mrdome

Well, you learn something new everyday, as already stated by ChomperHiggins, we have a new kind of terrorist threat: Men who can't get laid and blame others for it - Yikes - meet the incels (involuntarily celibates), most of them just keyboard warriors but now two of them have killed in retaliation:

http://www.wehuntedthemammoth.com/2018/04/24/incels-hail-toronto-van-driver-who-killed-10-as-a-new-elliot-rodger-talk-of-future-acid-attacks-and-mass-rapes/

This is all completely new (and sickening) to me.

Good background info here, also nice to be reminded again how just months ago 'pocket Caligula' kept tweeting that "Talking is not the answer!".

He'll change his mind again soon, no doubt.

Oh, and goodbye Rex Tillerson, we all knew this moment would come.

Well, that's Theravada for you. Things are more relaxed in Mahayana/Vajrayana. On the other hand, you would never see a red-robed monk smoke, something that's always bothered me when I saw it in Thailand.

Still, the image shows pretty ignorant behavior as the statue could easily become damaged while being climbed on.

8 minutes ago, Tchooptip said:

 No, it was not renamed the National Rally but "Le Rassemblement National", in France no one would know at all what is the National Rally, 

so IMHO translating a political party's name is RI-DI-CU-LOUS

Well, this was just done for our benefit in other countries; just like everyone understood that the original name was always "Front Nationale" and not "National Front".

I doubt the media in the non-French speaking countries will suddenly switch to their new French name from now, so ridiculous (for you) it will stay just as it was during all these years.

Alternatively, Le Pen could come up with a decent name that's actually different and better and not reminding folks of a bunch of neo-Nazis looking for a fight but she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Also, gotta love how her real life papa immediately poo-poo'd her suggestion but then holocaust denier Jean-Marie Le Pen really can't change anymore. The apple does not fall too far from the tree, as history tends to show.

Thank you for reminding me. Here, Le Pen is trying hard to make the party appear more acceptable and less extremist and Bannon undermines all that in a 30 seconds sound bite (in the style of those trying to make Roy Moore look normal just before the AL election). If she invited him, she really isn't very smart. Still not getting how he's poison for those on whose side he claims to be.

That Mike Pompeo is a right old BSer but we get it, it comes with the territory. The North Koreans have no interest in losing the only "power play" they have, they are trying to improve their position while giving up as little as possible. And the WH administration is in the hands of inexperienced fools.

To quote Seinfeld "Oh yeah, this can't fail."

Front/rally - same <deleted>. I guess she asked papa Putin (I just noticed how close to the French "putain" that reads what he favored?

Trump saying over & over that Mueller will treat him fairly in that NY Times interview, gathered up in one place here

TRUMP: No, it doesn’t bother me because I hope that he’s going to be fair. I think that he’s going to be fair. And based on that [inaudible]. There’s been no collusion. But I think he’s going to be fair. And if he’s fair — because everybody knows the answer already, Michael. I want you to treat me fairly. O.K.?

TRUMP: Three and a half months. [...] — I think that Bob Mueller will be fair, and everybody knows that there was no collusion.

TRUMP: [Inaudible.] There was tremendous collusion on behalf of the Russians and the Democrats. There was no collusion with respect to my campaign. I think I’ll be treated fairly. Timingwise, I can’t tell you. I just don’t know. But I think we’ll be treated fairly.

TRUMP: What I’ve done is, I have absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department. But for purposes of hopefully thinking I’m going to be treated fairly, I’ve stayed uninvolved with this particular matter.

comes from an interesting but toxic mix of beliefs and manipulations but in the end, is just a thinly veiled threat to exonerate him or else.

His closing comment also reveal a mindset that he trades $$$$ for morals all the time and expects others to do the same (many of his passionate supporters certainly do with their ridiculous predictions that we will praise the guy after he's done and achieved a, b, c.... as if that would make all his lies and outrageous & vile statements & actions, for me, esp. his comments post-Charlottesville - go away just like that.

TRUMP: We’re going to win another four years for a lot of reasons, most importantly because our country is starting to do well again and we’re being respected again. But another reason that I’m going to win another four years is because newspapers, television, all forms of media will tank if I’m not there because without me, their ratings are going down the tubes. Without me, The New York Times will indeed be not the failing New York Times, but the failed New York Times. So they basically have to let me win. And eventually, probably six months before the election, they’ll be loving me because they’re saying, “Please, please, don’t lose Donald Trump.” O.K.

Who knew I'd ever feel for the far right Trump supporter?!

Steve Bannon now created more cognitive dissonance for them to last until the end of their lives ... or a N.Korea/US war (whichever comes first).

Reminds me of that old description: "Cunning Stunts!"

12 hours ago, Dagnabbit said:

Merkel should step down & they should have another election./

As much as I dislike her, as the presidential candidate of the party with the most votes I can understand if she sees no reason to step down.

A new election would send the message to the voters "you voted wrong the first time, now try harder and do it better now" = BS. Not our fault that the FDP felt it wasn't going anywhere.

The outcome would not be that much different. The age of any one party taking 50% or more of the votes in Germany is over (for now).

If you believe the CDU would be beaten by another party and we could have a different chancellor that way, you are dreaming (says this non-CDU voter for life). Schulz was clearly rejected by the masses in September. We have to be realistic here.

13 hours ago, maximillian said:

That's what I've predicted.

Schulz had categorically excluded a grand coalition after the election.

Now he is happy to have a good excuse to go to bed with Merkel.

Liars and traitors, all of them.

Come on, now. You wrote yourself "after the election" which is correct. So, what was the betrayal to the voters when this didn't happen before the election? Did anyone lose anything because they aren't in the opposition now?

I myself cannot recommend that the SPD enter into another grand coalition but this new situation did demand a 'rethink', so those negative terms don't fit here.

Never had any issues. Things in demand do sell and what hasn't been mentioned yet, you save the 11% eBay commission! I suspect they will eventually want to charge something as well but in the meantime the savvy ones try to find their customer/target group and sell there.

The obvious solution, OP, is to sit out your ban and then try again. Yes, it sucks that there's no customer service to speak of but nothing we can change about that.

5 hours ago, jinners said:

Can't believe Merkel is actually still hanging in there after the wanton destruction she's committed on a beautiful country. Socialist garbage at its finest

jinners, your comment shows confusion about what socialism actually is.

Merkel is very much like Trump actually, in that what she feels should be done, will be done, be that getting out of nuclear power generation or letting in 1 million+ refugees. That she is almost viewed like a lefty in other countries due to these two decisions is a big misunderstanding and is extremely puzzling when you actually live here and see her day to day handling; she really is as conservative as they come.

As you obviously don't live in Germany and I do, your claim of "destruction" is just a projection. While I disagree with the way she did it (local communes weren't prepared to accommodate so many people in such a short time and got little help, and I doubt many refugees had in mind to live in crappy conditions in some noisy gymnasium with the lights on all night and in the cold winter) we have actually done pretty well so far.

Of concern are some of the males who have more of a criminal mindset, including many from Northern Africa/Africa with no right to asylum. I hope the word will spread eventually that Germany is a tough place when you're not from here (and even for many who are).

Merkel, not being from the "selfie/social media generation", is still in denial that she may have mis-communicated to folks in far away places like Afghanistan & Syria that wonderful conditions and a much better life aren't necessarily waiting here for all, to put it mildly.

Personally, I'm happy for those who survived the long journey and are willing to integrate and contribute something. Plus all those who were a minority in their Muslim society, be they Christian, gay, etc. and have found much more freedom here.

6 hours ago, Stargrazer9889 said:

Germany needs a new election and new leadership.

Geezer

Well, there is nobody to step up to the plate. If there are new elections does anyone really believe Merkel's CDU will get fewer votes than the Social Democrats (or any other party) who now have dropped down to the 20+% level? There is of course no way the CDU would concede the chancellor position to them. And within her party, who would get more votes for chancellor? Ïron fist" Schäuble? Or Peter Altmaier? Someone else? No on all counts. 

I used to be in favor of new elections but an internet poll found that most asked felt the "Nazi's light" AFD would profit the most, so my mind changed that very moment. Minority government with the Green party it shall be. The FDP had their chance and are now welcome to join the opposition.

Another time, same place... how things can change.

"In 1919 methamphetamine was first produced in Japan. During the 1940s the Japanese government distributed amphetamine pills to soldiers, sailors and pilots as well as to arms factory workers, to mobilize all their reserves for the war effort. Pilots routinely used the drug to remain awake and alert for long periods on long distance bombing missions."

http://www.japanhemp.org/en/speed.htm

Unlike some of the posters here who seem to have a  low regard for democracy (but use their freedom of speech on the internet liberally - go figure), I can't blame the Swedes. Something has to give following this theft on a national scale.

The problem is the Chinese Communist Party only to happy to step in financially and along the way help H.E. perfect the model they've been perfecting for decades.

On 11/21/2017 at 9:15 AM, FreddieRoyle said:

MrDome, your figures are only showing those that claimed asylum in Germany, there will be 00s of 000s more arrived illegally that for whatever reason did not yet claim asylum. My figure of 2mill is more realistic for the amount of arrived 3rd worlders to Germany in the last 2 years. I hear that family reunification has already started.

Yes, of course only official figures as you have to be a recognized refugee for the family reunification program.

Your claim of 600+K waiting in the wings to apply for asylum is another fabrication of yours not based on any verifiable numbers and more a reflection on your state of mind, i.e. "the hordes are just outside the city gates'). What do you think Germany should do? Abolish the right to asylum?

Freddie, family reunification has existed and been practiced for decades already. If you are going to put something in writing, do some research first.

On 11/21/2017 at 9:24 AM, markaoffy said:

She’s banking on getting more votes in another Federal Election,let’s hope the German people give her 2 fingers

Keep dreaming, no other party will get more votes than her CDU and the SPD is down to 20% these days. As much as I'd like to see someone else in charge, it just isn't realistic at this point.

I bet those smuggling have never been to Japan and no idea how few rights you have if arrested for anything, let alone drug smuggling. Reportedly Narita airport hides a very unpleasant underground holding facility.

http://www.japanzine.jp/article/jz/3375/narita-airports-secret-prisons

42 minutes ago, JemJem said:

Beginning of the end for Merkel ?!

 

I certainly hope so. As a Turkish person, I am appalled at the agreement she has orchestrated between the EU and Turkey about refugees/migrants. This deal has resulted in not only a significant amount of money going to the corrupt, autocratic, fascist government of Turkey (thus consolidating the power of Erdogan/AKP), but also has resulted in changing the demographics of my country (with an increased security risk), and also of course causing more economic hardship for most Turkish citizens.

 

I am not against refugees/migrants, but in Turkey's case, we are talking about a VERY LARGE number. Countries that are a lot richer than Turkey, like Slovakia and Poland, are whining about only a few thousand refugees/migrants, but Turkey has taken in MILLIONS !!

While I agree with you and feel for Turkey, I doubt her predecessor will chart a drastically different course with Erdogan.

Someone was always going to be stuck with the bill here

1 hour ago, observer90210 said:

Markets already reacted and the €uro started to drop and others may follow, as there is rarely unquestionnable logic in such monetary fluctuations....

And you see that where? Just went to XE.com:

The GBP is up a little (was 1.120 something last time I checked and is now at 1.1275 but about 10 days ago it went as high as 1.144 before dropping again to 1.11-ish  -  before the Brexit vote the exchange rate was about 1.31 to the Euro, to keep things in perspective) .

The USD is just as soft as since the last time its last slide began, also about 10 days ago; now at 1.1740.

These are totally normal fluctuations within the expected parameters.

If you're not following the markets on a regular basis in this case and not checking the facts, you just end up not looking so smart.

14 hours ago, FreddieRoyle said:

"To us it is about humanity. It is about making family reunions possible," top Greens negotiator Michael Kellner told public broadcaster ZDF. "And we will fight for those issues."

 

I'm not sure the German leftists have clearly thought out this family reunification. Most estimates are that Germany has taken in 2 million Arabs and Africans over the last 2 years. If each of them brings 20 relatives and family members that would be 40 million of them, and after a couple of years if each of these 40 million bring 20 relatives each there would then be 800 million of them. So within 5 years there could easily be 800 million descendants of the recently arrived Arab and African migrants in Germany. I'm no expert but I sense this could possibly cause stress to the German welfare system, and might not be beneficial to the Germans themselves?

Got some real numbers for you, Freddie:

2015:  1.091.894 asylum cases

2016:      321.371 asylum cases

source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flüchtlingskrise_in_Deutschland_ab_2015#Zahlen_und_Fakten

From these you have to deduct the ones that already returned home.

Your number of 20 additional ones and 800 million is of course pure fiction to artificially pump up your argument, it's a bad joke really and only undermines your credibility.

Not sure if this is really the end for Merkel & Seehofer (never liked them, personally and never voted CDU), a minority government is still a possibility, the Social-Democrats might change their mind about being in the opposition now (although, the last 4 years have not been good for them and IMHO they should not change their mind) or the talks could still resume as the president just called for.

If there are new elections, I doubt the numbers will be much different, TBH. The question only ever has been, who gets the 3rd most votes and we could erase that shameful result there; that's all one could hope for.

13 hours ago, MrPatrickThai said:

This is just your opinion and totally off-topic.

How is he fake, the people VOTED for him!

 

Not off topic as impeachment is about his removal as president of the US.

I owe you an answer re. calling his presidency "fake". "Fake" as in "fake news", as in untrue and not trustworthy. Here it is:

He was never qualified for the job to begin with plus he isn't even trying to do the job right.

He came in knowing diddly squat and then refused to be educated.

He tweets policy (with a chance of tweeting us all into a nuclear war with N. Korea).

He contradicts his own ministers, creating embarrassing situations.

He lies all the time and flip flops on issues (latest big one: China).

He's mentally unfit for the job, acts on impulse and is a security risk due to his weaknesses of needing to be praised to the point where other countries now influence his actions.

... I could go on but it's enough for now.

As the latest news from Zimbabwe shows, the mighty with the "trumped-up" egos do get what they deserve in the end. The "fake 45th presidency" will end eventually (and hopefully, most of us can all laugh about it over a beer).