AI slop shownotes as per usual.

Possible Episode Titles

Bears, Budgets, and the Billion-Dollar Interface

The BOM Shell, Hong Kong Fires, and Pink Ball Tactics

Bamboo Scaffolds and Bureaucratic Blowouts

From the Kowloon Hills to the Gabba: Bears, Bombs, and Bazball

Episode Blurb

In Episode 136, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack connect to discuss a tragic week in Hong Kong following a devastating fire in the New Territories. The Jacks dive deep into the bureaucracy back home, tearing apart the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s "interface" upgrade that ballooned from $4 million to $94 million—a classic case of consultant heavy-lifting and public service decline.

The conversation spans the globe, touching on the underwhelming COP summit in Brazil, the "shambolic" UK Budget under Keir Starmer, and the curious bonhomie between Donald Trump and his political rivals. Plus, there are bears attacking in Japan and "wrench attacks" in Vancouver.

Finally, the boys turn their eyes to the Gabba for the Pink Ball Test. Can England bounce back? Is Travis Head the key? And who will take home the flag in the AFLW Grand Final?

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00:00] Tragedy in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Jack reports on the devastating fire in the New Territories with a death toll nearing 100. The boys discuss the history of the apartment blocks, the use of bamboo scaffolding in construction, and the grim reality of high-density living for the elderly.

[00:09:13] The Lantau Swim

A lighter note from HK: two swimmers tackle the waters around Lantau Island. The Jacks question the water quality near the Pearl River Delta.

[00:10:31] Victorian Politics: A New Hope?

Discussion on the polling boost for Victorian Liberal Leader Jess Wilson. Is the shine coming off the Labor government, and can the Liberals actually win the next state election?

[00:14:03] COP30 in Brazil

A wrap-up of the climate summit in Belém. The consensus? A lot of money spent for very little actionable result, and relief that Australia didn't drop a billion dollars hosting it.

[00:16:15] The BOM Website Fiasco

Joel tears into the Bureau of Meteorology’s upgrade. What was sold as a $4 million "interface" refresh has skyrocketed to $94 million. A broader discussion on the "consultancy disease" (Accenture, IBM) and the hollowing out of IT skills within the Australian Public Service.

[00:28:03] The Brittany Higgins Saga Continues

Analysis of Cameron Milner’s "Watergate" comments regarding Labor’s handling of the Fiona Brown and Linda Reynolds legal claims. The Jacks argue for a swift settlement and a fair go for Fiona Brown.

[00:35:10] Inflation & The Public Service

Inflation sticks at 3.5%, driven largely by government spending. Discussion on the massive expansion of the public service workforce under the current government and the lack of a "Peter Walsh-style" finance minister to curb spending.

[00:39:49] Ukraine, Russia, and the Peace Deal

The latest on the peace proposals. Is a "dirty deal" inevitable? The Jacks discuss Russia’s war economy, J.D. Vance’s peace plan, and why Poland’s military build-up is the model for the rest of Europe.

[00:51:37] UK Budget Shambles

Reaction to the Starmer Government’s budget. Leaks, "mansion taxes," and rising welfare bills for the "work-shy." Plus, Kemi Badenoch’s parliamentary performance compared to the Keating era.

[00:59:04] The BBC’s Funding Crisis

The "Beeb" blows a billion dollars as license fee cancellations soar. Joel and Jack discuss the archaic nature of the TV license fee compared to funding via general revenue.

[01:02:19] Bear Attacks in Japan

An unexpected crisis in Japan: Asiatic brown bears are moving from rural areas to urban centres, mauling nearly 200 people.

[01:05:39] Crypto Crime in "Hongcouver"

A violent "wrench attack" in British Columbia highlights the dangers of physical crypto theft. Joel muses on the future of encryption vs. supercomputers.

[01:08:58] US Politics: Trump & The "Fascist" Label

Donald Trump’s surprisingly civil meeting with NY political figures (Zohran Mamdani) despite previous name-calling. Plus, the dismissal of the James Comey and Letitia James indictments.

[01:18:19] Cricket: The Gabba Pink Ball Test

Previewing the Test Match. Can England recover from their Perth tactics? The debate over Scott Boland’s bowling, Mitchell Stark’s form, and why it’s time to call time on Usman Khawaja. The Jacks predict tactics for the swinging pink ball.

[01:28:41] India’s Coaching Woes

After a 2-0 drubbing by South Africa at home, Gautam Gambhir’s tenure is under the microscope.

[01:31:05] AFLW Grand Final Preview

Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne at Princes Park. North are on a historic winning streak, but can the Lions cause an upset?

[01:32:48] Racing & Offshore Betting

A look at the leakage of wagering revenue to offshore operators and James Packer’s recent comments on tax.