Recent posts

#1

Off the Record / Re: TV/Movies Megathread

Last post by Syt - Today at 03:15:52 PM

Might just be that crime shows are so ubiquitous. Probably the biggest genre on TV? Followed by medical dramas?

#2

Off the Record / Re: It Was Nice Knowing You Al...

Last post by mongers - Today at 03:11:21 PM

I screwed up, I was just in Portugal a few days ago, where I would have better chances in the countryside near Bragança than in Paris.

I had pinpointed a hamlet, somewhat isolated, where I had some family.
Too late?

Duque, no it's not too late, but hang around any longer and you'll get increasing numbers of European languishite wanting to tag along, if you'll only meet them at the Gare du Nord. 

#3

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by DGuller - Today at 03:10:34 PM

Who would have thought that Obama winning that prize and making a few jokes would eventually cause the destruction of NATO and the end of Pax Americana. Truly the Vienna art school rejection of our times.

Obama has been a great statesmen, but the few flaws he had proved to be utterly disastrous for the US.  His inability to comprehend that his rivals could be playing not by his rules, or his ability to inspire his rivals by mocking them, have really contributed to the dire state of things we're in today.

#4

Off the Record / Re: The China Thread

Last post by Valmy - Today at 03:09:10 PM

Yeah. They are collapsing everywhere.

I think Elon musk suggested that the main way to save the world is make everybody impoverished and ignorant and superstitious so we will go back to making 7 babies per lady. But somehow the countries full of the (comparatively anyway) impoverished, ignorant, and superstitious are collapsing their birth rates at an incredible speed.

It is kind of the main reason I stopped actually thinking much about immigration as a problem or a solution to problems here in the US. All those cheap immigrants will not exist in a generation or two. Mexico will barely be able to replace Mexicans.

#5

Off the Record / Re: It Was Nice Knowing You Al...

Last post by mongers - Today at 03:07:57 PM

I wasn't just focusing on nuclear annihilations, it's quite possible that not too many nukes are used, enough to destroy government and much military, but leaving large numbers of civilians alive, the one's in American being armed to the teeth; think 21st century 'Sea Peoples'. 

#6

Off the Record / Re: It Was Nice Knowing You Al...

Last post by barkdreg - Today at 03:07:51 PM

I live downwind an industrial harbour, a powerplant and a fuel storage silo's.
Guess I'll die.

#7

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by Jacob - Today at 03:01:01 PM

If the Democrats win the mid-terms the focus needs to be on systematically re-asserting the power (and prestige) of Congress and not just reverting to deference and an imperial presidency.

Well yes.

If they win. And if they get their shit together.

#8

Off the Record / Re: TV/Movies Megathread

Last post by Sheilbh - Today at 02:57:01 PM

I don't think I've seen the show since I was a kid. But yeah, spotting actors in old shows from "before they became household names" is always fun. I think Miami Vice was full of such appearances, too?

I wonder if crime shows are particularly good for this? Was just thinking of the UK crime dramas that are packed with supporting actors before they were famous. I feel like when we were young they normally had a story per one or two episode and they were typically slightly more meaty supporting roles than in other serials.

#9

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by Sheilbh - Today at 02:53:50 PM

Can I: have heavy water plant?

And this time we won't send Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris in heavy knitwear to stop it

#10

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by Sheilbh - Today at 02:51:33 PM

Nukes. You need nukes Europe. Search your hearts, you know it to be true.

Yes - as I say I'd be very surprised if this isn't the lesson Poland and Turkiye (and for that matter Brazil and others) are drawing from it.

Whether it's Iraq or Libya or Ukraine or this - I think the lesson of the last 25 years on WMDs is pretty unfortunate.