Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 1d

This was long, long before the sexual assault allegations against him, which is not what I am basing my opinion on.

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 1d

I knew his work long before he was famous, some acquaintances dealt with him even earlier. In both contexts he did himself absolutely no credit.

2

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

I think a few NSW premiers might disagree with you on the lack of downside there.

2

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

Modest proposal; a qualifying race for Bathurst like they do in NLS, but in Excels.

1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

Hmm. I don’t doubt there is a massive and likely unsustainable boom going on but the “40% of GDP” stat is flat wrong; the entire IT industry was 5.5% of GDP in 2024z

1 11

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

Which button do I push to start from pit lane?

1 1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

Not an excuse but the governor of a state is paid $130,000? That’s stupidly low and practically invites this kind of petty corruption.

Reposted by Robert Merkel

Liam Hogan @liamhogan.id.au · 2d

The difference between David Pocock and the rest of the Cwth Parliament is that as a professional athlete he was required to appreciate interest conflicts and integrity risks (especially re. gambling).

In Australia the federal level is unique in not doing this: States and Councils must handle risk

2 13 52

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

That’s not what motivates Assange.

1 1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

Beazley continues to disappoint post-politics as much as he did while in Parliament:

3

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

The fact that the government hasn’t sacked the entire AWM board is first-order political cowardice.

1 4

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

As a politician-adjacent person, do they realise how stuff like this looks to the rest of us who understand that the local pub isn’t being altruistic when it sponsors the local footy club?

6

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

Flying into Canberra Airport and seeing the ads for the military-industrial complex is such a weird experience.

3

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

See also: making a hero out of Julien Assange. Just because the US government is abusing its power against you, doesn’t make you a good person.

1 6

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

Like I can understand the desire to just be a person occasionally, but if a club is going to take sponsorship, guess what, the personal becomes political.

2 1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 2d

This kind of thing gives me the absolute screaming shits. It’s the same as Qantas and the bloody chairman’s Lounge at a smaller scale: www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

Former Wallabies star David Pocock booted from parliamentary sports club

Exclusive: Senator accused of bringing social club into disrepute after raising concerns about its association with betting lobby

www.theguardian.com

3 3 7

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 3d

Since the 1980s, when EFI became widespread…and anyone that thinks that electronics is unreliable has never seen a carburettor.

1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 3d

Just quietly, I’d buy an ID.7 if they ever offered it in the Australian market (though I doubt it’ll ever make it here). It’s amazing how much difference the lower seating position makes on a nice bit of road.

1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 4d

Be a fascinating test case for the hypothesis that Australians want to buy small cheap EVs.

I don’t actually think there’s going to be many sales (not least because the core markets for mini cars aren’t eligible for novated leases), but I’m glad we’ll find out.

1 1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 4d

Wonder if he’s ever read the Refugee Convention.

1

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 4d

Jeebus, that sounds awful. Fingers crossed for some relief for you soon, and that you’re being well looked after in the meantime.

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 8d

Yeah. Have to wonder if there was some kind of mechanical problem.

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 8d

#isitonyet

Guardian Australia @australia.theguardian.com · 8d

Andrew Hastie quits Coalition frontbench over immigration policy dispute

Liberal MP resigns as shadow home affairs minister, increasing pressure on opposition leader Sussan Ley * Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Andrew Hastie has quit the Coalition frontbench over a dispute on immigration policy, dramatically increasing pressure on Sussan Ley’s leadership. Hastie said he was resigning as the shadow home affairs minister on Friday night, following weeks of posturing and his refusal to see Ley during her visit to Western Australia this week. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

1

Reposted by Robert Merkel

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · Nov 12

Earnest post, but: a thing I like here is it’s okay to have moments of happiness in public without being broadly scolded, and I believe that sustaining this kind of humanity will be very important as we resist fascism.

We have to sustain each other. Making joy isn’t denial, it’s how we will survive

6.5K 21K 170K

Robert Merkel @rgmerk.bsky.social · 12d

Dad had Series II Land Rovers, and (briefly) a Series III Jag XJ6 (sigh). I remember Lucas Electrics all too well…

1 1