[Couldabeen]

Actually it would be a worry if the electricity retailers knew our individual values or that the ATO knew who our electricity retailer is.
It is only fair that everyone get a slice of the pie as at some point, everyone has paid or will pay tax in one form or another. (As it is everyone does pay tax almost every day, including on our electricity.)
And no, unless one performs a sleight of hand by cancelling out of one Provider Account leaving a credit that would then be paid out and then opening a new account with another retailer, we do not receive any cash benefit from this grant.
It goes to the Electricity provider who then applies it to all domestic accounts as a credit against future costs. No cash in hand, only less of a Bill next time until the credit is exhausted,

[Couldabeen]

Of course to have any validity, these counts have to be given from a persons death bed as in a healthy person, the libido never dies. Opportunity may be limited but desire remains.
As for that .3 occasion, was that the encounter where we never quite went “all the way”?
Were the counts for men or women? We know that there can be a great disparity between the sexes in not only how many partners they’ve had, but also how many they claim to have had versus how many they actually had.
Remember that when giving testimony in Court, Bill Clinton varied in his definition of “had sex with that woman”. And an earlier US President said that to have even thought about having sex with a person other then one’s wedded spouse was as “good” as having committed adultery.
I have a friend who admits to having had sex with over 300 different men when she was “active”. This will skew the statistics for those who’ve been happily monogamous since they gave their virginity on their wedding night.

[Couldabeen]

Cosmo, Correct. There was no need for this photo opportunity at Liddell at all. A look at the company that has been handed $1Billion to establish a new cheaper and more efficient photovoltaic cell manufacturing facility shows that this is a very dubious action.
They have evolved from a development from the UNSW who created a prototype cell that was 30% more efficient than the general cells. The UNSW had been unable to transition to larger cells or consistent efficiency.
The company has been receiving Government funding for several years now and are in the promising the “super” cell mode as they have moved location every year or so. They had a very high profile event with the Prime Minister and Minister for Energy late last year at Kurnell as they established a new factory.
Their greatest claim now is that they will be cheaper by using copper instead of silver in their contact points.
Their new cells claim to be ~20% more efficient than the conventional cells.
To get a return on this $1Billion, they will have to establish an export market and there is no way that anything manufactured in Australia in this industry will ever be able to compete in price with similar products from China. Which may well be where this company relocates to when they’ve run through this grant.

[Couldabeen]

Mr Gale, Sorry, but overall, in both shown and potential danger to life and health, nuclear is the safest form of large scale power generation.
In over 60 years of power generation and over 300 nuclear power stations, there has been only one occasion where a nuclear power plant has caused loss of life from radiation exposure. And only two where radiation was released due to either a natural or man made event.
They have zero emissions which is the goal of the climate change concerns.
The waste concern is a non-problem in reality. Apart from the actual bulk of exhausted fuel rods would fit in the back of an average ute every five years or so. Except that it need not. Those exhausted fuel rods can be recycled and go back to produce more power. France has been doing this for over 50 years.
Thanks to political pressure (originating from the USSR) Australia signed a Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty which forbade the recovery and recycling of exhausted nuclear fuels and destined them for permanent storage. This was to ensure that western nuclear power stations would always have this additional cost hanging over them.
One medium sized nuclear power station provides up to 60 years of 24 hour power regardless of weather and provides as much power as over 2,000 wind turbines and several hundred thousand solar panels.
The environmental cost of nuclear is only a fraction that of either wind or solar with a footprint of only a few hectares.

[Couldabeen]

Superficially this sounds like it’s all good. Over 500 items to cost as much as 10% less (a 5% drop in a Tariff will usually show through to a 10% drop in retail price) but this shows something very sad.
These Tariffs were originally protecting an Australian industry making those items. To say that the Tariff is no longer needed is telling us that the local industry has gone. The Australians who used to be employed in the manufacture of them are either unemployed or had to face a change in their life with a new job.
What has also been pointed out is that many of the current sources of these goods are in countries that are co-signatories to Free Trade Agreements so the Tariff didn’t apply to them anyway.

[Couldabeen]

I don’t agree with the morality of “surge pricing”. An ethical business sets a price for a product and leaves it at that. It’s bad enough with petrol prices. But there are apps for that and if the brand isn’t critical, where I am, that can call up over a dozen choices.
For fast food, within 1.5km of where I live at present, we have a McDonalds, a KFC opposite, a Hungry Jacks adjacent to the KFC, a Red Rooster, a Super Rooster, a Subway, a Starbucks, an independent bakery, an old school fish and chips with burgers of many descriptions, a Chinese takeaway, a Guzman Y Gomez, Coles and Woolworths, a pub with bistro, Cafe 63, 7 Eleven, a sushi (& bowls) and a Pizza Hut.
With this amount of choice, if anyone decided to try surge pricing, they may not last very long.
Wendy’s will have to offer something special to take away from the existing vendors.

[Couldabeen]

There is much more to buying a second hand car than the safety rating. Many of those that have rated poorly are actually rubbish cars. One’s that never had quality from new, let alone safety.
Some of the exotic (European) brands can become expensive money pits as they age and it is best to admire their often unique features and walk away leaving them for those with deep pockets and a sense of masochism.
After you have narrowed your choices to what seems attractive (and safeish) make sure that you are comfortable and competent driving it and have a mechanic or enthusiast who knows the brand have a good objective view of the vehicle.
Don’t be swayed by anyone telling you that the future is all electric and you should leave an old technology internal combustion engine powered vehicle behind. The petrol and diesel vehicles will be supported for several decades to come and far better value than any of the EVs that are coming onto the market at comparable prices.

[Couldabeen]

As only a very small area in Australia receives any snow and even there, it is unlikely that salt is used on the roads, very, very few Australian owners of the Yaris model need be concerned about one of their front wheels deciding that maybe it’s prefer to go on it’s own way.
If Toyota don’t contact you, relax, enjoy the feeling.

[Couldabeen]

Marten, Or Mr Atkinson could be showing his superior knowledge of the matter. Mr Atkinson is a University qualified Electrical Engineer and understands both the strength and weaknesses of the vehicles.
When the younger generation stop and consider that even the base grade EVs are up to double the price of many suitable ICEs and there is no real benefit, beyond virtue signalling, in owning and driving an EV, they may hesitate in their interest in making that purchase.
It is only the Legislation and threats against the manufacturers forcing them to manufacture EVs against the legacy ICE vehicles that has brought them into the market.
The typical EV gives no real advantage over a much less expensive ICE vehicle and value for money will come into play across the whole market.

[Couldabeen]

Mr Bean has had no influence on the sales of EVs in the UK market, nor for that matter has Mr Rowan Atkinson. The article in the Guardian reflected his direct knowledge and experience with EV ownership. Around the world there are many EV owners who are regretting their early entry into the EV world and finding that getting out of it and back to ICE ownership is quite a bit more expensive than expected. It includes such reports as EVs batteries spontaneously exploding with no provocation and causing significant collateral damage and this is a very strong disincentive.
With reports from overseas indicating that the recharge experience isn’t as convenient and seamless nor as inexpensive as promoted, it is very possible that the forced transition from ICE to EV by Governments may not meet the schedule Legislated and the new car industry may find car yards filled with unwanted EVs and the second hand yards doing very well.
From a number of discussion forums, there is also a recognition that in many countries, the Grid will not have the energy capacity for large scale recharging of EVs without compromising the consistency of domestic supplies.
Especially for older consumers, the additional cost of any reasonable quality EV over a similarly sized ICE vehicle would never be justified in less than 20 years of ownership. Even a hybrid costing around 15% more than the pure ICE version would take over a decade of typical use to recover the supposed savings in fuel costs.

[Couldabeen]

We’re adults, it’s entirely up to ourselves. Fortunately there is usually a cost per kilogram and we can determine which is the better more cost effective choice.
Always compare, for example there is a nut that is usually priced at about $22/kg. So the assumption may be that buying the 750gm pack will be the better choice. I’ve often seen the 500gm pack at ~$14kg. Silly not to take 2 home.
A certain cream cheese is either a single pack or a twin pack, recently I saw that two of the single pack would cost less than a twin pack. I like it, I took two.
Check Kiwi Fruit. Nice convenient pack of 6 with an indicated price per item of .80c where as the loose ones are .82c each (when buying 5 at time). A quick check finds that the pre-pack ones are all a nice uniform physical size, but turn out to be over 10% smaller.
Recently I was seduced by a certain chocolate sold in long triangles that was for under $15/kg. Less than half price of the normal pack. A real test of self control when one gets such a large block home.

[Couldabeen]

A note though about any place name that is using an Aboriginal word. As there was no written language, the spelling as we use is very much phonetic and hence the pronunciation can be arbitrary.
It is best often to leave well enough alone because though we may’ve used the contemporary pronunciation, once we’ve been exposed to an alternative, it can be difficult to shake.
Wandoan, Barcaldine, Goondiwindi and Bulahdelah all can be mangled.
By the way, after being corrected on Canowindra in NSW, there is a development between Brisbane and the Gold Cost that was loudly advertised as Can-oh-wind-rah.

[Couldabeen]

The actual use of cash would be invisible to the bank itself. From observations in the shops, there is still a lot of cash transactions at the lower end. Maybe not in the amounts that MacQuarie thinks relevant, but an ATM withdrawal once a fortnight, or even once a month can feed a lot of Sunday markets and small purchases in the general stores and newsagents.
Governments and big banks want to stamp out the black and grey markets and this is part of their ploy to control the general public.

[Couldabeen]

Leon, the owners of the larger SUVs and “pickups” have already paid quite a bit more in tax and also in registration and direct running costs. Most of the vehicles in question fall into the LCT bracket and are charged a tax on a tax in that bracket.
We live in a democracy and everyone is free to chose the vehicle of their choice. For how much longer is in question as the ACT is limiting that choice in a few years and the other States are also eyeing it off. Hopefully there will be changes of Government in all States to maybe throw that idiocy away.
There is no benefit in real terms from the push for more EVs on the road (apart from Dealers making more money from their sale and the the Federal Government also gaining from the increased GST revenue.
If you want to drive a small car or an electric one, do so, that is your choice.

[Couldabeen]

Of greater importance, is your Operating System (OS) up to date? The writers of the OS for both your mobile devices, be they a smart phone or a tablet, laptop or home computer are always looking at what nefarious software is being produced and disseminated in a bid to enter and obtain information from any and every devices that they can.
Every time we enter a website we are allowing the use of “cookies” that will be reporting back to the owners of that website that not only are you visiting, but what sites you visited earlier, what parts of their website you spent the most time browsing but also where you go next.
Frequently check with the supplier of your OS for security updates and general updates.
Is your OS the most recent version? If not. download and update as soon as possible and then get back to surfing and using your computer for your full use without fear.

[Couldabeen]

You’ve only referred to the Plug In Hybrids. The PHEV is the worst of both worlds, when the only PHEV that gives a battery range greater than 100km has a listed price of >$149,000, it isn’t exactly a mass market car.
The general battery ranges of the PHEVs seems to be between 50 and 60 km and whilst suitable for around town, certainly no benefit in any way if you wish to visit someone more than 60 km away and the return will all be done under the ICE under the bonnet.
When this reality comes home, the PHEV will only be a vehicle to side step the ban on the sales of pure ICE vehicles that are being introduced in some jurisdictions .
The hybrid is a viable alternative for many people as it gives enhanced performance over the ICE version of that model, but often at an extra cost of over $10,000 in many cases. That $10,000 buys a lot of diesel or petrol travel. The claims of better economy with a hybrid over the ICE version will usually only be met in metropolitan use and remain very similar in highway travel.
If value of money is of concern, the PHEVs are best avoided and stay with the ICE for thousands less in all models (with a much greater range of cars to chose from). One of the least expensive PHEVs has their ICE version and more than $10,000 less so one wonders why would someone waste their money in this manner.
At this point in the market, the novelty remains, but as there are still concerns about battery life, their value on the second hand market when they are two to three years old remains to be seen,

[Couldabeen]

Not to burst too many peoples bubbles, but if you have a room with 100 men in it, 50 of them will be below the average, and 50 will be above the average and it is probable that not one of them is the actual “average”.
Now a days, I’m probably below average, but that is partly age, partly the additional fat around my midriff and pelvic area, and lack of demand for supply.
An assessment that I saw that is probably accurate was one done by a condom manufacturer as they have “skin in the game” for customer satisfaction. Australia was right in the middle across the men of the planet. Who does the measuring also plays a significant part in accuracy.
My John Thomas was the perfect size in the opinions of my partners and excellent in one respect in that when we wanted a conception, the goods were placed where needed and the recipient was well pleased in all respects.
If the organ is found to be lacking who’s call is it? But sometimes a cathedral takes some filling and it may really be the music that is expected of it. A good musician can produce the sweetest tunes when they know what the audience wants.
The best judge always rests with the partner and what do they expect and what do they receive? If they are happy, you are probably the perfect size.

[Couldabeen]

John, as I understand the article, the technology recognises the human but then dismisses that image as not relevant and records nothing of the who or what they are. The software is only interested in how many products there are on the shelf and whether a restock is appropriate.
Will it reconcile against what is going through the check-outs? Comparing which products go through the self serve versus the cashier operated check-out?
At the end of the day, I’m sure that Woolworths will be evaluating in real time as to whether the number of stock that has been replenished reconciles with how many went through the check-out.
Your friend need have no concerns about invasion of privacy. In at least one reasonable sized business in a large inland city in Queensland, the policy is that if the person walking out the door without paying for an item worth less than $500, do not challenge them beyond a single call out. It’s not worth the tension and potential aggravation if the person responds aggressively.
Over 40 years ago a supermarket in that city installed a CCTV monitoring system in their stock control room. An areas only accessed by staff. In the first year after installation and monitoring, stock “shrinkage” decreased by around $50,000 worth.
With Woolworths, I can see this as a step to reducing actual staff levels within the store as fewer are needed to walk the aisles to ensure product is present and presented well.

[Couldabeen]

The Australian media is essentially anti-Trump and have been from when he first raised his hand to stand for President of the United States. They will continue their bile against the man even if all of the charges are dismissed and he is found not guilty. Which is highly likely.
Apartment from the entertainment value as the reporters work themselves into a lather of sweat in their bid to denigrate the man, it is best to simply press the mute button on the remote and go on with your own life.
He did a lot of good for the US while President with highest rates of employment for African Americans with wage increases across the board as industries returned to the US and energy prices decreased. The apparent division of society and social unrest were 100% driven by his political opponents and much continues today.

[Couldabeen]

Yes, Jan, you do speak for many Australians with your sentiment regarding Australia being Constitutionally aligned to the British monarchy. However, there is a greater many who do not agree with you and thanks to our Constitution, we are all free to hold differing views and be able to express them in public without fear of censure.
Whilst King Charles can not personally intercede in the running of our Parliaments, there is an agent appointed to act on the behalf of the Monarch. Their powers are limited under the Constitution but they can intercede in some specific instances (including as has happened within the past 50 years, to dismiss a Government if their Bill of Supply fails to pass the Senate three times. This was a fortunate (and automatic) intervention that rid the country of an incompetent and corrupt Government at the time) and refuse the Royal Seal of Approval on Legislation if it would appear that that Legislation was not in the best interests of Australians as a whole.
A stable and secure community needs a common point or value under which all are equal. Under or Constitutional Monarchy, we have that in our Monarch. Our Monarch must at all times remain apolitical and over arch all the differences that are present in a diverse cosmopolitan nation.
King Charles III is a man of many talents and has lived an interesting life and brings knowledge beyond what many of us possess and has been coached by his mother in the ways of diplomacy that from what we have seen to date, he is bringing forth.
Will he be a strong cohesive figure for the future of Australia or bring about division across our nation? There are certain political forces which will encourage the latter, but let’s see how the public react when he visits with his Queen beside him.

[Author]

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