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bellarkeselection · 2 years

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Hey I have a request the reader is outside on the ranch it’s a sunny day and she is chasing her and rips son and playing in the sun . If you’d like to change anything that’s fine ?

I've finally done it everyone 100 Yellowstone requests 💝 Thanks to everyone who sent, vote, and comments

Best Day Off Ever (100 request!)

Returning back to the ranch for the afternoon Rip heard a fit of laughter as he got closer on his horse to the ranch. Walking through the fence he dismounted his horse trying to follow the laughter in the direction of the barn. When he got there he discovered the source was his seven year old son James and his wife Y/n a.k.a John Dutton's youngest daughter. Running around the barn posts I try and catch my son but he's so fast. He climbed up into a loft sticking his tongue out where I challenged. "Don't think I can't get up there, James." Lifting my legs I started to climb up the post until I heard my husband chuckling from inside the doorway. "I come back from work early and I find you two running around like dogs." Normally I wouldn't see him until it was dark and almost time to put our son to bed for the night, but I managed to pull some strings with daddy this morning and give the Bunkhouse cowboys an early night off since they have been working really hard this mouth.

Grabbing my husband's hat off his head placing it on my head smiling. He tucks hair behind my ear tugging me into his chest with his other arm. Wrapping my arms around his neck I grinned giving him a soft kiss. "Eww. I don't want to see that." James throws his hands up flopping back into the hay loft. Rip pulled away from me climbing up the ladder and I followed so we were all sitting above the horses. James lifted his head up now wearing his father's cowboy hat that is much too big for him. It brings a smile to my face because wearing that hat he looks so much like his father. "When can I ride a horse by myself, daddy?" He asked sitting on his knees almost bouncing off the walls. Rip leans his back against the wall watching me open a small window seeing the sun starting to set across the ranch. "You have to get a little bigger before you can get a on a horse, son. We don't want you to get hurt." Foosteps entered the barn so I peak my head over the side seeing my dad staring up at us. "What the heck are you to doing up there. It's time for dinner." He smiled at his grandson waving hi.

Closing the front door behind me James rushed to his grandfather who picked him up with the biggest grin I had ever seen since mom died. I was the same age as Kayce when it happened so it's hard to remember what life was like before she passed. Rip was there for me more than my own siblings where we managed to fall in love that ended up us having a son. Rip wrapped his arms around my waist resting his chin on my shoulder as we watched the pair play in front of the fireplace. "Honey, I've been thinking about something." I trailed off hearing him mumble back kissing my cheek. "What's that darling?" Turning around in his hold I stare into his dark eyes with a cheeky smile. "I wanna have another baby." Rip blinked a couple times causing me to bite my lip in nervousness. He didn't like dogs but he had gotten used to raising a child. He leans forward kissing me softly and I kiss back. He breaks the kiss resting his right hand to my cheek smiling, one that is so rare it makes me swoon everytime. "I wasn't gonna say anything unless you wanted one. But that's a great idea because...I wanna have a little girl this time." Wrapping my arms around his neck I lean up on my toes kissing him until I felt a marshmallow hit the back of my head. Turning around James cheers throwing another at his father's chest. "Marshmallow fight!" So that's how the evening went with the four of chasing each other around playing with marshmallows.

Comments really appreciated 😊

#rip wheeler x reader #rip wheeler x dutton reader #rip wheeler #cole hauser #yellowstone #yellowstone tv #requests open #100 requests!!!#ask box is open for anything #send requests to my ask box #comments really appreciated

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karen-anti-r-cml · 1 year

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April 24, 2023: Rep Zooey Zephyr, Montana State Democratic Representative who just happens to be a Transgender Woman has been Forbidden from Participating in Debates by republican-confederate maga loyalist for 3 Days in a row

This is not simply R-CML talking over Her or ignoring Her

The R-CML Voted for a 3rd Time to Continue Subjecting Zephyr to a Gag Order, Denying Her the chance To Speak.

But

This time Her Supporters were there and They Started Chanting “Let Her Speak!” from the Gallery.

It's important to note Her Supporters Who Were There, Were the PEOPLE of Montana who just Elected Her to Represent Them, Not Only in D.C., but also In Montana.

The republican-confederate maga loyalist Led House Denied PEOPLE OF MONTANA THEIR VOICE!!!

One CBS reporter wrote the PEOPLE'S Voices Were "Forcing legislative leaders [R-CML] to pause proceedings and clear the room."

But

Were the PEOPLE the cause, or was it a Group of FASCIST Silencing the Voices of PEOPLE Who Disagree With Them?

The PEOPLE Came to the House Peacefully, to Hear Their Representative Speak on Matters Important to Them.

The Democratic Way, Would've Been to Hear the Voice of the PEOPLE, Not to Send Armed Law Enforcement to Force The PEOPLE Out and Silence Their Voices

But

The R-CML Did Send Armed Law Enforcement To the Gallery Above the House Floor to Force Out PEOPLE Standing and Chanting "LET HER SPEAK"

Seven, 7 PEOPLE Who Disagreed With the R-CML were Arrested for Criminal Trespass, Criminal Trespass For Chanting.

Sheriff Leo C. Dutton said. The PEOPLE Arrested were going to be booked and released.

Before the House Session began there was a Peaceful Rally to Show Support for Rep Zooey Zephyr

The Capital Statue behind Her Supporter is Interesting to me, because it's depicting Union Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish Immigrant who was a Famous Revolutionary in Ireland and a Loyal United States Citizen During The Civil War.

January 1847: Meagher, John Mitchel, William Smith O'Brien, and Thomas Devin Reilly formed The Irish Confederation.

The Irish Confederation was for a National Parliament with Full Legislative and Executive Powers. The Founding was based on Principles of Freedom, Tolerance and Truth

Their goal was Independence for the Irish Nation from Britain and they held to any means to achieve that which were consistent with Honor, Morality and Reason.

July 1848: After a failed Rebellion that end The Irish Confederation Meagher Escaped, Came to the U.S. and Became a U.S. Citizen

His Reason Given for Loyalty to the United States During the Civil War...

"It is not only our duty to America, but also to Ireland. We Could Not Hope to Succeed in our effort To Make Ireland a Republic Without the Moral and Material Support of the Liberty-Loving Citizens Of These United States."

Meagher had supported the South, but disagreed over the issue of slavery.

The republican-confederate maga loyalist seem to have Nothing I Common With Thomas Francis Meagher

`1/

"Montana transgender lawmaker silenced again, backers protest"

"Montana transgender lawmaker silenced for third day; protesters interrupt House proceedings"

"Thomas Francis Meagher"

"Union Brigadier General/Politician Thomas Francis Meagher"

#human rights #transgender rights #Women's Rights #Rep Zooey Zephyr #United States of America #republican-confederate maga loyalist #republican traitors

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endlessreruns · 10 months

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(Cassie Steele) [The Planner]. Please welcome [Evangeline Cruz (she/her)] to Huntsville, WV. They are an [30]-year-old [VISITOR] who lives in [THE COMMUNE]. You may see them around working as a [1st Grade Teacher].

Name: Evangeline Cruz

Nick-Names: Eva, Vanjie

Face Claim: Cassie Steele

Age: 30

Gender/Pronouns: cis woman, she/her

Orientation: pansexual

Commune Visitor

Gatherer

Occupation: 1st Grade Teacher

Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog, and Spanish

~~~

Born in San Diego the younger half sister of Dahlia

Doesn't remember anything about California though as the family moved to El Paso, Texas when she was 1.

Eva did cheerleading in junior high and high school, and did pretty decently in her academics.

Was voted prom queen at her senior prom

When she was 18 she was the maid of honor at her sister's wedding.

Started her first year of college during the winter instead of the fall with an undeclared major before deciding on earning a degree in Early Childhood Education.

She was 24 when her sister and her family went missing after they'd moved to West Virginia

Eva moved from Texas to West Virginia to try and help in the search, but eventually it was called off and the Cruz-Dutton family was declared likely to be dead.

After this loss Eva fell into a deep depression and what started as one drink to try and forget turned into multiple drinks...every day until she found that she didn't know how to function without one.

At 26 she started getting help for her addiction after she wound up pushing away everyone that had been trying to help her, and she was left with no one.

When she was 27 she went out to the area where Dahlia had gone missing on her big sister's birthday, finding herself soon in some little town called 'Huntsville.'

After settling into the town she took on a job as the first grade teacher at the elementary school. It was through this that Eva learned that this was where her lost family was when her nieces wound up in her class.

Eva wound up moving into the commune a year after getting to Huntsville, having moved in because of someone she was dating at the time. While they are no longer together, she decided to stay at the commune.

She still struggles with her addiction, but has been doing better. She makes attempts not to drink, but she refuses to punish herself or make herself feel shitty if she does have one.

#intro: eva #huntsvilleintro

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warningsine · 7 months

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SYDNEY, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Australia on Saturday decisively rejected a proposal to recognise Indigenous people in the constitution, in a major setback to the country's efforts for reconciliation with its First Peoples.

Australians had to vote "Yes" or "No" in the referendum, the first in almost a quarter of a century, on the question of whether to alter the constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people through the creation of an Indigenous advisory body, the "Voice to Parliament".

Nationwide, with almost 70% of the vote counted, the "No" vote led "Yes" 60% to 40%. Australian broadcaster ABC and other TV networks have projected that a majority of voters in all six of Australia's states would vote against altering the 122-year-old constitution.

A successful referendum requires at least four of the six to vote in favour, along with a national majority.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged it was not the outcome he had hoped for but said the country would have to seek a new way forward for reconciliation.

"Our nation's road to reconciliation has often been hard going," Albanese said in a televised news conference.

"Tonight is not the end of the road and is certainly not the end of our efforts to bring people together."

Academics and human rights advocates fear the win by the "No" camp could set back reconciliation efforts by years.

The Voice to Parliament was proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a 2017 document crafted by Indigenous leaders that set out a roadmap for reconciliation with wider Australia.

Australia's Indigenous citizens, who make up 3.8% of the country's 26 million population, have inhabited the land for about 60,000 years but are not mentioned in the constitution and are, by most socio-economic measures, the most disadvantaged people in the country.

Supporters of the proposal believed entrenching an Indigenous Voice into the constitution would unite Australia and usher in a new era with its Indigenous people.

Many Indigenous people favoured the change, but some said it was a distraction from achieving practical and positive outcomes.

The political opposition has criticised the measure, saying it is divisive, would be ineffective, and would slow government decision-making.

"I'm devastated," Indigenous leader and prominent "Yes" campaigner Thomas Mayo said on ABC News.

"We need a Voice. We need that structural change."

SETBACK FOR ALBANESE

Referendums are difficult to pass in Australia, with only eight of 44 succeeding since the country's founding in 1901. This is the first referendum in Australia since voters rejected a proposal to become a republic almost a quarter of a century ago.

In 1967, a referendum to count Indigenous people as part of the Australian population was a resounding success with bipartisan political support.

This year's referendum, however, has not garnered unified support, with leaders of the major conservative parties campaigning for a "No" vote.

No referendum has passed in Australia without bipartisan backing.

The Voice has been a key feature of Prime Minister Albanese's term in office, and a referendum loss would stand out, political analysts say, as his biggest setback since coming to power in May last year.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticised Albanese for holding a referendum "that Australia did not need to have".

"The proposal and the process should have been designed to unite Australians, not to divide us," he told a news conference after the result was known on Saturday.

A misinformation campaign that spread through social media also sparked fear that the Voice - a purely advisory body - would become a third chamber of parliament, resulting in more federal aid to Aboriginal people, and more disputes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Albanese also criticised some sections of the media that he said had steered the referendum debate away from the core issues.

"We have had, including in outlets represented in this room, discussions about a range of things that were nothing to do with what was on the ballot paper tonight," Albanese said.

#Australia #politics #referendum #Indigenous Voice to Parliament

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tartlette1968 · 11 months

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Time I did this again...

What is happening in Aussie politics?

Well, now, there has been a great black cloud over all of the House in the Hill for a few years now. No surprise, women are being treated appallingly.

Last week the rancid opposition decided they would try an old tactic. Rather than do some self-reflection, and see where they went wrong, they tried to go on the attack. They made a big noise about exchanges between Brittany Higgins and a Labor Senator, and accused the current Government of "weaponising" sexual assault allegations.

Then, just yesterday, the 14th of June, in the middle of a speech in the Senate about standards of behaviour and standards of decency and fairness, Senator Lidia Thorpe stood up, and accused the Senator delivering the speech of sexually assaulting her some time ago. A few hours later she withdrew her statement, clearly stating that Senate standing orders made it necessary. She did not withdraw the accusation, announcing that she would be issuing a public statement some time later. In that public statement, she clearly did not withdraw the accusation. Instead she qualified it, and expanded on the incident she was talking about.

Now, I have not heard her statement in full, so I will not comment too extensively on this... well I simply can't. But very soon after the leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, announced that Senator David Van, whom Senator Thorpe accused, was no longer allowed to sit in the Liberal party room. Senator Van has been basically ejected.

Tremours, massive unsettling and upheval... well, no, I exaggerate. Despite this, from all outward appearances, things are normal. The press are making big noises about Senator Katy Gallagher and Brittany Higgins, forgetting that the rape allegations, and the subsequently inept handling by the Liberal Party are still yet to be addressed to anyone's satisfaction.

Then we come to the Labor Party, who are still trying to sell their rather limp attempt to tackle the housing shortage. Investing money, and then hoping that there will be a return on that investment to spend on community housing is somewhat feeble.

The cross-bench in the Senate, particularly the Greens and Senator Pocock, want a more direct way to finance housing. The Government need these votes if their legislation is to pass through the Senate, so it can come back to the House of Reps for it's final reading.

So Labor's suggested solution for the housing crisis is to cross your fingers, and hope.

Then there are the expensive and rather unjustified third stage tax-cuts. Labor is still throwing out their somewhat vague justification for not cancelling them.

In short, things are still not improving. With the aggressive and ridiculous attacks on anyone who supports Brittany Higgins, and the chaos around Senator Van, the Liberal Party, and, indeed, the entire Coalition are looking somewhat devoid of morality.

The arrangements for the Voice to Parliament referendum is proceeding, with the "No" case looking shabby, but somewhat spiny and desperate.

I'm not quite at that place where I'm ashamed to be Australian... yet. But I'm certainly at a point where I want to grab certain people by the shoulders and give them a good shake up.

Then I see news stories about the former President and his apparent appetite for hoarding classified documents, and I smile a little bit. Australian Politics isn't quite that bad...

#auspol #australian politics #brittany higgins #the voice to parliament

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thisselflovecamebacktome · 2 years

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I'm curious to see now if lnp will be acknowledging climate change or going further right. If most of the seats they lost went to Labor I'd say they wouldn't have acknowledged, but the increase in independents and greens makes me wonder. Never gonna vote for them either way, but if the independents do well which I expect them to, I don't see the lnp coming back without having a climate policy that actually does something.

I'm going to be honest, I don't expect it from them, but what I am interested to see is how this plays out in who they pick to be the opposition leader. Every news channel I've seen has put Dutton as the likely pick, and with good reason, he's the only one of the "big three" who didn't have a loss tonight (even though it was close) with Frydenberg losing his seat and Morrison losing the election. But with current and ex members of the party alike noting how much the Liberal party has isolated their moderate voters in areas outside of just climate change lately and how much of a role that played in their downfall tonight, perhaps it's time for them to consider putting a more moderate woman in the role (RIP to Julie Bishop who attempted this in 2019 lmao). As you said, regardless of the pick, I'm never going to vote for them, but they have a chance to revolutionise themselves tonight and it'll be interesting to see if they take it.

#auspol #australian politics #aus pol #politics #reminder to all americans that the liberals are australia's conservative party

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qnewslgbtiqa · 1 month

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Fury over PM's call on religious discrimination laws

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/fury-over-pms-call-on-religious-discrimination-laws/

Fury over PM's call on religious discrimination laws

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has caused outrage with an ultimatum on his government’s religious discrimination legislation.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Anthony Albanese told a Labor caucus meeting on Tuesday morning he wouldn’t put the legislation forward unless opposition leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition supported it.

Scott Morrison’s own religious discrimination bill famously fell apart before the 2022 election. Several Liberal MPs ultimately voted against it in parliament.

At the time, Labor promised to introduce their own reforms. Now, the government has a pair of as-yet-unseen bills ready, the Herald reports.

Anthony Albanese confirmed he’d told Peter Dutton the new proposal must have bipartisan support before he put it forward.

Ultimatum will delay removal of religious exemptions

However, LGBTQIA+ advocates are angry as this ultimately will likely delay one crucial reform: the long-awaited removal of religious exemptions permitting discrimination against LGBTIQA+ staff and students.

Those exemptions in Australian law currently permit religious schools and other faith organisations to discriminate against lesbian, gay and trans people.

Equality Australia has called for the government to repeal the exemptions for years.

They’ve warned Albanese he must keep his election commitment to do so and are frustrated at the prospect of more delays.

“While we continue to wait for the law to change, more people will lose their jobs and more children will be denied leadership roles or be forced to leave school,” Equality Australia’s Legal Director Ghassan Kassisieh said.

“We have spent more than a decade raising this issue, with many reviews and attempts to change the law.

“If the Prime Minister is serious about fulfilling his election commitment, he can take simple and quick steps right now to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ students and staff in religious schools.”

Just.Equal spokesperson Rodney Croome said Coalition support for the move was “very unlikely” and blasted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“Last year Albanese walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark WorldPride,” he said.

“Now, he’s throwing us off the bridge to appease those who want the right to expel, sack and otherwise mistreat us.

“In its entire time in office, the Coalition failed to protect LGBTIQA+ students and staff from discrimination by faith-based schools. It’s very unlikely to have changed its mind.

“By giving the Coalition a veto over Labor policy, Anthony Albanese has broken Labor’s election commitment and sold out LGBTIQA+ students and staff.”

Rodney Croome said his home state of Tasmania had banned faith-based schools discriminating against LGBTIQA+ staff and students “for a quarter century without the sky falling in.”

Liberal Michaelia Cash argues for religious freedom

At the weekend, the Coalition’s shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash said she’d heard “very concerning things” about the Albanese government’s proposals.

She demanded religious schools be able to “operate in accordance with their values, their doctrines and beliefs.”

“There is a real risk here that religious schools will not be able to conduct themselves in accordance with their values,” the Liberal MP told Sky News.

On Monday the Greens argued religious schools – particularly those receiving public funding – shouldn’t be discriminating against people.

Greens LGBTQIA+ spokesperson Stephen Bates said he’s also worried that, just like in 2022, the rebooted religious discrimination debate will “unleash a torrent of LGBTIQA+ hate in our political system, our media and our community.”

“Anti-discrimination laws can’t be a Trojan horse for other kinds of discrimination,” he added.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

#education #religion

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equestrianempire · 2 months

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Wednesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

Happening this week – the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (GPE) Organizing Committee and the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Making the podium at all five editions of the event – and scoring a hattrick of wins – Liz Halliday has three chances to defend her title, with Cooley Quicksilver (winner of the 4*S at Kentucky last season), Cooley Nutcracker (winner of two 4*L events in 2023) and last year’s champ (and Kentucky 5* third place finisher) Miks Master C all set to take their turn in the start box. It’s tough to bet against her, but with a super-stellar lineup, the competition is hot hot hot!

We’ll see all the US big hitters – the likes of Phillip Dutton, Will Coleman, Buck Davidson, Will Faudree and Lillian Heard Wood, who all bring two rides, with Boyd Martin and Doug Payne each having three shots at the title. And the list goes on… Maryland 5* winner Austin O’Connor is over from Ireland, and there are not one but two 2023 Pan-Am Games gold medalists in the form of Caroline Pamukcu (individual gold) and Canada’s Coleen Loach (team gold). There are just too many top contenders to mention here – one thing’s for sure, we’re in for a stacked competition and we can’t wait!

The action kicks off with dressage at 8am EST on Friday, followed by show jumping at 3pm. The cross country gets underway on Saturday at 12:30pm. You can watch it all play out live on H&C+ (subscription required) and we’ll of course be bringing you everything you need to know – keep it locked onto EN and follow @goeventing as we dive into the 2024 season.

Also of note: Today is National Public Sleeping Day, which, to my understanding, means that it’s entirely legal – and indeed encouraged – for you to take a nap, wherever and whenever the Zs take you. Think staff meetings, while waiting in line, during particularly boring conversations you’d rather not be having – please not in the saddle. Apparently Oliver Townend snatches forty winks between cross country rounds at 5* events, which makes it totally plausible for me to round this off by saying go eventing, and nap.

U.S. Weekend Preview

2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Ride For Charity Teams] [Ride For Charity Online Vote] [Volunteer] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] Schedule – [03/01 8am-2pm EST Dressage] [03/01 3pm-5pm EST Show Jumping] [03/02 12:30pm-3pm EST Cross Country]

Full Gallop Farm March Wednesday H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. II (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (Paso Robles, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

International Events

Portuguese Spring Tour (Mata do Duque) [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Portuguese Eventing Association Facebook Page] [More Info]

Wednesday News and Reading

We’re kicking off today’s News and Reading with a couple of cool opportunities – first up the chance to have your event horse’s conformation critiqued by former USEA YEH Championship judge Chris Ryan. All you need to do is send a conformation photo and short video of your horse – straight on and from the side – being led at walk and trot to [email protected] and it’ll be considered as part of the USEA’s Conformation Critique series. You only have ‘til Wednesday March 6th, so cameras at the ready and have at it.

Next up, bookings are open for British Eventing’s webinar with Sally Mcginn from Mind Oddessey, where she’ll be talking all things reflection. From making balanced reflections and dealing with post competition blues to identifying strengths and working on the gaps, the session sounds like it’ll be super helpful for those of us who are striving towards competition aspirations as well as less competitive but thoughtful riders who use reflection to improve their performance when working towards goals at home. The webinar will take place on March 14th at 7pm GMT and costs £15.

And while we’re on the topic of things coming up – what better way to celebrate an extra day this year than to get quizzy with it? In aid of the British Eventing Support Trust but absolutely open to anyone around the world who enjoys getting quizzical, this leap year quiz night is sure to be a blast – and there’s a trophy at stake. If I win, can I claim it as an eventing win? My general knowledge may not be quite so general as it could be, but I’ve for sure got a better chance of winning a quiz than an event. If you’re up for the competition, you need to register to receive the Zoom link, which you can do right here. The questions will be comin’ at ya from 7pm GMT / 2pm EST tomorrow (February 29th). See you there.

With a bunch of medals to his name, including Olympic gold, US based British eventer and USEF Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law is a voice we listen to when it comes to training tips. 17-year-old Austin Skeens got to do just that in person when he had the opportunity to train with Leslie as part of the USEF E18 training program, and lucky for us, he’s shared what he learned. With tips for all three phases, from straightness in dressage and nailing your show jumping warm up to making good choices for your horse on the cross country, there’s lots here for us all to take away and work on.

Yes, we’re once more revisiting the phenomenon that is Shane Rose’s mankini – which is apparently not one of the silliest riding costumes ever seen. A research poll conducted by the ‘Chillax Institute’ has concluded that the scrap of neon orange was actually a rather fitting choice, given its aerodynamic properties and the weather in Australia at this time of year. And as far as the accolade of ‘silliest riding costume’ goes, Shane’s mankini didn’t even make the top-five on the list. It’s probably time we put ‘mankini-gate’ to bed, but there’s for sure one more laugh to be had in this satirical jaunt.

And finally… Saving the best / weirdest / most hilarious ‘til last, I present to you donkey basketball. Yes, really. It’s basically basketball on donkey-back, and the justification for such an intriguing addition to the sport is the added unpredictability these stubborn equines bring to the game. You will see plenty of planting. You probably won’t see a donkey doing a slam dunk. (If you’re in any doubt that this is a thing, here’s proof.)

Sponsor Corner

Talk about turnout! 🌾🌿🌱 This 18+ acre farm has all the pasture space your horses could ever need. Featuring a 20 stall barn and an RV hookup 🚐 this property is perfect for someone who wants to build their dream home and keep their horses on property while they do it. Learn more on Ocala Horse Properties’ website.

Video Break

We’re so lucky to be involved in a sport where age and sex pose relatively limited barriers to not only enjoying the sport, but also competing at the highest levels within it. From show jumping legend John Whittaker, who’s still at the top of his game aged 68, to eventing’s own eight-time Olympian, Andrew Hoy, aged 65, and long-time hero Pippa Funnell, who’s smashing it for the horsegirls at 55, there are many shining examples of the longevity that equestrian sports provide athletes. At the other end of the scale are competitors such as Sky Brown, Britain’s youngest ever summer Olympian, who won a bronze medal in skateboarding in Tokyo. Here’s what went down when King of Dressage Carl Hester met the young talent:

youtube

#Eventing

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featurenews · 2 months

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Australia news live: Sussan Ley stands by Dunkley byelection tweet that Jason Clare calls ‘grubby’; TGA moves to ban Ozempic copies

Deputy opposition leader defends herself and labels immigration minister ‘hopeless’. Follow the day’s news live * Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast Sussan Ley stands by Dunkley byelection tweet that Jason Clare calls ‘grubby’ Both sides of politics are pulling out all the stops as the Dunkley byelection goes down to the wire. You should delete the tweet… This is a classic example of why women aren’t joining the Liberal party and why they’re not voting for the Liberal party, because of that classic, desperate, grubby political scare campaign we saw from the Liberal party yesterday. I don’t know, really, you must wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and think, after 25 years of being a member of parliament, is this what I’ve become? I’m reduced to putting out tweets like this? Anyone who watched question time during this week and saw your hopeless immigration minister unable to demonstrate that he even knows where his criminals [are], what they’re doing, who’s monitoring them and whether the community is safe, would probably not agree with what you’ve just said. Continue reading... https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2024/mar/01/australia-news-live-asio-mike-burgess-dunkley-byelection-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-jesse-baird-luke-davies-sydney?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

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trivial-troubles · 3 months

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The Voice Referendum Review

Finally discharged from my electoral duties, I reckoned my first post would be about the conduct of the 2023 referendum. Not just the political campaigns, but the work of all the key players.

Part 1: Our Humble Servants

As the Australian federal electoral agency, the AEC was tasked with the delivery of Australia's first referendum since 1999. While considerably easier than a standard election (no Senate preferences!), there was still the issue of setting into motion the largest logistical operation in Australia.

Overall, the AEC did an excellent job in rolling out the referendum - more than 20 rural voter services were set up in Western Australia alone, little changes to polling premises were made, and the public was well-informed on what to expect on polling day. Their social media presence was probably the best seen of any government organisation, with a clear aim to inform as many twitterers and facebookers as possible. Pre-writ enrolments were finished before close of rolls, and the scrutiny was done as quickly as possible. All in all, one of the best electoral events in modern history.

The only issue I could find was small, but prominent: the ticks and crosses debacle. It all came out of an interview that Tom Rogers, the Electoral Commissioner, gave on Sky News. While the rules have in place for 30 years, it gave plenty of concern, especially among No voters, that the AEC could provide an inaccurate count. However, while the controversy was there, actual informality rates were less than one would find at a general election, most likely due to the AEC's urging for people to write either Yes or No (as well as the fact that it was on the ballot paper).

Part 2: Our Loyal Activists

As expected, the major political figures in the Voice debate were Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton – Prime Minister and Prime Minister-hopeful. However, like the republican referendum, the Voice referendum had its own specific leadership teams to help fuel debate in Australia.

On the Yes side: Linda Burney, Marcia Langton, Thomas Mayo, and Patrick Dodson.

On the No side: Warren Mundine, Jacinta Price, and - to a lesser extent - Lidia Thorpe.

Probably one of the most prominent strategic issues for the Yes campaigners was the influence that Lidia Thorpe had on the debate. While far across the aisle from Price's perspectives, she was able to promote the "Progressive No" vote, as she was of the view that the advisory body would do little to right the wrongs that have plagued the area of Aboriginal affairs within Australia. With that, with every conservative voter that they helped sway with their "just an advisory body" line, they alienated a staunch progressive voter.

What also didn't help is that two of the major campaigners were devout ALP members, with Burney having served as National President prior to her parliamentary career. If you were of the view that the Voice was another Canberra-based bureaucracy with a love for red tape, the idea of it being created by Labor probably did nothing to sweeten that thought.

Additionally, there appears to be a bit of fatigue regarding how to campaign for referendums. The double majority rule means that traditional marginal seats are obsolete and there's a higher bar to clear. The Yes campaign did well in inner-city regions, and especially in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. However, in my opinion the No campaign was a lot more prudent with their resources, focusing on South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, as they had much smaller populations to target, but were worth just as much value as the Eastern Seaboard. Their targeted advertising in WA resulted in 13/15 electorates voting no in the referendum, even in seats that have been considered safe Labor seats.

Part 3: Our True Reaction

As with all political campaigns, the media took sides. The opinion columns in the Daily Tele, the Herald Sun, the West Australian and News Corp metropolitan papers generally favoured the No side, while the columnists at the Guardian, The Saturday Paper, and the Nine Papers (SMH, The Age, etc.) generally supported the Yes case. However, unlike traditional election campaigns, media analysis showed news reporting to be generally neutral in tone.

And then the referendum came and went. People had their names ticked off and cast their votes. If you were lucky, you got a sausage for your duty. If you were invested, you tuned into the television and watched the results come out.

And the result was shown simply:

39.94% in favour, 60.06% against.

0 states in favour. Referendum not carried.

And then the politicians made their statements, people went on social media to make their statements. Overall, the feelings on the No side were akin to a sigh of relief, having decisively blocked what they saw as unnecessary red tape. On the Yes side, people were considerably more upset, with some people seeing it as the end of Aboriginal reconciliation. Many progressives saw the vote as conclusive proof that Australia is a racist state that can't find a path to progress. Put simply, emotions were mixed. A few Aboriginal leaders called for a week of silence, due to the impact the campaign and ballot had on people's lives, and people were genuinely distressed because of the referendum.

However, I do want to point out one response from the Saturday Paper, as their first post-referendum issue's front page simply read "No.". While probably trying to show either despair in the newsroom, or solidarity with those who called for time to heal, it's pretty hard to swallow from a business gaining comfortable revenue from nearly a million readers, mostly left-leaning folk from the upper-middle class. I'd say it summarises the reaction on the Yes side quite well. At the core is a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities who reckon they need a break from the intense pressure that was put on them by both campaigns, and outside of that is a network of white activists and criers and Naarm Settlers™ who were very keen to cry for a community they've barely interacted with because of a cause they didn't pitch.

What's next for the realm of Aboriginal affairs is unclear. The government has stated that the Voice isn't the end, but as of 2024 there's been little discussion post-referendum, except for a few alcohol restrictions in towns such as Carnarvon, WA. But even without an advisory body, there are plenty of tools in the arsenal that could be used to help close the gap. While current governmental bodies have come under scrutiny, they're still there, and can be tweaked and altered if our elected representatives see fit.

We'll just have to see if either side of the aisle is willing to do it.

#auspol #voice to parliament #australia #politics #october 2023 #the saturday paper #referendum #alp #labor #anthony albanese #ausgov #albanese government

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duckpaddling · 4 months

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sublimeobservationarcade · 5 months

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Polling & Manipulation By Media

The media’s obsession with polls in the political spectrum is damaging to our civil society. I think a keen illustration of this was the recent Voice to Parliament for Indigenous Australian’s referendum. The constant polling around this drove the political debate to a large degree. Australians watched as support for the Voice dropped over the weeks and months according to the polls. What had been reported prior to the constant polling as having broad public support was eroded with each update to the polls. What I saw happening was uncertain Australians finding certainty in going with the flow of public opinion. It became alright to say No via perceived safety in numbers, according to the polls. Polling and manipulation by media is damaging to civil society.

Polls As Politicised Weapons

It showed how polling can become a politicised weapon in the hands of PR merchants and strategists. Newspoll comes to mind in this instance. Their previous and likely continuing association with News Corp has me thinking about those that want to make the news and not just report on it. The media, more generally, are in the business of turning every civic event and policy into a political contest. Their aim is to get eyeballs on their content via massaging the adversarial angle. In Australia, as is the same in the US and UK, the realm of government is constantly reported through the lens of it being a political shitshow.

Voice Polling Sunk Its Chances The Voice referendum failed and pundits told us that once Peter Dutton chose to not offer bipartisan support it never had a chance of succeeding. Indeed, Dutton and News Corp aggressively took up the cudgel against the proposal for constitutional change to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Islander people with a Voice to Parliament on issues impacting them. ‘If you don’t know, vote No’ was the catchy slogan of their campaign. Hardly an enlightening call to action but effective just the same. A celebration of Australian ignorance! Polling Is A Strategic Political Weapon Polling is a strategic political weapon. If a polling company selectively polls a limited number of respondents in areas they confidently suspect will be against the policy or political side in government and the results of this poll are published widely it cannot not have an effect on public opinion. Polling questions can be slanted in such a way to encourage desired outcomes. Managed polling strategies of this nature can ignite a political fire and produce a weaponised wave of anti-government sentiment. I am sure that professional political strategists are not unaware of the power of polling to influence public support for parties and candidates. It would be a major weapon in their arsenal and utilised wherever possible. “And yet recent 2024 polls, which serve, at best, as snapshots of the electorate a year out, become news events unto themselves, generating reams of coverage and endless commentary. They’re not actually breaking news events, like, say, a train derailment, even if treated as such. They’re more creations of a media industrial complex that longs for easy data points, for things that feel like facts but are actually imprecise measuring mechanisms. Even if the intention of conducting a poll is to capture the views and sentiments of voters, the outsized coverage of it may distort the picture of what’s going on. As Boorstin wrote, “The shadow has become the substance…. By a diabolical irony the very facsimiles of the world which we make on purpose to bring it within our grasp, to make it less elusive, have transported us into a new world of blurs.” (https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/11/2024-election-polls-donald-trump-joe-biden)

The Murdoch press with Fox News, Sky News Australia, network radio, and their glut of major newspapers are in the business of influencing political outcomes in Australia, America, and Britain. Objectivity is not something their editorial standards profess to. News Corp ushered in the op-ed and the power of opinion over investigative journalism. Their blatantly biased right wing approach to reporting is a big cog in the wheel of conservative politics in the Anglosphere. Fox News lost a billion dollar libel suit in America over false reporting about the 2020 election Donald Trump lost. Truth is no impediment to the fake news peddled by Fox News in the US. The absence of standards regarding factual content in the media is a major concern around the world. America is the most polarised it has ever been, according to pundits there. Murdoch fans the fires and makes money telling his one eyed Republican party viewers only what they want to hear.

Rosemary Ketchum at Pexels Calls For An Enquiry Into The Murdoch Media Calls for an enquiry, a Royal Commission into News Corp and the Murdoch media in Australia have been growing louder. Polling and publishing polls to determine public opinion would be well worth an examination, in my view. It would be interesting to discover the connections between those involved in Newspoll and News Corp. Are there tacit agreements about strategies undertaken with these polls and their publication via News Corp platforms? Polling and manipulation by media. Polling and social media are both just forms of gossip really, encased in new clothing to make them look more respectable. Public opinion gathered up and coalesced into instruments of persuasion. The ANU survey of 4, 200 respondents about the Voice referendum exposed the big gaps in educational standards in Australia via age groups, with older Aussies not finishing high school in the main. These voters bought into the divisive and misinforming No campaign and could not comprehend the generational disadvantage rife in First Nation’s communities. You learn how to see the perspective of others by studying them in higher education. You don’t commonly derive this ability through working hard for yourself and family all your life. It is easy for those who haven’t studied to throw off at it and label it useless. However, in this instance we see how civic life is enriched and deprived depending upon education levels of the citizenry. “Our survey data tells us a few things about who was more or less likely to vote yes. No voters were more likely to be male, older, speaking a language other than English at home, with low levels of education, living outside of capital cities, and living in low-income households.” (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/publications/detailed-analysis-2023-voice-parliament-referendum-and-related-social-and) Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of Money Matters: Navigating Credit, Debt, and Financial Freedom. ©WordsForWeb

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#Australia #Murdoch #NewsCorp #politics #polling #Voice

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