So, you've decided to write a terrible EV piece. An early column, because I'm away this Friday.

My head assploded and harsh words came out after reading the ABCs stupidest ever 730 report on EVs

Australia faced the same dilemma as China in 2004 but made the wrong call While the rest of us count the cost in higher fuel costs, higher inflation and a weaker economy,  China — the actual winner of the war — will be enjoying a surge of global interest in its solar panels...

@alankohler.bsky.social on the money (pun intended) again

So proud of that team tonight. One of the very best finals I’ve watched. On another night one of those shots goes in and we play another 30. Congrats to Japan, definitely the best team in Asia…but the #Matildas are coming. Bring on the Olympics for the girls!

Dinner done and time to watch our #Matildas give it every thing against Japan to see who is Asian Cup champions. Let’s go girls!!

bar chart of Pakistan estimated savings on fossil fuel imports due to solar deployment, from 2018 to 2026 (current year is projected only). y axis is in USD billions. starts off at zero and then is about 0.5bn in 2022 and rises to almost 5bn in 2025 and estimated 7bn in 2026. from CREA

Countries that *did* deploy a lot of renewables & electrification are already faring better than they otherwise would have .
Here are some examples:
1/ Pakistan, still highly exposed to Gulf LNG supply crunch BUT estimated to save $12 billion due to solar boom:
www.linkedin.com/posts/lauri-...

Best game I’ve seen the Tillies play since against Canada in the World Cup. The girls have to proud of that one #Matildas #ChivAus

The most important power station in the nation is no longer a coal plant – it’s on our rooftops Australia’s electricity grid is increasingly being powered by rooftop solar, batteries and renewables, exposing the limits and rising costs of ageing coal-fired power stations.

Australia’s recent heatwaves pushed electricity demand to record levels without the grid failing. The data points to growing reliance on rooftop solar, batteries and renewables – and the declining role of coal, Jackie Trad writes.
#PearlsAndIrritations #auspol #energy #renewables #electricity

Rob Hirst was a force of nature, a born showman who led Midnight Oil from the back Phenomenal drummer and percussionist was an equally accomplished songwriter who embodied the band’s bloody-minded spirit

RIP Rob Hurst, one of the greatest songwriters, musicians and live performers this country has ever seen

Ordered my copy today

For many years I lived in an apartment without aircon. My list of places I could go to escape the heat in metro Melbourne

Why, where are we going? 😉😬

🧵Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

At a country bus stop surrounded by a riot of flowers, a tiny human (2?) is waiting with Mum.
Tiny Human's hands are on his hips, eyes narrowed, watching the road.
Ever vigilant.
He's not sure when this bus is coming, but he's ready for it. (1)

Listening to Last Christmas because it is an all-time banger and George didn't die on Christmas Day for you to disrespect his memory by participating in Whamageddon

I almost forgot to have a little brag 🙂
This photo of mine (entitled 'Risky business') achieved a 'Commended' award in the 2025 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards in the Human Impact category.

Australian Solar And Battery Rebates In 2026: Looking Ahead Solar power and home battery systems will likely cost Australians more from January next year due to rebate reductions and other factors.

Starting Jan 2026, Aussies could pay more for solar + home battery setups as rebates shrink — and global market forces might push prices even higher. ⚡🇦🇺

Thinking of going solar? Sooner might be smarter. ☀️🔋 #SolarEnergy #Australia #EnergySavings

www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/solar-b...

If the Beatles wrote A Day In A Life in 2025
"I read the news today, oh fucking hell..."

Without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die July 21, 2025 AFP has been working with 1 writer, 3 photographers and 6 videographers, all freelance, in the Gaza Strip since its staff journalists left in 2024. Along with a few others, they are now the only ones left to report what is happening in the Gaza Strip. The international press has been banned from entering the territory for nearly two years. We refuse to watch them die. One of them, Bashar, has been working with AFP since 2010, first as a fixer, then freelance photographer, and since 2024, as lead photographer. On July 19th he managed to post a message on Facebook: “I no longer have the strength to work for the media. My body is thin and I can’t work anymore.” Bashar, 30, works & lives in the same conditions as all Gazans, moving from one refugee camp to another under Israeli bombings. For > a year he’s lived in utter destitution, working at extreme risk to his life. Hygiene is a major issue for him, with recurring bouts of severe intestinal illness. Since Feb, Bashar’s been living in the ruins of his home in Gaza City with his mother, 4 brothers & sisters and the family of one of his brothers. Their house is devoid of any furnishings, except a few cushions. On Sunday morning, he reported that one of his brothers had “fallen, due to hunger.” Even though these journalists receive a monthly salary from AFP, it’s no longer enough to buy food, or they have to pay completely exorbitant prices. The banking system has collapsed, and those who exchange money via online bank accounts charge a commission of up to 40%. AFP no longer has the ability to provide them with a vehicle and there is not enough fuel to allow these journalists to travel for their reporting. Driving a car means becoming a target for Israeli airstrikes. AFP reporters therefore travel on foot or by donkey cart. (alt txt continued in next post)

A horrifying statement published today by the Editorial Committee of the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency.

"Without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die"

Translation from French to English by @cnorristrent.bsky.social:

We do not comply: how do we disrupt the momentum of Trump’s cruelty? | V (formerly Eve Ensler) Every day brings more devastation. But daily forms of rebellion can restore our sense of purpose

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Thank you Ronni for doing what others won’t. Without people like you we’d be further down the same path as some other countries I won’t mention.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP WINNERS!!! 🏆

LAPD fired rubber bullets at Australian journalist @laurentomasi.bsky.social

Melbourne City clinch championship with fiery A-League Men grand final win over Victory In a torrid A-League Men decider, Melbourne City have defeated fierce rivals Melbourne Victory 1-0 after Yonatan Cohen’s 10th minute strike sealed the title

Still our City!! 🏆🎉
#Melbourne #MelbourneCiry

‘Empathy is a kind of strength’: Jacinda Ardern on kind leadership, public rage and life in Trump’s America Young, progressive and relatable, the former prime minister of New Zealand tried to do politics differently. But six years into power, she dramatically resigned. In an exclusive interview with the Gua...

Still an amazing leader and an example for us all…

Queen Elizabeth's Final Diary Entry Contained Only Five Words

"Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra."

As someone who helped run/ worked on democracy sausage sizzles for many years, I'd just like to say that even if you've already pre polled, PLEASE drop by your local public school tomorrow and treat yourself to something from the BBQ or cake stall. Your money goes to a good cause.

Duty done. Great work by the AEC and well behaved volunteers at my local polling booth. Celebrated with both a #democracysausage and bacon and egg roll. Democracy is delicious! #auspol #ausvotes2025

Don’t want to see that again on replay. Poor guy, looks a bad break

I think we need to keep saying that Aus Liberal = Republican = UK Tory?

Just two peas in a pod, right?

Couldn’t believe Melburnians don’t know this term! Have always used it when leaving early for the day…