onetrack

......was of course, in the direct employ of Turbine Whyne and Dyne Legal - the legal firm headed by Turbo, who of course, is the best bush lawyer around, and who actually has zero legal qualifications - which doesn't stop him from running a legal firm, that regularly hits the headlines for the level of lawsuits launched.

Turbo learnt a lot from watching Clive in action. He learnt the way to operate in the legal arena, was to launch a massive lawsuit ($30B is usually about the right amount), issue lawsuits for defamation as well - and then sit back and wait for the ordure to hit the fan, and then spread everywhere. When the defendants realised that Turbo was onto them like a Police Alsatian, they would come grovelling and Turbo would lead them to mediation and settle out of court. It worked a charm, every time. But this time, it was different.

These blokes in the West were obviously hard cases, and Clive was starting to find this out - just as Turbo was. So, the lawsuit route to stop OT in his tracks was out. It would take a new approach to fix OT and his Chinese shenanigans. There were some phone calls to make, and some hard people to visit, and then there were............

....to use it for wrapping our fish and chips in. Besides, newspapers are such a last-century thing today, they like to think they still rule the country, but they don't stand a chance against Farcebook, Goggle and Twatter."

It was only when surreptitious photos of the meeting between OT and Xi Jinping found their way into the social media, that questions started being asked in Canberra by the Mandarins of the Public Service.

These true power holders were greatly alarmed that important decisions were being taken with regard to Australia's future and major planning moves, that they weren't privy to - and to which decisions they were unable to develop more depts and divisions and rules, to ensure 'accountability', and to 'meet projections', and to 'ensure value for stakeholders'. In other words, they felt they were missing the biggest gravy train Australia had ever seen.

Accordingly, a number of Heads of Depts met with ScoMo to try and ensure these clandestine meetings between an unaccountable W.A. major business figure, and a leader of an antagonistic foreign country were overseen by at least several Canberra-based Depts.

It was only right and proper that power stayed in Canberra, and wasn't usurped by any Johnny-Come-Lately from W.A., who wasn't even known to the Mandarins of Canberra.

At least they knew, with Clive, they could be extremely happy that all his negotiations with Commo leaders and Chinese Communist Party businesses - whereby Clive sold off as much of Australia as he could lay his mitts on, to the Chinese, without even consulting Canberra or the Libs - always resulted in major political and financial benefits to the Libs.

But this OT bloke from W.A. was a major concern. Soon there'd be more pronouncements from OT and Xi about major policy initiatives and developments in the West, and the country would be off the rails, and be run from the West!!

Alarms bells were ringing loudly right throughout Canberra and the Parliamentary quarter, and the phones were running hot, about how they'd all soon be on the dole if something wasn't done promptly and urgently! It was time to call in..........

.....get us in on the One Belt, One Road initiative, so we can get a pile of those fantastic Chinese roads and bridges all throughout Tassie! Just imagine, we could even end up with bridge direct to Esperance from Burnie!

Cappy looked at the scheme highlights suspiciously. "I don't know what it is, about this One Belt, One Road initiative? Can't you see OneTracks hand in this? The naming is just too coincidental! I reckon he must be in on the scheme, right from the word Go! I wouldn't put it past him to have a prime seat in the CCCPC*, and be forming a new plan for Tasmania to become a haven for............

(* that's the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, for those who have living in a cave in NSW for an extended period, whilst trying to avoid catching the virus....)

The Federal Govt has had the power to make any decisions it sees fit, when it comes to National Security, and this has been in the Australian Constitution since Jan 1., 1901.

Some of the power invoked under the National Security provisions during WW2 would make some people today blanch, if they took time to read about it - such as the resumption of land and buildings (including homes) with no notification, to build airstrips for War purposes.

This happened at Temora in 1942, and landholders were poorly informed, and poorly compensated - and many had to wait until well after WW2 was over, to receive their poor compensation.

Many landowners at Temora didn't even know their land was being resumed until they found military forces cutting and dismantling their fencing. Then they were advised they had 48 hrs to vacate their homes.

Vehicles in new or near-new condition were confiscated from civilians on the spot, for military use in 1942.

Many of these vehicle owners who depended on their vehicle for their living were immediately deprived of their living, and many had little choice but to join the military to regain some form of income.

The fact remains, that at that time, we were on a full-scale War footing, and under threat of foreign invasion. We are at War today, but the enemy today takes a different form.

The bottom line is that States are still individually responsible for their Health Security arrangements, and the Federal Govt does not hold absolute power over the States under this legislation.

We have had the National Health Security Act in place since 2007, and this legislation was put in place with all the States approval, and this legislation still does not over-ride the States governing powers.

However, declaring a State of Emergency or a State of Natural Disaster is available in virtually every country in the world - including the Land of the Brave and Free.

It should never be used to ride roughshod over citizens basic rights, though - but in some severe situations, some people are going to lose a lot more than others, when it comes to Govt decisions.

It's up to the Govt of the day to ensure the personal losses under Emergency or Disaster decisions are ameliorated as evenly as possible. In the present circumstances, that is not happening, and the greatest unfairness is showing up in the corporate largesse by the Govt in the form of the Jobkeeper payments to companies that didn't even need it - yet many of whom won't return the payments, preferring to use them to reward senior management and shareholders.

This is where the greatest political decision concern should be directed to the Govt.

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021C00048

....provide the major link currently missing between W.A. and Tassie! When installing this new cable, we will arrange for an underwater conveyor to be included in the contract, so W.A. can rapidly receive the finest Tassie apples directly off our trees, without having to endure major transportation delays, and rough handling by those nasty, rough Wharfies!  We Taswegians fully understand that W.A. can't grow apples - and any they do try to grow, are very second-rate!

In return, W.A. will send us many ounces of West Australian gold, and this two way trade will ensure that every Taswegian leader of any level of public  standing will end up with the ability to decorate themselves from head to foot in gold jewellery, gold medals, and any other gold braids and adornments of their choice.

This will ensure Taswegian leaders will be able to outrank any Third-World dictator at any world leadership gathering, and place Tasmania firmly on the world map as a place of outstanding leaders and.........

.......wide-brimmed hat fitted with a fly veil. The new local laws would allow the veil to be removed once the cabin doors were shut and locked.

In line with this approach, International passports for people from the remnant Australian States will be required in both Tassie and W.A. These visitors will be processed exactly the same as all international arrivals, and have their bags searched for.........

Skippy, it should be a carrot and stick approach. There are consequences to every action in our lives - but the anti-vaxxers, or Live Free or Die crowd, simply need the consequences of their chosen actions spelt out to them.

Many seem to have a problem grasping the principle of actions and consequences - just as many immature teenagers do - and they need to have it spelt out to them in written form, and be made to acknowledge their chosen course, and the likely consequences.

While the "Live Free or Die" true believers still exist in the millions in the U.S. - and continue to "infect" with their beliefs, the stupid sections of our population, who worship "The American Way" - we are still going to struggle to confine outbreaks. I guess at least we still have inviolable laws to jail and fine the idiots - unlike a number of the U.S. States who think that abiding by laws infringes on their personal freedoms.

One can only hope that Darwins law of Natural Selection ensures the American idiots finally die out, and their toxic and ill-founded logic dies with them.

https://www.concordmonitor.com/Unlike-elsewhere-New-Hampshire-refunds-COVID-business-fines-41566356

Another thing I find quite amazing about the Dale Snodgrass crash, is the number of people who are within a short distance of the crash, who just stand there watching - or even ignore the crash, to keep on working!! Unbelievable!

Even the bloke who ran across the runway, and who was first on the scene - why didn't he grab a fire extinguisher on the way?? If I was anywhere near that crash, I'd be grabbing the nearest fire extinguisher, and making for the crash scene like an Olympic sprinter.

Even if the pilot was beyond saving (as was likely the case), and even if a hand-held extinguisher was inadequate to halt the flames completely, you'd be hoping you'd quell the fire enough until the fire truck got there. Just saving the aircraft remains from extensive fire would make the crash investigation that much easier.

The whole scenario speaks of a poorly-run airport operation. "A guy crashed? Yeah, not my problem!" 

I find it extremely hard to believe that a bloke with experience on 98 different aircraft, would forget a gust lock, or not do a controls full authority check, as part of his pre-flight checks. But we're all human after all, and it has happened.

That is the most frightening takeoff I have ever witnessed on film or video. He just went straight up. Could have perhaps been something reasonably heavy in the cabin that came adrift, went rearwards, and threw the C of G right out?

One would hope it wasn't a heavy tool left in the fuselage. This video brings back memories of the B-747 lost at Bagram, when the heavy military vehicles on board, reportedly broke free on takeoff, and rolled backwards.

The company listed below are reportedly Rotax agents, and they state "no job is too small", so that sounds like a good start.

https://www.aerojacks.com/

Anyone with one of them would be in uncharted territory, wouldn't they? Where does the pilot get his instruction on a single EFATO condition? Or is it, that the thing flies so slow, the crash speed is quite survivable?

(EDIT: Ahh, I just studied up on the machine. Twin chainsaw engines producing 11HP. No need to worry about dangerous flying speeds, I reckon you've have to be careful about being blown backwards in a stiff breeze, despite the application of full throttle!  I also note the design was canned in 1984 due to great concerns about liability issues, and the cost of liability insurance).

There was a report a few days ago in the West Australian newspaper that brought forth a future projections study on the virus situation, that was done for the W.A. Govt.

The essence of the study, carried out by numerous health experts and others with substantial qualifications, was that, even with 80% of the population vaccinated, we are still looking at a possible 1300 deaths annually, and still looking at regular lockdowns (as outbreaks of new variants of the virus appear).

It's the variants that have all the experts worried - sooner or later, a variant is bound to appear that is substantially more transmissible than any current variety, and which will be able to find its way past many vaccinated peoples immune systems. This thing really is the virus from hell.

.......I'll volunteer to put that kit wreck of OT's back together! It's obvious he just needs more friends and helpers with good advice, because he doesn't seem to have enough on the NES?"

"That's just plain outstanding of you to volunteer to do that", said OT. "Part of the problem with the kit was, all the previous advice I got was from Turbo, and of course, in his aged brain, he started to forget whether I was building an aircraft, or a truck, or a speedcar - and he started giving me a bum steer with all this conflicting advice, that wasn't even remotely related to aircraft kit building!

I mean to say, who gives out advice on the importance of fifth-wheel placement, when you're trying to align a tailplane on an aircraft? Then he started talking about the importance of wing positioning, and I thought he meant the aircraft kit wing, and he was talking about a wing on a speedcar!"

"Yeah, that's the problem with the Mexicans now", said bull, with a knowing look. "The virus has wrecked their thought processes, it's gone rampant through their State and communities, and now they think they can.........

....how did you get into Tassie, anyway? The place is locked down to Mainlanders! They're disease-carrying troublemakers! Didn't you know we've introduced a Tasmanian Passport?"

"I'm returning to my regular holiday home, as I own a holiday house in Launceston", said OT smoothly. "I regularly spend time there, so I qualify for a dual-citizenship passport. Any further questions?"

"No - so, that's alright, then", said Epaulette gruffly. "But make sure you get tested on arrival! We can't afford have anything slipping in, and affecting our current virus-free status!"

"Not a problem", said OT as he cranked up the Gipsy Major and set course for Launceston with his precious case of Quokka eggs. But along the way, he had second thoughts about Turbo's deal and decided to open the box and take a look at the eggs. He was horrified to find that that crafty Turbo had substituted Wombat poo for Quokka eggs, and he'd been conned completely. Turbo obviously thought OT wouldn't know the difference, but OT knows his sh** - particularly square sh**.  He started to plan his revenge, and it would be ........

(Dear NES readers - It's good to see that Cappy's alert old eyes picked up the rare and important tool always needed for Auster repairs. In fact, the Auster electrical/crimping tool is so famous, it has been utilised for a roadside display. Here we have a photo of the full size 8' Auster pliers, plus a photo of OT holding a smaller variety produced by Snap-On, who tried to muscle in on the large Auster plier market)

Alan, that Hosepower mob are having a lend of you. The crowd in the link below will sell you high temperature, multipurpose Australian-made Barfell hose, which has a high resistance to many chemicals, including biodiesel and other hydrocarbons and solvents.

$99 will get you 5M of this hose in 25mm diameter - plus $9.85 in freight cost. If you order some other item and your order goes over $100, you get free shipping.

https://www.valvewarehouseaustralia.com.au/product/high-temperature-multi-purpose-rubber-hose/?attribute_pa_size=25mm-1&attribute_pa_length=5m

It's the vapour that's destructive - and more so when it's confined in an enclosed area. Too many people have suffered from serious burns just "chucking a bit of kero/diesel/petrol on the fire". A small amount of fuel makes for a large volume of vapour.

Dad often told us a story of refuelling an old 1920's Dodge tourer in the mid-1930's in the Murchison (W.A.) station country of W.A., from the common 4-gallon (18 litre) fuel tins of the day. One bloke pierced the tin and started pouring the petrol into the tank, while the other blokes "stepped away" about 20-25 metres, to have a smoke and stretch their legs. It was evening and a reasonably strong breeze was blowing - from the bloke pouring the petrol, to the blokes smoking.

Dad told us how he saw the flame front go from one of the blokes that lit up a smoke, back along the vapour trail on the wind, to the bloke doing the petrol pouring - whereupon the petrol went up.

Fortunately, the bloke doing the pouring was quick thinking, he threw the fuel tin away, and clapped his hands over the tank filler neck, whereby the flames from it, went out. 

.....he found an abandoned Auster AOP MkIII in a farm shed, and rebuilt it singlehandedly to flying condition (serious avref), utilising whatever materials and spares were available within the local area, and using only a 9/16" x 1/2" ring spanner, a pair of 8' electrical pliers, a 10" Vise-Grip (note correct spelling), just two flat blade screwdrivers, and a 10" adjustable shifter.

Fabric for the wing recovering was acquired from a dumped lounge suite and chairs, giving the wings a cute appearance with the chintz pattern material.

Once completed, OT took off in the now fully airworthy Auster from the small grass paddock in front of the shed, and the Auster was flown back to the mainland, and landed successfully at Moorabbin after a completely uneventful flight.

Immediately Turbo spotted the Auster he fell in love with it. "It's the chintz pattern wings that make it so cute and attractive!", he said. "I've got to have it! What will you take for it, and do you.......

Walrus, are you sure you received pure Jet-A1? Unless you received it from a secure and certified source, I'd have to opine you possibly received a mixture of fuel with other volatile ingredients added.

Could you say for sure that no-one threw some waste solvent into the Jet-A1 that was "being discarded"? Once secure fuel supply control is lost, you're on your own.

People get caught cutting open fuel and oil drums. I once caught my elderly workshop neighbour (a truck mechanic who had downsized to working on cars), cutting open a 200 litre oil drum with his oxy-acetylene outfit!

I went ballistic at him, asking if he wanted to kill himself!? He was very blase and self-confident and claimed, that - A: the drum only ever contained oil - and B: he was the only one who worked in his workshop.

But his firm belief in B was faulty. He often had numerous mates who visited him in the afternoons, and they sat around BS-ing and drinking booze - and doing odd jobs.

Who could say for sure, that not a one of those mates hadn't thrown a bit of petrol or waste solvent into that old empty oil drum?

I've known two blokes killed by drums by having drums they were cutting open, explode on them - and a third bloke very seriously injured, by the same exercise.

All of them believed the drums contents were known to them, and the contents were non-flammable. Unfortunately, in all 3 cases, the exact opposite was true.

Alan - Pay a visit to the company in the link below, they should be able to sort out your needs at a more reasonable price than $150 a Metre!

Ask for drum pump fuel hose, and specify it is purely for petrol transfer. Hose designed for diesel use is not satisfactory for petrol.

Transfer hose does not require a pressure rating, I think you were quoted for avgas pressure delivery hose.

https://www.hosepower.com.au/products

Not much to wonder about there. The erratic flight path, and the regular erratic speeds, and very low altitudes, speaks clearly of someone lost in IMC, and too close to terrain, numerous times.

Alan, pay these people below a visit and just ask for some fuel hose suitable for pumping petrol. Don't get any red-coloured hose, it doesn't stand up to UV light and it degrades rapidly.

https://www.hosepower.com.au/products

....unbeknowns to both Turbo and Cappy, She was actually a He, but hid it very well. Then came the night when Turbo took her to his room, and the passion turned torrid. But in the meantime, OT, being quite knowledgable in these things, had informed Cappy that the stunning hostie was actually a He. This sent Cappy racing to Turbo's room, banging on the door in desperation, yelling out, "TURBO!! SHE'S A HE!! SHE'S A HE!!!"

The door opened, and there was Turbo, in his bathrobe, looking quite miffed, and he glared at Cappy, and said........"

.....tampered with, and someone inserted a major number of "talky-talky" pills, thus setting Turbo off on an outburst of loquaciousness, such as would do Alan Jones proud. But it wasn't enough for Turbo to write up such an enormous length tome for the NES - No Sir, he just happened to stumble across an open radio microphone, and set off on a monologue that stunned listeners like they were dynamited fish, whereby they.......

Quote

Defining wealth by GDP is misleading unless you consider the debt of the country. Chinas national debt is around 5.6 Trillion compared to the US debt of 26.7 Trillion. This was as at August 2020 so it will be a lot worse now especially in the US with the pandemic & Trump administration failures to take in to account.

kgwilson - I am firmly of the opinion that the Chinese finance figures are fudged, and that they are improperly accounting their overall debt level. They don't count a lot of debt that would be accounted for under Western financial rules and guidelines.

Much of the Chinese banking system is very opaque and they still run a lot of financial enterprises that are basically community banks with poor records, poor lending records, and laced with corruption - despite Xi Jinpings "crackdown" on corruption.

His crackdown on corruption was more about eliminating threats to his leadership by other Chinese becoming exceptionally wealthy - and we all know that huge wealth gives the wealth-holder vast amounts of power, that can rule over "elected" officials.

I would not be in the least surprised to find that China's actual debt levels are closer to the U.S. levels, than they will admit. No country can install the infrastructure that the Chinese have installed in the last 25 years, say, without incurring a huge debt level.

But the Chinese have studied how Japan works, the Japanese are more indebted than the U.S., with Japanese debt levels at over 200% of GDP - but they are still an exceptionally powerful and wealthy country, because the debt is largely internal, and they owe very little to other countries.

China is the mirror-image of the Japanese financial system, they manufacture on a large scale, and utilise the manufactured products to develop their nation, and therefore increase their productivity again.

Where Japan wins over the Chinese, is they have established a reputation for superb quality, and when they have decided they have finished using their manufactured products, they sell them to overseas buyers at inflated prices, and the buyers fight to acquire those used manufactured items.

Get a look at the prices asked for used Landcruisers, and industrial and construction machinery on the "Japan export" sites, they are raking it in.

The Chinese only rely on the export of cheap newly-manufactured goods, but soon, that will change as the Chinese workers start demanding better wages. The Chinese welders pay levels have already gone up substantially in recent years. And the Chinese wage system is based on seniority, not merit or abilities or training levels, which in itself, is a basically flawed arrangement.

The Chinese manufacturing system is based on huge quantities of production, not high quality levels, a system which is also basically flawed for the long term.