jas007

Most people have no clue. It’s huge money. I could go into much detail, but I won’t. Just imagine a pile of billions of dollars. Imagine all the vultures, feasting on a daily basis. Imagine the corruption. And much of the process is on autopilot.

Whatever you see on TV these days is BS. Sometimes the truth slips thorough, but that’s just an anomaly. It’s mostly just propaganda. A narrative. Most of the world figured that out long ago. Turn on the TV and watch propaganda, or turn it off and go back to the real world and live your life. As for stupid people ending up in Congress? Normally, I figure it’s par for the course. I don’t waste my time worrying about it. But today the nutcases are out of control. Why have WW III? Why? People need to start speaking up.

AIS has a 5G router, but when I tried to buy one, none of the AIS stores in Pattaya had any in stock. The AIS store in Central Festival had one behind the counter that had been ordered by a customer, but no others. The told me to check with AIS in Bangkok. If I knew more about routers, I’d probably order one online. But with my luck, I’d end up with something that didn’t work for some reason. For what it’s worth, my IPhone 15 Pro is 5G, and it can be really fast here in Thailand if I turn off the VPN. But sometimes, the phone switches over to 4G authentication, so you never know. Im using that phone now, as a hotspot in Bangkok. The speed is fine, even with VPN.

Ok, that part is debatable. Some people think the concept of the Bell curve describing IQ distribution is “racist” or somehow poorly reflects on certain groups of people. So if the Bell Curve doesn’t apply, then you’re back to square one. I didn’t mean to get into a debate about statistics. My point was only that there are very many not so bright people running around, and a lot of them seem to have ended up in congress.

To be sure, the world changes over time. It always does. And yet that’s what was promised. That’s one of the reasons why Germany was allowed to reunite and one of the reasons the situation in the rest of Eastern Europe developed the way it did. No NATO expansion. Russia has been patient. But at this point, I’m afraid they feel enough is enough. Russia does not want NATO on its border. They perceive that as a security threat. Putin has been saying that for years. It’s really no different than if Russia assembled military forces directly on a U.S. border. Perhaps in Mexico. The U.S. would not stand for that. Not for a second. And yet when NATO wants to surround Russia, that’s OK? The reality is that Russia will not accept that. And unless and until the Neocons accept that simple fact and drop the little game they are playing, the world is headed for big trouble.

But for purposes of the Bell curve, they are the same. That’s the point. That’s how a Bell curve works. If it didn’t work that way, it wouldn’t be a Bell Curve. I’m well aware of the fact that the term median and the term average are defined differently. And depending on the distribution of items in a given set, the median number may be entirely different than the average number. Take the set of all people earning incomes. The “average income” is one thing, but the median income may be something else again. People like Bill Gates and Elon Musk skew the curve. In any event, if you believe that IQ scores fall in a normal distribution (Bell curve), then half the people have an IQ of less than 100. Nowhere did I mention “average “ or “median.”

If I’m allowed to post this, here’s the answer given by Chat GPT: In the context of a Bell curve, which is typically used to describe a normal distribution, the median and average (mean) are indeed identical. This is one of the key properties of a normal distribution: 1. **Mean**: The average of all the data points. In a normal distribution, this is the center of the curve. 2. **Median**: The middle value when all the data points are ordered from smallest to largest. In a normal distribution, this also corresponds to the center of the curve. 3. **Mode**: The most frequently occurring value in the dataset. In a normal distribution, the mode is also at the center of the curve. Because a normal distribution is symmetric around its center, the mean, median, and mode all coincide at the same point. Thus, in a perfectly normal (bell-shaped) distribution, the median and the mean are identical.

Well, I still haven’t figured out how to post a link and make it work, at least with my IPad. And they say a copy of the article isn’t allowed. Just look up “Bell Curve” on Brainanalytics.org. The Bell curve has a very definite definition. It’s a statistical thing. A model defining a “normal distribution.” In the model, both the median and the average are identical.

Do you have a link? I tried to post one, but I couldn’t figure out how. Normally, I don’t post links, but since we’re talking about a known concept, I figured it wouldn’t hurt.

No, it’s both. That’s how the Bell Curve works. Just look up “Bell Curve.”

And yet some still maintain that Baker’s statement about NATO expansion is “Russian propaganda.” It’s a lie, it never happened, etc. That’s how the powers that be operate. If reality doesn’t fit their narrative, then reality is BS. Only their narrative is “true.” They’ll do and say anything to support the narrative. Without it, their world would crumble. Of course, it’ll eventually crumble anyway, but only after a lot of people are killed in the process.

I agree, the Western “leaders” are mostly clueless. That’s partially a function of group mentality and partially a function of all the propaganda they’ve been fed, just like the rest of the public. Of course, many of them aren’t too bright to begin with. Assemble them into a congress and they become mostly incompetent. Geopolitics isn’t necessarily their strong suit. Don’t forget, by definition, half the US population has an IQ of less than 100. And some of those people end up in congress, a place many would like to remain. They aren’t paid much, but many end up with millions in the bank. And you can guess how that happens.

Whether the defense industry is the biggest or not, one thing is for sure. They have good lobbyists and good spin doctors, much power inside the Beltway, and they have the rest of corporate America supporting their agenda, including the mainstream media. And the result? A US foreign policy run by Neocons for the generation of profit. War, war, and more war. That’s the agenda. And if they don’t have a war, they’ll create one somewhere. I’m not sure how much military equipment is sold overseas, but it’s a huge business. And all those sales surely create demand for the dollar. And until now, the dollar was also necessary to settle oil transactions with the Saudis. So there it is. Military equipment sales and a demand for the dollar as vehicle for trade settlement, including most oil transactions. Without all that, what would the dollar be?

Thanks everyone for all the replies and help. It seems as though I need to change what I’m doing. AIS is charging me 1199 baht per month for Unlimited Super WiFi. I have a 4G WiFi router, so the speed is never more than about 30 Mbps, and drops from there, so I occasionally have to reboot it when the channel I’m on becomes congested. Anyway, it sounds as if I need a different plan or different SIM card. And maybe a more advanced router? The router I have I purchased from AIS, complete with a SIM card good for one year and 100 gb. It didn’t cost much. Somewhere along the line I updated the plan to the super WIFI unlimited, as 100 gb didn’t last long. It sounds like I can get an entire year of service for what I’m currently paying for one month. I guess I’m used to paying a lot for Internet in the USA, where monthly fiber to my place cost a little over $100, depending on usage. I got 100 gb with the plan, and then had to pay extra money for every 10 gb thereafter. I never looked into the cost of a mobile hotspot or the charges for wireless data.

Here’s another thing to try. I just tried asking Chat GPT 4o I asked it what movies I might like if I like Pulp Fiction. Here’s the response: If you enjoyed “Pulp Fiction,” you might appreciate other films that share similar elements such as non-linear storytelling, dark humor, memorable characters, and a mix of crime and drama. Here are some recommendations: Directed by Quentin Tarantino: 1. Reservoir Dogs (1992) - A gritty crime thriller that focuses on the aftermath of a botched heist. 2. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) & Vol. 2 (2004) - A revenge saga filled with stylized action and Tarantino’s signature dialogue. 3. Jackie Brown (1997) - A crime drama with a more mature and nuanced story, featuring a fantastic ensemble cast. 4. Inglourious Basterds (2009) - A World War II film with a twist, blending historical fiction with Tarantino’s unique style. 5. Django Unchained (2012) - A Western with a strong narrative and memorable performances. Similar Style and Themes: 1. Snatch (2000) - Directed by Guy Ritchie, this film features an ensemble cast and intertwining stories within the London criminal underworld. 2. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) - Another Guy Ritchie film, known for its witty dialogue and complex plot. 3. Fight Club (1999) - Directed by David Fincher, this film explores themes of identity and societal norms with a dark, satirical tone. 4. The Usual Suspects (1995) - A crime thriller with a non-linear narrative and a famous plot twist. 5. Seven (1995) - Another David Fincher film, this psychological thriller delves into the minds of a serial killer and the detectives hunting him. Neo-Noir and Crime Dramas: 1. L.A. Confidential (1997) - A neo-noir film that explores corruption and crime in 1950s Los Angeles. 2. Goodfellas (1990) - Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film offers a gritty look at the rise and fall of a mob associate. 3. The Departed (2006) - Another Scorsese classic, this film involves undercover operatives in the Boston crime scene. 4. Heat (1995) - Directed by Michael Mann, this film features intense action sequences and a deep dive into the lives of cops and robbers. Dark Comedies: 1. The Big Lebowski (1998) - Directed by the Coen Brothers, this cult classic features quirky characters and an offbeat story. 2. In Bruges (2008) - A dark comedy-drama about two hitmen hiding out in Belgium, with a mix of humor and violence. 3. American Psycho (2000) - A satirical take on the 1980s yuppie culture with a chilling performance by Christian Bale. Non-Linear Storytelling: 1. Memento (2000) - Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film uses a reverse narrative to tell a gripping story about memory and revenge. 2. 21 Grams (2003) - Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, this film weaves together the lives of three characters after a tragic accident. These films should provide a mix of the elements you enjoyed in “Pulp Fiction” while offering new and unique cinematic experiences.

I just checked Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. They both do that. On the Amazon site, they’ll list some suggestions in both the movie section and the TV section. There will be a row of suggested titles in a “because you watched” category. So, for example, if you watched the Deadwood series, it’ll suggest some other series you might like. Apple TV does almost the same thing. Of course, you can always bookmark movies as you’re scrolling through and come back to them later. I think you can sign up for Amazon Prime for free. Apple TV plus has a monthly charge, but there’s a version you don’t have to pay for. Just pay for whatever movies you want to rent or buy. Anything you buy is saved in your “library.”

Next time I see it, I’ll let you know.

I bought one recently from the Powerbuys store at Central Festival. The have a few you can try out. As for the Herman Miller chairs? I had an “Embody” model at one point, but I gave it away when I moved. Ditto for a Herman Miller Lounge Chair. I probably should have kept that one in storage. They’re getting to be fairly pricey.

I’m going to have to look into that again. I was once thinking about opening an account with them, but after reading a few negative reviews I decided against it.

One of my services does that. Maybe Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime. I can’t remember off the top of my head. I watch something and then it suggests a bunch of other movies I might like.

Far be it from me to knock people for what they believe of how they think. My point was that much of the public has been brainwashed by the mainstream media. They simply don’t know any better. How would they? The news is now sanitized. Anything that doesn’t support the approved narrative is never reported. It’s avoided at all costs. Or, if some real news actually sees the light of day, they’ll tell everyone they didn’t see what they just saw. As another poster has pointed out, just the other day the White House press secretary dismissed a recent video of Joe Biden up on stage, seemingly lost in space, as a poorly produced fake. And the next day, multiple news sources repeated that same nonsense. Lie to people enough and they just might believe anything. That’s part of the playbook. As the election approaches, it’s only going to get worse.

Too simple? It’s all complicated, to be sure, but when I’m trying to explain my thoughts, I try to keep it simple. Explain things as I would to a five-year-old. As we know, if you can’t do that, maybe it’s because you don’t really understand it yourself. I didn’t grow up in Eastern Europe. I’ve never visited Russia or Ukraine and I don’t know anyone from either place. I grew up in America, in an upper middle class old money neighborhood. I had a sheltered existence. Country clubs, private schools, and so on. I could always have anything I wanted and I’m pretty sure I’ve spent as many years in school as I ever did working a job. It never crossed my mind that I was fortunate. Things were the way they were because that’s the way they were supposed to be. I was naive. I never really questioned the narrative, at least as a kid. But somewhere along the line, I began to question authority. I began to open my eyes. Maybe things aren’t so simple. Or are they? And even if they are complicated, maybe they can be simply explained. Evil people are at work. That’s pretty simple, no? But those people want you to look elsewhere. They have to have a boogeyman. “It’s not us, it’s those evil people over on the other side of the world.” The Communists, the Russians, the terrorists. And while people are arguing with each other, others are laughing in the background, watching their bank accounts grow. I’m sure people everywhere are tired of the nonsense. Point out the obvious, and they’ll call you a “conspiracy theorist.” Fine. Lately, a lot of the so-called conspiracy theories are no longer conspiracy theories. They’re the truth. Sorry for the rambling.

Maybe Russia has changed? The Soviet Union is no more. As for Hitler? That’s history and it wasn’t just Hitler that was nuts. He had an entire country following him. Mass formation psychosis, as some people put it. If anything, I worry about today’s Western leaders and how they’re going down the same path towards war and destruction to cover their own failings in the financial arena. Have you not been paying attention? Western countries are bankrupt and losing their grip on control. They’ll seemingly stop at nothing. The propaganda is nonstop. No matter what the problem, it’s Russia’s fault. And if not Russia, it’s the “terrorists.” The warmongers are everywhere. The justice system has been weaponized. Borders are open. Free speech is under attack. And to top it off, we have certain people intent on establishing a “New World Order.” And part of that agenda includes a massive culling of the world population. COVID was just the first step. Bird flu may be next, along with another killer jab. To be sure, the New World Order agenda has been around for a while in one form or another, but it’s finally gaining traction.

I agree. “We never saw this coming! Russia was bluffing.” That’s really what they’ll say, if they’re still around to say anything. Propaganda is dangerous. Censorship is dangerous. You end up with a population of people who can only regurgitate the narrative they’ve been fed. Stand on a busy street in any major American city and question the people walking by. See what they know about Russia and world politics. -A large percentage would not be able to locate Russia on a map. -A large percentage would not know that the Soviet Union no longer exists. - A large percentage would think that Russia has a weak and ineffective military. - A large percentage would think that the Russian economy is in shambles and that the country still exists only to function as a gas station for the rest of Europe. - A larger percentage would think that Russia is an enemy of the United States, and that Putin (assuming they know who he is) is a dictator who enjoys killing women and children. -A large percent would think that the Russian people are “bad people.” -and the list goes on. Russian art, literature, and music? Not part of the narrative. Real Russian history? Ditto. Even members of congress might hold these views. Not because they actually know anything, but because those are the things they’ve been told to believe. And so the world is being led to war so that a few defense contractors can make a few more dollars.

Jeffrey Sachs has impeccable credentials. A tenured Harvard professor at an early age, now a professor at Columbia. And yet, because he thinks for himself and has a viewpoint that’s not in lockstep with the mainstream narrative, he’s a “Putin apologist.” A line of reasoning that’s an excellent example of everything wrong with today’s media and how it’s now being used as propaganda. Anyone who doesn’t agree with the mainstream narrative is an idiot! And people are dumb enough to believe that. Amazing, if you stop and think about it l.