Recent posts

#1

Off the Record / Re: The China Thread

Last post by Baron von Schtinkenbutt - Today at 01:05:41 PM

China's Trade Surplus Climbs Past $1 Trillion for First Time

China got the world's attention last January when it announced that its trade surplus for goods and services had hit almost $1 trillion, an excess of exports to imports that no country had ever reached.

Now China has surged through that milestone in just 11 months this year. China's customs agency announced on Monday that the country's accumulated trade surplus reached $1.08 trillion through November.

Full article linked.  I'm curious how it is for Chinese consumers.  This is pretty much MAGAtland's drfeam for the US, but the article makes it sound like Chinese consumers are bearing the brunt of the situation.

#2

Off the Record / Re: The Off Topic Topic

Last post by Razgovory - Today at 12:34:59 PM

I should write an autoethnographic thesis on the deli. "Non-Normative Sanitary Practices and Meat Experience: The Colonial Violence of Making Me Wash My Hands After I Sneeze".

#3

Off the Record / Re: The Off Topic Topic

Last post by Grey Fox - Today at 12:22:05 PM

The  British Gut Empire lives on! Inside of us.

#4

Off the Record / Re: The EU thread

Last post by Valmy - Today at 11:56:01 AM

Also income inequality isn't the same as wealth inequality.

Ah. Good point.

#5

Off the Record / Re: The EU thread

Last post by garbon - Today at 11:55:09 AM

In the UK, income inequality has basically plateaued since the 80s. Wealth inequality for longer - so the share of wealth held by the top 1% in the UK is just over 20%, it was at about 20% in 1980. In the US it's gone from below 25% to over 35%.

Really? I thought the UK was the money laundering capital of the world with a disproportionate number of billionaires and millionaires hiding out with their ill gotten gains.

But maybe those people don't count because they are not UK citizens?

Also income inequality isn't the same as wealth inequality.

#6

Off the Record / Re: The Off Topic Topic

Last post by Valmy - Today at 11:49:38 AM

If RFK Jr had successfully been elected as a Democrat that lady would have been in his administration.

#7

Off the Record / Re: The Off Topic Topic

Last post by The Minsky Moment - Today at 11:48:30 AM

She doesn't want Bloods in her gut?

#8

Off the Record / Re: The Off Topic Topic

Last post by Razgovory - Today at 11:37:37 AM

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-025-06091-1?fbclid=IwY2xjawOj3TBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyaUQ5eGJZU0VITFlNbzBsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpypdO4ddsQEA-_2CGKwLx9aDyU-c7-agtJs9_7jocWt6WBSARRfzCctO51E_aem_Hew2Y9EiR3RA31FsSwq4_w

I don't know what any of this means.

#9

Gaming HQ / Re: Europa Universalis V confi...

Last post by Josephus - Today at 11:24:59 AM

From the hotfix:

- Added two late-game advances to give malaria resistance.

I guess Europeans still didn't conquer Africa quick enough?

I'm not sure how they can. I am playing as Castille and i just don't have the money to do anything. Exploration is very expensive (mind you I'm running an inflation) and then the maintenance alone is more than I can afford. And in the end, is it worthwhile. I've gotten the Azores so far

It is possible to start exploring fairly early as Castille but you have to ask yourself why, if you are still building up your infrastructure within your home regions.  What is the benefit of adding on additional low control territories?

I'm not sure about this, but it seems to be that it only makes sense to start exploring after you have a naval nation and you can get a lot of control through the use of your navy.

You're probably right. My fear is that in my first game as Naples, America was colonized by several European nations and I want to make sure I grab stuff before they do.

but logically you're right.

#10

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by The Minsky Moment - Today at 11:20:26 AM

Surely you can understand that Trump would want to demonstrate his suitability of the Peace Prize by threatening other peaceful nations. It's one of many steps he's taken recently to prove his suitability for the prize, like bombing Iran and committing war crimes.