Discussion The Random Discussion Thread

[StFly]

Yeah all good thanks mate. Got a bit hairy there for a while with the wind making sounds I've never heard before, house was shaking for a bit and I started to think wtf I'd do if the roof blew off. Thankfully that didn't happen!

Lost power around 10ish last night, still out, might be "a while" before it's restored I'm hearing. A lot of trees down. Storm surge wasn't as big as it might have been, around here at least. Even though it passed by extremely close, seems most of the carnage is further south, gold coast and northern NSW. Have some friends in Mullumbimby and they've had a ridiculous amount of rain the last 24 hours and absolutely insane winds. Obviously Lismore is in for a lot of grief these coming days, bloody hell ya gotta feel for the folk down there. Still a lot of places that haven't been repaired since the '22 floods.

So all in all, feeling like we got a bit lucky around here. I'm taking that luck as a good omen for the upcoming Saints season.

Great to hear that you and those around you are safe and well enough given the situation, even if others weren't as lucky given potential damages and floodings in interim.

Even if I don't speak to the sister any longer since house/estate dispute fractured olive branches, she's just out Newcastle since RAAF, so considering checking if they're making movements to assist at all, as in she heard anything.

But what, right now it seems to be hanging around Maroochydore with Alfie just staying for a visit.

Good to hear you’re okay. The day after a storm I always remember being mosquito free! And we’d all get out like a proper community and help clear driveways for people with important roles. And there would be a bonfire in every yard as we tidied up the fallen trees!

I remember a few really big storms in the islands and making the whole family go to bed fully clothed with boots on, because it felt like the timber framed house might go.

I’d pack suitcases with clothes and valuables in case I had to scramble in the dark of night.

The wind isn’t consistently strong. It gusts, putting enormous pressure on the building followed by pockets of calm and the building would spring back each time. Hairy is a good word.

When I was eventually able to buy a cement block house it was such a relief for the family during cyclones.

We were largely fine with wind, this house ventilates poorly (retains heat massively) and since cement base it was just batten outside and ride it out. Since the prevalence of earthquakes however, last one I had to consider moving to tackle the old man as he was next to our "bar" set up that has around 75 glasses stored in it at various levels and it was moving.

Thankfully nothing fell, but let's say you say hairy and I say concerning as might have had to cop some glass in said tackle if it came to it based on where he and I was at the time.

 

[jwikked]

Travel Diary: Room upgrade #2

Most favoured traveller status is now confirmed here in Goulburn.
Upgraded to a second floor room, with a balcony and a view down to the Convent garden next door. No nuns apparent.

Are you hitting the wineries?

 

[True Believer]

Are you hitting the wineries?

Are you hitting the nuns?

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

Are you hitting the wineries?

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

If Jane Austen had known about Elon Musk:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that an enterprising executive in possession of a multibillion-dollar fortune must be in want of a nap.”

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

A film review of the Dune series:

“When this series is complete, many hours will have been spent watching Timothée Chalamet as the Chosen One amid a war over seasoning.”

 

[Pakenhamsaint]

I've had a mare tonight.

I've ordered an oyster. A whole single oyster. 7 bucks later

 

[jwikked]

A film review of the Dune series:

“When this series is complete, many hours will have been spent watching Timothée Chalamet as the Chosen One amid a war over seasoning.”

Love the first book, I'm part way through the second book. The first two movies cover the first book.

They didn't show just how much of a resource water is, in the movies.

 

[jwikked]

I dunno if I'm the only one dumb enough to wonder what the answer to this question is, but I always wondered what a Life Member of a footy club actually means.

Turns out they get the standard membership package every year. Their loyalty goes up year by year. AFL players with life memberships get their scarves every year, their hats. I guess the last few years they just get that shop voucher.

 

[StFly]

I've had a mare tonight.

I've ordered an oyster. A whole single oyster. 7 bucks later

I dunno if I'm the only one dumb enough to wonder what the answer to this question is, but I always wondered what a Life Member of a footy club actually means.

Turns out they get the standard membership package every year. Their loyalty goes up year by year. AFL players with life memberships get their scarves every year, their hats. I guess the last few years they just get that shop voucher.

Depends where really.

AFL wise you get discounts and access to literally everything attached, varying levels, as well as some internal things, but say you have AFL life membership, you then basically have discounts for things at the MCG, SCG, Gabba, Perth, SA for whatever sport is played whenever. You want to see soccer, fine, you want to see cricket fine, lawn bowls fine, so long as it's on and you are that member here's your discount.

Locally, those of us in the caper organise things be it cheaper drinks behind the bar, more and cheaper bets on things to "we're sponsored by these butcheries, grocers and things, let us provide discounts and feed your fam for a year" so you know, it's largely discount based and access in a sense.

Then you have the life members that "don't deserve it" and yo do what you can to stifle things or delay things so they GTFO, you know local politicking.

 

[jwikked]

Depends where really.

AFL wise you get discounts and access to literally everything attached, varying levels, as well as some internal things, but say you have AFL life membership, you then basically have discounts for things at the MCG, SCG, Gabba, Perth, SA for whatever sport is played whenever. You want to see soccer, fine, you want to see cricket fine, lawn bowls fine, so long as it's on and you are that member here's your discount.

Locally, those of us in the caper organise things be it cheaper drinks behind the bar, more and cheaper bets on things to "we're sponsored by these butcheries, grocers and things, let us provide discounts and feed your fam for a year" so you know, it's largely discount based and access in a sense.

Then you have the life members that "don't deserve it" and yo do what you can to stifle things or delay things so they GTFO, you know local politicking.

I mean life members, as in those that were awarded a life membership from the club they played for

 

[Pakenhamsaint]

I mean life members, as in those that were awarded a life membership from the club they played for

I've gone to 450 games.

AFL should give me life membership for propping up the AFL

 

[SG34]

The shit we do for our kids

View attachment 2241096

Billie Eilish’s popularity comes from a mix of her unique sound, relatable persona, and perfect timing in the music industry. Here’s why she stands out:

1. Distinctive Sound – Her music blends whispery vocals, minimalist beats, and eerie, atmospheric production. Her brother, Finneas, co-produces her tracks, giving them a cohesive, intimate feel. This helped her stand out in an era dominated by overproduced pop.

2. Authenticity & Relatability – She presents herself as an outsider, expressing themes of anxiety, depression, and heartbreak in a way that resonates with Gen Z. Unlike the hyper-polished pop stars before her, she embraces flaws and vulnerability.

3. Aesthetic & Branding – Her signature oversized clothes, neon hair (at least early on), and moody visuals make her instantly recognizable. She has a cohesive artistic identity that extends beyond just music.

4. Genre-Blending Appeal – She mixes pop, electronic, indie, and even elements of hip-hop. This wide-ranging sound attracts a diverse audience.

5. Social Media & DIY Vibe – She built her fanbase organically through platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram, where she connected directly with fans. Her early songs, like Ocean Eyes, felt personal and homegrown.

6. Industry Support & Right Timing – While she started as an indie artist, her label (Interscope) gave her the right level of support without over-commercializing her. She emerged at a time when audiences were craving something different from traditional pop stars.

7. Live Performance & Personality – Despite her dark and moody music, she has a playful, down-to-earth personality in interviews, making her more likable. Her concerts also showcase a deep emotional connection with fans.

8. Cultural Shift Toward "Sad" & Introspective Music – Artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde paved the way for a shift from high-energy pop to more emotional, atmospheric music. Billie fit perfectly into this trend.

Her rise feels organic, but it’s also the result of smart artistic choices and great timing.

 

[jwikked]

Billie Eilish’s popularity comes from a mix of her unique sound, relatable persona, and perfect timing in the music industry. Here’s why she stands out:

1. Distinctive Sound – Her music blends whispery vocals, minimalist beats, and eerie, atmospheric production. Her brother, Finneas, co-produces her tracks, giving them a cohesive, intimate feel. This helped her stand out in an era dominated by overproduced pop.

2. Authenticity & Relatability – She presents herself as an outsider, expressing themes of anxiety, depression, and heartbreak in a way that resonates with Gen Z. Unlike the hyper-polished pop stars before her, she embraces flaws and vulnerability.

3. Aesthetic & Branding – Her signature oversized clothes, neon hair (at least early on), and moody visuals make her instantly recognizable. She has a cohesive artistic identity that extends beyond just music.

4. Genre-Blending Appeal – She mixes pop, electronic, indie, and even elements of hip-hop. This wide-ranging sound attracts a diverse audience.

5. Social Media & DIY Vibe – She built her fanbase organically through platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram, where she connected directly with fans. Her early songs, like Ocean Eyes, felt personal and homegrown.

6. Industry Support & Right Timing – While she started as an indie artist, her label (Interscope) gave her the right level of support without over-commercializing her. She emerged at a time when audiences were craving something different from traditional pop stars.

7. Live Performance & Personality – Despite her dark and moody music, she has a playful, down-to-earth personality in interviews, making her more likable. Her concerts also showcase a deep emotional connection with fans.

8. Cultural Shift Toward "Sad" & Introspective Music – Artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde paved the way for a shift from high-energy pop to more emotional, atmospheric music. Billie fit perfectly into this trend.

Her rise feels organic, but it’s also the result of smart artistic choices and great timing.

9. Massive cannons

 

[SG34]

9. Massive cannons

Me: What does ‘Massive Cannons’ mean in relation to a pop star?
ChatGPT: In relation to a pop star, "massive cannons" could be a metaphorical reference, often used in a playful or exaggerated sense, to describe someone's powerful presence, voice, or impact in the music industry. It might refer to the pop star’s vocal ability, stage presence, or the scale of their influence and popularity. In some cases, it could be a metaphor for "big" or "powerful" attributes that make the pop star stand out or leave a strong impression on their audience.

 

[tomjoad]

That's not what it means at all

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

 

[gringo2011]

That's not what it means at all

Should be referred to as "Bristols" so as not to be confused with Ari Schoenmaker's kicking.

 

[StFly]

I mean life members, as in those that were awarded a life membership from the club they played for

It's all levels of.

So say local as I was on board and arranged things without getting into specifics.

Joe Public gets a $7 schooner of beer on tap.
Life member Frank gets same thing for $3.50.

Joe public gets cut off at $50 on racing bids.
Life member Frank has no limit as he doesn't rort the system.

So what you as the one with power can give direct, via access, via connections, via things, life member can get, Joe Public can dream and pay full whack.

At AFL clubland and as you go up from straight local to aligned to actual, it all just grows, and at clubland it's all "we know specialists for X, use them instead of general public" for an example in what you might consider as access.

Hopefully that helps out.

It also helps explain why certain players end up at certain clubs and there's growing concern over third party dealings in AFL land at present. As frankly, not everyone plays fairly in those spaces.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

I give a lot of credence to this guy, and whether you "like" or "don't like " eilish, at least she seems to be a genuine performer, who doesn't do fake vocals.
She's actually very light on pitch correction and autotune

" billy being a great singer is not getting the credit that she deserves because pitch correction is so widely used in the industry"

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

The quality of room upgrade has improved.

 

[Dard Ball Get]

View attachment 2245482The quality of room upgrade has improved.

Have always wanted to get to San Francisco, what’s it like - as crime riddled as they say?

 

[BigPowerForward]

The simplest solution is always the best!

 

[StFly]

View attachment 2245915

The simplest solution is always the best!

1. Have rake.
2. Make orderly pile with rake.
3. Hire bobcat.
4. Put orderly pile into bobcat.
5. Catapult over fence line whilst driving along the fence.

This way as everyone knows, it gets stuck in shrubs, flowers, veggies and "things to hide the fence from internal vision" for maximum damage and short outlays.

 

[gringo2011]

1. Have rake.
2. Make orderly pile with rake.
3. Hire bobcat.
4. Put orderly pile into bobcat.
5. Catapult over fence line whilst driving along the fence.

This way as everyone knows, it gets stuck in shrubs, flowers, veggies and "things to hide the fence from internal vision" for maximum damage and short outlays.

**** that, demolish his house with the Bob cat.