Trump - 4 more years of this at least...

[nerrrd]

If you move the cursor up there should be a little speaker icon top left above his head? I usually have to click that, it seems the default is sound off.

Got it, thanks!

There’s plenty of reassurance coming from the government, and you can track fuel stocks here, and forward orders (up to 2 weeks ahead): MBIE Fuel stocks update (https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/fuel-stocks-update). The fact that they’ve got 10 ships coming in the first week and only 1 in the second might be a sign?

Anyway, now that President Trump has given the Iranians 48 hours to open the strait or he starts bombing their power stations, it’ll all be over in a couple of days, right?

[pete376403]

... it’ll all be over in a couple of days, right?

A bit like putin saying the "special operation in Ukraine would only take three days"

[jim.cox]

How are they going to ration it I wonder. It should be somehow related to actual need. IE essential workers before others. Will boaters be able to fill their boats.Will motorcycles be able to fill up on the weeknds? Or will all transactions be limited to a number of litres? Will we need an app on our phones?

Over the weekend, I found Springfield are rationing a max of 40 litres per customer over all of their pumps

[BMWST?]

From the number of large SUVs towing horsefloats and caravans over the hill today, not everyone is taking the fuel issue seriously
Yes I dont think many people realise what may happen. They all fixated on price only. Without being silly about it I may change my normal practise of full empty full empty to full half full half. I am not going to bother with jerry cans etc. However I dont need to use the car or bike every day

[pritch]

About right. :rolleyes:


https://www.facebook.com/reel/1514419933381019

[pritch]

The US press still treats Trump as normal even when it's painfully obvious to most that he is anything but. Hegseth too is taken seriously when he is a deeply unserious person. Australians are somewhat more forthright as in this instance. Sadly Hegseth probably won't read it. You should. :killingme


https://ifloz.substack.com/p/the-art-of-a-wanker?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%2Bviewer&fbclid=IwY2xjawQv3XxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZ BAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeH1Jvf-FbG4G9DK2BQyWacAgVZsHETvRbDKjkRmrU2uz3bLZiFCB0r9E2 loM_aem_P46xwyImUsSuSPctYYTt8A&triedRedirect=true

[nerrrd]

You know, I'm not entirely sure President Trump tells the truth all the time. Thank goodness the Iranians want a deal so badly. Also can't wait till he's in charge of the Strait of Hormuz, that's really going to help.

Meanwhile the war drags on. The numbers are sobering, an average of 130ish ships through the strait daily before the war, now maybe 20 on a good day via the Iranian side, and those tend to be headed to India or China. And we're a month behind now on the usual levels.

Hard to know for sure what's in store for us, the MBIE fuel update (https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/fuel-stocks-update) site only gives you 2 weeks in advance, the numbers are not going up but the blurb says that's not unusual. Maybe Singapore and Korea are finding alternative supplies, maybe we can get the refined stuff elsewhere.

Hopefully the government know what's coming for sure much further in advance than that, and will act appropriately in the country's best interests.

[F5 Dave]

I've read the 2 more boats on the way story. Hooray, problem over.

. . . Um. How long does it take to get a boat though the straight to South Korea? How long does it take to refine a tanker worth of crude? And then to this side of the world?;

I'm thinking these are not "two weeks" sort of issues.

[pritch]

I've read the 2 more boats on the way story. Hooray, problem over.

. . . Um. How long does it take to get a boat though the straight to South Korea? How long does it take to refine a tanker worth of crude? And then to this side of the world?;

I'm thinking these are not "two weeks" sort of issues.

On the 22nd of this month it was reported that the last tankers through the gulf were arriving in Singapore and Korea. The Operation Epic Fuckup bombing started 28 Feb. So it seems three weeks at least for a ship to make the trip. As for how long the rest takes who knows? As you say two weeks doesn't cover it.

[F5 Dave]

Anyone have a truck and some spare 220l fuel drums they can lend us?
Fill them up at 3am so don't get picture in stuff. :devil2:

[neels]

Anyone have a truck and some spare 220l fuel drums they can lend us?
Fill them up at 3am so don't get picture in stuff. :devil2:
Can't even fill the car with the $150 maximum at the Waitomo, let alone extra drums.....

Usually fill the thing on a Thursday when they discount, just worked out it's now 38% more than the last 'normal' discount price a month ago.

Thanks for that you orange idiot.

[nerrrd]

This f*cking guy.

No surprise, if you look at the actual numbers through the strait of Hormuz over the last couple of days, President Trump’s present from the Iranians is bullshit. Four ships, one Chinese, two Indian (LPG not oil), one unknown, all of them went via Iranian coastal waters (therefore likely paying a toll) and not through the normal shipping channel.

I’m finding this less and less amusing. Details here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybU29t7rkc8) if interested.

[pritch]

In a recent interview Trump said he had bombed Kharg Island but he hadn't bombed "the pipes." He went on to say that he might bomb the pipes. If he did that the oil shortage could be extended by months. Trump's current mental state is a concern, as is the belief that he is surrounded by people with an agenda who actually prevent people with an opposing view getting to talk to him.

Meanwhile Iranian hackers have been having success. And on a different note, yet another Republican gathering has reportedly crashed the Grindr servers. Funny that.

[nerrrd]

Here’s an alternative source for fuel stocks from the taxpayers’ union. It’s a bit less optimistic compared to the MBIE one, since it only includes shipments that can be tracked via AIS as in country or on the way (22 days for petrol currently).

Fuelclock.nz (https://www.fuelclock.nz)

Meanwhile we’re starting week 5 of this 4-6 week war that has already been won, given the Iranian leadership are all dead and also want to make a deal so badly, all while still firing off missiles and drones even though their military has been completely obliterated.

[pritch]

At first I was suspicious of this item it being April 1st and all but it is being widely reported.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms say that the bullet removed from Charlie Kirk's neck does not match the 30.06 rifle alleged to have been used by Tyler Robinson. No details appear to have been provided.

This is problematic because parallel investigations by the CIA and DHS were shut down at the time because the FBI were adamant they had their man. It was an open and shut case, after all he was said to have confessed to family.

And now for a new wave of conspiracy theories...

[Katman]

And now for a new wave of conspiracy theories...

And what's the betting they'll be right......

......again.

[F5 Dave]

JD is a cool and stable guy.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/30/jd-vance-alien-ufo-are-demons

[peewee]

usa doing the heavy lifting while everyone else stands back in the shadows crying about oil. step up and send help

[Kickaha]

usa doing the heavy lifting while everyone else stands back in the shadows crying about oil. step up and send help

Fuck off ya knob, the USA aren't doing shit, they created the whole mess now they're having a cry about it, how many times has Trump said they've won and Iran has no military capability left ? How many times has he said they don't need anyone else ? how's that orange cock taste it must be so far down your throat it's coming out your arse?

[F5 Dave]

Send help? To do what exactly?

No really. What do you actually think can be achieved here?

It's Afghanistan and Iraq all over again.

It's Korea and Vietnam all over again.

It's Cuba and Iran all over again. Oh wait. This is where we came in and screwed it up the last time which created the current Regime.

America world police fucks up again and again.

This orange turkey has even admitted his favourite thing would be to take thier oil. He means Steal.
Invitation. Let's all be thieves. Cmon why aren't you helping to beat these guys up?

[nerrrd]

The big, beautiful US Navy, with all the best ships, and the best sailors, some say the best Navy there’s ever been…

Even they won’t go anywhere near the Strait of Hormuz at the moment. The chance of anyone else going near it in a warship anytime soon is somewhere between diddly and squat.

Meanwhile more and more commercial shipping companies are likely to be negotiating with the Iranians and deciding to pay the toll…so much winning.

[caseye]

usa doing the heavy lifting while everyone else stands back in the shadows crying about oil. step up and send help

Yeah right, Rump is reaping what he's sewn, please go fight for him and learn what he's done , not only to the US people, but every other country in the world who is now locked into an economic decline thanks to the wim of a russian puppet.

[pete376403]

Yeah right, Rump is reaping what he's sewn, please go fight for him and learn what he's done , not only to the US people, but every other country in the world who is now locked into an economic decline thanks to the wim of a russian puppet.

Russian and israeli puppet. putin and netanyahu take turns pulling the strings

[F5 Dave]

I like him because he's not one of the corrupt politicians. Drain the swamp.
Also he's a successful businessman and knows how to negotiate the art of the deal.

Hmm, my lying and bullying don't seem to be working.

Rest of the world. Come clean up my mess.

Yeah thanks for that you fat fuck.

[peewee]

Send help? To do what exactly?

No really. What do you actually think can be achieved here?




i dont know. check for mines. escort some tanker ships. surely theres something you could do without getting your hands dirty. the weak europeans (france and UK ?) wont even let usa use their airstrips from what the news is saying

[nerrrd]

i dont know. check for mines. escort some tanker ships. surely theres something you could do without getting your hands dirty. the weak europeans (france and UK ?) wont even let usa use their airstrips from what the news is saying

I think that’s coming, but not in cooperation with the US, maybe under a UN resolution (remember them?) By keeping an appearance of neutrality, the UK, europeans and others (maybe us, although we’ve already pre-sunk our limited mine-sweeping capability in Samoa) will be hoping what’s left of the Iranian regime won’t target them deliberately.

Because the analysis I’ve seen is that geographically the strait is a shooting gallery, even with up to date defence systems, the reaction time for any attack is just too short. Which is not to say an attack is guaranteed, but if a warship was attacked and sunk (like the Ukranians have unconventionally managed to do to the Russians) that would make things even worse.

[pritch]

Send help? To do what exactly?



Sweep the strait for mines? Any ship can be a mine sweeper. Once.

[husaberg]

Sweep the strait for mines? Any ship can be a mine sweeper. Once.

An aside but traditional minesweepers were wooden or fibreglass composite I believe the US retired them a few years ago also they need to operate in a safe area from attack as they tend to move slowly and methodically in the straight they would be a sitting duck.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-us-navy-decommissioning-minesweepers-ps-092725

[husaberg]

i dont know. check for mines. escort some tanker ships. surely theres something you could do without getting your hands dirty. the weak europeans (france and UK ?) wont even let usa use their airstrips from what the news is saying


Can you see what the nato members might think trump is overstepping here trying to involve NATO?


Collective Defense (Article 5): Establishes that an armed attack against one or more members in Europe or North America is considered an attack against all, requiring members to assist with necessary action, including armed force.
Establishment of Council (Article 9): Creates a Council representing all members to oversee implementation and establish necessary subsidiary bodies.
Self-Help and Mutual Aid (Article 3): Members pledge to build individual and collective capacity to resist attack.
Consultation (Article 4): Parties agree to consult if the security, territorial integrity, or political independence of a member is threatened.
Scope and Purpose (Articles 1 & 6): Defines the geographic area for collective defense and requires the peaceful resolution of international disputes in accordance with the UN Charter

[pritch]

Can you see what the nato members might think trump is overstepping here?


That and the fact that Trump's attack on Iran was unlawful in the US as well as internatioanally. Having failed miserably he now wants somebody - anybody to bail him out. Unsurprisingly there is a shortage of volunteers.

If peewee is so convinced military action is a good idea he should join up.

[Kickaha]

An aside but traditional minesweepers were wooden or fibreglass composite I believe the US retired them a few years ago also they need to operate in a safe area from attack as they tend to move slowly and methodically in the straight they would be a sitting duck.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-us-navy-decommissioning-minesweepers-ps-092725

The US only took those minesweepers out of the middle east last year, they'd been around for 30 years or so, their new ships have "mine countermeasures" but have not been tested in combat zones and are designed to be operated outside of the mined zones

[pritch]

And in more recent news Trump has sacked his Attorney General, Pam Bondi. She famously had the Epstein files on her desk but that was before she said they didn't exist.

[husaberg]

And in more recent news Trump has sacked his Attorney General, Pam Bondi. She famously had the Epstein files on her desk but that was before she said they didn't exist.
Hot on the heels (hoofs )of firing Kristi Noem.
Blondie was previously subpoenaed by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee she was set to testify on April 14....
I see the story going around is bondi was fired for tipping off a Democrat friend that the FBI was investigating them.
Tulsi is apparently next on the hit list...

[F5 Dave]

i dont know. check for mines. escort some tanker ships. surely theres something you could do without getting your hands dirty. the weak europeans (france and UK ?) wont even let usa use their airstrips from what the news is saying
That would be fine if trying to fend off naval attacks, or The Black Pearl. But otherwise and escort boat would be just as much a target as a super tanker.

There has never been a regime change from air attacks alone. Look at the Battle of Britain. It just made them more determined. You might argue Hiroshima if desperate. But nix on the regime change. That stayed.

So they killed an 88 yr old who had one foot in the grave and replaced him with a 58yr old hell bent on revenge.
It's slowly sinking in that this is a fuck up and he's looking for an UNDO button or someone else to hang this on.

None of this is an improvement.

Unless of course you are an Israeli or Russian. Then you are giggling.

[pritch]

Poor Pam Bondi. There had been an ethics complaint against Pam Bondi with the Florida Bar Association. The Florida group though has a rule that forbids action against anybody holding government office. Yesterday as Attorney General Bondi was protected. Today she is not. The ethics complaint is currently being revised and extended.
Disbarrment is a real possibility.

[pete376403]

Hot on the heels (hoofs )of firing Kristi Noem.
Blondie was previously subpoenaed by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee she was set to testify on April 14....
I see the story going around is bondi was fired for tipping off a Democrat friend that the FBI was investigating them.
Tulsi is apparently next on the hit list...

Not to be outdone, kegbreath has fired US Army Chief of Staff. His replacement is "completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault". (ie a yes man)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8d63v058zo

[pritch]

Totally sane.

[nerrrd]

So sane. I don't think the Iranians will be all that impressed (regime or population.) Isn't there a TACO in there as well, an extension to the deadline? Stand by for another in short order.

Meanwhile 91 has hit $3.50 locally which is bad enough, but diesel at $3.70??? That's got to be causing major damage to the local economy already.

[nerrrd]

…and sure enough, now there’s talk of a 45 day cease fire. Basically might as well ignore anything the president says until something actually happens.

As an aside, very impressed with the rescue of the downed pilot. Maybe the cost of that will give the US some second thoughts.

[pritch]

It should be obvious that Trump had no strategy. He was surprised by the Hormuz Strait closing but that should not have surprised anyone. He may not have foreseen this eventuality though which is much more serious. It's even more serious than this clip suggests because Iran wants to sell to Asia in Chinese Yuan. These moves could eventuate in the collapse of the US dollar.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2120846315378726

[pete376403]

It should be obvious that Trump had no strategy. He was surprised by the Hormuz Strait closing but that should not have surprised anyone. He may not have foreseen this eventuality though which is much more serious. It's even more serious than this clip suggests because Iran wants to sell to Asia in Chinese Yuan. These moves could eventuate in the collapse of the US dollar.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2120846315378726

There are some who say the driver behind the invasion of Iraq was that Saddam wanted to sell oil in Euros. US - "we can't allow that, dave". Similarly Gaddafi in Libya and Maduro in Venezuela.
https://www.independent.org/article/2026/02/27/petrodollar-war-theory/#:~:text=Several%20high%2Dprofile%20cases%20are,Ir aq%20and%20removed%20his%20regime.

[pritch]

When Trump threatens to withdraw from NATO most Americans probably don't even know what he's talking about. The New York Times, formerly a newspaper of record, now a billionaire's plaything, doesn't have a clue.

[nerrrd]

When Trump threatens to withdraw from NATO most Americans probably don't even know what he's talking about. The New York Times, formerly a newspaper of record, now a billionaire's plaything, doesn't have a clue.

Might be an AI sub editing hallucination? Times are tough in the newspaper business...also Google reckons their ownership hasn't changed, you might be thinking of the Washington Post.

Meanwhile we await the end of civilisation in Iran today at around midday.

[Kickaha]

When Trump threatens to withdraw from NATO most Americans probably don't even know what he's talking about. The New York Times, formerly a newspaper of record, now a billionaire's plaything, doesn't have a clue.

Canada is North America, they can still keep the name NATO

[pete376403]

https://scontent-akl1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/663260101_10173942837315273_1518738404484918426_n. jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=13d280&_nc_ohc=Tyz38tCOjRoQ7kNvwERG8Hi&_nc_oc=AdrlSUvgNCfewOnY9BZ-8AxtB9qaQh7YCeWotY76ExtNSJzyS1IHFa8MqVHkMjqXhObyoK D7MTZivctaAGDzSXy7&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-akl1-1.xx&_nc_gid=y6w_OuBM58lc9dcFeusq9A&_nc_ss=7a3a8&oh=00_Af3JGWfvBloILCzVoPA0WpNNibDyH__jCqGDFCvO4_tG fA&oe=69DB23F0

[nerrrd]

Maybe, but even as a rescue it doubles as a way to find out just how capable the Iranian military are on the ground at the moment and how feasible a nuclear snatch could be.

Lesson learned?

[pritch]

155 aircraft? There is a more detailed account of what likely happened on the Valhalla VFT YouTube site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hFdDoSXupw

Briefly: Two Hercules, each carrying two helicopters, went in planning to land on a road near the city. Isfahan? The road surface was soft and both aircraft immediately bogged down. The helicopters were unloaded, the rescue troops got on and got their man. All six aircraft were then blown up. Two smaller short take off and landing aircraft arrived and flew all and sundry to safety.

[nerrrd]

And hey presto, a two week ceasefire. It's an Easter miracle.

[F5 Dave]

Hey, you're really good at this.

Can you tell me where uncle Jeff left those share certificates the family fortune was invested in? Couldn't find them in his den, just a bunch of TAB literature. . .

[nerrrd]

I'll get back to you in a couple of weeks.

[F5 Dave]

Hey What's the deal with the Israelis? Are they not on our side?
Um, well Mr Trump. When we do something for them, yes. But. . .

[neels]

357962
..........

[F5 Dave]

Internet awash with how it's time to 25th impeachment the senile crazy guy.

But that's just wishful thinking. No one will have the guts and any revolution will fold with perpetrator spitefully attacked. It's just inevitable when there's only yes men that surround him.

[BMWST?]

Internet awash with how it's time to 25th impeachment the senile crazy guy.

But that's just wishful thinking. No one will have the guts and any revolution will fold with perpetrator spitefully attacked. It's just inevitable when there's only yes men that surround him.
Unlikely to happen as you say. It should have happened immediately he attacked Iran. The fact it hasnt speaks volumes about "the american way".

[pete376403]

Then Melania pops up to put Epstein right back in focus

[pritch]

Hunter Biden has challenged Donald Trump Junior and Eric to a cage match.

[Kickaha]

Then Melania pops up to put Epstein right back in focus

Apparently she has a long term "friend" who is about to spill the beans on her, she's probably trying to get ahead of that

[pritch]

Apparently she has a long term "friend" who is about to spill the beans on her, she's probably trying to get ahead of that

Edzackery and now we have some details. Amanda Ungaro (sp?) was the partner of a Mr Zampoli who had been involved with Trump's Teen Miss World, and was allegedly a 'recruiter' of women and girls from Europe for Epstein.

The happy couple split some time back and Amanda is now married to a Doctor. Well she was until she was scooped up by ICE and departed to Brazil whence she came. Not unnaturally this has pissed her off. One of Melania's closest friends for twenty years and an Epstein insider she is now talking to the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The Democrats should hurry, Amanda may not be around long, she could suffer an unfortunate accident.

The phrase, 'Amanda knows where the bodies are buried' might be appropriate but there are references to deaths including possibly a twelve year old?

These developments might mean that Trump will now decide to invade Cuba?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGx22-yM6KE

[F5 Dave]

Ahh, Iranian situation explained then.

https://youtube.com/shorts/SU7n3NqmnOo?si=xsA3RyMp3o5SHIJq

[Katman]

Edzackery and now we have some details.]

Look at you, my little conspiracy theorist.

[pritch]

Look at you, my little conspiracy theorist.

You may have a different definition of conspiracy theory. Melanies speech was considered by the pundits to have been an effort to get ahead of an upcoming news item. We now have the news item. If the subject of the item lived in Moscow she would be wise to avoid upstairs windows. In Brazil she might still be accident prone.

[Katman]

You may have a different definition of conspiracy theory.

Probably not as different as you might imagine.

I'm keen to see how this plays out.

Either the conspiracy will be revealed, or it will be concealed via censorship - thus enhancing it's conspiracy theory status.

[pritch]

There is a common belief among right whingers in the US that London and other areas of Britain operate under sharia law. Bollox of course. Apparently believed by Vice President Vance though who has stated that as an Islamist country with nukes the UK is a threat.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jd-vance-uk-trump-running-mate-islamist-country-b2581061.html

[pritch]

Heard a recording of an interesting exchange between the Iranian navy and the US navy. A US ship was entering the Persian Gulf.

Briefly, it went something like this:

Iranian navy: US ship alter course and leave the area.
US Navy: This ship is operating lawfully in international waters.
Iranian Navy: This is your final warning, there will be no further warnings. Change course and leave the area.
US Navy:...
Iranian Navy: All ships in the Sea of Oman. There is a US Navy ship in the area. All vessels must maintain ten miles clearance around this ship, it is about to be fired upon.
US Navy: Alters course and leaves the area.

[F5 Dave]

They spoke English?

[pritch]

They spoke English?

With a heavy accent but yes.

[pete376403]

In response to Iran blocking the Hormuz strait, Trump has ordered the US navy to... block the Hormuz strait

US President Donald Trump overnight said the US Navy would "immediately" begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement or next diplomatic steps in sight.

https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/04/13/trump-threatens-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-after-peace-talks-fail/

[nerrrd]

There is AIS evidence that at least one US Navy ship made the transit according to this (https://youtu.be/2Nu4qbbOj2M?si=-187-rsmU_r_Ds3e), having said that I guess it wouldn’t be hard to fake.

There’s a bit more detail about the blockade now from the Navy, looks like they’ll be only be targeting ships entering or exiting Iranian ports.

https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/4457255/us-to-blockade-ships-entering-or-exiting-iranian-ports/

So looks like it’s all going to drag on for a long time yet.

EDIT: on the plus side, a blockade is an act of war apparently in international law, so if Congress wanted to rein President Trump in legally, this could be an opportunity :killingme; otherwise it's piracy? arrrrrrr.

[pritch]

Just watching The Daily Show while munching on my coleslaw. They were saying that Trump attacking His Holiness the Pope* is surprising considering that the church and Trump have so much in common. Like covering up sex crimes f'instance.


* Nah I'm Presbyterian.

[pritch]

Mind boggling idiocy.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/3459550660860384



Trump has achieved in a year what Victor Orban took ten years to achieve. It transpires that Project 2025 actually documented what Orban had done and Trump has just followed it step by step. The good news is that Orban just got his arse kicked out of office. Here's hoping we can skip ahead to that part for Trump sooner rather than later.

[pritch]

They don't need long...

[F5 Dave]

Nice. What a plonker.

The retort was anyone claiming he misquoted is fake news.
Translation: we'll brand you a liar for pointing out the truth.

[husaberg]

Mind boggling idiocy.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/3459550660860384



Trump has achieved in a year what Victor Orban took ten years to achieve. It transpires that Project 2025 actually documented what Orban had done and Trump has just followed it step by step. The good news is that Orban just got his arse kicked out of office. Here's hoping we can skip ahead to that part for Trump sooner rather than later.

As much as I loathe Orban. At least he was man enough to admit defeat, from what we have seen Trump can never do that.....

[pritch]

The week that was.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aay9Zt7uD0M



Patel's lawyers are talking of suing the Atlantic. That should be a loser of an idea. Stories of Patel being pissed on the job are routine.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/dc/washington/news/2026/04/18/fbi-director-kash-patel-accused-of-drinking-on-the-job/

[BMWST?]

Mind boggling idiocy.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/3459550660860384



Trump has achieved in a year what Victor Orban took ten years to achieve. It transpires that Project 2025 actually documented what Orban had done and Trump has just followed it step by step. The good news is that Orban just got his arse kicked out of office. Here's hoping we can skip ahead to that part for Trump sooner rather than later.
The guy that beat Orban is almost as right wing as Orban was

[pritch]

The guy that beat Orban is almost as right wing as Orban was

Yeah I've read that he is a right thinking man but preferable to Orban. So far.

Spell check is pissing me off so this:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qpi3XBaWXRQ

[pete376403]

Rachel Hurley has been publishing a 10 part series about trump. The latest part 5 - how deutsche bank financed him when no-one else would.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3917105795092261&set=a.156698481133030

The rest here:https://rachelandthecity.com/the-receipts/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRWVihleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXME95 YlhkUFkwUlA5TXFVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMD g5MgABHmyAgCAvCcPcdJ_f2ejxsouPTQbdXHH0aUYsrmmFZZvu xdh7NqrG6EUNsSTN_aem_1HHiiw79dPuwluybjZRb6A

[Berries]

Is that the chick off Countdown?

[pete376403]

Is that the chick off Countdown?
Thats Rachel Riley, who is memorable for other reasons (beside maths ability)

[pritch]

:rolleyes:


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z2DDZtHwx-k

[pritch]

In some respects this is unusual. A Green Beret sergeant has been charged with betting on the Maduro operation. It was a gamble to the extent that he backed the US to win. He knew there was to be an op but he couldn't know it would be successful.

He has some support because in effect this is 'insider trading.' Members of Trump's cabinet and his family are making millions from insider trading as are members of Congress and the Senate. Both parties are equally guilty. People routinely go into Congress with modest assets and three years later are multi millionaires.

Normally this is ignored although there was an exception at the start of COVID. A Senate committee received a special briefing on the likely effects of a COVID pandemic. The members came out of the meeting and sold shares in hotels and travel and invested in body bag menufacturers etc. This actually received publicity which not common.

I guess nobody told this dude he was not a member of the club.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-special-forces-soldier-involved-in-maduro-raid-charged-with-betting-on-the-operation/ar-AA21zZaX

[husaberg]

In some respects this is unusual. A Green Beret sergeant has been charged with betting on the Maduro operation. It was a gamble to the extent that he backed the US to win. He knew there was to be an op but he couldn't know it would be successful.

He has some support because in effect this is 'insider trading.' Members of Trump's cabinet and his family are making millions from insider trading as are members of Congress and the Senate. Both parties are equally guilty. People routinely go into Congress with modest assets and three years later are multi millionaires.

Normally this is ignored although there was an exception at the start of COVID. A Senate committee received a special briefing on the likely effects of a COVID pandemic. The members came out of the meeting and sold shares in hotels and travel and invested in body bag menufacturers etc. This actually received publicity which not common.

I guess nobody told this dude he was not a member of the club.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-special-forces-soldier-involved-in-maduro-raid-charged-with-betting-on-the-operation/ar-AA21zZaX


you have to admire the narcissistic irony of these statements


"The whole world, unfortunately, has become somewhat of a casino," Trump added when asked more generally about betting markets and bets placed on major geopolitical events.


"I'm not happy with any of that stuff," Trump continued.


"Today’s announcement makes clear no one is above the law, and this FBI will do whatever it takes to defend the homeland and safeguard our nation’s secrets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

[pritch]

you have to admire the narcissistic irony of these statements

Especially the one about the country being a casino. From a guy who bankrupted three casinos - and is busy bankrupting the country?

[pritch]

The relationship between Trump and the Pope is not going to be on the improve anytime soon.

The US is having trouble with their lethal injection programme. When it became public what drugs were being used the Scandinavian manufacturer of the main drug banned exports to the US. Variious states tried getting chemists to reverse engineer the drug with mixed success. Some executions have obviously been extremely painful. The Supreme Court subsequently ruled that executions need not be painless. Nice.

To facilitate a more efficient flow from sentence to execution Trump has suggested the use of firing squads. The Pope has now spoken out against the death penalty.
Not that Trump will be impressed - but he may be annoyed.

[husaberg]

Especially the one about the country being a casino. From a guy who bankrupted three casinos - and is busy bankrupting the country?
I think it might be four.......maybe more. TBF though the seem to be money laundering operations (https://rachelandthecity.com/trump-casino-money-laundering-the-laundromat/) for the mob and the Russian mafia...

[pete376403]

Another day another gunman "attempted shots in avenue where trump was attending". this time the correspondents dinner. Unfortunately trump wasn't hit. Probably another setup, didnt require a maxi pad

[pritch]

"attempted shots in avenue where trump was attending". this time the correspondents dinner. Unfortunately trump wasn't hit. Probably another setup, didnt require a maxi pad

The thought that this is the latest distraction from the Epstein files is being expressed. A tad cynical perhaps but...

[nerrrd]

The world continues to be nuts. Wonder if anyone bet on an assassination attempt happening tonight on the prediction markets?

Meanwhile people in the know continue to profit from the chaos, the markets have finally figured out that if they just ignore what’s happening in the real world they can continue to make pretend money endlessly, and the rest of us who have to live in it keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

At least petrol has gone down a bit, although supermarket prices are creeping up again, not that that’s anything unusual.

[Pursang]

107 Million people own around 400 million guns in the USA.......and still not a decent shot amongst them! :ar15:

Secret Service agents and their SWAT team, local DC Police, FBI, security details for All the members of the Liquor Cabinet and even National Guardsmen in Cammo and the 'suspect' takes a pistol, a shotgun & 2 knives to the predictable battle. Every goddamn US School shooter has military grade assault weapons, something just isn't adding up!

[pritch]

Many people seem to think the WHCD thing was staged. What possible motive could there be for staging such a thing? Immediately after the news broke all the usual Trump shills were posting demands for the new ballroom to be completed. That does seem a bit far fetched but...

These days though when every school shooter has an AR15 this dude has a shotgun and pistol?

Early days, the conspiracies are still coming.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IiZostL7G0

[R650R]

107 Million people own around 400 million guns in the USA.......and still not a decent shot amongst them! :ar15:

Secret Service agents and their SWAT team, local DC Police, FBI, security details for All the members of the Liquor Cabinet and even National Guardsmen in Cammo and the 'suspect' takes a pistol, a shotgun & 2 knives to the predictable battle. Every goddamn US School shooter has military grade assault weapons, something just isn't adding up!

Well he was a school teacher from California… Some news articles have highlighted the point that all attempts so far have been by incompetent individuals. He even stayed true to his cause taking a train journey to get there.
Prob time to do away with secret service and use normal cops. Move fast like that after being pulled for running a red light and he’d be dead.

[R650R]

The world continues to be nuts. Wonder if anyone bet on an assassination attempt happening tonight on the prediction markets?

Meanwhile people in the know continue to profit from the chaos, the markets have finally figured out that if they just ignore what’s happening in the real world they can continue to make pretend money endlessly, and the rest of us who have to live in it keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

At least petrol has gone down a bit, although supermarket prices are creeping up again, not that that’s anything unusual.

That really good advice. Watch the underlying trends and realise the world still has needs. Plenty of good stocks at a discount at moment.
As for petrol don’t expect prices to drop much. A new baseline has been established where people will still buy. Some excuse will be fabricated to keep prices high just like insurance companies after all these storms. At the local sports park the carpark still filled with Ford Tangers and SUVs, I don’t see any increase in people walking, bus or cycling.
Also soon fertiliser shortage will kick in and food prices go up too.
Expect inflation to increase relentlessly, this will all play out just like aftermath of covid supply chain disruption.

[pete376403]

Many people seem to think the WHCD thing was staged. What possible motive could there be for staging such a thing? Immediately after the news broke all the usual Trump shills were posting demands for the new ballroom to be completed. That does seem a bit far fetched but...

These days though when every school shooter has an AR15 this dude has a shotgun and pistol?

Early days, the conspiracies are still coming.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IiZostL7G0


The ballroom is intended to be a secure bunker, with a further fuhrerbunker underneath. May also be a reichstag moment to delay or cancel the midterm elections

Also, noted elsewhere:"Here is the critical detail that is getting lost in all the noise: the incident happened on a floor above where the dinner was actually taking place. Not in the room. Not near the room. Up a flight of stairs, past multiple security layers, in a part of the hotel that was open to the general public because the Secret Service only secured the specific areas of the WHCA event — not the entire building. Law enforcement officials confirmed this. The suspect never breached the secured zone. The president, vice president, cabinet officials, and guests were nowhere close to this.
And yet, within thirty minutes of the incident, Donald Trump was at a podium holding a press conference, not to reassure the public, not to thank law enforcement, but to demand his golden ballroom. He and his officials were all smiles. Karoline Leavitt had a grin on her face. Pete Hegseth was photographed beaming. Alina Habba posted on Instagram that she “slayed on the look” with a photo of herself from the event, captioned “10/10.” These are the people who want you to believe this was a harrowing, historic moment of danger."

[BMWST?]

That really good advice. Watch the underlying trends and realise the world still has needs. Plenty of good stocks at a discount at moment.
As for petrol don’t expect prices to drop much. A new baseline has been established where people will still buy. Some excuse will be fabricated to keep prices high just like insurance companies after all these storms. At the local sports park the carpark still filled with Ford Tangers and SUVs, I don’t see any increase in people walking, bus or cycling.
Also soon fertiliser shortage will kick in and food prices go up too.
Expect inflation to increase relentlessly, this will all play out just like aftermath of covid supply chain disruption.
There is a definite reduction in traffic here . Most people are predicting that the impact will hit about now,even for the US .The real price of oil is well above the "futures" price. Somebody may be paying big time when their futures bets come due

[pritch]

Also, noted elsewhere:"Here is the critical detail that is getting lost in all the noise: the incident happened on a floor above where the dinner was actually taking place. Not in the room. Not near the room. Up a flight of stairs, past multiple security layers, in a part of the hotel that was open to the general public because the Secret Service only secured the specific areas of the WHCA event — not the entire building.

Yeah the shooter was with other hotel guests in the lobby. Apparently security there, if any, was minimal. Compare that to when Obama visited podcaster Marc Maron. The street was closed days prior, nobody in or out without checking, snipers on roofs, a tent enclosing the footpath from the street to Maron's door.

Part of that may be down to the Secret Service operating at a lower level of efficiency under Trump like every other department of government. Some individuals. such as the FBI Director, grasped the opportunity to do nothing.

We'll see. Or not.

[pete376403]

Yeah the shooter was with other hotel guests in the lobby. Apparently security there, if any, was minimal. Compare that to when Obama visited podcaster Marc Maron. The street was closed days prior, nobody in or out without checking, snipers on roofs, a tent enclosing the footpath from the street to Maron's door.

Part of that may be down to the Secret Service operating at a lower level of efficiency under Trump like every other department of government. Some individuals. such as the FBI Director, grasped the opportunity to do nothing.

We'll see. Or not.

Recall when Clinton was over here for APEC, manhole covers in Queen St were welded shut so the motorcade could pass safely.

[pritch]

Trump is banging on about the bunker system under his ballroom. The ballroom that was going to cost 200 million in donations but is now apparently estimated to be 400 million in taxpayer money. He referred particularly to the extensive medical facilities to be installed.

This is odd because the bunker under the White House was only intended to hold the president for an hour or so until they could arrange his safe removal from DC. There are evidently several purpose built bunker systems in the US, at least one incorporates a mini Pentagon. Alternatively there is Air Force 1 which can stay airborne for an extended period utilising multiple crews and in flight refuelling. The whole point was to remove the president to an unknown location as soon as possible, not to have him holed up under the White House.

[F5 Dave]

They could always build a swimming pool above it.

[neels]

They could always build a swimming pool above it.

A swimming pool would make a great aiming point from the air, but given that he's already announced to the world where it's supposedly going to be built a visible target probably isn't necessary.

Obviously hasn't watched enough Bond films to realise that super villains are supposed to have a Secret bunker.

[jim.cox]

I like what Cheech and Chong did with their swimming pool...

[jim.cox]

They could always build a swimming pool above it.

Or maybe he just wants a Thunderbird One launch pad all for himself...

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/thunderbirds/images/8/86/TB1_%288%29.png/revision/latest?cb=20150118222808

[F5 Dave]

I was kinda referring to the Beehive where some genius retrofitted one above civil defense bunker.

[pritch]

I was kinda referring to the Beehive where some genius retrofitted one above civil defense bunker.

That seems an excellent way to create problems where none existed.

[pritch]

Well that's interesting. There is doubt now that the White House Correspondents Dinner 'shooter' even fired his gun. The Secret Service agent who was hit was shot by another Secret Service agent. We await developments with breathless anticipation.

[pete376403]

Well that's interesting. There is doubt now that the White House Correspondents Dinner 'shooter' even fired his gun. The Secret Service agent who was hit was shot by another Secret Service agent. We await developments with breathless anticipation.
Doesn't matter. Like the guy who was staking out the Florida golfcourse. Intent seems to be enough. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attempted_assassination_of_Donald_Trump_in_Florida

[F5 Dave]

That seems an excellent way to create problems where none existed.

Expected Big One in Capital. "Right. Everyone to the Bat Cave".
. . " Hmm. Seems significantly 'Damper' in here than I remember. Pass me that flutterboard will you no.2? "

[pritch]

James O'Brien, a host on the London radio station LBC was told that to understand Trump you need to know wrestling. Somewhat puzzled he inquired further. He was told that most people know that professional wrestling like the WWE is all bullshit. Knowing this though they can still go along or watch it on TV and enjoy it. It's about suspending disbelief and going with the flow so to speak. The wrestling world coined a word for this presentation of fiction as fact: kayfabe. Pronounced Kay farb. That is our word of the day and it may help us understand the US news.

[pritch]

Same ol' same ol'. New crimes nearly every day and another lie about the non war in Iran. Situation abnormal. Today though is different, a series of gunshots at the Whitehouse. Up to thirty shots. No news yet as to why or whom.

[pete376403]

Same ol' same ol'. New crimes nearly every day and another lie about the non war in Iran. Situation abnormal. Today though is different, a series of gunshots at the Whitehouse. Up to thirty shots. No news yet as to why or whom.
Shooter was killed by secret service, trump unharmed unfortunately

[pritch]

Cause for concern.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1890748894833130