The totally off-topic thread

[RAM]

This pseudo war is so complex it is difficult to work out 'allies' versus 'enemies'. USA is into black and white - people are either for or against them - they struggle with complexity.

Much more to it than meets the eye or reported in Australian media.

Russia has not been able to seriously test NATO (read US) systems and missiles for some years. Their action in Ukraine, at first denied by Putin and then on a State TV interview Putin claimed success for directly commanding 20,000 special forces troops infiltrated into the Crimea and East Ukraine. His personal control, no Generals in charge, "led to the quick resolution of our goals" - Putin's words.

Syria provides it with a huge opportunity to measure/detect/monitor/test the effectiveness of both its surveillance systems and its countermeasure systems. The largest Russian naval and airbase outside of Russia are in Syria as were over 5,000 military personnel. Now it is a much higher number.

So far in 2015 there have been over 110 'provocations' by Russian aircraft approaching/encroaching on NATO air space.

There have also been close to 10 'submarine' incursions in 2015 by someone, I wonder who?

Coincidentally China is building its new islands and claiming sovereignty over the surrounding sea lanes. Have a look at the latest pictures and note the various antennas that have been installed.

The world is getting a very 'active' place.

Here is a sample of just some with the RAF:
RAF scrambles jets to intercept Russian planes head for UK ...

www.dailymail.co.uk/.../RAF-scrambles-jets-two-Russian-militar...Daily Mail

May 14, 2015 - The Typhoon jets were launched from RAF Lossiemouth in north-east Scotland to intercept two Russian Bear aircraft and escort them away ...


Moment RAF Typhoons intercepted Russian MiG planes ...

www.dailymail.co.uk/.../Pictured-dramatic-moment-RAF-Typho...Daily Mail

Jun 18, 2015 - British warplanes scrambled to intercept nine Russian aircraft within hours ... Four UK Typhoons stationed at the base have been deployed a ...


Russian spy plane over Lancashire: Menacing sighting in ...

Mirror Online: The intelligent tabloid. #madeuthink › News › UK News › Vladimir PutinDaily Mirror

May 20, 2015 - The menacing Russian military aircraft, armed with five ... where Russian military aircraft were spotted close to UK airspace in recent months.

RAF Sends Jets To Intercept Russian Bombers - Sky News

news.sky.com/story/.../raf-sends-jets-to-intercept-russian-bomb...
Sky News

4 days ago - The Russian planes strayed near enough to the edge of international airspace to be in a "British area of interest". 16:06, UK, Friday 20 ...

RAF Jets Scrambled To Intercept Russian Plane Near UK ...

Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post.uk/.../raf-jets-scrambled-to-int_n_8608888.html
4 days ago - RAF jets were scrambled last night to intercept Russian bombers flying close to UK airspace. An RAF spokesman said the planes were ...

Moment RAF planes were scrambled to intercept ten ...
Latest UK and World News, Sport and Comment | Daily Express › News › UK
Daily Express
Jul 31, 2015 - The Typhoon jets were scrambled as the Russia spy planes flew close to ... A number of sightings of Russian jets in UK airspace is raising ...

RAF planes scrambled to investigate Russian bombers ...

www.heraldscotland.com/.../13157328.RAF_planes_scramble...
The Herald

These are the Russian bombers which flew so close to UK airspace that RAF planes were scrambled to investigate. The images, taken by the RAF, have been ...

 

[JohnK]

Coincidentally China is building its new islands and claiming sovereignty over the surrounding sea lanes. Have a look at the lat3st pictures and note the various antennas that have been installed.

I read an article on this recently where they also showed the photos before and after. There are 2 other countries involved but they are powerless to do anything.

China showing their selfishness, arrogance and ignorance for anyone other than themselves.

Wonder what Australia would do if China built an atoll in Australian waters?

 

[RAM]

I read an article on this recently where they also showed the photos before and after. There are 2 other countries involved but they are powerless to do anything.

China showing their selfishness, arrogance and ignorance for anyone other than themselves.

Wonder what Australia would do if China built an atoll in Australian waters?

Ask them very nicely if they want any help building it.

Offer them trans-shipment via Perth or Darwin.

And possibly, appoint K Rudd the first ambassador due to his Mandarin speaking prowess!

With often just 1 submarine able to put to sea and our naval capability summed up nicely by an American officer in 1988 when the Missouri was open to inspection.

"We like the Australian navy, they're good guys."

me - "Do they add anything to your capability."

"Well, if by capability you mean fire power, well no. Just Mighty Mo could sink the entire Australian Naval deep water fleet with one salvo. Between the 16" and 5" guns, the tomahawks and harpoons there wouldn't be much left. What you Australians really add is spirit to the fight. There's no-one I rather have on my side in a bust-up."

At that we hit their mega-galley.

 

[Walter_Plinge]

Why does Qantas have to give me heart palpitations? Then keep me on hold for 35 minutes to find out why they have sent me an email stating my flight has changed. Please call us.

Imagining all the worst scenarios (because it is an award F booking) while on hold driving home from my massage - which was supposed to be relaxing...

Only to find out when I get home and able to access my computer/booking, that it is only a 10 minute departure time change. Sheesh.

I did not need that stress after paying $80.00 for a massage.

I just got one of these but on logging on to the booking it was clear what the change was. It required a flight-rebooking and a transit through Doha was now nixed. I waited 2 or 3 minutes and the Qantas lady couldn't have been more helpful. I ended up on different flights the following day.

Ironically later in the day I received another flight change - which meant I could have made the original transit. Oh well...I'll just have to spend an extra day enjoying the sights near Frankfurt. Can't help bad luck

 

[penegal]

I hear London is nice this time of year

Bit cold... Full of English and Australians

haha, sorry I missed you earlier this month, but my visit was rather short.

 

[Pushka]

Nasty bushfire headed towards Barossa Valley. It has been hot and windy here in Adelaide but raining now so trust this helps.

 

[Pushka]

MrP on Retro Roo II tonight from ADL


I am impressed he actually listened to me rant on.

 

[RAM]

MrP on Retro Roo II tonight from ADL
View attachment 59646

I am impressed he actually listened to me rant on.

Or he has perfected the art of appearing to be listening and nod/respond every so often whilst contemplating other thoughts such as "will there be time for three drinks on the flight..."

 

[Princess Fiona]

And you think some strange topics get raised on AFF:

is it normal to have blood in cough after a long 15-hour nonstop flight? - FlyerTalk Forums

TMI on every level there

 

[Princess Fiona]

From the "Overheard at the Exec Lounge Files"

"I really like Cab Sav, it's such a great well-known blend". Grey-haired Aussie maybe 50/60 yrs old sipping a red with a cheese plate

 

[TonyHancock]

Wonder what Australia would do if China built an atoll in Australian waters?

I suspect the Government would show some surprise and refer back to it's own feasibility study that quoted 70 years to build the atoll.

 

[JohnM]

TMI on every level there

A prostate biopsy where the effect lasts about six weeks would really shake him up, I'd say...

 

[Pushka]

And the Retro Roo II ADL - MEL was extremely bumpy and the plane christened with MULTIPLE sick bags. MrP didn't participate.

 

[JohnK]

I suspect the Government would show some surprise and refer back to it's own feasibility study that quoted 70 years to build the atoll.

You would make a great diplomat. Me on the other hand....

 

[Hvr]

Did you retune your television today to get Ch9 in HD?

9HD FAQs | Coming Soon | 9Jumpin

About the channel

On Thursday November 26 Channel 9 Simulcasts in Crystal Clear High Definition on Channel 90.
What is HD?
HD gives you exceptionally clear, crisp pictures with vivid colours and more detail than double the resolution of standard definition.
Programmes made in HD can provide the best possible quality pictures on current equipment. Only a high definition television, high definition digital box and high definition broadcast used together provide high definition viewing.
When will 9HD be available on my TV?
From 5am November 26 2015
How can I watch 9HD on my TV?
Free-To-Air TV (Metro) - Channel 90 in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin

Now I have to delete hundreds of shopping and 'lifestyle' channels. Now if there was a frequent flyer channel then that might be left alone but not the others.

 

[serfty]

Did you retune your television today to get Ch9 in HD?

9HD FAQs | Coming Soon | 9Jumpin



Now I have to delete hundreds of shopping and 'lifestyle' channels. Now if there was a frequent flyer channel then that might be left alone but not the others.

Don't waste time deleting those channels,as you'll just need to do it again next time you retune.

Just set your 'favourites' ...

 

[penegal]

And you think some strange topics get raised on AFF:

is it normal to have blood in cough after a long 15-hour nonstop flight? - FlyerTalk Forums

TMI on every level there

A prostate biopsy where the effect lasts about six weeks would really shake him up, I'd say...

Probably TMI.

But FWIW, I am glad he sought medical assistance. Many men are quite bad at actually going to the doctor to ask for help or following through on a diagnosis. That is meant to be one of the key goals of the Movember charity currently going on.

 

[Pushka]

I detest the way TV stations salivate when there is a disaster. TV and radio here in Adelaide are in saturation mode with the bushfire yesterday and while loss of life is awful as is property and stock then we don't need to be told the same thing, over and over and over again. We have hour long news programmes devoted to it but there has been no news since early this morning but mainly last night.

There is a house fire here a few times every week. Those barely rate a mention. My theory is that if your house is going to burn down then make sure it is during a bushfire.

 

[amaroo]

Looks like the kids will miss out on a couple of selfies and I'll get to keep a few euros.

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2015-...nturions-rickshaws-over-tourist-scams/6978980

 

[RooFlyer]

Looks like the kids will miss out on a couple of selfies and I'll get to keep a few euros.

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2015-...nturions-rickshaws-over-tourist-scams/6978980

Ha. All they have to do now is to ban the guys selling cough who drape themselves and their tacky wares over many of the sights.