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#161 |
Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open.
Posts: 42,986
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Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity. Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos |
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#162 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada, eh?
Posts: 16,891
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Trust me, I know what I'm doing. - Sledgehammer I'm Mary Poppin's Y'all! - Yondu We are Groot - Groot |
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#163 |
Unbanned zombie poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Posts: 15,127
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__________________
BRAINZZZZZZZZ |
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#164 | |||
Philosopher
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Gundungurra
Posts: 8,481
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Let's be honest. Trump won't read two paragraphs of a daily briefing memo. So he has no idea what the bills are that he does sign. I'm sure if it was presented in the usual leather and ribbon folder, he would sign his own arrest and execution warrant. As this documentary shows.
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...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015 |
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#165 |
Muse
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 900
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I do. I'm visually impaired. I can use a huge computer screen, or a phone with big number buttons. The info displayed on a cell phone (I've tested dozens) is simply impossible for me to read. This means I can't use the directory, tell who's calling, or type in a number to call someone. SMS is even worse.
ETA: We also use a land-line for business. Customers who call from cell phones know any problems are their own. They most certainly don't want the dropouts/garbled words to be from our side. Even when we can't hear them well due to cell problems, they can usually hear us say, "You're dropping out. Please try calling back." |
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#166 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Way way north of Diddy Wah Diddy
Posts: 27,318
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I love this world, but not for its answers. (Mary Oliver) Quand il dit "cuic" le moineau croit tout dire. (When he's tweeted the sparrow thinks he's said it all. (Jules Renard) |
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#167 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,360
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Not that I disagree with the suicidal short sighted stupidity of many US firms, China still very, very much steals tech. They don't only steal tech, but it isn't at the level of other countries there either.
China has become a leader in some fields, but has failed to do so in others despite massive investment (semiconductors for example). But because of a lack of competition for several reasons, it hasn't happened (unlike shipbuilding which, wow did illegal subsidization help that!). China's one party rule (on top of being, you know, actual communists) means that there isn't even much competition for their pork, let alone traditional market incentives to reward performance. This is a huge drag on their investments, and smaller promising companies struggle to get funding while the larger favorites of corrupt politicians are awash in government provided capital. If there was a viable political cost in the from of a challenge from another party, then maybe, but they don't even have a free enough press to get upset at this inefficient use of funds. Many of these mechanisms mirror the waste in US defense spending. Much of it is hidden, favorite companies get money despite failures, etc. This is appropriate as China is spending roughly the same percent of its GDP on these tactics as the US spends on defense. China not only subsidizes capital, but also land and utility costs for these companies. Many of these industries have actually grown less profitable as they have gotten larger in China. Most return far below market rates. It should be a situation that mirrored the Soviet corrupt overspending that collapsed them. There are several factors that make that not the case, not the least of which is Trump seemingly playing right into their hands. Their markets actually recovered before the announced phase one deal (which frankly sucks). China needed taking on and the Trump GOP did it the dumbest way. Targeting steel and aluminum? It's not even an amateur move. Beyond that, they have NO affirmative argument, no positive strategy, to actually help things here. As you say, they're actively making innovation incentive and factors worse. The anti-science GOP is immeasurably hurting the US and US business. They are negating the systematic advantages we used to have, and amplifying our weaknesses. It's madness. |
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Circled nothing is still nothing. "Nothing will stop the U.S. from being a world leader, not even a handful of adults who want their kids to take science lessons from a book that mentions unicorns six times." -UNLoVedRebel Mumpsimus: a stubborn person who insists on making an error in spite of being shown that it is wrong |
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#168 |
Crazy Little Green Dragon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Coast, US
Posts: 7,352
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Err... to be clear, actual communism is classless, stateless, currencyless, etc. They aren't even remotely actual communists, as a general rule (nor is actual communism really even feasible yet at a large scale). There's lots of problems with both China and communism, but the problems really, really are not one and the same.
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So sayeth the crazy little dragon. |
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#169 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 27,984
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I find it amusing that China steals tech. They seem to do it almost with the aid of US corporations.
As someone who worked for a decade as a an IT broker. I had Chinese people calling me daily to purchase counterfeit computer equipment that was frequently manufactured in HP, Apple, Cisco etc factories running in China. They wouldn't say it was counterfeit. But when they offer to sell you new in box Cisco components that normally sell for $600 new and maybe $350 on the used market for $100 you know something is up. So you buy a couple to see what is up and then you receive pristine parts in Cisco boxes and you can't tell the difference in appearance or functionality. I just bought a couple of cheap chinese diesel heaters for $150 each that look and operate exactly like the $1000 European models. |
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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get to me. . |
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#170 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,403
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#171 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,360
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Yeah, very poor wording choice on my part. They're...capitalism/communism with Chinese qualities as they like to put it. Functionally a pseudoe command/crony economy. The weaknesses and inefficiencies therein are not as bad as the oligarchy in Russia, but still has inherent weaknesses there. China moved a bit away from it, but Xi appears to be more adverse to capitalists/market based reforms as the reformers have basically all been silenced. In fact, the conflict with Trump seems to have cemented Xi's opinion and given him the internal political capital to 'win' that debate for now.
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__________________
Circled nothing is still nothing. "Nothing will stop the U.S. from being a world leader, not even a handful of adults who want their kids to take science lessons from a book that mentions unicorns six times." -UNLoVedRebel Mumpsimus: a stubborn person who insists on making an error in spite of being shown that it is wrong |
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#172 |
post-pre-born
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 24,839
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#173 |
post-pre-born
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 24,839
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#174 |
post-pre-born
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 24,839
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#175 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: United States
Posts: 17,479
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Regarding Trumps's tweets: does anyone outside his adoring idiotic base believe anything he tweets? His lying is so bad that anything he says, I immediately dismiss as likely false. It says a lot when the first reaction to anything a POTuS says is met with disbelief.
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#176 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Gundungurra
Posts: 8,481
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For about two years now I have been using Trump's twitter eructions as a guide to what is NOT the truth inside his administration. Whatever he says, the opposite is very probably true.
The other side to consider is that he almost certainly does not personally research or write the tweets for his channel. We all know that it is a curated concoction of Fox & Friends plus Hannity and Ingraham (i.e. Murdoch swill), a bit of Breitbart, a pinch of Trump rants, and a whole bunch of heavily-researched and misquoted piffle from neo-Nazi and NRA micro-sites. In short, it's ranting *****. SO presidential I just cannot begin to believe... |
__________________
...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015 |
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#177 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: United States
Posts: 17,479
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#178 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,403
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Trump Retweeted
Lindsey Graham @LindseyGrahamSC Very proud of President @realDonaldTrump acting decisively in the face of threats to our embassy in Baghdad. He has put the world on notice - there will be no Benghazis on his watch. (1/4) To the Iranian government: Be careful what you wish for — a country that depends on the ability to refine oil for its existence needs to be cautious. (2/4) President Trump, unlike President Obama, will hold you accountable for threats against Americans and hit you where it hurts the most. Choose your battles wisely. (3/4) To our Iraqi allies: This is your moment to convince the American people the US-Iraq relationship is meaningful to you and worth protecting. Protect our American personnel. You will not regret it. (4/4) Just had a very good meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and his team regarding the situation in Iraq. President Trump is determined to protect American personnel and expects our Iraqi partners to step up to the plate. No more Benghazis. |
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#179 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,403
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Trump Tweets
One of my greatest honors was to have gotten CHOICE approved for our great Veterans. Others have tried for decades, and failed! I am far better on HealthCare than the Democrats! The Fake News said I played golf today, and I did NOT! I had meeting in various locations, while closely monitoring the U.S. Embassy situation in Iraq, which I am still doing. The Corrupt Lamestream Media knew this but, not surprisingly, failed to report or correct! The Anti-Benghazi! |
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#180 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,403
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Trump Tweets
The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is, & has been for hours, SAFE! Many of our great Warfighters, together with the most lethal military equipment in the world, was immediately rushed to the site. Thank you to the President & Prime Minister of Iraq for their rapid response upon request.... ....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year! |
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#181 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,403
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Trump Retweeted
Jack Posobiec @JackPosobiec No more Beghzais! Trump sent in in the Devil Dogs! Thank you Mr President for standing up for our men and women deployed overseas. Get them all home safe |
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#182 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,143
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I actually do think he "researches" his tweets, we know he spends literally hours every day watching television, that is his research.
The ones he doesn't research are those that quote other people as we know he does not read so I assume those are brought to his attention by a flunky. |
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I wish I knew how to quit you |
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#183 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,143
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__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
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#184 |
Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open.
Posts: 42,986
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He switches from praising Iraq to threatening it.
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__________________
Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity. Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos |
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#185 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA
Posts: 6,635
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Thank you for that.
On the plus side, I received extensive firearms training over the course of nine months at the Police Academy in 1882. I think the effects of much of that training still linger after 35+ years. Downside is that I just turned 70. I think my cognitive abilities are still pretty much intact, but certainly my reflexes, balance, strength and coordination are not what they once were. But I think knowing one’s limitations plays a parts when one decides on a course of action in a critical situation. Anyway, little chance I’ll ever find myself in an active shooter scenario, and that I’ll be in a position to act if I am. Still, I find some comfort that that little 9mm in my pocket gives me options I would not otherwise have if I were unarmed. Including the option to seek cover and concealment and to do nothing. I’m also grateful that the two states I reside in - Georgia and Tennessee - and most of the surrounding states trust their citizens enough to allow concealed carry. I think it’s a trust that in the vast majority of cases is well founded. |
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#186 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 20,166
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#187 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada, eh?
Posts: 16,891
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Yup he sure is.
Clinton was grilled for hours by hostile Republican congress critters over Benghazi, didn't crack and was found innocent. Trump won't let himself be interviewed at all (lest he perjur himself), actively interferes with investigations and is guilty of all sorts of corruption. Sent from my LM-X320 using Tapatalk |
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Trust me, I know what I'm doing. - Sledgehammer I'm Mary Poppin's Y'all! - Yondu We are Groot - Groot |
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#188 |
Nasty Woman
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 85,873
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Last night the news was that Iraqi soldiers delayed coming. The embassy was overrun and the people inside did get away.
Sounds like someone gave Trumpy a fake news report so they wouldn't get yelled at. ![]() |
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#189 |
a flimsy character...perfidious and despised
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: People's Democratic Republic of Planet X
Posts: 39,664
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Doesn't sound like the Iraqi government is too enthusiastic about doing something to stop this.
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__________________
If being a twat was a TV show, Trump would be the boxed set. "...just as a magnet attracts iron filings, "[shemp is] a most notable coward, an infinite and endless liar, an hourly promise breaker, the owner of no one good quality." - Shakespeare |
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#190 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,143
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__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
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#191 |
Illuminator
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: 49 North
Posts: 4,550
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#192 |
Illuminator
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: 49 North
Posts: 4,550
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#193 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA
Posts: 6,635
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#194 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 5,293
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The difference in options available to respond in the green zone in Baghdad vs. a relative backwater port town in Libya seem relevant.
But who really wants to waste any breath on it, it won't be heard. |
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#195 |
Thinker
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 244
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#196 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Gundungurra
Posts: 8,481
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So Trump is now trying to re-ignite the failed "BENGHAZI!!" meme for the umpteenth time, while alternatively threatening and/or cajoling two Middle Eastern countries that he can't tell apart and couldn't find on a map if he tried. While claiming he didn't go golfing although there is plenty of video showing that he did. And his arse-lickers are encouraging him and fawning at his amazing magnificence, and cross-eyed gun-wavers tell him he is a great "warfighter"...
Honestly, this sounds incredibly like the plot of a 1950's Ealing comedy with Peter Sellers playing a mad king, rather than any modern 21st century nation. |
__________________
...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015 |
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#197 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,403
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Trump Tweets
Best equipment & finest military in the World. On site quickly! |
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#198 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 10,379
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Warfighters sounds like some 90's console video game.
Along with the sequel, Warfighters II: Devil Dogs. |
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"He's like a drunk being given a sobriety test by the police after being pulled over. Just as a drunk can't walk a straight line, Trump can't think in a straight line. He's all over the place."--Stacyhs "If you are still hung up on that whole words-have-meaning thing, then 2020 is going to be a long year for you." --Ladewig |
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#199 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 31,006
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I don't trust atoms. They make up everything. |
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#200 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,403
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Trump Tweets
Great job! Trump War Room --- Text FIGHT to 88022 @TrumpWarRoom No lies about a video. No lies about who was responsible for the attack. No unanswered calls for help. No dead Americans. There will be no Benghazis on President Trump’s watch! https://twitter.com/lucasfoxnews/sta...82298960646147 |
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