Bacon1

Australia has seen a dramatic transformation in its higher-education system over the past five decades. What began as freely accessible university education under Gough Whitlam in 1974 has shifted into a system where an arts-degree now carries a sticker price of around A$50,000. In the 1980s, the John Dawkins reforms merged colleges into universities, expanded access, introduced the income-contingent loan system (HECS), and encouraged universities to operate more like businesses. Government contributions to university funding fell from about 80 % to closer to 40 %, while student numbers more than tripled. A major shift came with the 2021 Job‑Ready Graduates scheme, which placed different price tags on degrees — humanities and arts became the most expensive, while STEM and teaching degrees were subsidised. As a result, a three-year arts degree could cost students about A$50,000 in upfront fees and long-term debt. These steep costs have serious consequences. Many students now juggle full-time study and part-time work; the repayment period for student loans has increased from about 7.3 years in 2006 to nearly 10 years today. Critics argue that the current model risks eroding access – especially for disadvantaged students – and that the logic of “student pays more if the degree pays more” is flawed. Key Takeaways: University funding models have shifted significantly: government support has dropped while universities behave more like competitive businesses. Arts and humanities degrees now cost the highest fees under the Job-Ready Graduates scheme, placing heavy debt burdens on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The rising cost of higher education is linked to increased student debt, delayed repayment, and concerns about equitable access to university for all. Adapted From https://theconversation.com/how-did-australian-universities-go-from-free-education-to-50-000-arts-degrees-in-50-years-268782

After more than 230 years of circulation, the United States Mint has struck its final one-cent coins, ending production of the penny. In a ceremony at the Philadelphia facility, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach pressed the button that produced the last batch of pennies—a decision driven by rising manufacturing costs and dwindling usefulness of the smallest denomination. Each penny now costs nearly four cents to make, and discontinuing its production is expected to save the U.S. Treasury roughly $56 million annually. Although no new pennies will be minted for circulation, the coins already in use—hundreds of billions—remain legal tender. The move follows a directive from Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate the penny on fiscal efficiency grounds. Retailers and banks are now adjusting as they await a shift in cash-transaction norms; some have begun rounding prices or rationing existing penny supplies. While the penny’s retirement reflects practical concerns, historians note its symbolic weight: introduced in 1793, the coin captured aspects of U.S. history, identity and design. With production ending, attention turns to how the economy and everyday cash transactions will adapt—and what comes next for other small-value coins. Key Takeaways: The U.S. has officially ended production of the penny, after more than two centuries of minting, due to production costs exceeding its face value. Though no new pennies will be made for circulation, existing 1-cent coins remain legal tender and are still in widely held circulation. Retailers and financial institutions are preparing for changes in cash transactions (such as price rounding), as this longstanding coin begins to fade from practical use. Adapted From https://apnews.com/article/us-mint-treasury-department-penny-end-production-86139df5644ef0885a9baf98e9677380

The UK has taken a major step by selecting Rolls‑Royce SMR to build its first small modular reactors (SMRs) at the former nuclear site of Wylfa in north Wales. The British government announced a £2.5 billion investment in the programme, with each reactor capable of generating around 470 megawatts. SMRs represent a newer nuclear technology designed for factory-built units and potentially faster deployment compared with traditional large reactors. By advancing this project, the UK aims to rebuild its domestic nuclear industry, support job creation, and reinforce its low-carbon energy ambitions. However, the decision triggered concern from the US side. The United States Embassy in London expressed “extreme disappointment”, pointing out that the UK bypassed the US-based Westinghouse Electric Company — a company backed by an $80 billion deal with the US government — in favour of a UK manufacturer. The US position argued there were “cheaper, faster and already-approved options” for clean energy at the site. In response, UK officials defended their choice as a strategic move to strengthen the national supply chain and deliver energy infrastructure that supports both the environment and employment. While the US reaction may not block the Wylfa project, it could influence future decisions about larger-scale nuclear builds or international partnerships. Key Takeaways: The UK selected Rolls-Royce’s SMR design for its first domestic small modular reactors at Wylfa. The US criticised the decision, arguing UK bypassed cheaper and proven US nuclear technology. UK officials emphasise the move strengthens local manufacturing, jobs and clean-energy strategy. Adapted From https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/13/us-disappointed-that-rolls-royce-will-build-uks-first-small-modular-reactors

Flame post & replies removed. @gargamon

Horrible comments, even though it might be your opinion, are better kept to yourself. Removed. @Hellfire

A letter from her doc, just to be 100% sure.

Comment on moderation removed @ChipButty

Comment on moderation removed @ChipButty

Comment on moderation removed @captain_shane

Offensive comment removed. @captain_shane

@Slowhand225 I have removed your laughing emoji. This was a comment on moderation. This is against forum rules. 13. You will not publicly comment on moderation in an open forum. You will not comment on actions taken by individual moderators or on specific or general policies and issues. You will not post a negative emoticon in response to a public notice made by a moderator. You may send a private message to a moderator to discuss individual actions or you can email support (at) aseannow.com to discuss moderation policy and account suspensions.You will not block communication from moderators or Admin. Aggression, personal attacks, or any form of abuse toward moderators will not be tolerated and will result in strict consequences. There is absolutely no excuse for abusive behavior.

Just doing a grammar correction. I don't speak Welsh or even have anything like a Welsh accent. It did this last week as well & the damn thing 'argued' with me saying that: "technically I spoke in Welsh"

I wonder where that Swedish child is, and where the oil protesters and all the other climate activists are. Why aren’t they protesting? Why aren’t they bringing this to the forefront so everyone can see? Probably because it’s not “sexy” enough. Perhaps because they’re not really going to get their fame — their twenty minutes of fame, or whatever it is. I’m actually very unhappy about this, but it’s not going to change, because they’re the bosses. Never mind.

In a controversial move ahead of the global climate summit COP30, Brazilian authorities have cleared nearly 100,000 trees across an eight-mile stretch in the Amazon Rainforest to build a four-lane highway for delegates, journalists and activists travelling to the nearby venue in Belém. The deforestation sparked immediate backlash from environmental advocates who argue that sacrificing a major carbon sink to facilitate a climate event represents deep hypocrisy. President Donald Trump, who is not officially part of the summit, publicly criticised the construction on his platform, calling it “a big scandal” and accusing organisers of tearing apart the rainforest. Environmental campaigners highlighted that the Amazon – often dubbed the “lungs of the Earth” for its role absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide – will suffer a hit to its climate-buffering capacity. One Canadian climate activist, Mike Hudema, posted on social media: “If you are cutting one of the world’s greatest climate solutions, you can never call yourself a climate activist.” The irony is striking: while world leaders prepare to gather in Brazil to agree on carbon reduction goals and climate action, the preparatory infrastructure itself appears at odds with sustainability objectives. Deforestation to provide access for the summit threatens to undermine the very message being delivered — that we must protect forests to secure our climate future. As scrutiny grows and voices of dissent multiply, this event serves as a stark reminder: even climate negotiations can produce environmental harm if planning fails to align with green credentials. Key Takeaways: Brazilian authorities cut around 100,000 trees in the Amazon to construct a road for COP30 participants, sparking environmental outrage. The Amazon’s capacity to absorb carbon is undermined by the deforestation, raising questions about the summit’s green credentials. Adapted From https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1357194-fury-as-100000-amazon-trees-cut-to-make-road-for-leaders-attending-cop30

China has quietly removed two major gay-dating apps—Blued and Finka—from both the Apple and Android app stores in the country, sparking alarm among LGBTQ+ communities over shrinking digital safe spaces. The removal affects new downloads, though users who already installed the apps can still access them. The move came after an official order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, according to a statement by Apple. Blued, founded in 2012, has grown to include some 40 million registered users globally, while Finka was acquired by Blued’s parent company in 2020. Although homosexuality is legal in China, activists warn that public visibility and civil society support for LGBTQ+ communities have been under pressure. Pride events like Shanghai Pride have been suspended, and community organizations have been forced to shut down. Observers say the removal of popular gay-dating apps signals an intensifying crackdown on online platforms used by sexual minorities—and a narrowing of the living and digital space available for LGBTQ+ people in China. While it remains unclear whether this is a temporary measure or part of a broader strategy, the action has already stirred concern and vocal reaction among users. Key Takeaways: Major gay-dating apps Blued and Finka have been pulled from app stores in China, restricting new access while existing users retain functionality. The removal was carried out under a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China, illustrating increasing regulatory control over LGBTQ+ digital platforms. Although homosexuality is legal in China, visibility and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals face growing limitations in both physical and online spaces. Adapted From https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/11/china-removes-gay-dating-apps-blued-finka-apple-android-lgbt-rights

A study from scientists at China’s Qinghai University reveals that a traditional remedy derived from the shrub Nitraria roborowskii (NRK) may significantly improve fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity in a diabetic-mouse model. Native to the arid regions of Western and Northern China, Mongolia, and Iran, the berry has been used for years in folk medicine. Researchers administered concentrated NRK extract to mice with diet-induced type-2 diabetes—set up by high-fat/high-sugar feeding plus injection of a beta-cell toxin. Compared with untreated diabetic animals, those receiving higher doses of the extract experienced a striking 30-40% drop in fasting blood glucose, restored HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, and significant reductions in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. Beyond these improvements in lipid profiles, treated mice showed around a 50% gain in insulin sensitivity, and their liver and pancreatic tissue appeared markedly protected from diabetes-related damage. The authors believe the NRK extract doesn’t merely treat symptoms—it may help reset underlying metabolic dysfunction. Although the results are early and limited to animal studies, they hint at a promising new direction in diabetes research, focusing not just on blood sugar control but on restoring holistic metabolic health. The findings were published in the Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy. Key Takeaways: A traditional Chinese-medicine shrub extract (N. roborowskii) improved lipid and glucose metabolism in diabetic mice. Treatment lowered fasting blood glucose by 30-40%, cut LDL/triglycerides, and raised HDL in the animal model. The findings suggest metabolic restoration rather than mere symptom control—though human trials are needed for validation. Adapted From https://www.sciencealert.com/ancient-chinese-medicine-ingredient-restored-healthy-fat-metabolism-in-diabetic-mice

Flame post & replies removed @PerfidiousAlbion Flame post removed @sungod

Comment on moderation @dutch boy

Can't see Tata Gold in bags, are they available?

Taylors Yorkshire Tea Doesn't taste like it used to, though.

Trolling post removed @Will B Good

Unnecessary comment removed @Rocky Sullivan

Troll post removed @Will Iam Not

Post removed. Not English language. @MalcolmB See Forum Rule #16

Unnecessarily vulgar comment removed @MalcolmB