Stupid World

[mashman]

Facebook blocks Australian users from viewing or sharing news (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-56099523)... full of so much stupid it really defies belief.

[mashman]

Police clash with residents in Portland over discarded food after power outage (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/police-clash-with-residents-in-portland-over-discarded-food-after-power-outage/ar-BB1dLKE0)... so so so stupid. At least France created laws to deal with these sorts of things.

[TheDemonLord]

Respect where respect is due:

Justin Trudeau (whom I usually despise) - actually found his testicles for long enough to call what is happening in China a Genocide - so Well Done that man.

[Viking01]

Respect where respect is due:

Justin Trudeau (whom I usually despise) - actually found his testicles for long enough to call what is happening in China a Genocide - so Well Done that man.

Think that you might have to back-track a little on that one:

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3122707/canada-pm-justin-trudeaus-cabinet-abstain-china

[TheDemonLord]

Think that you might have to back-track a little on that one:

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3122707/canada-pm-justin-trudeaus-cabinet-abstain-china

Oh Bugger.

The one time I try and be nice to the opposition.

So it seems the Canadian Parliament is the one with the Spine and Trudeau is just as despicable as always.

[Viking01]

Oh Bugger.

The one time I try and be nice to the opposition.

So it seems the Canadian Parliament is the one with the Spine and Trudeau is just as despicable as always.

Spineless ? I believe the current wording is that "he adopts a flexible position". It's much easier when you don't have ...

As for Canadian foreign policy, this would fall under the purview of Chrystia Freeland:

https://thegrayzone.com/2019/07/05/canada-adopts-america-first-foreign-policy-us-state-department-chrystia-freeland/
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2019/11/26/freelands-new-role-as-deputy-prime-minister-puts-2nd-command-titanic/
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/12/2/chrystia-freeland-trudeaus-heir-apparent

[TheDemonLord]

Spineless ? I believe the current wording is that "he adopts a flexible position". It's much easier when you don't have ...

As for Canadian foreign policy, this would fall under the purview of Chrystia Freeland:

https://thegrayzone.com/2019/07/05/canada-adopts-america-first-foreign-policy-us-state-department-chrystia-freeland/
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2019/11/26/freelands-new-role-as-deputy-prime-minister-puts-2nd-command-titanic/
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/12/2/chrystia-freeland-trudeaus-heir-apparent

I think it's time to post some Canadian Memes:

https://i.redd.it/6z6hgap5ryg21.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ikvqmllZQns/maxresdefault.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/31/80/0931804a8e4d2336f3038cb4e5d5a33b.jpg

https://i.redd.it/30r8vvfzcsf41.jpg

[Viking01]

https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20210224-canada-s-trudeau-tells-biden-us-leadership-sorely-missed

[mashman]

The Quantum Financial System, coming to your country whether you like it or not, soon... but it's ok coz:

"all sovereign currencies are backed by gold or assets, which will ensure their sustainability." (https://www.fosterswiss.com/en/2020/12/02/todo-lo-que-debes-saber-sobre-el-nuevo-sistema-financiero-qfs-quantum-financial-system/)

Stupid is as stupid does. 1.7 sustainable planets per year to maintain BAU, and they still think that it's how money is issued and used that's the problem :killingme... tis the blind leading the blind, coz that's what they know and rely on knowing in order to keep earning their salary. Just keep quiet. Don't rock the boat. Take your money and pray there isn't a power cut.

[pritch]

This item was the first headline on my phone this morning. It seems to fit a thread with the title "Stupid World".

https://news.yahoo.com/lady-gagas-dogs-stolen-hollywood-184048760.html

[R650R]

This item was the first headline on my phone this morning. It seems to fit a thread with the title "Stupid World".

https://news.yahoo.com/lady-gagas-dogs-stolen-hollywood-184048760.html

Says a lot about modern morals that the article focuses about the dogs and reward for dogs return.

No real mention of how the human victims are doing and how appreciated they were, all about the dogs...
What's that slave you got shot while walking my dogs I hope you bought yourself medical insurance!

[TheDemonLord]

I think people may be reading a bit too much into the Lady Gaga situation.

Just because you've offered a reward for the dogs, doesn't mean you aren't looking after the person that got Shot.

And given what fate is likely to await a stolen dog (illegal dog fighting) - I'm giving a large benefit of the doubt.

If any of my pets were in danger of being used in that manner - I'd do whatever it took to get them back.

[pritch]

https://www.facebook.com/OnlyinAustraliaOfficial/videos/3439970332781506

[Viking01]

This item was the first headline on my phone this morning. It seems to fit a thread with the title "Stupid World".

https://news.yahoo.com/lady-gagas-dogs-stolen-hollywood-184048760.html

https://www.rt.com/usa/516652-fbi-gaga-political-bulldogs-stolen/

[mashman]

Munger: A little inequality is good for the economy (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/charlie-munger-on-inequality-142445952.html)... Welcome to Earth.

[mashman]

Report: US wasted billions on cars, buildings in Afghanistan (https://www.yahoo.com/news/report-us-wasted-billions-cars-051819502.html)

"Additionally, the West has wildly underestimated the impact of Afghan corruption and in many cases incompetence. It was always a recipe for failure.”...

Except this isn't the first time the U.S. has created a war and wasted billions/trillions on maintaining it... but sure, blame the Afghans that helped the MIC. I think some people died/die too.

[Viking01]

https://wallstreetonparade.com/2021/03/more-than-a-year-later-americans-have-no-idea-where-9-trillion-of-fed-money-went/

Don't ask why their politicians have an issue with the economic stimulus payments to their citizens.

[pritch]

https://wallstreetonparade.com/2021/03/more-than-a-year-later-americans-have-no-idea-where-9-trillion-of-fed-money-went/
Don't ask why their politicians have an issue with the economic stimulus payments to their citizens.

That reads to me like the money Trump was pumping into the stock market to keep the market artificially inflated. We knew that the Fed was paying trillions to the banks in order to do this, that had been reported long since. That item appears to be the same story with more detail as to who was getting the money.

My first question is, what happens if Biden doesn't continue Trump's policy?

The next question is, how quickly will the NZ sharemarket follow the US stockmarket down?

[pritch]

IIRC we have some here might want to spend some cash to orotect themselves from 5G. This will probably cost rather more than a tinfoil hat.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/124069747/jamilee-ross-behind-anti5g-supplement-business

[Viking01]

An EU carbon tax was being discussed back in 2019 (when Trump was still in power). Happened to note this post this morning:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20210304IPR99208/meps-put-a-carbon-price-on-certain-eu-imports-to-raise-global-climate-ambition

And wondered how this might impact NZ.

Given (i) certain NZ sectors being exempt (ii) our past practice in buying carbon credits (iii) possible EU interest in excluding cost-efficient agricultural producers from outside the EU.

Mind you, some might argue that a carbon tax is just "shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic", and that it simply provides a means of more financial arbitrage and profit making (instead of actively helping to reduce emissions, let alone fast enough).

https://www.globalresearch.ca/climate-money-trail/5690209

Others, that it should be coupled with other means:

https://www.vox.com/2021/3/5/22310179/carbon-tax-climate-change-wealth-tax

[Edit]
For a discussion of the relative merits of a cap-and-trade vs carbon tax mechanism:

http://www.robertstavinsblog.org/2019/05/30/the-future-of-u-s-carbon-pricing-policy/

[mashman]

Mind you, some might argue that a carbon tax is just "shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic", and that it simply provides a means of more financial arbitrage and profit making (instead of actively helping to reduce emissions, let alone fast enough).

That's what the evidence and data point to. That there's an ongoing discussion about that which has been evidenced for at least the last century, is something truly special.

[Viking01]

That's what the evidence and data point to. That there's an ongoing discussion about that which has been evidenced for at least the last century, is something truly special.

Thanks.

The day was not even out, and I saw the following had also been posted:

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/speculators-are-creating-chaos-europes-carbon-tax-system

[mashman]

Thanks.

The day was not even out, and I saw the following had also been posted:

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/speculators-are-creating-chaos-europes-carbon-tax-system

They turned tax revenue, by creating credits, into a commodity and are surprised at what's taking place. Stupid World indeed. Not sure what the end goal is, but it'll likely lead to more monopoly given that the owners of production that survive the extra taxes will be the only ones able to pollute like fuck (still gotta make money using the same stuff the biz's are setup to produce etc...) and still afford to pay the bill whilst making gazillions in profit from primary resource destruction. Pretty much everyone else will then slowly be priced out of business...

... because history and economics show that this IS what happens. The resulting inefficiency creates many a mess at the coalface, but it is more profitable than people going out of business.

[R650R]

Not sure what the end goal is, but it'll likely lead to more monopoly.... Pretty much everyone else will then slowly be priced out of business...

... because history and economics show that this IS what happens. The resulting inefficiency creates many a mess at the coalface, but it is more profitable than people going out of business.

The end goal is “equality”, equality of life with those in Somalia, Mexico China etc....
Someone let the slaves learn to read and they building their own plantations and even living in their own “ big house”
The covid response by nz govt has been clear example of where we are headed and typical of how things operate. One layer after another is added til you can’t do anything or afford to...
Petrol power for instance will never be banned for private use, just a myriad of taxes will make it unaffordable.... while it will still be available for military and govt use.
The impact of covid on global logistics has been a clear indication of just how easy a few changes can bring our world to a halt... they now have data of e actly how fast or sly they’d can boil the frogs in the pot...
Soon an entire generation of indoctrinated millennials will happily demand to pay more taxes to forget the old world and live in their online matrix of instant gratification in an entirely digital world

[mashman]

The end goal is “equality”, equality of life with those in Somalia, Mexico China etc....
Someone let the slaves learn to read and they building their own plantations and even living in their own “ big house”
The covid response by nz govt has been clear example of where we are headed and typical of how things operate. One layer after another is added til you canÂ’t do anything or afford to...
Petrol power for instance will never be banned for private use, just a myriad of taxes will make it unaffordable.... while it will still be available for military and govt use.
The impact of covid on global logistics has been a clear indication of just how easy a few changes can bring our world to a halt... they now have data of e actly how fast or sly theyÂ’d can boil the frogs in the pot...
Soon an entire generation of indoctrinated millennials will happily demand to pay more taxes to forget the old world and live in their online matrix of instant gratification in an entirely digital world

Strange way to go about trying to achieve "equality"/equity, but hey.

When history repeats, societal collapse sits at the end. Such collapse has never been polite. As mentioned once upon a relatively not so long ago, the nuclear problems that come with such collapse will likely render the planet a dust bowl ("They" die too lol). That some think we're somehow going to avoid that outcome by walking the same path verges on clinically insane.

Hence why it seems like a strange way to go about setting the world to rights when the path we're on is very much known given the evidence available.

If you want to know the future (where we're going), just have a look at our collective business projections... coz it's those little bits of data that made Today what Today is. Today was planned last year (and further out) to be exactly how it has turned out to be (more or less and covid aside), and we have last years (and further out) business projections to prove it.

So, history is forecast to repeat. The evidence in our collective business reports shows that out intention is to continue.

[R650R]

https://www.rt.com/uk/518088-sadiq-khan-white-men-stem/

London mayor says unacceptable that 65% of engineers are white males. Guess he didn't see what diversity hiring has done for Boeing or certain bridge collapse projects....

When the world reopens stay the F&$@ off any new bridges or tall buildings in London....
Go woke go broke....and go wobbly

[mashman]

Scientists Politely Remind World That Clean Energy Technology Ready To Go Whenever (https://www.theonion.com/scientists-politely-remind-world-that-clean-energy-tech-1819576507)

Response so far:

Thanks guys. Appreciate the heads up.

Just need a slight economic re-design this end fellas, then we'll be good to go too. Although we have a similar issue here in that we seem to be waiting on something more than an overwhelming scientific consensus before we move forwards. As this issue is somewhat outside of our remit, and not something that science can do anything about either, we've passed the issue on to our economists. They assure us that they had almost nailed the perfect economy after almost 5,000 years of playing with currencies and failing, and then Covid came along. We have agreed to the next steps as outlined by the economists. Apparently the economists have lined up a guy called Klaus. He comes highly recommended and knows how to reset things. We think he wants to reset the financial system to 1984, and so far most countries seem to be happy to go along with it. We have our best agent sleeping with him at the moment, so once they know, we'll know and then you'll know. We're really excited this time. Keep up the good work.

Chur

[Viking01]

Scientists Politely Remind World That Clean Energy Technology Ready To Go Whenever (https://www.theonion.com/scientists-politely-remind-world-that-clean-energy-tech-1819576507)

Response so far:

Thanks guys. Appreciate the heads up.

Just need a slight economic re-design this end fellas, then we'll be good to go too. Although we have a similar issue here in that we seem to be waiting on something more than an overwhelming scientific consensus before we move forwards. As this issue is somewhat outside of our remit, and not something that science can do anything about either, we've passed the issue on to our economists. They assure us that they had almost nailed the perfect economy after almost 5,000 years of playing with currencies and failing, and then Covid came along. We have agreed to the next steps as outlined by the economists. Apparently the economists have lined up a guy called Klaus. He comes highly recommended and knows how to reset things. We think he wants to reset the financial system to 1984, and so far most countries seem to be happy to go along with it. We have our best agent sleeping with him at the moment, so once they know, we'll know and then you'll know. We're really excited this time. Keep up the good work.

Chur

Morning.
Just a word of warning. I wouldn't put too much belief in that Santa Klaus chap.

Think that he started a scheme whereby if you made a wish each year (and you'd been well behaved all year - and paid in your financial contribution), then at Christmas he granted you your wish. But it never seemed to turn out so. I've been wishing for all sorts of different things for years, but all I seemed to end up with were socks. And when I complain(ed) about it, our older son just says "socks to be you".

So, as I said, I wouldn't put too much belief in this Klaus chap.

Next thing you know, he'll come up with a (green) scheme to upgrade the propulsion system on his sleigh, raise an IPO and solicit funding. You've been warned.

....... Or have I got the wrong Klaus ?

[mashman]

Morning.
Just a word of warning. I wouldn't put too much belief in that Santa Klaus chap.

Think that he started a scheme whereby if you made a wish each year (and you'd been well behaved all year - and paid in your financial contribution), then at Christmas he granted you your wish. But it never seemed to turn out so. I've been wishing for all sorts of different things for years, but all I seemed to end up with were socks. And when I complain(ed) about it, our older son just says "socks to be you".

So, as I said, I wouldn't put too much belief in this Klaus chap.

Next thing you know, he'll come up with a (green) scheme to upgrade the propulsion system on his sleigh, raise an IPO and solicit funding. You've been warned.

....... Or have I got the wrong Klaus ?

heh... Yeah I think you're thinking of Claus. The Klaus guy has a green new deal too.

[Viking01]

heh... Yeah I think you're thinking of Claus. The Klaus guy has a green new deal too.

Yes, sorry, my mistake. I was thinking of Sinterklaas (the wife is Dutch).

Assume that this article identifies the chap that you were referring to:

https://viableopposition.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-people-behind-world-economic-forums.html

[mashman]

Yes, sorry, my mistake. I was thinking of Sinterklaas (the wife is Dutch).

Assume that this article identifies the chap that you were referring to:

https://viableopposition.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-people-behind-world-economic-forums.html

Yeah, that's the fella. He may be related to the Claus/Klaas family, indeed there are rumours that he has signed a Satan Clause to bring about a New World Order that sees human beings living under a boot or two... but those rumours should be ignored because how can anyone state the following and be a bad guy

"As we enter a unique window of opportunity to shape the recovery, this initiative will offer insights to help inform all those determining the future state of global relations, the direction of national economies, the priorities of societies, the nature of business models and the management of a global commons. Drawing from the vision and vast expertise of the leaders engaged across the Forum’s communities, the Great Reset initiative has a set of dimensions to build a new social contract that honours the dignity of every human being.".

[Viking01]

Unsure where to post this item. Note the passing of Sabine Schmidt of Top Gear fame.

https://www.dw.com/en/sabine-schmitz-queen-of-the-n%C3%BCrburgring-dead-at-51/a-56902612

[TheDemonLord]

Unsure where to post this item. Note the passing of Sabine Schmidt of Top Gear fame.

https://www.dw.com/en/sabine-schmitz-queen-of-the-n%C3%BCrburgring-dead-at-51/a-56902612

At least she gets to have Murray Walker comentating her arrival

*sheds a single, Manly tear*

[R650R]

Apparently this is a major problem in states, some people even installing skid plate type anti theft devices...


https://youtu.be/uC89-OzCdJs

[pritch]

Apparently this is a major problem in states, some people even installing skid plate type anti theft devices...



It's not just the US.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49767195

[rustys]

It's not just the US.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49767195

Had this happen in Waikanae the other week, lady had her car parked at the local Railway station for the day while in Wellington, came back hoped in the car and hello, hell of a noise,:eek5: bet she wondered what was happening....yes Catalytic converter cut off gone. Apparently they get about $80 to $100 for these at the scrap yard.

[mashman]

US set to release 'difficult to explain' UFO evidence - ex-Trump intelligence chief (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/us-set-to-release-difficult-to-explain-ufo-evidence-ex-trump-intelligence-chief/RIMXDDU4H747UYJ2O2OIRUSBZM/)

WTF is so classified about UFO's? Who saw it fit to keep this sort of information away from the general public and leave it in the realm of conspiracy?

Three Women Drop Sex Trafficking Suit Against Harvey Weinstein After Agreement On Victims’ Fund (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/three-women-drop-sex-trafficking-204119755.html)

Yes you are entitled to compensation, but you can only have it if you drop certain charges. And people wonder how and why these sorts of crimes continue.

[TheDemonLord]

Yes you are entitled to compensation, but you can only have it if you drop certain charges. And people wonder how and why these sorts of crimes continue.

Well, that depends on what your motivation is:

Justice or Money.

[mashman]

Mexican inventors make nose-only mask (https://www.yahoo.com/news/mexican-inventors-nose-only-mask-173739133.html)

The pinnacle of human know how and essential resource use.

[pritch]

Don't know where else to put this so I'll park it here. The amount is amazing but it will be put to good use.

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/mar/23/banksys-nhs-covid-gift-superhero-nurse-sold-for-record-167m

[pritch]

Q Anon has an explanation for why the Suez Canal is blocked. :whistle:

https://www.newsweek.com/qanon-ship-suez-canal-hillary-clinton-1578428

[R650R]

Q Anon has an explanation for why the Suez Canal is blocked. :whistle:

https://www.newsweek.com/qanon-ship-suez-canal-hillary-clinton-1578428

What utter garbage, pure proof that Q is a controlled outfit designed to discredit conspiracy theories.
No respectable site is publishing that nonsense...

If it was a deliberate grounding (a ship that size should not do a handbrake skid style beaching under any circumstance absent major multiple simultaneous failures) the real motive is money through profiteering of rise in oil prices or economic sabotage against someone’s goods onboard.
No one is going to be cutting seals on customs bonded containers in between destinations.

The ships is fully loaded and sitting higher than it would empty afloat.
The hull is structurally compromised by the full weight being born by the bow and stern instead of the middle.
This is a mega disaster costing 400 million dollars a day for other delayed shipping.
The world is already backed up by covid drama, this will now make all related shipping takes four times longer due to Africa cape detours. Which means four times less capacity and rampant price gouging on shipping costs.
Nothing but some serious dredging will move that big girl.
Surprised no ones posted the New York Times story, ship drew a coco and balls on its GPS plot before entering canal ....
Was the elite reminding someone whose really in charge ???

[Viking01]

Q Anon has an explanation for why the Suez Canal is blocked. :whistle:

https://www.newsweek.com/qanon-ship-suez-canal-hillary-clinton-1578428

I can recall that Evergreen Aviation was a CIA front company, famous for running drugs, guns and herbicides across south-east Asia and central America.

The ship Ever Given is operated by the Taiwanese firm Evergreen Marine (and owned by Shoei Kisen of Japan). And it is carrying cargo including toilet paper.

Perhaps this is the marine division of the CIA busy at work. Surreptitiously trying to block canals everywhere and cause widespread discomfort. ;)

[mashman]

What utter garbage, pure proof that Q is a controlled outfit designed to discredit conspiracy theories.
No respectable site is publishing that nonsense...

If it was a deliberate grounding (a ship that size should not do a handbrake skid style beaching under any circumstance absent major multiple simultaneous failures) the real motive is money through profiteering of rise in oil prices or economic sabotage against someone’s goods onboard.
No one is going to be cutting seals on customs bonded containers in between destinations.

The ships is fully loaded and sitting higher than it would empty afloat.
The hull is structurally compromised by the full weight being born by the bow and stern instead of the middle.
This is a mega disaster costing 400 million dollars a day for other delayed shipping.
The world is already backed up by covid drama, this will now make all related shipping takes four times longer due to Africa cape detours. Which means four times less capacity and rampant price gouging on shipping costs.
Nothing but some serious dredging will move that big girl.
Surprised no ones posted the New York Times story, ship drew a coco and balls on its GPS plot before entering canal ....
Was the elite reminding someone whose really in charge ???

I wonder if the Evergreen truck blocking traffic in China is a real thing.

[mashman]

"Reserve Requirements
For many years, reserve requirements played a central role in the implementation of monetary policy by creating a stable demand for reserves. In January 2019, the FOMC announced its intention to implement monetary policy in an ample reserves regime. Reserve requirements do not play a significant role in this operating framework.

In light of the shift to an ample reserves regime, the Board has reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent effective on March 26, the beginning of the next reserve maintenance period. This action eliminates reserve requirements for thousands of depository institutions and will help to support lending to households and businesses."
(https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200315b.htm)

Oh what a surprise, they've removed restrictions on the printing of money... like they were using those restrictions in the first place. Ya don't constantly print hundreds of billions/trillions without such being the case. It's isn't even subtle... unless you're so culturally indoctrinated that you've forgotten how to use your brain. So, this will be of interest (heh) to and understandable buy (heh heh) approximately 1 or 2 of you.

When there's less planet available for you to use as future assets, ya have no choice but to remove the gloves that you used to use to pull that promise out of your arse with.

[Viking01]

"Reserve Requirements
For many years, reserve requirements played a central role in the implementation of monetary policy by creating a stable demand for reserves. In January 2019, the FOMC announced its intention to implement monetary policy in an ample reserves regime. Reserve requirements do not play a significant role in this operating framework.

In light of the shift to an ample reserves regime, the Board has reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent effective on March 26, the beginning of the next reserve maintenance period. This action eliminates reserve requirements for thousands of depository institutions and will help to support lending to households and businesses."
(https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200315b.htm)

Oh what a surprise, they've removed restrictions on the printing of money... like they were using those restrictions in the first place. Ya don't constantly print hundreds of billions/trillions without such being the case. It's isn't even subtle... unless you're so culturally indoctrinated that you've forgotten how to use your brain. So, this will be of interest (heh) to and understandable buy (heh heh) approximately 1 or 2 of you.

When there's less planet available for you to use as future assets, ya have no choice but to remove the gloves that you used to use to pull that promise out of your arse with.

If I recall rightly, this action then happened back in March 2020 (a full year ago), where reserve requirements were removed for all deposit categories by the US FOMC. Has something new happened since ? Have I missed something ?

[mashman]

If I recall rightly, this action then happened back in March 2020 (a full year ago), where reserve requirements were removed for all deposit categories by the US FOMC. Has something new happened since ? Have I missed something ?

The text does say that it became official last year... I'm just catching up and passing it on to anyone else that missed it, especially those who still think that the money creation process is somehow backed by assets/deposits/etc...

[mashman]

PM accomplishes about the same as pretty much all PM's before her. Public shocked.

[Viking01]

The text does say that it became official last year... I'm just catching up and passing it on to anyone else that missed it, especially those who still think that the money creation process is somehow backed by assets/deposits/etc...

My mistake. Since yours was a recent post, read the text as if a year had passed between the two events.

[mashman]

My mistake. Since yours was a recent post, read the text as if a year had passed between the two events.

lol time travel ;). Meh. WHEN these sorts of things take place is kind of irrelevant really... isn't it? That such events happen, yeahhhhh not so much.

[mashman]

Hong Kong: China limits parliament to 'patriots' (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56560829)... lolz.

[mashman]

UPDATED: Carter Holt stops supply to ITM, Bunnings and Mitre10 (https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/updated-carter-holt-stops-supply-to-itm-bunnings-and-mitre10)... bloody labour.

[R650R]

UPDATED: Carter Holt stops supply to ITM, Bunnings and Mitre10 (https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/updated-carter-holt-stops-supply-to-itm-bunnings-and-mitre10)... bloody labour.

I was waiting for the disciples to say they had been paid off by the national party to make labour look bad lol.
This has interesting parallels to USA refining industry where “accidents” and lack of infrastructure investment cause short supply and price hikes.

What gets me is they say China is paying top dollar for our logs making kiwi timber expensive for domestic market. One time where govt intervention truely is needed....

[Viking01]

I was waiting for the disciples to say they had been paid off by the national party to make labour look bad lol.
This has interesting parallels to USA refining industry where “accidents” and lack of infrastructure investment cause short supply and price hikes.

What gets me is they say China is paying top dollar for our logs making kiwi timber expensive for domestic market. One time where govt intervention truely is needed....

Puzzled re your last point:

1. So, what would you have Government do ?

2. How is this much different from the meat and dairy situation of past years (where export quality product is exported, while local Kiwis still pay "high prices" for non-export grade dairy products)?

[husaberg]

Hart brought CHH years ago stripped off its assets like forests lost a shit ton of money in Aussie and generally lot money every year since.
He sold the paper mills and then unsuccessfully tried to sell the rest but as he had run it down without re-investing in the business, also as it wasn't worth much without a supply of timber or an opportunity to profit, no one wanted it.
especually given they have amassive litogation with lasrer framing which was not as durable as H1 as it was advertised as and also wit Shadow clad which had issues.
He took 400 million in wage subsidies and then chose to shut the factory large mill in northland after covid.
Now he's chosen not to supply retailers that compete with Carters which the group own.
WTF does any of this have to do with the current government.

He did the same with Goodman fielder, only much more successfully.........


There is not a shortage of timber only a shortage of supply to some of CHH customers that compete with CHH owned Carters and Placemakers
the commerce commission is taking an interest in CHH activities so watch this space.

[R650R]

Puzzled re your last point:

1. So, what would you have Government do ?

2. How is this much different from the meat and dairy situation of past years (where export quality product is exported, while local Kiwis still pay "high prices" for non-export grade dairy products)?

2- Thete is no shortage of meat or dairy for local consumption.

1-We have a housing crisis and a shortage of raw materials should not be added to problem of lack of skilled labour.
Establish an Investigation (not an inquiry they have no power)into pricing, supply issues, milling issues and transport issues around timber products.
MBIE and commerce commission immediately execute physical and digital search warrants on key players to establish why timber mills closed in growing nation.
Refuse export licence for a raw material to a nation where it will likely be RE manufactured into low quality goods that could be made in NZ.
Provide tax breaks and incentives to encourage nz companies to make exportable goods with our raw materials to the point where they are economically conpetitive with imported goods of same.
0% company tax if you take a school leaver and turn them into a skilled worker in permanent employment.
Remove GST from all construction and NZ food products immediately

[mashman]

I was waiting for the disciples to say they had been paid off by the national party to make labour look bad lol.
This has interesting parallels to USA refining industry where “accidents” and lack of infrastructure investment cause short supply and price hikes.

What gets me is they say China is paying top dollar for our logs making kiwi timber expensive for domestic market. One time where govt intervention truely is needed....

It's an easy out innit.
Fragile things the economy. Someone fucked up with the management of mortgages a few years ago. No complex supply chain involved in that one either. So long as it's not an airplane moment "Oh, and we're out of coffee." we can carry on regardless. Some other fecker can live that joy.

lol@govt intervention. No one, not the govt, nor industry, nor China etc.., no one can intervene in what is taking place without there being consequences somewhere along the lines. Clearly China is way way way ahead of the game when it comes to playing the current form of monopoly. Corporations have no need for country loyalty, in fact the law frowns upon such anti-competitive sentiment. Money rules.

[TheDemonLord]

1. So, what would you have Government do ?

"Sir! Government intervention has caused a myriad of issues - Shall we remove our involvement?"
"No! The problem is clearly that we need more control and more intervention"

[Viking01]

"Sir! Government intervention has caused a myriad of issues - Shall we remove our involvement?"
"No! The problem is clearly that we need more control and more intervention"

Has your KB account been hacked ? That doesn't sound like the DL that normally posts on here. ;)

[pritch]

Meanwhie back in post Brexit Britain James O'Brien is pissed off. The Brexieers were told right from the get go that Brexit would threaten the Northern Ireland peace agreement. They said they would never do anything to endanger the peace agreement. If you've been watching the news you'll be aware how that's working out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKEpdNEGr7w

[pritch]

Some time back the British Post Office installed new Fujitsu software, "Horizon". The software reported that stamps or money were missing, hundreds people were charged, bankrupted, and or jailed, at least one committed suicide. The head of the Post Office repeatedly assured the politicians for a decade or so that all was well with the software. She was awarded a CBE for her service as head of the Post Office, that needs to be looked at again.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/post-office-high-court-case-it-horizon-postmaster-prison-latest-a9249431.html

[Viking01]

I see this morning that the UK fleet (no, not trawlers) is due to head off for mid-term break, and to do a world tour. Well, as far as Singapore. Six months at sea, visiting forty countries.

https://www.rt.com/op-ed/522247-britain-show-naval-air-power/

Hope the HMS Queen Elizabeth doesn't get caught sideways in the Suez canal. That would be embarrassing.

I can see Vlad is already excited about the prospect (given that it's already been reported on RT). He'll probably lay on a few sea mines in the Black Sea, just to liven up the festivities a little.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/record-size-and-scope-of-carrier-strike-group-deployment-announced

And I see that NZ has also been included as a "support act" for the performance. Despite having given Five Eyes a poke in the eye, we are still allowed to "play with the big boys" (well, for the time being, anyway).

Though what the f#$% the Danes are doing, joining in with this motley crew, I have no idea. You'd think they knew better.

[Edit]

https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2021/04/30/european-double-think-blames-china-for-endangering-peace/

[george formby]

The Danes are doing the catering.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/submarine-crew-bbq-cornwall-easter-b1826778.html

[Viking01]

The Danes are doing the catering.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/submarine-crew-bbq-cornwall-easter-b1826778.html

Well spotted, Sir. Thank you.

Yes, of course, as with any "pot luck" gathering, the Danes will be bringing the seafood.

I only hope that they haven't brought any Swedish surstromming (rotten herring) with them. Because, while it might not have been declared as being an "offensive weapon", I suspect there is no way that any of their submarines would be able to remain submerged once they've opened a can.

[mashman]

Miami private school Centner Academy won’t employ vaccinated teachers, staff (https://us.yahoo.com/news/miami-private-school-centner-academy-233603240.html)... ahhhhhh the division of it all.

[pritch]

Yes, of course, as with any "pot luck" gathering, the Danes will be bringing the seafood.

I only hope that they haven't brought any Swedish surstromming (rotten herring) with them. Because, while it might not have been declared as being an "offensive weapon", I suspect there is no way that any of their submarines would be able to remain submerged once they've opened a can.

That was my first reaction. I'd rather have the Danes catering than the Swedes bringing their fermented fish.

Norally, she of Itchy Boots, had a serious attempt at surstromming. It starts about 8.45 minutes in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYbFoISWE3Q

[Viking01]

That was my first reaction. I'd rather have the Danes catering than the Swedes bringing their fermented fish.

Norally, she of Itchy Boots, had a serious attempt at surstromming. It starts about 8.45 minutes in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYbFoISWE3Q

I'd forgotten about Norally and her attempt at surstromming. She certainly went about it the right way. I doubt very much the manufacturers had submarines in mind when they said "open it under water".

[mashman]

So let me get this straight. You live in a country that was conquered by capitalists, using slaughter, deception and extreme violence/policing. That's how capitalists did things before communism was 'invented' according to your history books. That's how capitalists did things whilst communism 'existed' too according to your history books... but you think that communists are a problem? As neither a capitalist nor a communist I find such levels of gross stupidity both amusing and concerning.

[Viking01]

So let me get this straight. You live in a country that was conquered by capitalists, using slaughter, deception and extreme violence/policing. That's how capitalists did things before communism was 'invented' according to your history books. That's how capitalists did things whilst communism 'existed' too according to your history books... but you think that communists are a problem? As neither a capitalist nor a communist I find such levels of gross stupidity both amusing and concerning.

Was this addressed to any specific person, or in response to any specific post? Just out of curiosity.

[mashman]

Was this addressed to any specific person, or in response to any specific post? Just out of curiosity.

Nah, such stupidity has been observed as being pretty ubiquitous over the years i.e. World stupidity.

[TheDemonLord]

So let me get this straight. You live in a country that was conquered by capitalists, using slaughter, deception and extreme violence/policing. That's how capitalists did things before communism was 'invented' according to your history books. That's how capitalists did things whilst communism 'existed' too according to your history books... but you think that communists are a problem? As neither a capitalist nor a communist I find such levels of gross stupidity both amusing and concerning.

Yes, because for all the ills that you attribute to Capitalism (and for the record, I reject most of them, because those same ills also existed in societies that were not Capitalistic), it still didn't manage to Kill as many people as the Communists did.

You say you aren't a Communist, but you subscribe to the idea of a Cashless society that was founded by a follower of Marx, Ideas that suffer the same ultimate flaw that Communism does (Great Theory, but incompatible with Humans).

[Viking01]

...

You say you aren't a Communist, but you subscribe to the idea of a Cashless society that was founded by a follower of Marx, Ideas that suffer the same ultimate flaw that Communism does (Great Theory, but incompatible with Humans).

https://sputniknews.com/analysis/202005071079213583-bill-gates-and-his-war-against-cash-are-a-threat-to-our-liberty-economist-warns/

[TheDemonLord]

https://sputniknews.com/analysis/202005071079213583-bill-gates-and-his-war-against-cash-are-a-threat-to-our-liberty-economist-warns/

Although an interesting read, slightly different from Mashman's concept of NOW.

FWIW - I agree with some of his points.

Although I think the one thing he's omitted is that producing/handling/storing physical cash has a cost that many groups would rather not have.

[Viking01]

I noted this morning that French fishermen - who had acquired fishing quota from Jersey quota holders - had been protesting about reduced rights to fish (e.g. number of days; number of species).

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/french-fishers-protest-over-jersey-rights-is-over-but-the-dispute-will-go-on

And that on Thursday, Boris has despatched two Royal navy ships to go patrol the main port on Jersey, after some 60 French trawlers had turned up to protest. Even two French patrol boats joined in on the act.

But I see this evening that the matter has been resolved for the time being. Which is perhaps just as well for Boris.

I had imagined Macron pondering what to do next: Do we impose a blockade around the island, or shall we just launch a full scale invasion?

Admittedly, Maggie Thatcher was fortunate she had "a little more to work with" when she despatched the Royal Navy off to the Falklands in 1982 to secure that corner of the empire.

So it was probably just as well that only two UK patrol vessels were needed by Boris to do his best "Horatio Nelson and Battle of Trafalgar" impression (especially given the main UK battle fleet was away up in Scotland on exercises, due to return to Portsmouth before heading off to the South China Sea to engage in "diplomacy" with China).

I had wondered whether Boris might grant some of the UK paratrooper regiments "a week off in the sun", and then drop them off by air onto Jersey (just for dramatic effect). But no, in the end, their services weren't needed.

China was probably monitoring this whole affair fairly closely, watching to see if the French attempted a blockade or an invasion. It might have given them a clue about how best to deal with Taiwan. Especially in light of the UK battle fleet coming their way.

[Edit]

https://southfront.org/france-and-uk-send-patrol-warships-to-english-channel-over-fishing-spat/

[TheDemonLord]

I noted this morning that French fishermen - who had acquired fishing quota from Jersey quota holders - had been protesting about reduced rights to fish (e.g. number of days; number of species).

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/french-fishers-protest-over-jersey-rights-is-over-but-the-dispute-will-go-on

And that on Thursday, Boris has despatched two Royal navy ships to go patrol the main port on Jersey, after some 60 French trawlers had turned up to protest. Even two French patrol boats joined in on the act.

But I see this evening that the matter has been resolved for the time being. Which is perhaps just as well for Boris.

I had imagined Macron pondering what to do next: Do we impose a blockade around the island, or shall we just launch a full scale invasion?

Admittedly, Maggie Thatcher was fortunate she had "a little more to work with" when she despatched the Royal Navy off to the Falklands in 1982 to secure that corner of the empire.

So it was probably just as well that only two UK patrol vessels were needed by Boris to do his best "Horatio Nelson and Battle of Trafalgar" impression (especially given the main UK battle fleet was away up in Scotland on exercises, due to return to Portsmouth before heading off to the South China Sea to engage in "diplomacy" with China).

I had wondered whether Boris might grant some of the UK paratrooper regiments "a week off in the sun", and then drop them off by air onto Jersey (just for dramatic effect). But no, in the end, their services weren't needed.

China was probably monitoring this whole affair fairly closely, watching to see if the French attempted a blockade or an invasion. It might have given them a clue about how best to deal with Taiwan. Especially in light of the UK battle fleet coming their way.

It's just like the Good Old days.

I especially liked the Re-enacter who decided to fire a Musket in the direction of the French :laugh:

[R650R]

China was probably monitoring this whole affair fairly closely, watching to see if the French attempted a blockade or an invasion. It might have given them a clue about how best to deal with Taiwan. Especially in light of the UK battle fleet coming their way.

U.K. Battle fleet .... haha that is hilarious. Naval surface fleets are irrelevant in super power confrontations. Couple torpedos or an air burst nuke and China just created a new artificial reef to build an island on.
Aircraft carriers are only good for bullying third world nations, that's why only America is stupid enough to have more than several of them.
Most likely China would launch some kind of cyber attack to cripple taiwans economy and infrastructure, then buy up the remains with international aid package.
China thinks ahead in decades, their mantra has always been death by a thousand slow cuts rather than a single slash of Japanese samurai.
And you can see this in their war with the west, they've slowly infiltrated our institutions and society weakening us and also making us dependant on their economic trade.
And aircraft carrier is merely a limp dick mosquito buzzing aimlessly around a carefree floating lantern.

[Viking01]

It's just like the Good Old days.

I especially liked the Re-enacter who decided to fire a Musket in the direction of the French :laugh:

Afternoon.

On the subject of ships of the realm, I see that Boris is going all out to get that knight-hood:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/05/01/exclusive-britannia-rule-waves-new-royal-yacht-named-prince/

[pritch]

Afternoon.

On the subject of ships of the realm, I see that Boris is going all out to get that knight-hood:



In the past Boris Johnson has sneaked away on expensive, exotic holidays, raising questions as to who picked up the tab. Similar to the current furore over the Trumpesque wallpaper his girlfriend selected for the flat at number 10.

It's possible he wants a royal yacht so that he can have free holidays in interesting places. Normally suggesting a new yacht would just cause raised eyebrows or outright laughter. Naming it after Prince Phillip though might fog up the red white and blue tinted spectacles.

[mashman]

"Due to social and economic structures in place today—specifically divisions into rich and poor, powerful and weak, and superior and inferior—the excess premature death rate is between 10 and 20 million per year, which is over ten times the death rates from suicide, homicide, and warfare combined.[9]" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_violence)

This takes place under capitalism and is accepted as normal business practice. Over 10 years the number of capitalism related deaths eclipses anything that one or two communist guys did over 100 years. Of course that doesn't ft your narrative, but it is a fact. Can you accept that fact? No you can't... but by all means throw critical thinking out of the window and claim otherwise because you're too much of a snowflake to see just how you've been sucked in to someone elses limited version of history.

[pritch]

Being curious I took a peek at the projected path of China's twenty odd tons of space junk. It was not reassuring to find New Zealand is listed as "at risk". About the only positive is that if twenty tons of space junk hits you at 18,000mph you probably won't even notice.

[Viking01]

Being curious I took a peek at the projected path of China's twenty odd tons of space junk. It was not reassuring to find New Zealand is listed as "at risk". About the only positive is that if twenty tons of space junk hits you at 18,000mph you probably won't even notice.

Pritch,
I think you can safely say that were you hit by space junk at speed, you would not be alive to recollect the event.

But I have to laugh at this whole "Chinese space junk" episode. If it was "western space junk" that was being discussed, it would have been cast with a far more positive media spin.

They would have been marketed as 'collectibles". Hell, there would have already been offers up on Ebay to buy fragments (should any be found and recovered).

I have one or two old metal fittings at home that I've been trying to dispose of for a while. I thought that I might just wait until after the Chinese rocket body has fallen back to Earth, then advertise them on Trade Me and see if there is any interest.

You keep your head down. And stay safe.

Cheers, Viking.

[Edit]

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202105/1222992.shtml

[R650R]

Pritch,
I think you can safely say that were you hit by space junk at speed, you would not be alive to recollect the event.

But I have to laugh at this whole "Chinese space junk" episode. If it was "western space junk" that was being discussed, it would have been cast with a far more positive media spin.

They would have been marketed as 'collectibles". Hell, there would have already been offers up on Ebay to buy fragments (should any be found and recovered).

I have one or two old metal fittings at home that I've been trying to dispose of for a while. I thought that I might just wait until after the Chinese rocket body has fallen back to Earth, then advertise them on Trade Me and see if there is any interest.

You keep your head down. And stay safe.

Cheers, Viking.

Reminds me of the Green Party complaining about Rocket Lab nz being involved in launching GPS equipment that was assisting us military.
No mention of all the rocket fuel being burned in the process in our nice clean air lmao

[R650R]

"Due to social and economic structures in place today—specifically divisions into rich and poor, powerful and weak, and superior and inferior—the excess premature death rate is between 10 and 20 million per year, which is over ten times the death rates from suicide, homicide, and warfare combined.[9]" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_violence)

This takes place under capitalism and is accepted as normal business practice. Over 10 years the number of capitalism related deaths eclipses anything that one or two communist guys did over 100 years. Of course that doesn't ft your narrative, but it is a fact. Can you accept that fact? No you can't... but by all means throw critical thinking out of the window and claim otherwise because you're too much of a snowflake to see just how you've been sucked in to someone elses limited version of history.

I see the woke crowd are still mutilating dictionaries committing grammatical genocide. “ structural violence “ is the most wokest nonsense I’ve e ever read.
Take a look at timeline of human history... look at the massive population explosion that mechanised agriculture and capitalist ideals have enabled along with consequent longer life expectancies.
So when a person dies early in a third world country of slave labour is it the responsibility of the capitalist engaging their services from abroad or is it from the communist dictator running the third world country failing to ensure adequate work place health and safety?
Btw there’s a big difference between voluntarily working long hours in bad conditions as opposed to a bullet in the back of the head at midnight for your political beliefs....
Most people would agree working conditions in western countries far exceed those in communist China....

[FJRider]

... I have one or two old metal fittings at home that I've been trying to dispose of for a while. I thought that I might just wait until after the Chinese rocket body has fallen back to Earth, then advertise them on Trade Me and see if there is any interest.


Cheers, Viking.

Put them inside a fire drum and burn them a bit. They'll look more realistic as space junk ... ;)

[FJRider]

... This takes place under capitalism and is accepted as normal business practice.

So you're saying this is not happening in any other political system in the world. ONLY in the Western (style) political Governments. And has only started happening in recent times ... ??

[mashman]

I see the woke crowd are still mutilating dictionaries committing grammatical genocide. “ structural violence “ is the most wokest nonsense I’ve e ever read.

Try thinking about it too... unless you did, in which case :killingme...

[pritch]

Pritch,

But I have to laugh at this whole "Chinese space junk" episode. If it was "western space junk" that was being discussed, it would have been cast with a far more positive media spin.



That’s likely true except that, not for the first time, China is sending these up knowing that they will crash back uncontrolled. I can recall when SkyLab came down but that was a one off. If the Chinese are planning on doing this regularly they need to figure out how to do it properly.

[Viking01]

Put them inside a fire drum and burn them a bit. They'll look more realistic as space junk ... ;)

Excellent tip. Thanks for the good advice.

I had considered grinding off any possible recognisable English lettering (like "Methven"), and possibly punching a few marks which might resemble some Chinese characters (but thought that might just be a "bridge too far", and be too easily found out).

Think that I'll just keep it simple, and go with your recommendation.

Cheers, Viking

[mashman]

So you're saying this is not happening in any other political system in the world. ONLY in the Western (style) political Governments. And has only started happening in recent times ... ??

Nope... but throughout history the vast majority of our activity has been capitalistic and without the means for trade you are excluded by the structures created by society. Most definitely not limited to any ideology. At the moment capitalism is in the driving seat. The denial of those who blame communism commin for ya for todays problems is ludicrous at best... but don't tell anyone that, coz people get real pissy when the realised that they haven't reasoned themselves into the position they're defending. They get all personal and tritely cunty in their responses despite their own clear dissonance and bias. Moderately amusing, but exceptionally boring to see these carbon copy people claiming to be thinking human beings.

[Viking01]

That’s likely true except that, not for the first time, China is sending these up knowing that they will crash back uncontrolled. I can recall when SkyLab came down but that was a one off. If the Chinese are planning on doing this regularly they need to figure out how to do it properly.

I'm sure that once the Chinese have fine-tuned their navigation and guidance system - and can drop the booster rockets on the roof of the White House (and apologise afterwards), all will be fine.

[Edit]

Pritch, you can sleep safe tonight. As of 15 minutes ago:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/China-says-rocket-debris-landed-in-Indian-Ocean-west-of-Maldives

[mashman]

Take a look at timeline of human history... look at the massive population explosion that mechanised agriculture and capitalist ideals have enabled along with consequent longer life expectancies.

And look at the violence inherent in the system i.e. more than enough food to feed everyone, yet "Each day, 25,000 people, including more than 10,000 children, die from hunger and related causes. Some 854 million people worldwide are estimated to be undernourished, and high food prices may drive another 100 million into poverty and hunger." (https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/losing-25000-hunger-every-day). Gooooooo capitalism... coz prices gotta rise.

[pritch]

Take a look at timeline of human history... look at the massive population explosion that mechanised agriculture and capitalist ideals have enabled along with consequent longer life expectancies.
So when a person dies early in a third world country of slave labour is it the responsibility of the capitalist engaging their services from abroad or is it from the communist dictator running the third world country failing to ensure adequate work place health and safety?


Your argument may be based on a false premise. The state of Mississippi is ranked fiftieth for life expectancy in the "greatest nation on earth." It ranks equal with Bangladesh. Despite all the advantages of mechanisation and USA financial muscle, Mississippi has no better life expectancy than a country where farmers have only limited mechanical resources.

[pritch]

Maybe not?

[FJRider]

Nope... but throughout history the vast majority of our activity has been capitalistic and without the means for trade you are excluded by the structures created by society.

The whole basis of a Capitalistic system is trade. (Buy/produce a product then sell at a profit) Without the means of Trade ... it cannot be a Capitalist system ... :msn-wink:


Most definitely not limited to any ideology. At the moment capitalism is in the driving seat.

An assumption many make without full knowledge of businesses operating in Communist societies. There are probably more millionaires in Moscow than New York ... :blank:


The denial of those who blame communism commin for ya for todays problems is ludicrous at best... but don't tell anyone that, coz people get real pissy when the realised that they haven't reasoned themselves into the position they're defending.

The good news is ... people voted for it ... :calm:

As an aside ... ever noticed that in the past ... Most Government Departments and Businesses (like Railways and the Post Office) only charged a nominal fee for their service to populace. Now uneconomic businesses and services in some areas are shut. GONE. The tax payer that initially FUNDED it ALL is left to pay more to fund less.


They get all personal and tritely cunty in their responses despite their own clear dissonance and bias. Moderately amusing, but exceptionally boring to see these carbon copy people claiming to be thinking human beings.

The old story ... With good make-up and a nice looking dress ... a whore will still only look (at best) like a high class whore.

Some have a distinct lack of understanding on the concept of reality.

The only reality that interests them ... is how (good or bad) it affects THEM. If bad it must change. Good ... lets keep doing it.

Will a majority vote really change the bad to good .. ?? My opinion is no ... but it might just get a prettier dress ... :calm:

[FJRider]

I'm sure that once the Chinese have fine-tuned their navigation and guidance system - and can drop the booster rockets on the roof of the White House (and apologise afterwards), all will be fine.


Only if they use the American GPS systems ... :cool:

[TheDemonLord]

In the past Boris Johnson has sneaked away on expensive, exotic holidays, raising questions as to who picked up the tab. Similar to the current furore over the Trumpesque wallpaper his girlfriend selected for the flat at number 10.

It's possible he wants a royal yacht so that he can have free holidays in interesting places. Normally suggesting a new yacht would just cause raised eyebrows or outright laughter. Naming it after Prince Phillip though might fog up the red white and blue tinted spectacles.

Putting aside Boris for the moment, In terms of a venue for promoting international Trade, better working relationships etc.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was worth every penny.

Since Prince Phillip was a Naval Man, I think it's fitting that a new Yacht (which will be primarily aimed at Charles as and when he ascends the Throne and seeks to make his mark on the Monarchy) bears his name.

[mashman]

The whole basis of a Capitalistic system is trade. (Buy/produce a product then sell at a profit) Without the means of Trade ... it cannot be a Capitalist system ... :msn-wink:

Hence when you have no means of trade, yer kinda up shit creek by design... to the tune of approximately 10 to 20 million according to some. Pretty sure people are aware that their lifestyle comes at the cost of others, but hey, denial can sooth even the most tortured soul.


An assumption many make without full knowledge of businesses operating in Communist societies. There are probably more millionaires in Moscow than New York ... :blank:

Is there such a thing as a communist society anymore? I mean, how does the worlds biggest communist country become the worlds biggest capitalist earner too? A somewhat satirical dichotomy that still eludes me today.


The good news is ... people voted for it ... :calm:

Ah, the dichotomy unravels ;)



As an aside ... ever noticed that in the past ... Most Government Departments and Businesses (like Railways and the Post Office) only charged a nominal fee for their service to populace. Now uneconomic businesses and services in some areas are shut. GONE. The tax payer that initially FUNDED it ALL is left to pay more to fund less.

I used to smoko with a funny fella when constracting at MOE when National were restructuring. He was lucky enough to kee his job and get a considerable increae in his pay despite now being a contractor doing the same job. I'm familiar with some of the whys that contribute to those sorts of things, aye. Sprinkle a little cost of living, a dash of minimum wage, a frothing of compliance, and I kinda feel for the poor bastards who have to provide more service with the same funds, or at the very least funds that haven't kept pace with any particular entities costs given the other factors that raise the general cost of living.


The old story ... With good make-up and a nice looking dress ... a whore will still only look (at best) like a high class whore.

Some have a distinct lack of understanding on the concept of reality.

The only reality that interests them ... is how (good or bad) it affects THEM. If bad it must change. Good ... lets keep doing it.


Subjective goods that are objective bads that are dismissed because they're subjective goods. I'm familiar with that one too. That such silliness is used to claim the ownership of the boundaries of reality, errrrr, yeah, all I got is "silliness" just now.



Will a majority vote really change the bad to good .. ?? My opinion is no ... but it might just get a prettier dress ... :calm:

History says that that depends on whats on offer and how fucktarded the society of the day is with regards to how much resistance there is to any given issue being raised.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.

That gay people can now marry shows just how powerful the people can be when they choose to be, to the point that not only the establishment has to bend, but religion also joins the party. Women voting, the end of slavery, the regaining of sovereingty for colonised nations etc... More than just a prettier dress?

[R650R]

Your argument may be based on a false premise. The state of Mississippi is ranked fiftieth for life expectancy in the "greatest nation on earth." It ranks equal with Bangladesh. Despite all the advantages of mechanisation and USA financial muscle, Mississippi has no better life expectancy than a country where farmers have only limited mechanical resources.

Well ya all can’t be first equal except in a woke participation trophy world....

Think you’ll find it might have more to do with overconsumption of moonshine, MC Donald’s and prominence of swamp gators lol

[R650R]

And look at the violence inherent in the system i.e. more than enough food to feed everyone, yet "Each day, 25,000 people, including more than 10,000 children, die from hunger and related causes. Some 854 million people worldwide are estimated to be undernourished, and high food prices may drive another 100 million into poverty and hunger." (https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/losing-25000-hunger-every-day). Gooooooo capitalism... coz prices gotta rise.

What’s “ violent” about mismanagement of resources and difficulties of international logistics????

Holdomor.... Harvest of despair Ukraine..... getting a communist bullet in head for taking export grain to feed family, now that’s violent..,,

[R650R]

That gay people can now marry shows just how powerful the people can be when they choose to be, to the point that not only the establishment has to bend, but religion also joins the party. Women voting, the end of slavery, the regaining of sovereingty for colonised nations etc... More than just a prettier dress?

None of that is people power itÂ’s pat of the Elites manipulation and destruction of current society. You canÂ’t replace an existing system that people like without destroying the old.
Slavery just got repackaged, our owners worked out a clever way to give us a little freedom so that weÂ’d house, clothe and feed ourselves.
We canÂ’t really avoid working on the plantation if we want our freedoms society offers us...
And going by history our freedom is to be short lived. By all historical accounts we are overdue for some actual real “ violence” and calamity. And the scary thing is we are very weak compared to our ancestors of even a hundred years ago.
No doubt a predator drone will email the survivors some instantly communicable instructions on your future option....
Human intelligence and innovation were expanding at an exponential rate. Elon musk wiped the space race floor with his enterprise showing how much the establishment has been holding back. Open source of technology was becoming a real thing. Education is infinitely available anywhere in world on any subject....
Then the Pandemic conveniently put a brake on the worlds ambitions, but how long can they pull that lever...,

[mashman]

What’s “ violent” about mismanagement of resources and difficulties of international logistics????

Holdomor.... Harvest of despair Ukraine..... getting a communist bullet in head for taking export grain to feed family, now that’s violent..,,

When the avoidable is done on purpose, it is really mismanagement when it leads to better economic outcomes? It has become illegal to help feed the homelss in some parts of the U.S.

It is a violent act indeed. Although personally, I'd rather be shot than left to starve to death in world that knows I'm starving but will only do the bare minimum it can financially afford to ensure that food arrives along with the vaccines, school, supplies, and containers for carrying water from the nearest water source that may well be miles away in between working hours. And that still happens of a pretty large scale in 2021 despite capitlism having put on 2 large rock concerts over the last 30ish years to bolster the exposure and funds for the starving raising tens of billions for.......... How is life in the Ukraine these days :shifty: ;)


None of that is people power

All of it was people power. The Elite had to give up on those issues given the popular support for them or face the quite obvious backlash. When the popular support wasn't there, the Elite kept is as they chose. When popular support swang towards the women/slaves/gay/countries, things changed. A little bald dude and some of his fellow country peeps in India did it using non-violence once. In fact they took a beating to make the point... and finally the people rose in enough numbers, upgrading themselves to moderately miffed, that the establishment had to do more than bend, they had to leave. The Elite aren't stupid. They will bend when the population gives them no choice.

[R650R]

When the avoidable is done on purpose, it is really mismanagement when it leads to better economic outcomes? It has become illegal to help feed the homelss in some parts of the U.S.

It is a violent act indeed. Although personally, I'd rather be shot than left to starve to death in world that knows I'm starving but will only do the bare minimum it can financially afford to ensure that food arrives along with the vaccines, school, supplies, and containers for carrying water from the nearest water source that may well be miles away in between working hours. And that still happens of a pretty large scale in 2021 despite capitlism having put on 2 large rock concerts over the last 30ish years to bolster the exposure and funds for the starving raising tens of billions for.......... How is life in the Ukraine these days :shifty: ;)



All of it was people power. The Elite had to give up on those issues given the popular support for them or face the quite obvious backlash. When the popular support wasn't there, the Elite kept is as they chose. When popular support swang towards the women/slaves/gay/countries, things changed. A little bald dude and some of his fellow country peeps in India did it using non-violence once. In fact they took a beating to make the point... and finally the people rose in enough numbers, upgrading themselves to moderately miffed, that the establishment had to do more than bend, they had to leave. The Elite aren't stupid. They will bend when the population gives them no choice.

You may or may not have noticed but a lot of commie virtue signalling leftist alphabet people probable enjoyed themselves at those capitalist run rock concerts, many of them too lazy to take home their petroleum product based tents....

No the Elite always controls the narrative via the media to direct public opinion, the sheeple are so easily led....Big money OWNS a lot of NGO and protest outfits and DECIDES what is the issue of the day.... that’s why things suddenly drop off the news once they serve their purpose of redirection...
“Our girls” in Africa.... the migrant caravan.... migrants drowning g in Europe... terror groups....

There’s also a very good example of people power not working out so well in communist country... just ask the Chinese about that little problem with the impromptu new “ road markings” in Tianimen Square where there was a sudden firesale on organic red paint...

[mashman]

You may or may not have noticed but a lot of commie virtue signalling leftist alphabet people probable enjoyed themselves at those capitalist run rock concerts, many of them too lazy to take home their petroleum product based tents....

Of course I notice those sorts of things. The capitalist righties do the same thing. Neither could do either if shite tents weren't produced in the first place and were priced according to their true value, but they arent, because tents are made for profit and to budget coz capitalism. Tis the capitalist way and those kids are clearly supporting capitalism whether they know it or not. How very dare you have a go at them for being good capitalists. They learn what they know from the liars who set up the institutions that created the text books that kids learn from. That's why capitalism gets to stay despite the overwhelming evidence that highlights that it's fucking up decision making across the board and has been for a very long time. But sure, use the kids as an example of hypocrisy if it fits your narrative.



No the Elite always controls the narrative via the media to direct public opinion, the sheeple are so easily led....Big money OWNS a lot of NGO and protest outfits and DECIDES what is the issue of the day.... that’s why things suddenly drop off the news once they serve their purpose of redirection...
“Our girls” in Africa.... the migrant caravan.... migrants drowning g in Europe... terror groups....

WT. Sure that takes place, but not 100% of the time and especially not when the people aren't listening to the propaganda given that media wasn't present. What you're saying is that the Elite weren't happy with the division that was caused by women wanted the right to vote, or the division cause by global slavery, or division by colonisation, or division by sexual preference, so they thought it would be more divisive to give the people what they wanted? Am truly stunned here that you can't see the rather massive flaw in your logic. It's like saying that stabbing yourself in the heart is good for your health. If there was a thread of Stupid Things That The Woke Brigade State, that'd be top 3 out of millions. The Elite create division by removing division and then blame the removal on the people while the people blame it on them :killingme. Again, I remind you that some people think that they have reasoned themselves into positions that they clearly haven't :bleh:



There’s also a very good example of people power not working out so well in communist country... just ask the Chinese about that little problem with the impromptu new “ road markings” in Tianimen Square where there was a sudden firesale on organic red paint...

Yes, people power doesn't always work. Big fucking surprise when everyone's walking around blaming the Elite for not dividing them anymore.

[R650R]

.... ....

Women working was done to create a second group of workers and consumers to the benefit of consumers. Along with women voting it helped START women's rights and feminism.
Women already had rights, they had the right to the luxury of a warm safe home to enjoy raising their children and looking forward to their loving husband coming home and putting food on the table. They were part of the core nucleus of a safe stable society, the natural family/tribal unit.

That core family unit is what the Elite hates as people are always more loyal to the family than the state. It's a barrier to their desired end game where everyone are unit equal slave production robots living in Japan style coffin sized apartments in smart super cities.

The woke crowd like your self are tricked into thinking they are part of something special but all it's is the destruction of our natural societal hierarchy to a bland nothing ness where there is no incentive to progress to higher levels or innovate and design new tech.

We got to see in the CHAZ/CHOP experiment just how crap that future looks......

[mashman]

Women working was done to create a second group of workers and consumers to the benefit of consumers.

I agree... and they're still fighting for equal pay.



Along with women voting it helped START women's rights and feminism.

Women already had rights, they had the right to the luxury of a warm safe home to enjoy raising their children and looking forward to their loving husband coming home and putting food on the table. They were part of the core nucleus of a safe stable society, the natural family/tribal unit.

That core family unit is what the Elite hates as people are always more loyal to the family than the state. It's a barrier to their desired end game where everyone are unit equal slave production robots living in Japan style coffin sized apartments in smart super cities.

The woke crowd like your self are tricked into thinking they are part of something special but all it's is the destruction of our natural societal hierarchy to a bland nothing ness where there is no incentive to progress to higher levels or innovate and design new tech.

We got to see in the CHAZ/CHOP experiment just how crap that future looks......

Nope, even though I agree with the attack against the family unit bit, there is still no logical, reasonable or common sense connection between that and giving people what they collectively want in order to create division... especialy when 'They' have gone out of their way to keep it that way for thousands of years. THAT. Makes. Absolutely. No. Fucking. Sense. At. All... and has nothing to do with anyone thinkng thinking that they are a part of anything special. It's basic logic, reason and common sense for anyone who hasn't swallowed someone else's completely retarded train of thought. Neither right nor left hemisphere is that stupid unless it is switched off.

[TheDemonLord]

I agree... and they're still fighting for equal pay.

No, they are fighting a misunderstanding of basic Stats.

When you factor in things like:

Hours worked
Experience
Position
Education
Qualification
etc.

Basically all the factors that can affect what you earn - the 'Paygap' virtually disappears (less than 3% of a gap). But there are some interesting things to note - if you compare industries where Salary negotiation is far more common - you find that there's a slightly larger gap compared to those where there is either no salary negotiation (such as Public Sector jobs or large corporates with static Pay Scales) or very little negotiation - it's even smaller.

Furthermore, If you look at the stats for people under 30 - you actually find that the 'paygap' (using the same calculation as the other 'paygap') is the other way - Women are out-earning men. Not surprising when you consider that Women makeup the majority of University Graduates.

Then, it's almost like, The majority of Women decide to do *something* at around age 30, that on average takes them out of the Workforce for several years.

Oh and why is it the Majority of Women? One look at Tinder's data sets will tell you about Female Dating preferences (In short - Women look for someone who is earning similar to them or more) and so when one of you has to take time-off work - it's not the primary Bread Winner...

[pritch]

No, they are fighting a misunderstanding of basic Stats.

When you factor in things like:

Hours worked
Experience
Position
Education
Qualification
etc.



A woman of my acquaintance, an IT professional, was recently thinking of changing jobs. She was somewhat dismayed at the chauvanism she encountered in her job search. She's happy now, got a good job with a company that's exciting to be with.

Funny thing, off hand I know maybe half a dozen women in Auckland, and two of them work for that company and it's not *that* big.

Yet.

[pritch]

So the way the story goes, the jockey that rode the Kentucky Derby winner was invited to Mar a Largo to meet Trump. He replied that if he really wanted to see a horse's arse all he had to do was finish second.

I suspect that's one off the way back stack.

To bring it up to date. The Kentucky Derby winner has failed the dope test. If the B smple is a fail the second place getter will be declared the winner. Although sadly punters who backed that will not get another pay out.

The trainer of the horse has declared the whole situation to be an example of "cancel culture". Straight out of the RWNJ handbook. To give him credit though he has not so far accused anybody of being "woke". That'd be really silly.

Perhaps not as silly as Trump referring to the horse as a junky (sic).

[mashman]

More than 120 retired generals and admirals wrote to Biden suggesting he wasn't legitimately elected and questioning his mental health (https://us.yahoo.com/news/more-120-retired-generals-admirals-100024106.html)

"Our Nation is in deep peril," the signatories wrote in the introduction to the letter.

"We are in a fight for our survival as a Constitutional Republic like no other time since our founding in 1776. The conflict is between supporters of Socialism and Marxism vs. supporters of Constitutional freedom and liberty."

... coz reds under the bed ...

"One serving Navy officer told Politico the letter was "disturbing and reckless" while Jim Golby, an expert in civil-military relations, told the outlet it was a "shameful effort to use their rank and the military's reputation for such a gross and blatant partisan attack.""

... dismissed as a partisan attack ...

Whilst reds under the bed is a threat, the economics that were spoken of over 20 years ago predicted exactly how the West would face an economic decline in the face of a rising East. That's economics only, not economics plus geo-politics. Park yer geo-politics for a second.

WE have been watching this happen for a very long time and you cool guys run businesses that run on exactly he same principle. So there is no conspiracy needed to see what is taking place. We are seeing normal business behaviour. The Country that generates most of the worlds production tends to become the worlds biggest economy. No conspiracy required, just more and more people producing more and more stuff, with more and more of them emerging in countries with cheap labour. Couple that with the offshoring of production for profit craze, seriously, no conspiracy is required to prove inevitable economic decline in the West. Those who offshored production did so for the $ and to stay in business in many cases... but

NOW you can add your geo-politics back into it...

but, they did a massive geo-political favour for 'Them' to speed up the current natural economic decline of the West that was clearly in the mail.

So, Reds under the bed v's Partisan attack is the narrative, not the economic decline that is more than inevitable? Want to win a game? Own both teams and just let the natural game play out the way it is written in our collective business reports. But hey, there are great business opportunities in there right guys, right, right lol...........

[TheDemonLord]

More than 120 retired generals and admirals wrote to Biden suggesting he wasn't legitimately elected and questioning his mental health (https://us.yahoo.com/news/more-120-retired-generals-admirals-100024106.html)

"Our Nation is in deep peril," the signatories wrote in the introduction to the letter.

"We are in a fight for our survival as a Constitutional Republic like no other time since our founding in 1776. The conflict is between supporters of Socialism and Marxism vs. supporters of Constitutional freedom and liberty."


Seems the US is taking a page from the French.

Music to my ears.

[R650R]

So the way the story goes, the jockey that rode the Kentucky Derby winner was invited to Washington to meet Biden. He replied that if he really wanted to see a dementia patient all he had to do was community service at local resthome.

I suspect that's one off the recent stack.

[pritch]

So the way the story goes, the jockey that rode the Kentucky Derby winner was invited to Washington to meet Biden. He replied that if he really wanted to see a dementia patient all he had to do was community service at local resthome.

I suspect that's one off the recent stack.


Speaking of dementia patients, TDL's retired generals and admirals would all appear to fit that description.

Letter writing seems big in the US, 100 Republicans have written a letter to the party leadership threatening to start a new party if the party doesn't abandon Trump's election lies.

With the demoting of Ms Cheney things may be about to warm up. Her credentials as a Republican are impeccable, it'll be interesting to see how much of the Republican establishment sides with her against the Trump party as the Congressional Republicans have now allowed themselves to become.

US politics certainy aren't boring.

[TheDemonLord]

Speaking of dementia patients, TDL's retired generals and admirals would all appear to fit that description

Is that what we are reducing it to?

Anyone who happens to be Retired or of Retirement age and holds an opinion we disagree with automatically gets diagnosed with Dementia?

[pritch]

Is that what we are reducing it to?

Anyone who happens to be Retired or of Retirement age and holds an opinion we disagree with automatically gets diagnosed with Dementia?

No, but anybody who thinks the election was stolen has clearly lost contact with reality.

[Viking01]

From Mashman:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/more-120-retired-generals-admirals-100024106.html

"We are in a fight for our survival as a Constitutional Republic like no other time since our founding in 1776. The conflict is between supporters of Socialism and Marxism vs. supporters of Constitutional freedom and liberty."

Wow ! That was a zinger ! Guaranteed to get some attention.

And I'm pleased that they told us what the specific threats were , and who should feel threatened (i.e. important to frame up any future discussion). Saves us thinking too much about it (and possibly coming to a wrong conclusion).

Though their list of major threats facing the US seems like a real mixed bag.

"...the rise of China, the rejoining of the Iran nuclear deal, immigration, and the ending of the Keystone Pipeline project. The signatories also called for the removal of Section 230, a part of US law that shields tech companies from legal liability".

1. China - Socialism Yes, I can see a possible linkage there. Though the Chinese are only practising that political business at home.
I haven't seen them make any effort to export that model to the US. Other goods and services, yes, but not socialism.

I suppose with the recovery of the Chinese economy post Covid, perhaps the generals and admirals (or their sponsors) are afraid that such ideas might catch on at home in the US. But with all the recent demonisation of China being conducted in the western media, that should surely have reduced the risk. US citizens will not even be interested in Chinese takeaways, let alone Chinese politics.

2. Rejoining the JCPOA - Well, the US can do that any time they want - provided they first remove US-imposed sanctions and honour the terms of the original agreement (and then Iran will revert to its original position in turn).

Or is there some small roadblock stopping them doing so ?

3. Immigration - I thought that many US businesses were clamouring for more cheap labour in the US. How could they possibly object to increased immigration? Or is it that the cheap labour is going to Democrat states instead (like California) ?

I realise that Don wanted to build a wall to keep many of them out, but I think that was simply a ploy to get the vote of some of the Southern states at the last election (and after he realised his chances of getting a Presidential Library built and named after him was not going to happen).

I have to admit that the Chinese Great Wall is an impressive sight. And that Don might have felt a certain degree of envy.

4. Keystone XL Pipeline - This seems like "small change" to me. Something added in at the last minute. Very much like some of those earmarks that appear in the annual budget sent to the US Senate.

I'm just struggling with the "freedom and liberty" part re this item. Maybe they meant "freedom and liberty to pollute", and just accidentally omitted the last two words when they were writing up their letter.

5. Section 230 - "A part of US law that shields tech companies from legal liability". Hang on. I haven't seen legal liability mentioned in any of the Amendments making up the US Constitution.

But seriously, if that's the best they've got ..... I'm unimpressed.

Thinking back, as I was growing up, at least we had some serious threats. And wars.

Like the War on Drugs (which started in the 1970's). Some of you might have missed it, because it was going on at the same time as the war in Vietnam.

I have to admit that I paid little attention to the War on Drugs at the time. The only thing I do recall is being strongly advised not to smoke - and certainly none of that plant with curiously shaped leaves (as it was supposedly harmful). As if tobacco was not.

We also had the Cold War which continued on through the 1980's. Though why they called it the "Cold War" - when the risk of a "hot" (thermonuclear) war was so high - seemed a contradiction of terms.

This continued up until 1989, the point at which the USSR waved the economic "white flag". It allowed the Germans to re-unite, but then promptly disintegrated itself within a year. One could be forgiven for thinking that was surely the end of the Red Threat. No more need to check under your bed for political activists.

There was a minor financial episode in 1987 where the Dow Jones had a minor downturn, but that was soon forgotten. Especially as the 1990's soon arrived and roared into economic action.

In the 1990's, the US (and NATO) had to make do with the First Gulf War (1991) and the disassembly of Yugoslavia. Though they didn't call the latter a "war". And if someone did, then it was all blamed on the Serbs.

Then in 2001, we had 911 and the start of the Global War on Terror (GWOT).

911 was (and still remains) a horrifying spectacle; no argument from me.

Though it has always puzzled me how the US then managed to (i) mobilise forces and start bombing operations in Afghanistan within four weeks, and (ii) draft, review and pass the Patriot Act through both houses within six weeks - of the 911 event having just occurred.

https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/topics/freedom-of-speech-2/libraries-first-amendment-overview/patriot-act/

But as the first post-2000 era progressed, people's perceptions seemed to change. I can recall reading the following article in 2011, summarising some of the US legislative changes that followed 911:

https://ccrjustice.org/home/blog/2015/11/17/911-decade-and-decline-us-democracy

And I can't help feeling how many of those constitutional challenges are still as relevant today, a further ten years later.

Given the number of countries that were subsequently "terrorised" post 911 (Afghanistan starting in 2001, Iraq in 2003, Libya in 2011, Syria in 2011, to name a few), I wonder if the authors of the term GWOT meant "Global War of Terror", but then chose to go with the first version instead.

I see that after 20 years, the US has seemingly decided to remove the last of its troops from Afghanistan sometime soon (though not its contractors). Has to look after its contractors - how would the MIC survive? And who would look after the poppy fields (a nice little earner)? And help feed militant fighters into the Stans (to destabilise the Chinese OBOR) ? Someone has to do the job.

There was another (admittedly slightly larger) financial episode during 2008-2009, so we called this one a GFC (global financial crisis). Like the 1987 episode, it too started in the US. However, it too was soon forgotten (once major US bank balance sheets had been repaired, and the US media had relapsed into forgetfulness).

Then in 2016, the US had another war erupt. Certainly an event which took most by surprise. This time, it was the War on Populism.

Unlike the first internal US War (called the Civil War), this war was most uncivil (though the death toll was very much lower). But it too lasted four years. And resulted in severe social and political division within the US.

And during that time, we also had (i) the China Trade War - perhaps strangely named as it was the US that was declaring trade war on China, and (ii) the War on Covid. Both still ongoing, as I write. Just like the wars mentioned above.

And Yes, there was another financial crisis in the US during that time (2019-2020). While the same repair of major US bank balance sheets was required, you might not have read about it. This is because the Fed, the banking regulators, the politicians and the media had gotten their collective act together much better this time.

Yes, a few of the locals may have lost their houses and their jobs (just like in 2008-2009), but at least this time, the authorities had a better cover story (it was possible to blame the majority of the economic cost on the Covid pandemic).

https://wallstreetonparade.com/2021/03/more-than-a-year-later-americans-have-no-idea-where-9-trillion-of-fed-money-went/

But sadly, though, during those four years of the War on Populism, Climate Change never even got a word in edgeways.

I think that it had a lot to do with branding. If they had branded it "War on Climate Change", then it would have gotten much more interest and attention (and some decent budget appropriations).

In summary, I have serious doubt about these "120 generals and admirals" and their choice of supposed threats to the US Constitution. Personally, I doubt that the letter was even written by (or on behalf of) some group of 120 retired generals and admirals. I mean, the 2021 US budget appropriation for the US military (includes pensions) has been more than generous. You don't bite the hand that feeds you.

https://www.thebalance.com/u-s-military-budget-components-challenges-growth-3306320

I think that with the continuing US Covid lockdown, some of the fellows at the Pentagon golf club (or one of those conservative think tanks) were suffering from Covid "cabin fever", and they just decided to rark up the Biden administration for some light entertainment.

Just paid too much, and have far too much time on their hands. You know what they say about idle hands ?

What ? Me ? Hypocritical ?

Now that I'm retired (and dependent upon an allowance from SWMBO), there is no way you can say that I am paid too much. Those talking about a wage freeze this last week ? I know just how they feel. There is no COLA in my allowance, despite bilateral negotiation.

Too much time on my hands ? Well, maybe. It's not that I'm short of things to do. I was only writing up this post as something to do while the grass was drying. But since it was still soft and damp underfoot at 2pm, it will just have to wait until tomorrow.

[R650R]

Speaking of dementia patients, TDL's retired generals and admirals would all appear to fit that description.

Letter writing seems big in the US, 100 Republicans have written a letter to the party leadership threatening to start a new party if the party doesn't abandon Trump's election lies.

With the demoting of Ms Cheney things may be about to warm up. Her credentials as a Republican are impeccable, it'll be interesting to see how much of the Republican establishment sides with her against the Trump party as the Congressional Republicans have now allowed themselves to become.

US politics certainy aren't boring.

There’s a big market in USA media for fear-porn and hopium.

Anything written by anyone ‘retired’ is only ever an opinion piece for the consumption of a Hopium Addict. The ‘retired’ of any profession hold zero power of influence except to the odd protege who might have the personal fortitude to respect and be loyal to their mentor.

Buckle up and strap on (sic) cause for 2024 Bruce Jenner is going to be elected the first trans presedint of USA, already gunning for California governor roll. Going to seriously mess with peoples heads and test political loyalties lol

If only HST was still alive to write about all this craziness

[pritch]

Buckle up and strap on (sic) cause for 2024 Bruce Jenner is going to be elected the first trans presedint of USA, already gunning for California governor roll. Going to seriously mess with peoples heads and test political loyalties lol

You are probably correct in so far as a trans 'presedint' is without precedent. The phrase "snowball's chance in Hell" comes to mind. Jenner is standing as a Republican and the Republicans are obsessed with which toilets people use.

Jenner says trans athletes should not be allowed to compete against athletes born female, but Jenner plays women's golf tournaments and plays from the women's tee. She appears to have mastered hypocrisy.



If only HST was still alive to write about all this craziness

True. There does appear to be a gap in the market. Although some of the shit Trump was up to was beyond parody, even HST might have had touble with it.

[mashman]

From Mashman:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/more-120-retired-generals-admirals-100024106.html


1. Economically inevitable, just add seasoning.
2. Roadblock to what? Iran doing whatever it chooses to do no matter what deal is in place? How very dare the us force another country to do as they want and penalise that country financially, thus hurting the people more than anyone. How very dare they indeed.....
3. Because of 1, 3 is economically inevitable.
4. Likely a tit for tat addition given the partisan stance.
5. The liability is to protect those who wish to curtail free speech simply because they don't like it... although law being law, I'm sure 'interactive computer service' has a very broad definition when required. Dangerous to say the least given the current times... and ya really gotta keep people away from noticing that the way we're setup is responsible for killing more people than war or a pandemic (both combined), as well as being just as responsible for war with resources always the spoils of raiding anyone else's country. It ain't like there's any secret that the war machine profited massively from war with Iraq. Turns out the WMD narrative was lies. But sure, wtf would those dithering old fools know about the history that has led us to today?

Perhaps those who sent people to die in wars, justified or not, see some form of merit and potential redemption in defending against domestic enemies they could never get. Then again, they could simply be old cunts who just sucked the system dry and killed lots of people aye bro............

[Viking01]

It has amused me for some time that Google (formerly of "Do No Evil" fame) was widely proclaimed as one's friend, but after Eric Schmidt took over chairmanship, the "Do No Evil" moniker was at some stage quietly dropped. Maybe evil is more profitable ? Who knows ?

I had been intending to get a VPN subscription for some time, and having done a little investigation, I purchased a subscription from a provider this week, installed the software, and then kick-started the gerbil into action. All go.

I was just getting my daily dose of Russian propaganda from Sputnik this morning:

https://sputniknews.com/russia/202105141082892909-designated-foreign-agent-radio-liberty-says-bank-accounts-of-its-moscow-bureau-frozen/

And while recalling that RFE / RL was established by the CIA at the time of the Berlin airlift (and wondering why it had taken the Russians so long to take some action), I couldn't quite remember whether 1948 was the year of the airlift.

So I quickly Googled "Berlin airlift", and immediately received a Google message saying "that unusual activity had been detected at my IP address". What the ?

Clicking on the helpful hyperlink within the same message suggested that I might be a robot, and would I please complete and send a CAPTCA response (in order to proceed with my query). The knees might be creaky and be in some future need of mechanical replacement, but a robot I am not. And what robot reads a news article, and then Googles some distant but related aspect of said article.

So I declined their kind offer, shut down the VPN session, waited five minutes, and then repeated the same exercise (this time without VPN active). No Google challenge this time.

[ Edit: Inbetween these two, I did another Google query - while the VPN session was still active - using some quite innocuous search terms ("Air New Zealand"). In this case, the same Google challenge and message was returned (this time with "Air New Zealand" in the search string returned). ]

So I'm unsure whether Google has tagged me as a subversive (but ranked me as relatively benign), or whether it is monitoring IP addresses for various VPN providers having servers based here in New Zealand. Or inspecting web browser cache?

Sensible replies welcomed.

Cheers, Viking

[R650R]

You are probably correct in so far as a trans 'presedint' is without precedent. The phrase "snowball's chance in Hell" comes to mind. Jenner is standing as a Republican and the Republicans are obsessed with which toilets people use.

Jenner says trans athletes should not be allowed to compete against athletes born female, but Jenner plays women's golf tournaments and plays from the women's tee. She appears to have mastered hypocrisy.




True. There does appear to be a gap in the market. Although some of the shit Trump was up to was beyond parody, even HST might have had touble with it.

No one thought a Barry from Kenya or Trump was going to win either....

[R650R]

It has amused me for some time that Google (formerly of "Do No Evil" fame) was widely proclaimed as one's friend, but after Eric Schmidt took over chairmanship, the "Do No Evil" moniker was at some stage quietly dropped. Maybe evil is more profitable ? Who knows ?

I had been intending to get a VPN subscription for some time, and having done a little investigation, I purchased a subscription from a provider this week, installed the software, and then kick-started the gerbil into action. All go.

I was just getting my daily dose of Russian propaganda from Sputnik this morning:

https://sputniknews.com/russia/202105141082892909-designated-foreign-agent-radio-liberty-says-bank-accounts-of-its-moscow-bureau-frozen/

And while recalling that RFE / RL was established by the CIA at the time of the Berlin airlift (and wondering why it had taken the Russians so long to take some action), I couldn't quite remember whether 1948 was the year of the airlift.

So I quickly Googled "Berlin airlift", and immediately received a Google message saying "that unusual activity had been detected at my IP address". What the ?

Clicking on the helpful hyperlink within the same message suggested that I might be a robot, and would I please complete and send a CAPTCA response (in order to proceed with my query). The knees might be creaky and be in some future need of mechanical replacement, but a robot I am not. And what robot reads a news article, and then Googles some distant but related aspect of said article.

So I declined their kind offer, shut down the VPN session, waited five minutes, and then repeated the same exercise (this time without VPN active). No Google challenge this time.

[ Edit: Inbetween these two, I did another Google query - while the VPN session was still active - using some quite innocuous search terms ("Air New Zealand"). In this case, the same Google challenge and message was returned (this time with "Air New Zealand" in the search string returned). ]

So I'm unsure whether Google has tagged me as a subversive (but ranked me as relatively benign), or whether it is monitoring IP addresses for various VPN providers having servers based here in New Zealand.

Sensible replies welcomed.

Cheers, Viking

It’s not you it’s the site your visiting....

About ten years ago some of the best conspiracy sites that I’d never got a virus or malware from were being tagged similar manner.... “ the site you are visiting is associated with spam or malware etc click to continue”
Kinda like the early version of the “ fact checkers”

As for VPN being anonymous *snigger* lol at the people who buy them for that

And of course the elite don’t want people researching recent history on communism and east Germany that isn’t taught in school now in case too many people see their looking in a mirror

[TheDemonLord]

No, but anybody who thinks the election was stolen has clearly lost contact with reality.

"Anyone who disagrees with me has a Mental Disorder"

That is a disgusting attitude.

[mashman]

A Space Force Commander was fired after comments made on conservative podcasts about diversity and Marxism (https://us.yahoo.com/news/space-force-commander-fired-comments-173827144.html)

Sounds like constructive dismissal... which can mean only thing. It's too late. The reds, the commies are here and gutting the u.s. starting with crippling its space force. Everyone, quick, get under a table :killingme :crybaby: :killingme...

[TheDemonLord]

A Space Force Commander was fired after comments made on conservative podcasts about diversity and Marxism (https://us.yahoo.com/news/space-force-commander-fired-comments-173827144.html)

Sounds like constructive dismissal... which can mean only thing. It's too late. The reds, the commies are here and gutting the u.s. starting with crippling its space force. Everyone, quick, get under a table :killingme :crybaby: :killingme...

Doesn't his dismissal prove his entire point?

[R650R]

Doesn't his dismissal prove his entire point?

Actually however right he might be that’s pretty standard for any big outfit be it military govtvor corporate to give the boot if you write bad things about them....

On the plus side it makes it easy to sack entitled millennials useless at their jobs who are dumb enough to moan about the job they are lucky to have on social media....

There’s a fantastic YouTube vid out there that got banned that precisely laid out the progressive infiltration of American society by these subversives that are taking over by stealth.
Classic line was you can’t swap out an existing system that works that people like with your new system without first destroying the existing system.
And that’s just what we see as incrementally they take away one freedom after another....

It’s just unbelievable that people think there is this nice version of China communism that we could all happily live under.... well I guess they did a good job of wrecking the education system first so explains that....

[TheDemonLord]

Actually however right he might be that’s pretty standard for any big outfit be it military govtvor corporate to give the boot if you write bad things about them....

Within reason and within context though.

In the McCarthy era he'd have probably been given a Medal for it....

[pritch]

His timing was unfortunate. The Space Farce had just disgraced themselves, they couldn't even track the unguided Chinese space junk. It would seem there's little hope they could track incoming alien missiles, so the Colonel picked a bad time to publish something his bosses didn't like.

[TheDemonLord]

His timing was unfortunate. The Space Farce had just disgraced themselves, they couldn't even track the unguided Chinese space junk. It would seem there's little hope they could track incoming alien missiles, so the Colonel picked a bad time to publish something his bosses didn't like.

On a side note - I really think they missed the chance to call themselves 'Space Marines'

And yes that's a WH40K reference

[R650R]

His timing was unfortunate. The Space Farce had just disgraced themselves, they couldn't even track the unguided Chinese space junk. It would seem there's little hope they could track incoming alien missiles, so the Colonel picked a bad time to publish something his bosses didn't like.

For the same reason the army doesn't track wayward supermarket plastic bags..... not their job...

The Space Force is to implement the final solution when we have the false flag fake alien invasion. When Olson wells war of the worlds was broadcast on radio many people panicked and thought it was real.... now fast forward to modern times...
The corona scam isn't enough fear to fully implement the measure the elite would like so we will have a laser hologram light show used to simulate an alien invasion.
The aliens will have come here to harvest our CO2 rich atmosphere to refuel their intergalactic warships.
After the initial battle the invasion will be quelled via tactical nuke strikes. However rogue Elite special forces from the aliens will have assimilated into our society and walk amongst us. Likely they will be in alphabet communities as they see no one Is allowed to critique or question them and won't look out of place.
Jackie Arden will now be head of UN world govt and she will order a world wide lockdown level 6. Everyone will be forcefully microchipped so we know who is human, anyone not chipped will be terminated by robocop style auto mated kill robots.
Petroleum products and burning of anything will be banned forever as CO2 may attract another invading legion of aliens. The sudden drop of CO2 levels along with collapse of industrialised agriculture and international shipping will cause immediate mass starvation and death worldwide.
Within 13 days those not dead from starvation will be in an eternal death match with anyone near a food source. World population will drop to approx 460 million within two months.

[pritch]

For the same reason the army doesn't track wayward supermarket plastic bags..... not their job...

The Space Force is to implement the final solution when we have the false flag fake alien invasion. When Olson wells war of the worlds was broadcast on radio many people panicked and thought it was real.... now fast forward to modern times...
The corona scam isn't enough fear to fully implement the measure the elite would like so we will have a laser hologram light show used to simulate an alien invasion.
The aliens will have come here to harvest our CO2 rich atmosphere to refuel their intergalactic warships.
After the initial battle the invasion will be quelled via tactical nuke strikes. However rogue Elite special forces from the aliens will have assimilated into our society and walk amongst us. Likely they will be in alphabet communities as they see no one Is allowed to critique or question them and won't look out of place.
Jackie Arden will now be head of UN world govt and she will order a world wide lockdown level 6. Everyone will be forcefully microchipped so we know who is human, anyone not chipped will be terminated by robocop style auto mated kill robots.
Petroleum products and burning of anything will be banned forever as CO2 may attract another invading legion of aliens. The sudden drop of CO2 levels along with collapse of industrialised agriculture and international shipping will cause immediate mass starvation and death worldwide.
Within 13 days those not dead from starvation will be in an eternal death match with anyone near a food source. World population will drop to approx 460 million within two months.


OK. :whistle:

[husaberg]

OK. :whistle:

yeah right up their with them on the kook scale here are the secret CIA files on the UFO that resident trump had released for his supporters.

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/collection/ufos-fact-or-fiction

[FJRider]

... Since Prince Phillip was a Naval Man, I think it's fitting that a new Yacht (which will be primarily aimed at Charles as and when he ascends the Throne and seeks to make his mark on the Monarchy) bears his name.

Charles was a Navy man too ... not to the extent Phillip was though.

I doubt Charles will wear the crown as long as his mother did. If indeed he EVER actually does.

[husaberg]

No, but anybody who thinks the election was stolen has clearly lost contact with reality.

Yip but it might be because they have been fooled by a conman or inducted into a cult, rather than just an obvious lack of intelligence or ability to assess the facts objectivly that most supporters possess.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dc/63/03/dc6303d3a8e3855aace28128d369d402.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/M5qpLef.jpghttps://www.yourselfquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/Donald-J.-Trump-Quotes.jpghttps://www.snopes.com/tachyon/2016/09/bloomberg-quote.jpghttps://vozwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rappaport-tweet-599x570.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/Dy3JtyX.jpg
https://i.imgflip.com/49e7rw.jpg

[pritch]

The Arizona Secretary of State has written to the electoral officials of Maricopa County advising that all of the electronic voting equipment handed over to Cyber Ninjas for their "audit" must not be used again. She has received advice fron the Dept of Homeland Security that the voting machines and tabulators having been out of state custody there can be no guarantee they have not been compromised.

That'll cost somebody the odd million or so.

[R650R]

The Arizona Secretary of State has written to the electoral officials of Maricopa County advising that all of the electronic voting equipment handed over to Cyber Ninjas for their "audit" must not be used again. She has received advice fron the Dept of Homeland Security that the voting machines and tabulators having been out of state custody there can be no guarantee they have not been compromised.

That'll cost somebody the odd million or so.

We all know with Biden’s cognitive decline there no way he can run in 2024....

So they petrified he will get 80 million votes again when he’s not even campaigning lol

[husaberg]

We all know with Biden’s cognitive decline there no way he can run in 2024....

So they petrified he will get 80 million votes again when he’s not even campaigning lol

So they should remove him when he starts writing like this?



I NO mix up, I go north for the dark winter as peoplevtheye already used to live with lights out.
South K is to westernised and too much freedom. I go north where supreme leader Kim Jing no fuck about, he shootvuseless people do only skill people live in north.
I love communism it our future


Nothing to do with Trump.
If you widened your reading circle to sources outside the mainstream media machine you’ll find plenty of independant sources were saying hey we experimented with this and had some success.

Hydroxyclhoriquine has been around since 60’s been used years officially as anti malaria drug and its super cheap.

This statement has been fact checked and found to be true.


The media are tripping over themselves trying to solve the mystery of why Africans aren't dying from covid as badly as the west.
Africans routinely take a cheap safe anti malaria drug invented in n 1960's called hydroxychloroquine....
Scooby Doo would solve that puzzle faster

[F5 Dave]

Hey, look! I rate Scooby Doo.

In most cases the perpetrators lament that they would have gotten away with it. . .if it wasn't. . .

[pritch]

We all know with Biden’s cognitive decline there no way he can run in 2024....

So they petrified he will get 80 million votes again when he’s not even campaigning lol

Whadya mean 'we' white man? As Tonto said to the Lone Ranger.

Biden may indeed have cognitive decline, although we don't know that. We do know though that his current ability is waaaay higher than Trump's ever was. Plus Biden
isn't suffering from multiple untreated mental conditions as Trump is.

[TheDemonLord]

Whadya mean 'we' white man? As Tonto said to the Lone Ranger.

Biden may indeed have cognitive decline, although we don't know that. We do know though that his current ability is waaaay higher than Trump's ever was. Plus Biden
isn't suffering from multiple untreated mental conditions as Trump is.

Do we?

That's a whooooole lot of conjecture that no one has ever produced any firm evidence on.

[husaberg]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv9sH5ptgRA&t=189s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI4dvc8WeSE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb-p--iRFew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzsO2ZTRarU&t=88s

[pritch]

Y'all will recall the RWNJs blaming Antifa or BLM for fires at protests in the US, the seriously unhinged claim that the violence on Jan 6th was left wing agitators. That of course is insanity. The attachment is about a Boogaloo Boi who burned a police station and for which the RWNJs blamed the left - until now.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/texas-boogaloo-boi-minneapolis-police-building-george-floyd

[TheDemonLord]

Y'all will recall the RWNJs blaming Antifa or BLM for fires at protests in the US, the seriously unhinged claim that the violence on Jan 6th was left wing agitators. That of course is insanity. The attachment is about a Boogaloo Boi who burned a police station and for which the RWNJs blamed the left - until now.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/texas-boogaloo-boi-minneapolis-police-building-george-floyd

Isn't it interesting...

Putting aside the fact that the Guardian would never lie about Left-wing violence.

I think it speaks volumes about the Riots that if someone (supposedly from a differing political view - although I'll quickly point out that Horseshoe Theory DEFINITELY applies here) shows up, starts burning things, shooting into police buildings and yelling 'Justice for Floyd'

And is beloved by the protestors what does that say about the Protestors?

And getting back to Horseshoe theory - Richard Spencer and BLM want exactly the same thing, the only difference between is who gets to be in charge.

[pritch]

Close but no prize.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/28/william-shakespeare-death-mistake-argentinian-tv

[pritch]

This item caught my eye.

The most recent Israeli election result was a very indecisive affair. No party had a majority. The president asked Netanyahu to form a government. Netanyahu is not idealy placed to do so with his ongoing corruption charges. No major party would join him in a coalition. At that point he started flirting with extreme right wing groups.

About this time, by a remarkanble coincidence, Israeli police/miitary attacked one of Islam's most sacred mosques during Ramadan dragging the worshipers out. This was a huge provocation and Hamas responded by firing rockets into Israel. Netanyahu then launched the Israeli military against Palestine. A couple of weeks later, as the dust was settling, Netanyahu presented himself as the saviour of the Israeli people. Except that this time it may not be working?

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/israeli-opposition-figures-reach-deal-aimed-at-ousting-netanyahu/ar-AAKwZVE

[husaberg]

This item caught my eye.

The most recent Israeli election result was a very indecisive affair. No party had a majority. The president asked Netanyahu to form a government. Netanyahu is not idealy placed to do so with his ongoing corruption charges. No major party would join him in a coalition. At that point he started flirting with extreme right wing groups.

About this time, by a remarkanble coincidence, Israeli police/miitary attacked one of Islam's most sacred mosques during Ramadan dragging the worshipers out. This was a huge provocation and Hamas responded by firing rockets into Israel. Netanyahu then launched the Israeli military against Palestine. A couple of weeks later, as the dust was settling, Netanyahu presented himself as the saviour of the Israeli people. Except that this time it may not be working?

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/israeli-opposition-figures-reach-deal-aimed-at-ousting-netanyahu/ar-AAKwZVE


Considering how quick both are to escalate it seems a bit odd that the Palestinians waited nearly a month to retaliate?


JERUSALEM — Twenty-seven days before the first rocket was fired from Gaza this week, a squad of Israeli police officers entered the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, brushed the Palestinian attendants aside and strode across its vast limestone courtyard. Then they cut the cables to the loudspeakers that broadcast prayers to the faithful from four medieval minarets.
It was the night of April 13, the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan


If I was being equally cynical I would point out Palestine was meant to have its first free election in May for the last 15 years.

Given it was indefinitely postponed on April 29th one has to ponder could Hammas gain from a sudden surge in nationalism or an indefinite delay to the elections the same way?
Nothing over there is as simple or clear cut as it first appears

[pritch]

If I was being equally cynical I would point out Palestine was meant to have its first free election in May for the last 15 years.

Given it was indefinitely postponed on April 29th one has to ponder could Hammas gain from a sudden surge in nationalism or an indefinite delay to the elections the same way?
Nothing over there is as simple or clear cut as it first appears

Feel free, cynicism is entirely appropriate. The US press, and I assume ours, routinely refer to Hamas as terrorists. Apparently they are also legitimately elected representatives. Nelson Mandela used to be listed as a terrorist too.

I'd like to see Netanyahu in the Hague facing charges for crimes against humanity. Sadly I don't expect that to happen any time soon.

[husaberg]

Feel free, cynicism is entirely appropriate. The US press, and I assume ours, routinely refer to Hamas as terrorists. Apparently they are also legitimately elected representatives. Nelson Mandela used to be listed as a terrorist too.

I'd like to see Netanyahu in the Hague facing charges for crimes against humanity. Sadly I don't expect that to happen any time soon.
They all should both sides
I still remember the photos of Hamas dragging member of Fatahs with motorbikes through the streets. Hamas has two wings much like Sinn Fein and IRA.
All sides involved over there are pretty ratshit TBH.
Hamas's problem was it continued to claim it wants to destroy israel.

Not sure Hamas was really voted in they won the civil war again Fatah and afterward killed most of the opposition leadership. So is that democratic.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFhBgJVoTC0

https://www.newsweek.com/palestinian-miscalculations-have-led-new-war-opinion-1590613


I agree with most of this

https://youtu.be/-cOHEp_fg8Y
But it glosses over the fact that Israel never took the west bank from Palistine it won it from Jordan in a war Jordan stole it from Palestine, not Israel.

For those that decide israel shouldn't exist it was created for the same reasons Pakistan was separated from India.
I dont hear people here claiming Pakistan has no right to exist.


https://youtu.be/E0uLbeQlwjw

[pritch]

Piers Morgan seems to strive to be a particularly unlovely character. The Duchess of Sussex once met him socially, apparenty she wasn't keen on repeating the experience. Every chance he gets he denigrates her, some feel his antipathy might be enhanced by her colour.

Now it's Ms Osaka who has earned his scorn. Some have wondered if her colour has affected his judgement? Mind you, he's used this oportunity to take a shot at the Sussex's as well. His attitude seems to be that their mental heath issues are of no consequence, almost as if he thinks they should harden up. We Kiwis have had a lot of TV ads about that...

It seems Piers is currently writing for the Daily Mail. That's handy. If I'm unsure of what my feelings are in reponse to the latest headlines I'll just check to see what Piers thinks. Then I'll adopt the opposite position.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9636993/PIERS-MORGAN-Narcissistic-Naomis-cynical-exploitation-mental-health-silence-media.html

[mashman]

One way companies are concealing higher prices: Smaller packages (https://www.yahoo.com/news/one-way-companies-concealing-higher-104326057.html)

Capitalism, where doing more with less keeps the wolf from the door. What a waste of life, highlighted best by this one liner.

""We spent time understanding how consumers used this type of package, where they stored it, how they opened it," he said."

[pete376403]

One way companies are concealing higher prices: Smaller packages (https://www.yahoo.com/news/one-way-companies-concealing-higher-104326057.html)

Capitalism, where doing more with less keeps the wolf from the door. What a waste of life, highlighted best by this one liner.

""We spent time understanding how consumers used this type of package, where they stored it, how they opened it," he said."

Nothing new there. You only need to compare a pack of (say) Griffins Mallowpuffs now and to what you can remember from the past. Often with things the packet remains the same size but the content within is a lot smaller. "Fair Go" regularly features this sort of thing

[mashman]

Nothing new there. You only need to compare a pack of (say) Griffins Mallowpuffs now and to what you can remember from the past. Often with things the packet remains the same size but the content within is a lot smaller. "Fair Go" regularly features this sort of thing

As you say, it has been a common practice for quite some time. Alas, tis just another result of legal persons doing what's financially important instead of what's actually important. It is rather infuriating though, especially the 6 chippies per bag thing... almost worthy of complaining to the people on telly about.

[pritch]

As you say, it has been a common practice for quite some time. Alas, tis just another result of legal persons doing what's financially important instead of what's actually important. It is rather infuriating though, especially the 6 chippies per bag thing... almost worthy of complaining to the people on telly about.

We are well indoctrinated by now. I'm so old I think I can recall when Mellow Puffs and Afghans came with a walnut on top.

An example of the sort of thing that can still piss me off is when Cadbury replaced some choclate with a piece of cardboard a few years back. Then they were caught replacing the cocoa oil with palm oil. The ad used to say, "There's a pint and a half of milk in every big block." Now it's, "There's a pint and a half in every one." Every one what?

That's what happens when a century old family business is bought out by an international corporation. Fuckem!

Whitakers FTW.

[mashman]

We are well indoctrinated by now. I'm so old I think I can recall when Mellow Puffs and Afghans came with a walnut on top.

An example of the sort of thing that can still piss me off is when Cadbury replaced some choclate with a piece of cardboard a few years back. Then they were caught replacing the cocoa oil with palm oil. The ad used to say, "There's a pint and a half of milk in every big block." Now it's, "There's a pint and a half in every one." Every one what?

That's what happens when a century old family business is bought out by an international corporation. Fuckem!

Whitakers FTW.

There ain't much choice really is there, coz economics. Go with the flow (sell up) or slowly be rolled over by the buying power of your corporate competition.

The only thing I remember with a walnut on it was a walnut whip (the nut got tossed, so to speak). Must have been a fad. Yeah that monocultured palm oil didn't really go down well did it. Fortunately, we're relatively goldfish minded.

Haven't been able to eat chocolate for a year or so (only got 7 teeth left), because eating Fittakers and choccy block type bars is akin to eating toblerone from the freezer. What I did find was those lindt dark chocolate balls though... just put 'em in yer mouth and suck 'em without the constant stabbing. Feckin' expensive, likely highly unsustainable too, but they've already been produced and dress the shelves and some tit saw thought it a good idea to no longer produce Buttons.

[Viking01]

https://www.rt.com/op-ed/525371-statue-toppling-woke-blm/

[pritch]

There are recent news reports that the FBI have recovered about half the ransom money paid to Russian hackers who compromised the main eastern US pipeline. They did this by hacking one of the groups Bitcoin wallets.

So I’ve just received a news item that a number of major websites have been taken down simultaneously. These two facts may be unrelated. Or not.

[pritch]

Louis Gohmert a congressman from Texas, a qualified lawyer FFS, has suggested that changing the moons orbit would be a fix for climate change. Yeah, there should be an app for that. :whistle:

It's difficult to say who would be the most stupid cretin in Congress, the competition is hot, but Louis keeps giving it his best shot

[TheDemonLord]

Louis Gohmert a congressman from Texas, a qualified lawyer FFS, has suggested that changing the moons orbit would be a fix for climate change. Yeah, there should be an app for that. :whistle:

It's difficult to say who would be the most stupid cretin in Congress, the competition is hot, but Louis keeps giving it his best shot

I've listened to the original quote - it seems very much to me that the question is being asked Tongue-in-cheek.


I understand, from what’s been testified to the Forest Service and BLM you want very much to work on the issue of climate change, I was informed by the immediate past director of NASA that they found that the moon’s orbit is changing slightly and so is the Earth’s orbit around the sun. We know there’s been significant solar flare activities, and so, is there anything that the National Forest Service or BLM can do to change the course of the moon’s orbit or the Earth’s orbit around the sun? Obviously that would have profound effects on our climate.

(Apparently BLM in this case is Bureau of Land Management - but in the quote he just says BLM)

Either that or it's a reductio ad absurdum.

[pritch]

So after the RWNJ's hysteria about the BLM violence, some facts. Bugga!

https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/news-and-ideas/black-lives-matter-protesters-were-overwhelmingly-peaceful-our-research-finds

[TheDemonLord]

So after the RWNJ's hysteria about the BLM violence, some facts. Bugga!

https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/news-and-ideas/black-lives-matter-protesters-were-overwhelmingly-peaceful-our-research-finds

"Most Nazis didn't commit Genocide"

[F5 Dave]

I was silly enough to click view post on tdl. I should know better. You didn't fucking read that at all did you? Just decided that you knew what it said and added a Whataboutism to try stave off the critical analysis of statements by people like Trump and other racist bigots blaming the victim.

Good work. Hope you are proud of yourself.

[husaberg]

I was silly enough to click view post on tdl. I should know better. You didn't fucking read that at all did you? Just decided that you knew what it said and added a Whataboutism to try stave off the critical analysis of statements by people like Trump and other racist bigots blaming the victim.

Good work. Hope you are proud of yourself.

What you need to remember is, do not open the posts (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrVwWRVUAAkXxN7.jpg)

https://i.imgflip.com/3dqavu.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/d12gczZ.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_ZMy8IUcAA00qn?format=jpg&name=medium

[TheDemonLord]

I was silly enough to click view post on tdl. I should know better. You didn't fucking read that at all did you? Just decided that you knew what it said and added a Whataboutism to try stave off the critical analysis of statements by people like Trump and other racist bigots blaming the victim.

Good work. Hope you are proud of yourself.

Or, I read it and could see it's a combination of gross abuse of statistics and by an ideologically biased researcher.

Let's compare to what Wikipedia says:


Death(s) 25 (As of October 31, 2020)
Arrested 14,000+[3]
Property damage

$550 million in Minneapolis–Saint Paul (May 26–June 6, 2020)[4]
$1–2 billion in insured damages in the United States (May 26–June 8, 2020)[5]

25 people Killed.
$1-2 BILLION in insured Damages.

Even if I accept the premise of the research (I don't) that it's a small number of protests that turned violent, the scale of the violence that has clearly occurred when it did turn violent negates the premise.

And so the simplest retort is to point out that (using the exact same statistical methods they use) - Most Nazis didn't commit Genocide, either.

[husaberg]

https://i.imgur.com/d12gczZ.jpg

[pritch]

It's a rare day, the first two news items I read this morning made me happy. (If you haven't heard of these people Google will have a ton of detail.)

Reality Winner has been released from prison in the US to a halfway house. It was Winner who first provided actual evidence that Russia had interferred in the 2016 US election. She was scooped up under the espionage laws, with none of the normal protections afforded US citizens and she was jailed for five years. It was hoped Biden would pardon her when he was elected but he didn't. It seems she has begun the discharge process because of time off for good behaviour.


The Biloela family. This family were scooped up in the dead of night from the town of Biloela in Queensland where they had made a life. The parents, originally boat people, had met, married, and had two daughters in Australia. They have been held in detention on Christmas Island for some three years, most of the youngest daughter's life. She recently caught pneumonia which was untreated for some ten days until she developed life threatening sepsis at which point she was rushed to Perth hospital with her mother. Her fourth birthday was Saturday. Armed guards and no visitors allowed, not the happiest birthday for a little kid. Australian TV personalities and such filmed a song for her birthday.

The story about this family has been major news, it has made our local news, the Washington Post ran a full page story last week. It seems the Australian government feel that unless this family is treated harshly the country will be flooded by boat people. The boat people threat is not what it was. Even members of the government have begun pressuring the minister to release the family. The Australian Medical Association says that the famiily should not go back to Christmas Island, other notable people have been supporting their release.

Today the father and the older daughter have been flown to Perth and the family is to live in community detention. This could still go badly wrong, if the family were permitted to return to Biloela, which the townspeople want, this whole drama would be shown to be unnecessary. The PM wouldn't like that.


https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/15/biloela-family-to-be-reunited-in-perth-but-will-remain-in-community-detention?utm_term=f6bf6a923ebc11a3949493b09486bb2 2&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayAUS&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTAU_email

[husaberg]

It's a rare day, the first two news items I read this morning made me happy. (If you haven't heard of these people Google will have a ton of detail.)

Reality Winner has been released from prison in the US to a halfway house. It was Winner who first provided actual evidence that Russia had interferred in the 2016 US election. She was scooped up under the espionage laws, with none of the normal protections afforded US citizens and she was jailed for five years. It was hoped Biden would pardon her when he was elected but he didn't. It seems she has begun the discharge process because of time off for good behaviour.


The Biloela family. This family were scooped up in the dead of night from the town of Biloela in Queensland where they had made a life. The parents, originally boat people, had met, married, and had two daughters in Australia. They have been held in detention on Christmas Island for some three years, most of the youngest daughter's life. She recently caught pneumonia which was untreated for some ten days until she developed life threatening sepsis at which point she was rushed to Perth hospital with her mother. Her fourth birthday was Saturday. Armed guards and no visitors allowed, not the happiest birthday for a little kid. Australian TV personalities and such filmed a song for her birthday.

The story about this family has been major news, it has made our local news, the Washington Post ran a full page story last week. It seems the Australian government feel that unless this family is treated harshly the country will be flooded by boat people. The boat people threat is not what it was. Even members of the government have begun pressuring the minister to release the family. The Australian Medical Association says that the famiily should not go back to Christmas Island, other notable people have been supporting their release.

Today the father and the older daughter have been flown to Perth and the family is to live in community detention. This could still go badly wrong, if the family were permitted to return to Biloela, which the townspeople want, this whole drama would be shown to be unnecessary. The PM wouldn't like that.


https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/15/biloela-family-to-be-reunited-in-perth-but-will-remain-in-community-detention?utm_term=f6bf6a923ebc11a3949493b09486bb2 2&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayAUS&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTAU_email

only in murica would that be a person's name.....
or maybe Indonesia
Megawati Sukarnoputri
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_presidents_of_Indonesia

[Viking01]

We were away on leave the last 7-8 days, and offline the whole time. So today has been busy clearing email and catching up on the news.

I see in the meantime that Boris and his trade colleagues have been busy, and some FTA's have been concluded (specifically one with Scotty in Australia):

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/04/uk-strikes-trade-deal-norway-iceland-liechtenstein-liz-truss

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/15/uk-australia-trade-deal-what-does-it-mean-brexit
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/australia-trade-deal-tariffs-farmers-b1866496.html

Interesting to note that the 15 year protection (to be implemented for UK farmers) was actually withdrawn from the final agreement - despite some media saying otherwise.

No doubt some big UK / Australian celebrations for the politicians, and that the EU (China) will be crying in their beer (wine) at the news.

I did wonder when a UK - NZ FTA will be concluded. And what goods might be included:

https://www.mfat.govt.nz/vn/trade/free-trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements-under-negotiation/new-zealand-united-kingdom-free-trade-agreement/nz-uk-negotiating-rounds/

[Edit]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/125496575/new-zealand-and-united-kingdom-agree-to-sign-free-trade-deal-in-august

[pritch]

I see in the meantime that Boris and his trade colleagues have been busy, and some FTA's have been concluded (specifically one with Scotty in Australia):


Not everybody in the UK is thrilled. There's a thing circulating on social media comparing animal welfare reglations in Britain with those in Australia. Basically it's making the case that Australia doesn't have any. Quite damning if it's accurate.

[TheDemonLord]

Not everybody in the UK is thrilled.

Of course, all the Guardian reading Remainers are furious that the thing they said couldn't be done is being done and making them look foolish - so now they are coming up with every reason under the sun to be outraged.

I think I posted the clip of James O'Brien vs Jacob Rees-Mogg where Australia was brought up as an example - Funny how back then (when they didn't think a Trade Deal was possible) no one was raising the issue of Australian Animal welfare standards...

[husaberg]

Not everybody in the UK is thrilled. There's a thing circulating on social media comparing animal welfare reglations in Britain with those in Australia. Basically it's making the case that Australia doesn't have any. Quite damning if it's accurate.

Judge for yourself

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/best-countries-for-animal-welfare.html
They rank ahead of some other EU countries.
Whilst it's true they do lack a cohesive national standard this is not because they don't have rules, it just as they have traditionally had a state-by-state set of rules.

[pritch]

Judge for yourself


If it pops up again I'll post it here.

[mashman]

Scammers using Mike Hosking screenshots to lure people on Twitter (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/scammers-using-mike-hosking-screenshots-to-lure-people-on-twitter/4N4ASZTMTD5ML3MQJ3A3FSTB3M/)...

Just saw an ad were hoskins is gushing over Chinese currency called 'Official Coin', with the ad saying that NZ was the second country to be allowed to buy it. When will capitalistic morons stop buying stuff from what they consider communist countries? Never, coz dunning hypocrites are the dumbest.

[R650R]

Scammers using Mike Hosking screenshots to lure people on Twitter (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/scammers-using-mike-hosking-screenshots-to-lure-people-on-twitter/4N4ASZTMTD5ML3MQJ3A3FSTB3M/)...

Just saw an ad were hoskins is gushing over Chinese currency called 'Official Coin', with the ad saying that NZ was the second country to be allowed to buy it. When will capitalistic morons stop buying stuff from what they consider communist countries? Never, coz dunning hypocrites are the dumbest.

You’ve got that all wrong.... why are communists SELLING to capitalists???? True capitalists care not for origins, they want a product or raw material at spec for lowest price with some political considerations in regards to morals and ethics iDVD it affects sales.

You see the thing with socialism is eventually you run out of other people’s money...

[husaberg]

You see the thing with socialism is eventually you run out of other people’s money...

Okay then explain the effect of right wing tax cuts for the uber-rich that result in budget deficits who will pay for those.
https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/11/06/USAT/385b4325-bb73-4795-80ed-7cad711b9c0c-110519-opposing-view-deficit-MOBILE.png
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/28/tax-cuts-trump-gop-analysis-430781
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/11/07/trump-tax-cuts-hiked-deficit-republicans-want-more-editorials-debates/4168022002/
https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/donald-trumps-tax-plan-could-land-america-10-trillion-deeper-in-debt/

[FJRider]

You’ve got that all wrong.... why are communists SELLING to capitalists???? True capitalists care not for origins, they want a product or raw material at spec for lowest price with some political considerations in regards to morals and ethics iDVD it affects sales.



Access to and possession of ... Hard currency. If that currency value drops below purchase price ... you sell.

Thus ... profit. All without loosing money in your own country.

Usual business practice in ANY country.

[R650R]

How can something be so hilarious and sad at the same time....

It seems the viral propoganda of identity based politics is consuming its hosts and cancelling itself...

Seriously though this can’t be goodvfir the mental health of our youth going through so much turmoil in their ideals whether we agree with them or not.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/300333311/school-strike-4-climate-auckland-declares-itself-racist-and-disbands

[mashman]

You’ve got that all wrong.... why are communists SELLING to capitalists???? True capitalists care not for origins, they want a product or raw material at spec for lowest price with some political considerations in regards to morals and ethics iDVD it affects sales.

You see the thing with socialism is eventually you run out of other people’s money...

I got it correct just fine thanks. So did you... but only one of us knows that. Why are communists using money anyway? To answer your question, communists sell things because sharing resources freely, on a global scale, isn't an option when every other country uses money ;). Same reason the Kibbutz only goes so far. You're right, capitalists do care not for origins, hence Earth Overshoot and the associated shite that accompanies capitalists not giving a shit about origins :killingme...

You see the actual thing with socialism, is that it still uses money.

[pritch]

Was listening to a Brit podcast last night. They were laughing at the insignificant proportion of British trade that the Australian free trade agreement will comprise. They said even the Tories are laughing at the miniscule size of a New Zealand trade agreement in comparison to an EU agreement.

Brit food and drink exports to the EU were down 2 Billion quid in the first quarter. It seems Brexit is the problem, but it's compounded by Covid.

[pritch]

Judge for yourself

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/best-countries-for-animal-welfare.html
They rank ahead of some other EU countries.
Whilst it's true they do lack a cohesive national standard this is not because they don't have rules, it just as they have traditionally had a state-by-state set of rules.

Here is the RSPCA comparison which is the one I'd seen.

[Viking01]

RIP Mike Gravel :

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/06/27/anti-war-crusader-mike-gravel-dead-91

[mashman]

Oh look, a 'debt' jubilee :killingme. Sounds vaguely familiar to something I once... nah. This world is currently being changed for you whether you, or I, like it or not.

The latest and greatest from the Great Reset... at least the thing I've just heard about, is that of a 'debt' jubilee. Not just a financial reset, but an ownership one... well, home ownership at least.

Klaus reckons that the renter of a house will become the owner of the house as a part of the jubilee, which kind of fits with the whole "You will own nothing and be happy" vibe. In other words, the rental property(s) that you own will no longer be owned by you.

Before you soil yourselves with righteous indignation, to compensate you, you will still receive your rental income as if the property(s) still belonged to you. In other words, you will be getting money for owning nothing, but no property or renters to worry about either......... this is how you bribe people.

Betcha the capitalists don't give a fuck and sell everyone out to the totalitarians simple coz money and 'meritocracy' is involved... coz they're dumb arses that way... but hey, Stupid World doesn't just run itself, it is purposefully created that way for dumb arses to follow.

[Viking01]

I'd wondered why I had not seen much of or heard much from Scotty recently, but no sooner had I pondered that point and I saw that Scotty had just delivered a rousing speech to Australians. I'm sure the part about mandatory vaccinations is bound to rouse a few.

https://play.stuff.co.nz/details/_6261382090001

Though I think the Advocate probably better captured some of the goings-on in the background:

https://www.betootaadvocate.com/headlines/scotty-from-marketings-office-confirm-things-arent-going-well-enough-for-us-to-hear-from-him/

The Advocate article also answered the question where Scotty had been recently (i.e. the UK).

No doubt Boris will be next to issue a rousing speech to his flock (especially since his Covid right-hand man Matt Hancock had to step down, after having being found to be paying too much attention to just one member of the flock).

[Edit]
I see that Hancock's new replacement Sajid Javid has since made an announcement:

https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-health-government-and-politics-business-2387d8f456771ba0e04c9b39f9233943

[mashman]

Crypto. Coz everyone else is doing it.
Crypto. Coz it's gonna change the world.
Crypto. Coz economics clearly isn't your strong suit.
Crypto. Coz the monetization of natural resources has turned out so well to date.
Crypto. Coz a stratified society based on purchasing power just isn't divided enough.
Crypto. Coz it gets you ahead of the game no matter what the cost.
Crypto. Coz, for some reason, it sticks it to the man, you know, the man who has so much money he could buy crypto at any time, so yeah, he'll really gets it stuck to him.
Crypto. Coz doing the same thing over and over again by creating yet another raft of currencies isn't the definition of Insanity.
Crypto. Coz you haven't learned a damned thing.
Crypto. Coz you think all of the currencies past and present obviously haven't been enough to solve the money creation problem.
Crypto. Coz you think that the system needs to change and not you.
Crypto. Coz you really are that stupid.

[Berries]

Crypto.
I don't think you can call people that these days.

[mashman]

I don't think you can call people that these days.

Oh shit really. Chur for the heads up. I thought the cryptonians had gotten over it. Must still be super mad.

[Viking01]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/03/ukraine-v-england-euro-2020-quarter-final-live-score-updates

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/125645710/euro-2020-denmark-delighted-after-beating-czech-republic-to-make-semifinals

Go, Denmark !

[mashman]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/03/ukraine-v-england-euro-2020-quarter-final-live-score-updates

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/125645710/euro-2020-denmark-delighted-after-beating-czech-republic-to-make-semifinals

Go, Denmark !

Why not in the Brexit thread :laugh:

[pritch]

With all of the lies, obsfuscation and rewriting of history concerning the events of January 6th some people may be confused as to what actually took place. There shouldn't be any confusion but it seems there is. This clip is long at 40 minutes or so, but it's a clear a look as we will get for now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWJVMoe7OY0&t=23s

[pritch]

These fucking idiots wouldn't wear a mask during a pandemic, but now they are doing their KKK wannabe routine out come the masks.

[TheDemonLord]

These fucking idiots wouldn't wear a mask during a pandemic, but now they are doing their KKK wannabe routine out come the masks.

It's almost like they are copying what ANTIFA has been doing for several Years - but instead of 'Black Bloc' you have 'White Bloc'....

(For clarification, I don't condone what they are doing, only pointing out that it is an equal and opposite reaction to what has already happened)

[pritch]

A report on the happenings at the latest RWNJ alternative to Twitter.


https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-07-07/team-trump-launches-gettr-alternative-social-media-site/100268118?utm_campaign=news-article-share-control&utm_content=twitter&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

[Viking01]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/03/ukraine-v-england-euro-2020-quarter-final-live-score-updates

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/125645710/euro-2020-denmark-delighted-after-beating-czech-republic-to-make-semifinals

Go, Denmark !

Well, I have to say that I am a little disappointed with the result, but well done to the lads for a good effort. Not bad for a group of part-timers, and one with a pacemaker.

And I was most impressed with them not only giving the English a goal in the first half (to make a game of it), but also giving Harry Kane another chance to get a goal (after the goal-keeper had saved his penalty shot in extra time). Damn sporting.

Well done, lads. Hold your heads up high.

[Edit]
It seems that the English were run off their feet, so much so one of them told a lie-down in the penalty box in extra time (and the referee went and awarded him a penalty).

https://www.rt.com/sport/528639-euro2020-england-denmark-match-report/

[TheDemonLord]

Well, I have to say that I am a little disappointed with the result, but well done to the lads for a good effort. Not bad for a group of part-timers, and one with a pacemaker.

And I was most impressed with them not only giving the English a goal in the first half (to make a game of it), but also giving Harry Kane another chance to get a goal (after the goal-keeper had saved his penalty shot in extra time). Damn sporting.

Well done, lads. Hold your heads up high.

[Edit]
It seems that the English were run off their feet, so much so one of them told a lie-down in the penalty box in extra time (and the referee went and awarded him a penalty).

https://www.rt.com/sport/528639-euro2020-england-denmark-match-report/

*Shakes Hand*

Good Game, Good Game.

I'm obviously pleased with the result (First time to a Final since 1966!)

[TheDemonLord]

A report on the happenings at the latest RWNJ alternative to Twitter.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-07-07/team-trump-launches-gettr-alternative-social-media-site/100268118?utm_campaign=news-article-share-control&utm_content=twitter&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

"It's Trash and rubbish and not going anywhere"

Also

"We are busy spamming and trolling it with illegal content to try and take the site down because we are totally not afraid it might get traction and be a threat"

[Viking01]

*Shakes Hand*

Good Game, Good Game.

I'm obviously pleased with the result (First time to a Final since 1966!)

Sadly, I didn't get to watch the match (other than "live updates" via a web browser).

Congratulations to the Brits.

Did think that some of you were going to have to end up swapping that George and the Dragon flag of yours (the red cross on white background) for the Dannebrog (the white cross on red background). But not to be. This time.

[pritch]

*Shakes Hand*

Good Game, Good Game.

I'm obviously pleased with the result (First time to a Final since 1966!)

A Kiwi woman in England commented on social media that she was pleased about the result for the sake of the wives of England fans. Apparently had England lost, too many supporters would have gone home pissed and smacked the little woman around to make themselves feel better.

Something I hadn't considered, but it has the ring of truth.

[TheDemonLord]

A Kiwi woman in England commented on social media that she was pleased about the result for the sake of the wives of England fans. Apparently had England lost, too many supporters would have gone home pissed and smacked the little woman around to make themselves feel better.

Something I hadn't considered, but it has the ring of truth.

It's just a new coat of paint on the claim that in NZ DV goes up when the All Blacks loose.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=all+black+loss+domestic+violence

Which seems to be more of an Urban Myth than anything.

[R650R]

A Kiwi woman in England commented on social media that she was pleased about the result for the sake of the wives of England fans. Apparently had England lost, too many supporters would have gone home pissed and smacked the little woman around to make themselves feel better.

Something I hadn't considered, but it has the ring of truth.

I’m inclined to agree with you. So much goes unreported it’s prob hard to properly collate such a statistic. I worked a retail job for awhile during which time the all blacks lost some important game. You’d have thought the queen had died the way 90% of customers were completely miserable.

What always cracks me up is it’s “we won” but if the ab lose it’s “ they lost”.....

[R650R]

Only in America....

https://www.store.schnitzracing.com/amp/brocks-front-end-lowering-strap-kit-suzuki-gsx1300r-hayabusa-08-20/

If your too fat dumb and lazy to either drop forks through yokes or change springs oil gap etc you can “lower “ the front end of your hayabusa with this tie down clamp system....

[pete376403]

Only in America....

https://www.store.schnitzracing.com/amp/brocks-front-end-lowering-strap-kit-suzuki-gsx1300r-hayabusa-08-20/

If your too fat dumb and lazy to either drop forks through yokes or change springs oil gap etc you can “lower “ the front end of your hayabusa with this tie down clamp system....

If you're too fat dumb and lazy to research why this is done: the real reason to why do people strap down their bikes.... They want to turn quicker ET's!!!!!

There is only so much you can raise the forks before the fender will hit the upper when the suspension travels. Strapping the forks gets the front end lower without the fender hitting the upper. It makes a BIG difference in launching the bike.

The launching process is 100 times different between a street bike and an well set up drag bike. It's all about getting off the clutch as quickly as possible. The lower the bike, and the less it wheelies the quicker you can get off the clutch, resulting in better 60ft's and quicker transition to WOT.

[pritch]

It's just a new coat of paint on the claim that in NZ DV goes up when the All Blacks loose.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=all+black+loss+domestic+violence

Which seems to be more of an Urban Myth than anything.



Statistics from Lincoln University and the London School of Econimics disagree with you.

https://www.gentside.co.uk/news/domestic-violence-cases-rise-when-england-s-football-team-loses_art7702.html

https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2021/07/05/domestic-abuse-concerns-rise-as-england-plays-in-euro-2020/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/domestic-violence-increases-25-during-england-world-cup-games-9548658.html

Of course we shouldn't equate All Black supporters with England football supporters. :whistle:

[R650R]

If you're too fat dumb and lazy to research why this is done: the real reason to why do people strap down their bikes.... They want to turn quicker ET's!!!!!

There is only so much you can raise the forks before the fender will hit the upper when the suspension travels. Strapping the forks gets the front end lower without the fender hitting the upper. It makes a BIG difference in launching the bike.

The launching process is 100 times different between a street bike and an well set up drag bike. It's all about getting off the clutch as quickly as possible. The lower the bike, and the less it wheelies the quicker you can get off the clutch, resulting in better 60ft's and quicker transition to WOT.

The guy in popular vlog was fitting it purely for looks, no mention was made of that use. I see what your saying though

[husaberg]

If you're too fat dumb and lazy to research why this is done: the real reason to why do people strap down their bikes.... They want to turn quicker ET's!!!!!

There is only so much you can raise the forks before the fender will hit the upper when the suspension travels. Strapping the forks gets the front end lower without the fender hitting the upper. It makes a BIG difference in launching the bike.

The launching process is 100 times different between a street bike and an well set up drag bike. It's all about getting off the clutch as quickly as possible. The lower the bike, and the less it wheelies the quicker you can get off the clutch, resulting in better 60ft's and quicker transition to WOT.

not to mention weight transfer......I 100% agree with the first part.....

[TheDemonLord]

Statistics from Lincoln University and the London School of Econimics disagree with you.

https://www.gentside.co.uk/news/domestic-violence-cases-rise-when-england-s-football-team-loses_art7702.html

https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2021/07/05/domestic-abuse-concerns-rise-as-england-plays-in-euro-2020/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/domestic-violence-increases-25-during-england-world-cup-games-9548658.html

Of course we shouldn't equate All Black supporters with England football supporters. :whistle:

Interesting reads - however there seems to be a bit of Nuance - the Claim is that when the team looses, there's a spike in DV, as opposed to when they win - but reading the first article - Win or Draw, the Risk goes up 26% and a Loss puts it up 38%.

The articles also don't make it clear whether they've controlled for Alcohol or not.

I suspect that if one was to control for Alcohol, you'd find that it correlates quite nicely. That is - if you have an event that prompts a large number of people to drink alcohol, then you'll get a corresponding rise in DV.

Of course - obvious caveat - DV is abhorrent and has no place in Civil Society.

[mashman]

And they reckon that the left have issues (https://www.sfgmc.org/press-releases-1/2021/7/8/an-important-message-to-the-chorus-family):killingme...

I saw the video of the choir, and damn did it trigger some fucked up responses. 'We're going to corrupt your children." I reckon that must have been the repeated line that did the damage. Not the greatest composition, but Pete n Dud probably would have done it better gawd bless 'em.

[Viking01]

*Shakes Hand*

Good Game, Good Game.

I'm obviously pleased with the result (First time to a Final since 1966!)

Morning.

Good luck on Sunday / Monday with the game.

https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0259-0e8ef42865e4-5c7f552e7662-1000--lowdown-euro-2020-final/

I see the BBC is providing coverage for the UK. But, despite my thinking that BBC stood for British Broadcasting Corporation, I have been unreliably informed more recently that BBC stands for Boris, Brexit, Covid. So there may be a bit more riding on the team's shoulders.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2021/jul/10/the-pressures-on-the-three-lions-cartoon

Cheers, Viking

[TheDemonLord]

Penalty Shootouts :crybaby::crybaby::crybaby::crybaby::crybaby::cryb aby::crybaby::crybaby::crybaby::crybaby:

[pritch]

Well I see the idiot England fans excelled themselves again, attacking Italians, and black people just 'cause. No doubt some will go home and give the missus a good thumping too. I don't know about it being an international myth but some Brit police say domestic violence went up 38% during the World Cup. The DV people have been apparently been running a pointed ad campaign.

[husaberg]

Well I see the idiot England fans excelled themselves again, attacking Italians, and black people just 'cause. No doubt some will go home and give the missus a good thumping too. I don't know about it being an international myth but some Brit police say domestic violence went up 38% during the World Cup. The DV people have been apparently been running a pointed ad campaign.

No surprise the Poms losing another final.....
What's really telling is even in the Pomdomestic FA cup final there were only two poms in the winning side starting 11 same on the losing side.

speaking of soccer holligans
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/behind-the-headlines/how-a-tommy-robinson-propaganda-video-was-born-veef119be

[pritch]

No surprise the Poms losing another final.....


Losing another final? They haven't been in one in fifty five years. Some are blaming the coach? I have a quibble with how he handled the penalty shots, but he got the team further than anybody else has in over half a century. Not that it matters, I'd ban England from the next World Cup. Fuckem.

That Robinson clip was interesting, I was sorta hoping he'd taken his meds and was having a lie down.

[mashman]

Well I see the idiot England fans excelled themselves again, attacking Italians, and black people just 'cause. No doubt some will go home and give the missus a good thumping too. I don't know about it being an international myth but some Brit police say domestic violence went up 38% during the World Cup. The DV people have been apparently been running a pointed ad campaign.

Men beating women for a great many reasons is a thing. So is men fighting other men for the stupidest of reasons. In both cases, booze usually plays a rather large part. It's not a new thing.

[TheDemonLord]

Losing another final? They haven't been in one in fifty five years. Some are blaming the coach? I have a quibble with how he handled the penalty shots, but he got the team further than anybody else has in over half a century.

Penalty Shootouts have long been an issue for the English Football team, So I don't think that can be laid at his feet.

With the exception of kneeling to Marxism, I think the Coach has done a fantastic job. Despite the 1-1 draw and going to extra time, Italy well and truly outplayed us.

[husaberg]

Losing another final? They haven't been in one in fifty five years. Some are blaming the coach? I have a quibble with how he handled the penalty shots, but he got the team further than anybody else has in over half a century. Not that it matters, I'd ban England from the next World Cup. Fuckem.

That Robinson clip was interesting, I was sorta hoping he'd taken his meds and was having a lie down.

Gee has it only been 50 years just as well its not their national sport then.........:killingme
The Robinson stuff was hardly surprising he's just a cretin as are those that overlook the evidence of his cretinism and criminality including fraud assault to follow him.

[Viking01]

Penalty Shootouts have long been an issue for the English Football team, So I don't think that can be laid at his feet.

With the exception of kneeling to Marxism, I think the Coach has done a fantastic job. Despite the 1-1 draw and going to extra time, Italy well and truly outplayed us.

Afternoon,

I would have replied earlier, but we've only just finished our "three days of mourning". We take our soccer seriously. But now all Danish flags should be fully back up their flagpoles again.

Yes, you have my sympathy. Penalty shoot-outs are a tough way to win (or lose) a final, irrespective of who is playing.

But I have to say I was a little surprised by the last line of your earlier post.

I had never realised that your English Queen might also be Marxist in outlook. You know, when she makes them "take the knee" when she goes to confer a knight-hood.

It's not as if there is any effort made to hide it - it's all done out in plain sight for everyone to see. I was just a little surprised that no-one from England has ever commented about it before.

We Danes have of course written openly about such subjects before (you will probably recall the HCA story about the emperor having no clothes).

Perhaps it is your old English tradition of royalty chopping off heads that had discouraged English people for speaking out ? Who knows?

I'm sure that some-one will be able to explain this dichotomy to me.

Cheers, Viking

[TheDemonLord]

Afternoon,

I would have replied earlier, but we've only just finished our "three days of mourning". We take our soccer seriously. But now all Danish flags should be fully back up their flagpoles again.

Yes, you have my sympathy. Penalty shoot-outs are a tough way to win (or lose) a final, irrespective of who is playing.

But I have to say I was a little surprised by the last line of your earlier post.

I had never realised that your English Queen might also be Marxist in outlook. You know, when she makes them "take the knee" when she goes to confer a knight-hood.

It's not as if there is any effort made to hide it - it's all done out in plain sight for everyone to see. I was just a little surprised that no-one from England has ever commented about it before.

We Danes have of course written openly about such subjects before (you will probably recall the HCA story about the emperor having no clothes).

Perhaps it is your old English tradition of royalty chopping off heads that had discouraged English people for speaking out ? Who knows?

I'm sure that some-one will be able to explain this dichotomy to me.

Cheers, Viking

"I only kneel for the Queen, The Wife when I asked her to Marry me and God" - British Conservatives.

When one Kneels before the Queen, it's because one is subservient to the Monarch.

When you Kneel for Black Lives Matter, what is it you are being Subservient to?

[Viking01]

"I only kneel for the Queen, The Wife when I asked her to Marry me and God" - British Conservatives.

When one Kneels before the Queen, it's because one is subservient to the Monarch.

When you Kneel for Black Lives Matter, what is it you are being Subservient to?

That's a good question. I wish I had an answer for you.

Maybe it is not about subservience.

[pritch]

Perhaps it is your old English tradition of royalty chopping off heads that had discouraged English people for speaking out ? Who knows?


The football fans would not have got the headman's axe, that was only for high ranking nobility. The common folk got a much slower and drawn out execution (literally), being hung drawn and quartered. Then again, that might discourage speaking out too.

[pritch]

When one Kneels before the Queen, it's because one is subservient to the Monarch.

When you Kneel for Black Lives Matter, what is it you are being Subservient to?

It doesn't have to be subservient to anybody. I'd have thought this story was universally understood now. Obviously the MAGAts don't read much, reading is usually not their strong point.

The kneeling gesture, as observed currently, was suggested to Colin Kaepernick by a former US Army Green Beret so that Kaepernick could register his protest without being considered disrespectful. Well that's how it should have worked but he was black so... And the right struck back with their habitual cancel culture.

[R650R]

It doesn't have to be subservient to anybody. I'd have thought this story was universally understood now. Obviously the MAGAts don't read much, reading is usually not their strong point.

The kneeling gesture, as observed currently, was suggested to Colin Kaepernick by a former US Army Green Beret so that Kaepernick could register his protest without being considered disrespectful. Well that's how it should have worked but he was black so... And the right struck back with their habitual cancel culture.

When the commanding officer enters the room you stand to attention....

When the Bride walks down the aisle you stand....

When the Judge enters the court you all stand

When the all blacks score a try you cheer and stand

When a prospective employer comes to greet you stand and shake hands

This list could go on for ages....

Try kneeling to show respect in any of those lol

Oh the right don’t cancel or ban anything we just ignore those that we need show no respect to
Let’s say someone “ right wing” had been the first to kneel as a protest the left would have burned stadiums till the ground till all racist sports events were banned

If only we could go back to a time where people’s ability at sports or whatever mattered more than who they voted fkr

[pritch]

Oh the right don’t cancel or ban anything we just ignore those that we need show no respect to


Tell that to Kaepernick or the Dixie Chicks. Or Nike when the rednecks were all burning their trainers. Then there were the coffee machines they destroyed in protest then promtly had to buy a new one. Nobody said they were smart.

[husaberg]

When the commanding officer enters the room you stand to attention....

When the Bride walks down the aisle you stand....

When the Judge enters the court you all stand

When the all blacks score a try you cheer and stand

When a prospective employer comes to greet you stand and shake hands

This list could go on for ages....

Try kneeling to show respect in any of those lol

Oh the right don’t cancel or ban anything we just ignore those that we need show no respect to
Let’s say someone “ right wing” had been the first to kneel as a protest the left would have burned stadiums till the ground till all racist sports events were banned

If only we could go back to a time where people’s ability at sports or whatever mattered more than who they voted fkr

Like ceeding an election when you have clearly lost..........

[TheDemonLord]

It doesn't have to be subservient to anybody. I'd have thought this story was universally understood now. Obviously the MAGAts don't read much, reading is usually not their strong point.

If only we had a long and well established historical and cultural context as to what Kneeling for something means.

"I'd rather Die on my Feet, than Live on my Knees"


The kneeling gesture, as observed currently, was suggested to Colin Kaepernick by a former US Army Green Beret so that Kaepernick could register his protest without being considered disrespectful. Well that's how it should have worked but he was black so... And the right struck back with their habitual cancel culture.

The issue is - if you want to try and make that comparison - is that Colin was specifically kneeling to protest the National Anthem, whereas the English Football team was kneeling FOR BLM.

Out of curiosity then Pritch, since you are fine with Kneeling for BLM - surely you also have no problem with this:

https://images.theconversation.com/files/301781/original/file-20191114-26237-18rxgqv.jpg

Afterall, it's 'just a show of respect to the host nation'.

I personally regard BOTH gestures as abhorrent.

[TheDemonLord]

Tell that to Kaepernick or the Dixie Chicks. Or Nike when the rednecks were all burning their trainers. Then there were the coffee machines they destroyed in protest then promtly had to buy a new one. Nobody said they were smart.

Are we complaining about things being Burnt in protest now?

Shall I refer to the BLM riots and the Billions in damages they caused?

[pritch]

I
The issue is - if you want to try and make that comparison - is that Colin was specifically kneeling to protest the National Anthem,



That is garbage. He was kneeling to protest the continued killing of unarmed black men by police. He was not protesting the anthem or the military.

BLM have very similar concerns.

[pritch]

Shall I refer to the BLM riots and the Billions in damages they caused?

Some of those fires have been verified as having been started by RWNJs. Otherwise you can refer to anything you like, as you do.

[TheDemonLord]

That is garbage. He was kneeling to protest the continued killing of unarmed black men by police. He was not protesting the anthem or the military.

BLM have very similar concerns.

The national anthem as a symbol of America and the grievances he has. Grievances which aren't based in reality.

I think I've posted somewhere else, but using the Washinton Post's Cop Killing Database, when you exclude people who were armed, Resisting arrest and having Mental Health issues - it's 20 people shot and killed by the police last year.

25 the year before that.

AND that number includes people who were (as per the Washington Post) 'Struggling' (so, y'know - fighting the Cops...)

The evidence is crystal clear: If you don't run from the Cops, aren't armed and don't try to fight them - you'll likely not get shot.

Add in BLM's stated goal of tearing down the Western Capitalist patriarchal imperialist system...

Oh and the founders of BLM left the movement after they got their mansions in a White Gates community.

Oh and they never talk about the THOUSANDS of Black lives that are lost to black assailants.

Shall I bring up them protesting the shooting of Ma'khia Bryant? No talk about the fact she was about to Stab someone - they don't care about that Black Life...


Some of those fires have been verified as having been started by RWNJs. Otherwise you can refer to anything you like, as you do.

Even if I grant you, and for the record - I don't - because those 'RWNJs' are just manifestations of the Horseshoe theory (just like Richard Spencer voting for the Democrats) they are using the same underlying principles for their beliefs,

you cannot hand-waive away the destruction that has been caused by 'Verified' BLM/ANTIFA members.

[Viking01]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/13/england-players-take-knee-wembley-euro-2020-boos-applause
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jul/13/leading-tory-mp-says-party-must-change-attitude-on-taking-the-knee

[pritch]

The national anthem as a symbol of America and the grievances he has. Grievances which aren't based in reality.

I think I've posted somewhere else, but using the Washinton Post's Cop Killing Database, when you exclude people who were armed, Resisting arrest and having Mental Health issues - it's 20 people shot and killed by the police last year.

25 the year before that.

AND that number includes people who were (as per the Washington Post) 'Struggling' (so, y'know - fighting the Cops...)

The evidence is crystal clear: If you don't run from the Cops, aren't armed and don't try to fight them - you'll likely not get shot.

Add in BLM's stated goal of tearing down the Western Capitalist patriarchal imperialist system...

Oh and the founders of BLM left the movement after they got their mansions in a White Gates community.

Oh and they never talk about the THOUSANDS of Black lives that are lost to black assailants.

Shall I bring up them protesting the shooting of Ma'khia Bryant? No talk about the fact she was about to Stab someone - they don't care about that Black Life...



Even if I grant you, and for the record - I don't - because those 'RWNJs' are just manifestations of the Horseshoe theory (just like Richard Spencer voting for the Democrats) they are using the same underlying principles for their beliefs,

you cannot hand-waive away the destruction that has been caused by 'Verified' BLM/ANTIFA members.

In the interests of clarity, I should explain. When I don't reply to your posts it's not because I'm convinced by your arguments. It's just that I'm sittiing here shaking my head thinking WTF? For someone who claims to have an IQ of 130 you show an extraordinary inability to sort the wheat from the chaff. I give up - again.

[TheDemonLord]

For someone who claims to have an IQ of 130 you show an extraordinary inability to sort the wheat from the chaff. I give up - again.

That all depends on what you consider to be Wheat and what you consider to be Chaff...

But interesting on your refusal to comment on the glaring hypocrisies of a Movement you are trying to defend as 'merely concerned about Police Violence'

[husaberg]

Interesting, as someone's posts are pretty much of the consistency, texture, aroma, and composition of a movement.

[mashman]

"Note to all you military, police, and defenders of the Constitution: Start doing the job WE THE PEOPLE are paying you to do. You took an OATH to protect us and the Constitution…..but all we see are COMMIES.". - Somewhere in the internet realm.

Some people don't seem to know how orders work. Nor do they seem to realise that the MIC are essentially a collective of private industry that is partially paid by the government to make weapons just in case someone fabricates, I mean, declares war, sorry, crafts some legal derivative of war that can't be proven as war so that some insurance and humanitarian legalities can be avoided. As such, the order followers are commies.

Somehow the cry of, Save us from the commies you commies, really doesn't seem to be rational :killingme

[Viking01]

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/team-gb-football-knee-tokyo-olympics-b1884516.html

[R650R]

Interesting of note about 11 mins in.... between 2005-2017 the SA police “lost” 26,000 guns.then between 2013-2019 they “ lost” nearly ten million rounds of ammo....
Nothing like a little corruption to help destroy a country....

Note the looters aren’t just cleaning out shops they are looting distribution centres as well, scary times, good boots on ground interview....


https://youtu.be/_fEVHx-m_YA

[Viking01]

https://www.theonion.com/what-s-in-the-new-eu-climate-change-plan-1847301087

[mashman]

Two dams in China's Inner Mongolia collapse after torrential rain (https://www.yahoo.com/news/two-dams-chinas-inner-mongolia-075042274.html)...

"A lack of financial resources means that nearly a third of the total number have not had mandatory safety appraisals completed, Wei Shanzhong, deputy water resources minister, told a briefing this year."

It's ok, in 10 years time communism will be gone from china and capitalism will ensure that these things no longer happen in the largest economy of the world. Wait a minute.............

[Viking01]

I see that Freedom Day has been reached in the UK, although it hasn't been without its challenges:

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/pm-johnson-pleads-caution-freedom-day-arrives-england-2021-07-18/

It will be interesting to see how this latest approach works out. I can only hope for the best.

Meanwhile, I see that Boris has been forced to go into quarantine himself. Suppose doing so at Chequers will help to keep the press at bay for a while. He might also need a little quiet time to concentrate on some of those little border issues needing his attention.

Northern Ireland
While Freedom Day has come and gone, it appears that it is Groundhog Day (once again), with Boris telling the EU that it is unfair of them to hold the UK to the terms and conditions of an agreement that he signed.

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210721-eu-rejects-uk-demand-to-revise-deal-on-post-brexit-trade-with-northern-ireland

While the EU granted the UK a dispensation until end September (in order for the UK to develop a working solution for trade crossing the UK - NI border), the "sausage war" seems no closer to resolution. And the UK politicians seemingly risk being told what they can do with their sausages.

Gibraltar
When the Brexit Agreement was approved around Christmas 2020, another little border issue (Gibraltar) were left out of the agreement. This was on the understanding that a draft framework for future negotiations would be produced - and negotiations then undertaken.

And now that the EC has done just that (produce and issue a framework), Dominic Raab has accused the EC of undermining British sovereignty over Gibraltar:

https://www.ft.com/content/bb140624-e11b-454f-94eb-d0854a3bc504

It's probably just as well Boris didn't decide to take advantage of Freedom Day, and quietly slip off to the south of Spain for some sun and some peace and quiet. Dodged a bullet there.

South China Sea
Meanwhile, I see that the UK Minister of Defence has been busy visiting Japan, in preparation for the arrival of her Majesty's Royal Navy. And that HMS Defender (the one that suffered navigational problems near Crimea on the Black Sea) has been despatched to escort HMS Queen Elizabeth. God knows where they'll end up this time (better not be Hong Kong - that could be unfortunate).

This is apparently to help sort out another little border dispute (the one in the South China Sea). And while the UK doesn't have a land border anywhere near the South China Sea, it's obviously "keen to get involved", and has offered two warships to help with the keeping of the peace.

I'm not quite sure how this peace process works, but apparently the more warships you have present, the more peace you get.

https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/britain-to-keep-2-warships-permanently-in-east-asia/

At least I thought they were warships until I read the small print of the above article. And now it seems that they might only be offshore patrol vessels.

But after the sterling job they did seeing off the French off the coast of Jersey (in the recent "fishing war"), I suppose that you want to put your best battle-hardened team out front.

I'm still not sure exactly what they're going to be doing, other than sailing up and down the Taiwan strait, waving the flag (and two fingers) to the Chinese. Maybe this is all part of the pre-negotiation process for a UK - China FTA ? Who knows ?

https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3135238/why-british-navys-south-china-sea-trip-only-shows-fealty-us

[pritch]

"For 'tis the sport to have the enginer
Hoist with his own petar."

- Shakespeare

[Viking01]

Well, the Tokyo Olympic Games are now underway, so we can only hope that Covid does not prove a major problem, and that some good competition ensues.

I've just been in contact with an English friend (living and working in Tokyo), and it's been interesting getting some local updates on preparation for the games.

As coincidence would have it, he has been away on annual leave for 5-6 days, with part of his trip spent riding the Doshi road near Nagano (which is the route currently being taken by the road cyclists). If you've been watching TV1 this afternoon (Saturday), you will have seen some footage of the riders on the hill climb and the lovely country that they were going through.

We were joking that (with some luck) if he could acquire a GB team singlet and sneak in to the peleton on his Varadero , he should be able to make good time on the uphill sections and hopefully finish among the medals. At least this time, he wouldn't have to stop to take photographs.

Of course we have a little wager on for the games. Well, two wagers, actually.

The first wager is on which team (GB or NZ) will receive the more medals overall. With the GB team having more members - and also having a higher ranking, I suspect that he will be the winner.

But just to make it more competitive, we also have a side-bet (which of the two teams will have fewer Covid cases). So while I might lose on the event competition, I'm hoping to compensate with the side-bet.

And then the subject of medal count came up.

I'd mentioned that when the NZ mens fours and eights rowing teams win gold, they'll be receiving 4 plus 8 = 12 medals in total (not just 2 medals). And that I'd hoped that he had taken that into account. No good trying to argue the situation afterwards. [ Yes, I've decided to back the NZ team this time instead of Denmark. Just for a change. ]

So, hopefully we see some good competition over the next 17 or so days.

My friend lives not far from where the equestrian events should be staged, so he was planning to go down and cheer on the GB teams when they perform. I wished them luck as well, and hoped that the GB horses kicked down plenty of rails (especially if the NZ teams were competing in the same events).

Go NZ.

[husaberg]

349421


http://www.slate.com/blogs/five_ring_circus/2016/08/19/re_ranking_the_2016_rio_olympics_medal_table_by_po pulation_and_gdp.html

[R650R]

http://www.voterig.com/southafricariots.jpg

[pete376403]

http://www.voterig.com/southafricariots.jpg

Sure its not the aftermath of a tornado in the US?

[husaberg]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uXo7wtGW7M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLflYkgnNBY

[Berries]

South China Sea
Meanwhile, I see that the UK Minister of Defence has been busy visiting Japan, in preparation for the arrival of her Majesty's Royal Navy. And that HMS Defender (the one that suffered navigational problems near Crimea on the Black Sea) has been despatched to escort HMS Queen Elizabeth. God knows where they'll end up this time (better not be Hong Kong - that could be unfortunate).

This is apparently to help sort out another little border dispute (the one in the South China Sea). And while the UK doesn't have a land border anywhere near the South China Sea, it's obviously "keen to get involved", and has offered two warships to help with the keeping of the peace.

I'm still not sure exactly what they're going to be doing, other than sailing up and down the Taiwan strait, waving the flag (and two fingers) to the Chinese.
I guess it all comes down to whether you think what the Chinese are doing in the South China Sea is even close to being fair. If they get away with all that shit then what? One thing is for certain, the New Zealand Navy are fucked if the Chinese do decide to come this way.

At some point someone has to stand up and point out that things are wrong. It is going to be very interesting watching this flotilla. I am sure nothing will happen but fairly soon the shit is going to hit the fan then you'll have to decide whether you are going to deride people for standing up to bullies or whether you and your kinds want to speak Cantonese and use chop sticks.

[mashman]

Financial System Has Come to an End – Martin Armstrong (https://usawatchdog.com/financial-system-has-come-to-an-end-martin-armstrong/). Betcha Socrates ain't the only AI that's come to the same conclusion. Totalitarianism, at the request of the people coz they're too busy on the lookout for commies and voting for those who say they will protect them, here we come. If only it weren't all so very very very predictable.

[sidecar bob]

Financial System Has Come to an End – Martin Armstrong (https://usawatchdog.com/financial-system-has-come-to-an-end-martin-armstrong/). Betcha Socrates ain't the only AI that's come to the same conclusion. Totalitarianism, at the request of the people coz they're too busy on the lookout for commies and voting for those who say they will protect them, here we come. If only it weren't all so very very very predictable.

Yep, doom and gloom are just around the corner as usual.
Must be time to dust this old chestnut off again.
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/165331-So-when-will-the-sharemarket-crash-in-2014?highlight=Share+market+2014

[Viking01]

I guess it all comes down to whether you think what the Chinese are doing in the South China Sea is even close to being fair. If they get away with all that shit then what? One thing is for certain, the New Zealand Navy are fucked if the Chinese do decide to come this way.

At some point someone has to stand up and point out that things are wrong. It is going to be very interesting watching this flotilla. I am sure nothing will happen but fairly soon the shit is going to hit the fan then you'll have to decide whether you are going to deride people for standing up to bullies or whether you and your kinds want to speak Cantonese and use chop sticks.

Afternoon,
Thanks for the reply. The original post was (obviously) a gentle dig at Boris the Brave and his current boundary problems. But I see that you've picked up on just the China element of that post (which intrigues me).

So , based on your reply (#11492), let me ask you a few questions:

1. What specifically is it that the Chinese are doing in the South China Sea that you disagree with? And why do you think the British flotilla has been despatched ?

2. What is it that you think the Chinese will do in the future ? Invade Taiwan ? Stage some large scale invasion of the Asian region ? Down as far as Australia and NZ ?

3. Which specific things are you calling out as "wrong" ? And if so, are we being even-handed and calling out some of the other players for their actions in the region as well (in the South China Sea) ? And elsewhere ?

4. Why should I consider just China as the "bully in the region" (when we consider the history of China and the surrounding region from since say 1850, around the start of the First Opium War) ? e.g. Just because western media tell me that is the way I must think ? Just because we have had traditional military alliances with the US and UK (and helped fight their wars in the past) ?

5. Does NZ have a "dog in the fight", should a conflict start in the South China Sea (whoever starts it, and for whatever reason) ? And why ?

6. Me and my kind ? Just who or what are we (just so I know what label is being applied)?

Look forward to your reply.

Cheers,
Viking

[Berries]

Ha ha, I meant kids not kind.

What China is doing around the Spratly Islands is simply bullying knowing that nobody will stand up to them. Yes, perhaps they will invade Taiwan one day. They certainly won't be able to deal with them the way they have taken Hong Kong back under the PRC wing.

[mashman]

Yep, doom and gloom are just around the corner as usual.
Must be time to dust this old chestnut off again.
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/165331-So-when-will-the-sharemarket-crash-in-2014?highlight=Share+market+2014

Around the corner :killingme...
Aye, the link never ages. It's a good proof of Einstein's theory of insanity. Printing money to the rescue, again, and again, and again, and again, and still the slide continues.

[nerrrd]

Or have we reached the point now where the major economies have all decided they're "too big to fail"?

If most of the value is now on paper, so long as they all continue to agree that that paper has value, they can keep chugging along indefinitely (barring asteroid impacts/runaway atmospheric collapse/alien invasions etc).

[sidecar bob]

Around the corner :killingme...
Aye, the link never ages. It's a good proof of Einstein's theory of insanity. Printing money to the rescue, again, and again, and again, and again, and still the slide continues.

Its always the homeless, lazy & unsuccessful that are rooting for the collapse of the financial system.
That's perfectly understandable.

[mashman]

Or have we reached the point now where the major economies have all decided they're "too big to fail"?

If most of the value is now on paper, so long as they all continue to agree that that paper has value, they can keep chugging along indefinitely (barring asteroid impacts/runaway atmospheric collapse/alien invasions etc).

Well, they've been doing everything they can to have it not fail, although I reckon more out of necessity (seriously, all ideology, dogma, conspiracy etc... can be ignored in the analysis of what is if one chooses) than out of cockiness that they own the game and not the other way around (if that's what you meant by too big to fail?).

Aye, confidence is everything, although that's only really achieved by 'hiding' the failures behind wads of cash injected into that which is clearly failing. As you say, all it really takes is for joe public to have confidence that their income won't be affected and they can, and very much do, ignore everything else not matter what the cost.