The Off Topic Topic

[Sheilbh]

I mean I wouldn't say it's rich, just significantly richer than, say, Ukraine or Caucasus states. Which feels like it should be a more robust society that will have a different "revolutionary" experience than, say, Ukraine.

I think Putin is relatively happy with either scenario.  He probably finds Lukashenko annoying, but useful/easy to deal with.  A collapsed Belarus with a risk of turning westward, ala Ukraine, I think he would see as simply unacceptable.

I suppose Putin could try what he's done in Armenia, which, from what I understand, maintains Russia's influence but sort of lets the revolution/change happen.

[Duque de Bragança]

My understanding is that its wealth to a large extent comes from Russia's subsidies, and those have been waning along with the strength of the economy.  It's not clear to what extent it can be independently rich.

Belarus made quite a lof of money with sanctions against Russia by reexporting forbidden goods as well. There is still some state-owned industry but exporting mostly to Russia.

As for the Armenia comparison, there is no Azeri-like danger for Belarus.

[Syt]

Lidl Austria are recalling some pastries with poppy seeds because of "risk of increased morphine content." 

[Tonitrus]

Heck, I have to wonder that if Putin let a collapse stew for a bit before moving in, it might be even money that the Russians would be welcomed.  I recall seeing a poll a year or so ago that more than half of Belrussians were ok with union with Russia (though 70+% still preferred independence).

[Tonitrus]

Lidl Austria are recalling some pastries with poppy seeds because of "risk of increased morphine content." 

Legalize pastries! 

[Tamas]

Oh FFS. Poppy seeds have been fairly common in Hungarian cuisine, for pastries.

My grandparents even grew a bit of it. Luckily it wasn't napalmed.

[Valmy]

I didn't know morphine dens had such tasty baked goods.

[Syt]

Poppy seeds are pretty common here too.

Usually they have little "bad components", though they can still lead to positive drug tests.

But apparently a batch of more active ones has slipped through and into the pastry manufacture.

[Razgovory]

I bought a new fridge, but Lowe's delivered the wrong one.

[Tamas]

I bought a new fridge, but Lowe's delivered the wrong one.

Well make sure to have it replaced asap, don't let them get away with it.

[Razgovory]

I bought a new fridge, but Lowe's delivered the wrong one.

Well make sure to have it replaced asap, don't let them get away with it.

Yeah, I'm pretty pissed.  The first crew came in and broke something trying to remove the old refrigerator and we need to get a plumber out to fix it before the Lowes guys came back.  Also they didn't' wear masks.

[merithyn]

I bought a new fridge, but Lowe's delivered the wrong one.

Well make sure to have it replaced asap, don't let them get away with it.

Yeah, I'm pretty pissed.  The first crew came in and broke something trying to remove the old refrigerator and we need to get a plumber out to fix it before the Lowes guys came back.  Also they didn't' wear masks.

[MadBurgerMaker]

I bought a new fridge, but Lowe's delivered the wrong one.

Well make sure to have it replaced asap, don't let them get away with it.

Yeah, I'm pretty pissed.  The first crew came in and broke something trying to remove the old refrigerator and we need to get a plumber out to fix it before the Lowes guys came back.  Also they didn't' wear masks.

Impressive. Did they kick your dog and light your car on fire on the way out?

[DGuller]

I had Fios guy come over my place to upgrade my Internet.  I was told by Verizon three times before the visit to wear a mask and keep social distance during the appointment to protect the worker.  The Fios guy proceeded to wear the mask on his chin for most of the overly long service. 

[Syt]

I'm generally in favor of alternatives to meat, but some designs are not convincing.