrogen and an equal amount goes into oxygen release.
Figures don’t lie, but some liars can figure.
00
An interesting project. Industrial-Revolution Knowledge Graph (Powered by AI).
https://robert-mcdermott.github.io/ai-knowledge-graph/
But like most things, is it only as good as the information it is based on? In this case, AI and we know it isn’t always 100% correct.
20
FWIW
“To understand why climate disinformation is so persistent, look at how the denial propaganda movement actually works”
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/01/15/to-understand-why-climate-disinformation-is-so-persistent-look-at-how-the-denial-propaganda-movement-actually-works/
20
FWIW
The further the worser!
“Big Brother, You Can Drive My Car”
https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/01/15/big-brother-you-can-drive-my-car-n3810888
Read it all and be amazed!
10
FWIW
“‘U-Turn’ Starmer Ditches Horrible Policies – Failing PM Abandons Mandatory Digital ID, Ending Jury Trial for Minor Offenses, Under-16 Social Media Ban and Attack on Pubs”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/u-turn-starmer-ditches-horrible-policies-failing-pm/
30
Hang on, who runs the country?? The elected politicians, or the bureaurats, or the lobbyists or the.. ‘campaigners’?
““The government is facing massive resistance to proposals for curbing rights to jury trials, with campaigners warning ministers they will only look stupid if they continue to defend the measure publicly. “
00
So, what? just shut up and take whatever the likes of Starmer and for that matter AlBowen in Oz chose to dish up?
10
FWIW
“20 Years Later, Al Gore Learns an Inconvenient Truth: He Was Wrong About Virtually Everything”
Paywalled but you get the gist
https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/01/15/20-years-later-al-gore-learns-an-inconvenient-truth-he-was-wrong-about-virtually-everything-n2198191
20
Hit Stop as the page loads and it’s all there..
10
Take one frozen lake, a saw, an outboard and a camp fire…
https://twitter.com/KeriA1776again/status/2006875798972805173
Guys understand. Women won’t.😆
50
British military veterans up to age 65 are being told to prepare for mobilisation.
https://x.com/NeilMcCoyWard/status/2011869464531517539
…and all those freeloading military-age gimmigrants sitting idle..
40
Haha! ” And I’m telling you plainly: a 65-year-old is no use on a modern battlefield…”
Tell that to the Ukrainians! You only have to see the prisoners the Russians take to see plenty of 40-60yr olds on the battlefield! He doesn’t have a clue just how bad Britain’s situation is! hat person under 40 is going to volunteer to get his legs blown off as a Ukie “peacekeeper” in support of Starmer.
20
I really would like to know how Labor is buying its votes, and I really am convinced that’s happening. Why? Well, because it’s becoming increasingly obvious that it’s been happening elsewhere, perhaps most obviously in America.
First there was the USAID scam, with huge sums vanishing into various dark holes, some with clear connections to Democrat reps while others were pouring money into ‘programs’ that effectively encouraged people to vote Democrat, be they ‘poor’, black, Hispanic, Muslim, Somalian, feminist, scientist, solar panel installer or just welfare dependent. Even so-called international aid can be made to flow through friends of the prevailing leftist party, via NGOs, universities or charities. It’s a massive, massive machine that puts a big fat finger on the election scales.
So I’m pretty sure the same thing is happening here. Our media however, doesn’t seem particularly interested in putting any ‘investigative journalists’ onto it though. We really, REALLY need an Aussie Donald Trump, but I don’t see one on the horizon.
60
Steve
Remember that the ALP send trainees to learn how the Democrats do it. And got fined for illegal foreign contributions to a recent federal election
00
From time to time, I toy with the idea of buying a used luxury car, Mercedes etc. I value smoothness, quietness and comfort more than any other dynamic quality these days, and fantasise about doing a lap of Oz, not in a caravan or 4×4, but in a cocoon of luxury, wafting my way around.
So I found myself just now perusing a few old Lexus sedans. One was nineteen years old but described as having done just 129K, which is nothing for a Lexus.
However, looking at the pics, almost immediately my eye was drawn to the steering wheel which, in that model, was clad in quality leather.
It was super shiny but in some parts worn away to a matte finish.
129K? Pull the other one.
20
Steve
Some words from Chiefio on used Mercedes in here –
https://chiefio.wordpress.com/2025/12/24/w-o-o-d-24-december-2025-christmas-year-ending/#comment-180514
Run, don’t walk, if it has a CAN buss electrical system
00
And a “my experience”
I had an XE Falcon that I watched drown while on SES duties in a flood. I rehabbed it and needed a speedo – the flood waters did a number on printed circuit copper. Eventually found an instrument panel in a wreckers which had 400,000 + on the speedo.
The bloke behind the counter must have seen my raised eyebrow and said “All you need is a nail file”.
Only obvious place was between the odo tumblers so I tried. The Falcon VDO speedos had a nylon chassis and the nail file parted the tumblers so you could turn them to what you had in mind.
And the silt from the water wrecked manual clutches so they slipped and needed replacement.
Not looking for another flood experience.
10
I sold my 20year-old Lexus IS200 (actually a Toyota Altezza, firmer suspension, hot motor, Japanese sale only) with 150,000km on. The body was perfect except for stone chips, and the doors shut like new. They are beautifully built and I wouldn’t think twice about taking it around Aussie if I wanted to. I find it sad when I see one with P-plates or being raced/rallied, they were the peak of Toyota’s mechanics and styling, its been all dowwnhill since with electronic “aids”, which to me is like catching the disease of the same name.
Mercs/BMWs are a little too complicated to get fixed in small country towns, but if you really want to go the distance, get a Camry.
10
FWIW
If you are looking for descriptive words –
https://thetimelinesofslang.tumblr.com/
https://greensdictofslang.com/
Via https://thompsonblog.co.uk/2026/01/friday-ephemera-800.html and SDA
00
Above I cited Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s officially released statement …
armed federal agents “are going door to door ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live”
From where does this kind of thinking come?
Saving Culture From Itself
What Is Driving Liberal Women Crazy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hafzBwp–E
‘Renee Good’s death in Minneapolis on 7 January 2026 was the culmination of years and years of toxic propaganda aimed at white liberal women specifically. I discuss just one small example: the children’s book Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness, in which the child protagonist is presented by the devil with a contract. The child is asked to sign up to whiteness and in return get stolen land. In return “whiteness gets to mess endlessly with the lives of your friends, neighbours, and loved ones of colour.
Not only does this teach self-loathing, it also gives children a feeling that they must to something, anything, to atone for this injustice.
I discuss why women in particular are susceptible to this, and also how millions of well-off American women have no idea of the seriousness the consequences can be to their actions.’
The odd thing is that they are pro ‘science’ and anti-religion at the same time.
30
FWIW
“Net Zero Goes Sub-Zero: Investors Flee Climate Craze as Clean-Tech Venture Cash Drops Almost 50%
Global banks and investors are rapidly retreating from climate and ESG commitments, as venture capital funding for clean tech has plunged nearly 50% from its 2021 peak amid shifting policies, rising energy demands, and renewed focus on fossil fuels.”
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/net-zero-goes-sub-zero-investors-flee-climate-craze-as-clean-tech-venture-cash-drops-almost-50/
00
Hanson-Young accused of disreputable behaviour.
‘An internal Greens motion accusing Sarah Hanson-Young of “bringing the party into disrepute” and calling for the repayment of almost $50,000 in airfares has exposed a deepening party rift over the senator’s use of taxpayer-funded travel entitlements.’ (Oz)
00