Rob Hobson
@themelancholicskr.bsky.social
Newshound. Ink still runs in my veins 📸🗞🌏
Views are my own, reposts ≠ endorsement.
Blog: themelancholicseeker.wordpress.com
Muck Rack:
https://muckrack.com/robert-hobson-2
Views are my own, reposts ≠ endorsement.
Blog: themelancholicseeker.wordpress.com
Muck Rack:
https://muckrack.com/robert-hobson-2
Pinned
Rob Hobson
@themelancholicskr.bsky.social
· Aug 20
Pilot Plant To Prove Hydrogen Viability
By RF Hobson A Western Australian company hopes to prove the economic viability of hydrogen on an industrial scale with the official opening of its pilot plant in Kwinana, located south of Perth, o…
themelancholicseeker.wordpress.com
A Western Australian company hopes its newly opened pilot plant in Kwinana will prove the economic viability & scalability of #hydrogen by making it safe to store & transport, overcoming a significant #industry bottleneck. #news #energy #technology
themelancholicseeker.wordpress.com/2025/08/20/p...
themelancholicseeker.wordpress.com/2025/08/20/p...
Reposted by Rob Hobson
The White House rolled out a new website with a full-blown recast of the historical record of January 6, 2021, hailing the pro-Trump mob who stormed the US Capitol five years ago as “peaceful protesters” who were provoked by law enforcement. https://cnn.it/49Gy9Pj
January 7, 2026 at 3:59 AM
The White House rolled out a new website with a full-blown recast of the historical record of January 6, 2021, hailing the pro-Trump mob who stormed the US Capitol five years ago as “peaceful protesters” who were provoked by law enforcement. https://cnn.it/49Gy9Pj
"There is no question that Trump’s second term has featured a rather stark shift in how he defines and carries out an 'America First' foreign policy." | Analysis
Analysis: Trump’s stunning shift on ‘America First’ | CNN Politics
Critics of the US ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this weekend have regularly invoked President Donald Trump’s comments during the 2016 campaign.
www.cnn.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Reposted by Rob Hobson
Any US military action/intervention against Greenland & Canada will fracture NATO - a godsend for Russia and China.
And with new sources of critical minerals closer to home, why would the Trump administration rush to Australia's aid and defence?
#mytwocents #news #uspol #auspol #security
And with new sources of critical minerals closer to home, why would the Trump administration rush to Australia's aid and defence?
#mytwocents #news #uspol #auspol #security
The removal of Venezuela's leader by US special forces has caused alarm in Greenland. Could the Danish territory really be next on President Donald Trump's list for a US intervention?
President Trump Is Obsessed With Taking Over Greenland. Why?
US President Donald Trump is dead set on taking control of Greenland, the world’s biggest island and a self-ruling territory of Denmark, despite opposition from Greenlanders and Danes.
bloom.bg
January 6, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Any US military action/intervention against Greenland & Canada will fracture NATO - a godsend for Russia and China.
And with new sources of critical minerals closer to home, why would the Trump administration rush to Australia's aid and defence?
#mytwocents #news #uspol #auspol #security
And with new sources of critical minerals closer to home, why would the Trump administration rush to Australia's aid and defence?
#mytwocents #news #uspol #auspol #security
Wishing everyone a belated Happy New Year 2026 🥳 but also happy #Federation Day for my compatriots - the Australian Commonwealth is 125 years old 🇦🇺
#Australia #civics #history
(Image source: The National Archives of Australia)
#Australia #civics #history
(Image source: The National Archives of Australia)
January 2, 2026 at 5:33 AM
Wishing everyone a belated Happy New Year 2026 🥳 but also happy #Federation Day for my compatriots - the Australian Commonwealth is 125 years old 🇦🇺
#Australia #civics #history
(Image source: The National Archives of Australia)
#Australia #civics #history
(Image source: The National Archives of Australia)
Reposted by Rob Hobson
Japan steps up to help South America fight illegal fishing by Chinese fleets.
Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay will get drones and patrol gear.
trib.al/CVJiWUo
Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay will get drones and patrol gear.
trib.al/CVJiWUo
Japan to help South American countries combat illegal Chinese fishing
Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay to receive drones, gear for maritime patrols
trib.al
December 29, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Japan steps up to help South America fight illegal fishing by Chinese fleets.
Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay will get drones and patrol gear.
trib.al/CVJiWUo
Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay will get drones and patrol gear.
trib.al/CVJiWUo
Reposted by Rob Hobson
🇨🇳 🇹🇼 China has launched live-fire drills around Taiwan that it said would simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports, prompting Taipei to condemn Beijing's "military intimidation".
➡️ u.afp.com/S87M
➡️ u.afp.com/S87M
December 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
🇨🇳 🇹🇼 China has launched live-fire drills around Taiwan that it said would simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports, prompting Taipei to condemn Beijing's "military intimidation".
➡️ u.afp.com/S87M
➡️ u.afp.com/S87M
Reposted by Rob Hobson
#Kazakhstan: RSF condemns the courts summons and house arrest of KazTAG's editor-in-chief, Amir Kasenov, on 25 December, charged with spreading “false information” following an investigation of public interest. The judiciary must not be used to silence independent voices in the country.
December 29, 2025 at 9:08 AM
#Kazakhstan: RSF condemns the courts summons and house arrest of KazTAG's editor-in-chief, Amir Kasenov, on 25 December, charged with spreading “false information” following an investigation of public interest. The judiciary must not be used to silence independent voices in the country.
Reposted by Rob Hobson
The Philippines seeks maritime security through 2026 ASEAN chairmanship
https://asia.nikkei.com/opinion/the-philippines-seeks-maritime-security-through-2026-asean-chairmanship
https://asia.nikkei.com/opinion/the-philippines-seeks-maritime-security-through-2026-asean-chairmanship
The Philippines seeks maritime security through 2026 ASEAN chairmanship
Manila must balance it with food and energy security, disaster relief, or other issues
asia.nikkei.com
December 25, 2025 at 8:06 PM
The Philippines seeks maritime security through 2026 ASEAN chairmanship
https://asia.nikkei.com/opinion/the-philippines-seeks-maritime-security-through-2026-asean-chairmanship
https://asia.nikkei.com/opinion/the-philippines-seeks-maritime-security-through-2026-asean-chairmanship
Reposted by Rob Hobson
Vietnam: Where Chinese goods go to be redirected to the US
Donald Trump's tariff barriers turn out to be relatively easy to get around
trib.al/FnkIeDk
Donald Trump's tariff barriers turn out to be relatively easy to get around
trib.al/FnkIeDk
Vietnam: Where Chinese goods go to be redirected to the US
Donald Trump's tariff barriers turn out to be relatively easy to get around
trib.al
December 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Vietnam: Where Chinese goods go to be redirected to the US
Donald Trump's tariff barriers turn out to be relatively easy to get around
trib.al/FnkIeDk
Donald Trump's tariff barriers turn out to be relatively easy to get around
trib.al/FnkIeDk
"His naming binge comes with political risks when millions of Americans are struggling to cope with high $ for groceries, housing & healthcare. This may explain eroding approval ratings & plunging public confidence in his economic mgnt."
#news #opinion #uspol #economy
edition.cnn.com/2025/12/23/p...
#news #opinion #uspol #economy
edition.cnn.com/2025/12/23/p...
Analysis: He names these ships — the Trump class | CNN Politics
Just call it Trump America.
edition.cnn.com
December 25, 2025 at 2:29 PM
"His naming binge comes with political risks when millions of Americans are struggling to cope with high $ for groceries, housing & healthcare. This may explain eroding approval ratings & plunging public confidence in his economic mgnt."
#news #opinion #uspol #economy
edition.cnn.com/2025/12/23/p...
#news #opinion #uspol #economy
edition.cnn.com/2025/12/23/p...
Reposted by Rob Hobson
🇻🇦 🎄 🇵🇸 Pope Leo XIV condemned the "senselessness" of war and the "open wounds" it leaves behind, as he delivered his first Christmas message on Thursday after a year marked by conflict but also hopes for peace in Gaza and Ukraine ➡️ u.afp.com/S8dR
December 25, 2025 at 11:54 AM
🇻🇦 🎄 🇵🇸 Pope Leo XIV condemned the "senselessness" of war and the "open wounds" it leaves behind, as he delivered his first Christmas message on Thursday after a year marked by conflict but also hopes for peace in Gaza and Ukraine ➡️ u.afp.com/S8dR
Reposted by Rob Hobson
North Korea displayed apparent progress in the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, with state media photos showing a largely completed hull, as leader Kim Jong Un condemned rival South Korea’s push to acquire the technology.
North Korea displays apparent progress in construction of nuclear-powered submarine
North Korea displayed apparent progress in the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, with state media photos showing a largely completed hull as leader Kim Jong Un condemned rival South Korea’s push to acquire the technology.
bit.ly
December 25, 2025 at 3:00 AM
North Korea displayed apparent progress in the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, with state media photos showing a largely completed hull, as leader Kim Jong Un condemned rival South Korea’s push to acquire the technology.
Reposted by Rob Hobson
The government has warned that charities must be transparent about how they’re collecting, using and sharing data, following a Crikey investigation into the widespread use of commercial profiling.
Government, regulators tell charities to be 'transparent' when using data to target donors
www.crikey.com.au
December 23, 2025 at 1:40 AM
The government has warned that charities must be transparent about how they’re collecting, using and sharing data, following a Crikey investigation into the widespread use of commercial profiling.
Reposted by Rob Hobson
"Australia is one of the lowest taxed countries in the developed world… If Australia decided to leap from being a low tax country to imposing the average tax rate of OECD countries, we would collect an additional $132 billion per year." satpa.pe/wRrIXBw
The fight Chalmers has to have
ANALYSIS: Having finally persuaded most voters that it is the better economic manager, Labor is well placed to pursue an obvious solution to the problems to come.
satpa.pe
December 23, 2025 at 1:58 AM
"Australia is one of the lowest taxed countries in the developed world… If Australia decided to leap from being a low tax country to imposing the average tax rate of OECD countries, we would collect an additional $132 billion per year." satpa.pe/wRrIXBw
Reposted by Rob Hobson
Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul via sixth-round knockout in their match in Miami.
“The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said. “It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found a destination.
“The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said. “It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found a destination.
Jake Paul takes a beating from Anthony Joshua, ends up with a broken jaw
It took longer than many expected, but the two-time champion scored a sixth-round knockout over the YouTuber turned pro boxer.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul via sixth-round knockout in their match in Miami.
“The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said. “It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found a destination.
“The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said. “It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found a destination.
Given the importance of the Ream naval base as a PLA string-of-pearls port and extensive Chinese national and economic intetests in Cambodia, expect more CCP involvement in regional disputes.
#mytwocents #news #APAC #security #conflict
#mytwocents #news #APAC #security #conflict
China envoy visits Cambodia seeking to de-escalate fighting with Thailand
https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/thailand-cambodia-conflict/china-envoy-visits-cambodia-seeking-to-de-escalate-fighting-with-thailand
https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/thailand-cambodia-conflict/china-envoy-visits-cambodia-seeking-to-de-escalate-fighting-with-thailand
China envoy visits Cambodia seeking to de-escalate fighting with Thailand
Deng Xijun visits as Washington and Beijing renew efforts toward ceasefire
asia.nikkei.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Given the importance of the Ream naval base as a PLA string-of-pearls port and extensive Chinese national and economic intetests in Cambodia, expect more CCP involvement in regional disputes.
#mytwocents #news #APAC #security #conflict
#mytwocents #news #APAC #security #conflict
So France's Naval Group and the Indonesian government managed to team up and is currently building submarines. Yet Australia cannot and instead opted for surplus and then 'future' new subs under Aukus.
#news #auspol #navy #Aukus #submarines
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
#news #auspol #navy #Aukus #submarines
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Indonesia Completes Scorpène Steel Cutting Qualification with Construction Set for June 2026 - Naval News
PT PAL Indonesia and Naval Group successfully conducted the Steel Cutting Qualification Section for Scorpène Evolved submarine at PT PAL’s shipyard in Surabaya
www.navalnews.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:09 AM
So France's Naval Group and the Indonesian government managed to team up and is currently building submarines. Yet Australia cannot and instead opted for surplus and then 'future' new subs under Aukus.
#news #auspol #navy #Aukus #submarines
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
#news #auspol #navy #Aukus #submarines
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Reposted by Rob Hobson
When China’s rulers ordered tens of thousands of soldiers to crush pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing in 1989, Gen. Xu Qinxian was the commander who famously said no. Now, leaked video from his court-martial was posted online. nyti.ms/48Ho706
December 18, 2025 at 4:40 AM
When China’s rulers ordered tens of thousands of soldiers to crush pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing in 1989, Gen. Xu Qinxian was the commander who famously said no. Now, leaked video from his court-martial was posted online. nyti.ms/48Ho706
Reposted by Rob Hobson
"It’s never a good sign when the United States’ national security plan is praised by Russia as being 'largely consistent with our vision.'
"But that’s the bizarro world we’re living in."
Read @johnavlon.bsky.social's commentary: bit.ly/3KCfQRY
"But that’s the bizarro world we’re living in."
Read @johnavlon.bsky.social's commentary: bit.ly/3KCfQRY
December 16, 2025 at 4:00 AM
"It’s never a good sign when the United States’ national security plan is praised by Russia as being 'largely consistent with our vision.'
"But that’s the bizarro world we’re living in."
Read @johnavlon.bsky.social's commentary: bit.ly/3KCfQRY
"But that’s the bizarro world we’re living in."
Read @johnavlon.bsky.social's commentary: bit.ly/3KCfQRY
"In a damning 2nd report on the Targeted Compliance Framework, which began after leaked docs were published by The Saturday Paper showing almost 1K welfare recipients had their payments unlawfully cancelled, the ombudsman has warned of an 'inherent danger' in the system."
#news #auspol #robodebt
#news #auspol #robodebt
In an interview with Rick Morton, the Commonwealth ombudsman has slammed the government's 'robodebt'-style approach to welfare compliance. satpa.pe/ho0OX98
‘Particularly strange’: Ombudsman damns welfare compliance
In an interview with The Saturday Paper, the Commonwealth ombudsman says government departments still need to ‘unlearn’ the culture that produced robodebt.
satpa.pe
December 17, 2025 at 2:05 AM
"Koi says, 'for each platform, the extension includes a dedicated ‘executor’ script designed to intercept and capture conversations. The harvesting is enabled by default through hardcoded flags in the extension’s configuration'."
#news #cybersecurity #AI #surveillance #data
#news #cybersecurity #AI #surveillance #data
How Your Private ChatGPT And Gemini Chats Are ‘Sold For Profit’
How Your Private ChatGPT And Gemini Chats Are ‘Sold For Profit’
These Chrome extensions see everything — and take everything. It may already be too late.
www.forbes.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:07 PM
"Koi says, 'for each platform, the extension includes a dedicated ‘executor’ script designed to intercept and capture conversations. The harvesting is enabled by default through hardcoded flags in the extension’s configuration'."
#news #cybersecurity #AI #surveillance #data
#news #cybersecurity #AI #surveillance #data
Reposted by Rob Hobson
Enjoyed chatting to Ben McDermott about his switch to being a freelance franchise cricketer.
He hasn’t played for Australia for 2 years but a recent call up to their T20 squad vs India has revived his hopes.
He is set to bat 4-5 for ‘Canes in the BBL
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-20...
He hasn’t played for Australia for 2 years but a recent call up to their T20 squad vs India has revived his hopes.
He is set to bat 4-5 for ‘Canes in the BBL
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-20...
Freelance McDermott still sees Australia as the 'pinnacle'
The wicketkeeper-batter will be a key part of Hobart Hurricanes' line-up as they look to defend their title
www.espncricinfo.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Enjoyed chatting to Ben McDermott about his switch to being a freelance franchise cricketer.
He hasn’t played for Australia for 2 years but a recent call up to their T20 squad vs India has revived his hopes.
He is set to bat 4-5 for ‘Canes in the BBL
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-20...
He hasn’t played for Australia for 2 years but a recent call up to their T20 squad vs India has revived his hopes.
He is set to bat 4-5 for ‘Canes in the BBL
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-20...
Reposted by Rob Hobson
Finn Allen and Mitch Marsh will open the batting for Perth Scorchers.
Allen hopes to learn from Marsh how to balance the demands of international and franchise cricket.
Allen will miss part of NZ’s T20I series in India if Scorchers make finals
www.espncricinfo.com/story/finn-a...
Allen hopes to learn from Marsh how to balance the demands of international and franchise cricket.
Allen will miss part of NZ’s T20I series in India if Scorchers make finals
www.espncricinfo.com/story/finn-a...
'Got caught up in conditions': Allen learns from tough BBL start
The New Zealand opener is fit again after a lengthy injury and will form an intimidating opening pair with Mitchell Marsh
www.espncricinfo.com
December 14, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Finn Allen and Mitch Marsh will open the batting for Perth Scorchers.
Allen hopes to learn from Marsh how to balance the demands of international and franchise cricket.
Allen will miss part of NZ’s T20I series in India if Scorchers make finals
www.espncricinfo.com/story/finn-a...
Allen hopes to learn from Marsh how to balance the demands of international and franchise cricket.
Allen will miss part of NZ’s T20I series in India if Scorchers make finals
www.espncricinfo.com/story/finn-a...
Reposted by Rob Hobson
Cooper Connolly appears to have a decent shot at earning a maiden IPL deal.
Chatted to him about that, confidence from a breakout ODI knock vs India & embracing batting under pressure
Connelly will be at No.3 for Perth Scorchers in today’s BBL opener
www.espncricinfo.com/story/cooper...
Chatted to him about that, confidence from a breakout ODI knock vs India & embracing batting under pressure
Connelly will be at No.3 for Perth Scorchers in today’s BBL opener
www.espncricinfo.com/story/cooper...
Connolly hopes to be a 'leader' for Scorchers, and has one eye on IPL
The allrounder has already been capped across all international formats and was joint player of the tournament in last season's BBL
www.espncricinfo.com
December 14, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Cooper Connolly appears to have a decent shot at earning a maiden IPL deal.
Chatted to him about that, confidence from a breakout ODI knock vs India & embracing batting under pressure
Connelly will be at No.3 for Perth Scorchers in today’s BBL opener
www.espncricinfo.com/story/cooper...
Chatted to him about that, confidence from a breakout ODI knock vs India & embracing batting under pressure
Connelly will be at No.3 for Perth Scorchers in today’s BBL opener
www.espncricinfo.com/story/cooper...