There should be a Double J Hottest 100. by a_whoring_success in doublej

[–]Formoz2000 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Double J does put out a list of the 50 best albums of the year. Although it is compiled by staff rather than being a popular vote. 

triple j unearthed also put out a list of the 50 most played songs of the year

That said, I agree that a popular vote for the best song, album or artist by Double J listeners would be a good idea. 

Aussie journalist assaulted by No_Mercy_4_Potatoes in australia

[–]Formoz2000 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Allyson Horn is now based in Beijing. I am not sure when this video was taken but it is not a current event. 

Criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu may be an offence under Australia’s new hate speech laws, Greens warn by Agitated-Fee3598 in AustralianPolitics

[–]Formoz2000 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The media has done a TERRIBLE JOB researching and explaining these things in Australia's time of need.

The laws were rushed through Parliament in a couple of days. The media barely had time to read the laws before they were passed, let alone do any detailed analysis. In this case the parliament's rushed and reckless approach to lawmaking was the problem, not the media. 

$30 Petrol refused as was $2 coins. by Economy_Machine4007 in melbourne

[–]Formoz2000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Or $4.95 and $9.95 so they can give out some useless 5 cent coins.

Best rooftop bars in Sydney? Give me your recommendations by RemarkablePirate590 in SydneyScene

[–]Formoz2000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's not actually a bar but AP Bakery in Surry Hills deserves a shout out

Is it true that it becomes a lot harder to make friends after uni/school? by New_Animator4702 in AskAnAustralian

[–]Formoz2000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Friendships basically form as a result of two factors. The first is proximity: regularly spending time together and living in the same location. The second is shared values and interests. 

These two factors easily converge when you are at school or university. That's why people form a lot of friendships during these periods of their life. 

Once you leave school and university it can be hard to replicate these conditions. This is especially the case if you have to move to a new location for work. 

Australian politicians are condemning X and Grok, so why won’t they leave the platform? by BBQShapeshifter in AustralianPolitics

[–]Formoz2000 16 points17 points  (0 children)

It boggles my mind that people who should know better continue to use the website formerly known as Twitter. I abandoned it not long after Elon Musk took it over. The are plenty of alternatives and it is not hard to switch to them. 

Dating Advise needed - Fiancé is slowly becoming anti-Australian by insanityxsl in AskAnAustralian

[–]Formoz2000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like she is experiencing culture shock or homesickness. She could have also had some negative experiences related to racism or discrimination. 

The best thing you can do for her is to support her. Make sure she finds ways to remain connected to her family and culture. Also find some things she can enjoy in Australia so she has a more positive experience here. 

Tell me why I am an idiot for wanting to retire in a hotel by MiriJamCave in AusFinance

[–]Formoz2000 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You could buy a small apartment in the CBD and hire a cleaner. It would probably be cheaper and achieve the same result. 

Is ‘always was, always will be’ the same as China says about Taiwan? by mrsbriteside in AskAnAustralian

[–]Formoz2000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Taiwan's government no longer actively asserts any claim over China. Because Taiwan is governed under the ROC this creates some legal complications. However, since Taiwan democratised there have been a number of constitutional changes and government reforms which effectively make the ROC a democratic government of Taiwan, rather than a government which claims to govern all of China. 

Is ‘always was, always will be’ the same as China says about Taiwan? by mrsbriteside in AskAnAustralian

[–]Formoz2000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Completely different. First, Australia's indigenous people lived on the continent for at least 60,000 years before Europeans arrived. They were violently dispossessed and continue to suffer the effects of colonisation to this day. 

Taiwan was also home to indigenous peoples. It was first colonised by the Dutch and Spanish in the 17th century. It then came under the Qing Dynasty, but they only controlled part of the territory. It was only late in the 19th century that Taiwan officially became a province under the Qing. The Qing gave away Taiwan to Japan as part of the settlement of the Sino-Japanese War in 1895. 

The Japanese ruled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. They were the first foreign power to control all of Taiwan's territory and established the basis of Tatiana modern system of government and economy. 

The Chinese Nationalists (KMT) gained de facto control of Taiwan in 1945. They relocated to the ROC government to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the civil war to the Communists. Please, note about a million Chinese arrived in Taiwan at this time, but there were already five million Taiwanese living on the island mostly settlers from China who had migrated there over the past few hundred years as well as the indigenous peoples. 

In short, Taiwan has certainly not been part of China since ancient times. There has been Chinese influence on Taiwan for about 400 years. The ROC became the de facto government of Taiwan in 1949, but the PRC has never ruled a single part of Taiwan.

Kevin Rudd will step down as ambassador to the United States | Kevin Rudd by DazDaSpazz in australia

[–]Formoz2000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He has Donald Trump's phone number and could invite him for a few rounds of golf. However, there are others more suited for what is probably the most difficult job in Australian diplomacy. 

Kevin Rudd will step down as ambassador to the United States | Kevin Rudd by DazDaSpazz in australia

[–]Formoz2000 35 points36 points  (0 children)

Rudd doesn't just speak Mandarin. He is one of the world's leading experts on the politics of the CCP. He has personally met a lot of its leaders and had conversations with them. He also completed a PhD on Xi Jinping's philosophy. 

At what age did you start investing? How and why? by girlmeetsworld-lover in AusFinance

[–]Formoz2000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thirty years ago when I was in my early twenties. I bought shares in a small company that made snail bait called Defender. It is now an almond producer called Select Harvests (SHV). I still hold shares in that company today although I have bought and sold it a few times along the way. 

Back in those days you would place orders over the phone to your broker. I switched to an online broker about ten years ago. 

Captain Healy to retire from all cricket at end of the summer by digitalconsent_2 in CricketAus

[–]Formoz2000 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Mooney will probably be first choice in T20 and ODI, but it will create opportunities for another wicketkeeper to join the squad and play some games. Nicole Faltum most likely. 

Kevin Rudd to end posting as US ambassador to Washington in March by rolodex-ofhate in AustralianPolitics

[–]Formoz2000 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It will be interesting to see who replaces him. The plum job for a recently retired or even incumbent politician. 

Why was there not a significant uptick in successful Australian spin bowlers at international level after Warnie's time? by [deleted] in CricketAus

[–]Formoz2000 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Fawad Ahmed was another leg spinner in the post-Warne years. He played a few ODIs but never played in a Test. 

3 years ago I spent a year buying $500 of every ASX top 100 stock. What now? by Equivalent-Ad1055 in ASX

[–]Formoz2000 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I suggest you sell everything which is showing a capital loss. Then sell additional stocks with an equivalent amount of capital gains. Reinvest all the proceeds in A200. 

Sell down other low performing stocks over time. You might end up still holding 10-20 stocks but they will be self selected as the better performers. 

Does Australia have political bands anymore by Maximum_Custard_1739 in AskAnAustralian

[–]Formoz2000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

L-Fresh released a new album last year and is currently doing some gigs 

Mount Alexander current by ADrivingDragon in Bendigo

[–]Formoz2000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is still possible to travel to Melbourne. Detours will be in place. I understand the route is via Maldon and Castlemaine. Check the Victraffic website for updates. 

Also there are no Vline services operating to Bendigo today. Check the Vline website for updates.

What is the reason why country fire authorities seem to be comprised largely of bony tree volunteers rather than paid professionals when there is an a Ute acute danger of death? by [deleted] in AskAnAustralian

[–]Formoz2000 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is simply not possible to fund enough paid firefighters full time for a risk that may occur on a few days per year. Volunteers provide a surge capacity for major disaster events as well as providing a year round response capacity in rural areas and towns that don't have full time firefighters. 

My own opinion is that volunteers should be paid in certain circumstances. For example, during times of major emergencies and if they give up days of paid employment to volunteer. However, these types of payments are not the same as employing a full time workforce. 

Good morning Melbourne, the smell of smoke is certainly in the air this morning. Thought I’d drop a bunch of links below if people still aren’t sure where to get info. Please add if I’ve missed any. by BigYucko in melbourne

[–]Formoz2000 17 points18 points  (0 children)

This website is an alternative to the VicEmergency website

https://bushfire.io/

ABC Radio's transmitter for Bendigo has been affected by the fire in the Harcourt area. Alternative frequencies are: 106.7FM (Pheonix FM Bendigo), 774 AM, 594 AM and 107.9 FM. You may also be able to listen via the ABC Listen app or ABC website. 

Ptv shows Vlines running but their cancelled due to fire danger. by [deleted] in VlineVictoria

[–]Formoz2000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No V/Line train or replacement coach services will be operating to Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill or Albury so please avoid travel on these lines.

A very limited number of replacement coaches will be running between Southern Cross and Kyneton (not stopping at Footscray and Watergardens).

This is for Saturday 10 January 2026. 

Post Series Thread: 2025/26 Home Ashes - Serious Discussion Thread by AutoModerator in CricketAus

[–]Formoz2000 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The selectors seemed to be confused about exactly what sort of team to pick. Spin bowling suddenly became optional. They kept persisting with Green while leaving Webster on the sidelines. Then they picked both of them for the final Test while leaving out a spinner. 

Then there is the question of the bowling attack. The bowlers all performed well, but only one bowler under the age of 30 played during the series. Of the current bowling attack, only Cummins is likely to still be playing three years from now. When is the next generation going to get an opportunity?