A message from Kerry O'Brien, ABC legend

With your indulgence, I'd like to share a few thoughts as the election grinds on around us against a backdrop of anxiety and consternation

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With your indulgence, I'd like to share a few thoughts as the election grinds on around us against a backdrop of anxiety and consternation that's ripping through the democratic world we have known all our lives and largely taken for granted. Here in Australia, our governments have often left us frustrated, even angry, but I think largely we've just always assumed that the fundamental principles underpinning our democracy and protecting our way of life would remain sound. The ABC has always been there for us as a part of that bedrock. We've seen it attacked time and again, particularly since the Howard years, but although it's been knocked around, and suffered savage funding cuts it's always emerged to repair and rebuild. In these crazy times we can't assume that any more. In Trump's America we're watching an unprecedented savage assault on mainstream media including public broadcasting, along with the judicial system and other democratic institutions. In our country, when the role of strong public broadcasting in this age of misinformation and political manipulation is demonstrably more important than at any other time in our history, the ABC is under attack again. We can no longer make any assumptions about its long-term survival. The ABC has never been able to count on bi-partisan political support, and those conservatives who irrationally see the ABC as their enemy are lining up again. There's talk of more "efficiency" inquiries and more funding cuts. Again. And the Murdoch media is also on the attack in lockstep. Again. That's why we're launching our biggest grassroots campaign of support in ABC history, targeting key election battlegrounds, putting the pressure on all political candidates to declare their position on the ABC. The election is now in full swing. The clock is ticking. Your donation today will help protect and preserve Australia's most trusted public institution. I cannot imagine Australia without the ABC. Your practical support right now will help guarantee that the unthinkable doesn't happen here. I've recorded a short video to explain why this fight matters so much - please take a moment to watch it.   In Solidarity Kerry O'Brien Please donate   ABC Friends https://www.abcfriends.net.au/

The capture of German Tiger 131 in Tunisia

The capture of German Tiger tank 131 in North Africa is a fascinating story. In April 1943, during the Tunisian campaign of World War II, the tank was part of the Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 504, a German heavy tank battalion.

The fascinating history of Taxi Cabs

The first taxi was launched in 1907 by businessman Harry N. Allen through his company, New York Taxicab Company. These were the first fleet of gasoline-powered cabs. The taxis were imported from France and equipped with “taximeters” to charge fees based on mileage. Drivers dressed like West Point cadets manned the taxis, which were originally painted red and green.

The First Yellow Taxi Company

A Chicago entrepreneur John Hertz, in 1915, opened the first Yellow Cab Company in his city. While choosing the best colour for the cabs, Hertz commissioned a local university study by the students of the University of Chicago to “scientifically ascertain which colour would stand out strongest at a distance,” per his biographer—and yellow won. To date, colour researchers agree that yellow is the most visible colour, though some have suggested that it’s chartreuse that the eye most easily detects. Thus, the first-ever yellow taxi emerged, and the idea stuck from then on.

1925 Yellow Cab

This story ignores the fact that yellow taxis had already appeared in various American cities before 1915. Businessman Albert Rockwell was operating a fleet of yellow cabs since 1909, as Yellow Taxicab Co. in NYC. Legend has it that Rockwell was merely appeasing his wife, Nettie, who preferred the colour.

Now, according to the law, all medallion cabs must be yellow, and any other vehicles for hire can be any colour besides yellow.

Cabs Around the World

In some cities, like London for example, cabs have always been historically black, and that has not changed since the 17th century when they used a horse and carriage. The iconic history of these cabs makes them stand out without having to be bright yellow!

So now the next time you see a taxi, you will know where its color came from!

1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test [video]

 

The 1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test, codenamed Operation Crossroads, was a pivotal event in history. It was a series of two nuclear tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The tests aimed to assess the effects of nuclear explosions on naval ships and to demonstrate the power of atomic bombs. The Two Tests: - Able: The first test took place on July 1, 1946. A nuclear bomb was dropped from an aircraft, detonating 520 feet above the target fleet. Although it sank only five ships, the test provided valuable insights into the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels. - Baker: The second test occurred on July 25, 1946. This time, a nuclear bomb was detonated underwater, sinking eight ships. The Baker test created a massive condensation cloud and contaminated the surrounding ships with radioactive water, making them unusable for further testing The Operation Crossroads tests marked the beginning of a series of nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll, which continued until 1958. These tests had a profound impact on the environment, the local population, and the world's understanding of nuclear power.

Why do people collect diecast toy cars?

 

Collecting diecast miniature cars and vehicles has been a popular hobby for many decades, and its appeal can be attributed to several factors. Here are some of the main attractions:

Film producer David Lynch has died aged 78.

David Lynch has died aged 78. David Lynch was a renowned film director, screenwriter, and artist, rather than just a producer. He's known for his surrealist and often unconventional style, which has captivated audiences and inspired generations of filmmakers.

Some of his most famous works include:

• - Eraserhead (1977)
• - Blue Velvet (1986)
• - Wild at Heart (1990)
• - Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
• - Mulholland Drive (2001)
• - Inland Empire (2006)

Lynch's films often explore themes of identity, trauma, and the human condition, frequently incorporating elements of mystery, horror, and dark humour. He's also known for his collaborations with actors like Kyle MacLachlan, Naomi Watts, and Isabella Rossellini.

Throughout his career, Lynch has received numerous awards and nominations, including several Academy Award nominations. He's widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential filmmakers of his generation.

Where is Spitbank Fort and what was it used for?

 

Spitbank Fort played a significant role during World War II, primarily serving as part of the coastal artillery defense system. Its strategic location in the Solent, near Portsmouth, allowed it to contribute to the protection of the vital naval base and dockyards ¹.

Spitbank Fort was built in the 1860s and 1870s as part of the Palmerston Forts, a series of coastal defense fortifications constructed in the United Kingdom during the 19th century.

The primary reason for building Spitbank Fort was to protect the strategic naval base and dockyards at Portsmouth from potential enemy attacks, particularly from France. The fort was designed to defend the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour and prevent enemy ships from passing through the Solent Strait.

Spitbank Fort was one of several forts built in the area, including Horse Sand Fort, No Man's Land Fort, and St Helens Fort. Together, these forts formed a strong defensive line to safeguard the naval base and surrounding area.

The fort was equipped with anti-aircraft guns and radar installations to detect and counter enemy aircraft, adapting to the new threats of aerial warfare ². Its garrison remained on high alert throughout the war, operating the artillery and anti-aircraft defenses.

Interestingly, the soldiers stationed at Spitbank Fort were deliberately chosen for their inability to swim, to prevent any attempts to escape ¹. Life on the fort was grim, but its presence helped secure the area and provided a sense of security for naval operations conducted from Portsmouth.