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#91
Off the Record / Re: The Off Topic Topic
Last post by garbon - February 12, 2025, 05:11:38 PM
#92
Off the Record / Re: The Off Topic Topic
Last post by garbon - February 12, 2025, 05:11:18 PM
Quote from: mongers on February 12, 2025, 04:31:44 PM
Quote from: garbon on February 12, 2025, 04:29:38 PMOdd their games inspired me to mod in content about Islam and Africa. :o

You're a fan of Luton Twon FC?    :hmm:

Nope
#93
Off the Record / Re: The Big Picture - Where's ...
Last post by crazy canuck - February 12, 2025, 05:10:05 PM
As GF pointed out, Liberal Democracy is over as the dominant political ideology.  What is going to replace it?  anarcho-capitalist fascism seems most likely in the short term - at least in the US.  Where do Europe and the other current Liberal Democracies become?  I don't know.  Some will likely follow the US down the fascist hole. Not sure what happens elsewhere.

The likelihood of nuclear annihilation becomes much more real again.
#94
Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...
Last post by Barrister - February 12, 2025, 05:08:16 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 12, 2025, 01:57:44 PMMy expectation is that Trump's goal is to surrender Ukraine to Russia, and the "negotiation" is just part of the general charade.

So look - I don't think Trump cares one whit about Ukraine.  I don't think he even cares about their Rare Earth Minerals.

But I do think he knows that a Russian take over of Ukraine would look very bad for the USA and for him personally, and will take certain steps to make sure that doesn't happen.

Trump would be quite happy to just have a ceasefire and "freeze" the conflict - but Russia seems to have no interest in that.  As such, he's (I think) forced to begrudgingly continue to support Ukraine.
#95
Off the Record / Re: The Big Picture - Where's ...
Last post by Tonitrus - February 12, 2025, 05:08:07 PM
World events make the "I should buy a boat" retirement plan a look a bit better...moreso if it is ocean-going.

And if climate change intensifies...also have the Waterworld scenario covered.  Just need some gills.
#96
Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...
Last post by Sheilbh - February 12, 2025, 05:07:15 PM
Yeah - and I think that's what's happening (and I think Ukraine's been planning for it for a while and framing their willingness to talk - because other Western allies have been pushing for clarity on that).
#97
Off the Record / Re: [Canada] Canadian Politics...
Last post by crazy canuck - February 12, 2025, 05:05:32 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 12, 2025, 05:01:48 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on February 12, 2025, 01:38:16 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 12, 2025, 12:58:29 PMFreeland, Poilievre, heck even Singh would be far more radical changes.

Freeland was Trudeau's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister for years. You are going to have to explain how you came to the conclusion she would be more of a change from Trudeau than someone who was not in the Trudeau government.

Because Freeland broke quite publicly from Trudeau, while on the other hand Trudeau's closest advisors are advising Carney?

On the eve of her getting fired from her role as Finance minister she decided it would be better to jump ship, take Trudeau down and run as leader. Is that the best you got?
#98
Off the Record / Re: [Canada] Canadian Politics...
Last post by Jacob - February 12, 2025, 05:05:05 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 12, 2025, 05:01:48 PMBecause Freeland broke quite publicly from Trudeau, while on the other hand Trudeau's closest advisors are advising Carney?

That's only because Carney is likely to win. If Freeland was the top contender, the line would be "she was part of the Trudeau government for a decade! And they choose her over Carney who's at least something of an outsider!"

But the strategy is still "tie the next liberal leader to Trudeau" and count on Trudeau fatigue to win the day.
#99
Off the Record / Re: Out And About.
Last post by mongers - February 12, 2025, 05:04:14 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on February 12, 2025, 04:51:55 PMAh yes, very bracing  :lol:

The English winter is never about the cold, I have worn a coat just once this winter, its the darkness though, blooming miserable at 54N.


I had a look on suncalc.org, assuming we're both on the same longitute, then today you at 54N got a sunset 8mins 3sec earlier than here and the day had 16mins 9sec less daylight.  :(

Notional Tricky home in Yorkshire!
#100
Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...
Last post by Jacob - February 12, 2025, 05:02:45 PM
In that case, the Ukrainian play might be to be amenable even to a stupid deal, counting on Putin to reject it and - hopefully - maximize American support as part of the pressure Trump will try to put on Putin.