LosLobo

Musk’s initial findings on Gaza were an outright lie, and Musk admitted it. Reasoning and Occam’s Razor would suggest that your 'trillions,' without verifiable evidence, is the same.

Do we still believe that $50M was given for bomb making condoms?

When talking to Thais about Immigration, I always use the colloquial "Tor Mor" (TM, ตม). Saves me trying to remember and then pronounce "สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง" or Samnak-ngan Truat Khon Khao Mueang, which translates to Immigration Bureau.

I seem to recall a civil case filed under 'Jane Doe,' which later revealed the complainant's real name, with Epstein and Trump as defendants. Though, AFAIK, the plaintiff later withdrew the lawsuit, and it never got to court.

I suggest that not only Federal but State Govt employees..... DTA Article 19 Government service 1. Remuneration (other than a pension) paid by one of the Contracting States or a political subdivision of that State or a local authority of that State to any individual in respect of services rendered in the discharge of governmental functions shall be taxable only in that State...... https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1989/36.html

Are you confused, the only brain dead worm I know of is currently running US Healthcare.

Dope Girls from BBC is a six-part historical drama based on Marek Kohn’s Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground. Set in early 20th-century Soho, it follows the lives of Kate Meyrick and Billie Carleton, key figures in the rise of Britain’s drug trade. The series, featuring Julianne Nicholson and Eliza Scanlen, explores crime, power, and survival in a turbulent period of British history. Disclaimer: May not be suitable for those socio-politically or DEI challenged. Also, regarding the production: Directed, written, and starring De Niro—not the No. 3 Best Actor of All Time (IMDB) after Brando and Pacino, or to some, one of the most overrated and hated. https://www.imdb.com/video/vi2899756569/?playlistId=tt27191732&ref_=tt_ov_pr_ov_vi

Oh, seems like déjà vu, Dinsdale. You clearly missed the point again. I never said biology isn’t science; I’m calling out how this ‘biological truth’ push is a distraction from real issues like inflation and cost of living. Trump labelled his EO ‘biological truth’—maybe you should take it up with him. Try reading the OP and my post first next time.”

Right, "XX and XY - only"? Well, that's not the end of the story. What about XXY, XO, XXX, AIS (XY), 5-ARD, MRKH, DLS (XX male), Hypospadias (XY), AE (XX), PAIS, Clitoromegaly (XX), XY Female (Swyer), XX Male (DLS), True Hermaphroditism, Mosaicism (XX/XY), TS Mosaic (XX/X)? These are all real, scientifically documented variations in human biology. Seems like Trump, the worm, and you flunked Biology 101—and basic commonsense.

This whole "biological truth" push is just a distraction. It's not about science or fairness—it’s about stirring up division and taking attention away from real issues like inflation and the high cost of living. Wages aren’t going up, but everything else—food, rent, healthcare—keeps getting more expensive. Trump loves culture wars because it’s easier than fixing the economy, which, let’s be honest, is the real reason he was elected. The real problem? People are stuck in financial stagnation—unable to move ahead while the cost of basic needs keeps rising. But don’t worry, he’ll keep us arguing about gender to keep our focus off the real issues.

Good point! You’re taking the OP at face value, and I’m playing devil’s advocate here, but do you really know how thoroughly the TRD checks these things? I don’t. The refund suggests no issue, but the TRD might not do a deep dive unless something stands out. If the accountant missed something, the OP is still responsible down the line. Just because the refund was issued doesn’t guarantee everything’s perfect. And the aged pension is conclusively exempt from tax under the DTA. I have no skin in my opinion and hope the OP is correct...

That's what he is saying based on 'the accountant's' assessment but I suggest the OP will still be responsible if the accountant is wrong.

No government pensions come from superannuation schemes or specific pension funds established for public sector employees.

I had a closer look at the document and no doubt now, my initial post was correct.

Must admit my post was a little ambiguous should have been Federal or State (Govt. employees). But on actually reading the actual Aussie DTA I am more confused than ever. My unqualified understanding of this document now has me doubting my initial assessment. Update and possibly apologies may follow. https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1989/36.html Refer Articles 18 and 19.

New look Elon behind the Resolute Desk

I would suggest that there are two DTAs regarding pensions: one exempts tax on state (Govt employee) pensions, while the other imposes tax on aged pensions.

Thanks for the heads up! I binged watched the whole series and really enjoyed it -- great plot, great actor!

While verbal assurances were given to Gorbachev about NATO not expanding, nothing was signed or legally binding. This differs from the Budapest Memorandum (1994), where the U.S., U.K., and Russia formally committed to respect and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons. The memorandum also included a commitment to support Ukraine if was attacked. This Russia violated with its annexation of Crimea and invasion of Donbas in 2014. Now, Trump wants to violate this Memorandum with his current stance on throwing Ukraine under the bus.

Right! A member of the Trump cult accusing the left of being obsessed with Trump... oh, the irony!

Still on the movie theatre circuit. The biopic will hit digital stores on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the video will be available soon after that. https://thedirect.com/article/a-complete-unknown-movies-streaming-release-date-finally-gets-revealed

The Norway model works fine, but only because of its unique conditions: a nationalized oil industry, a small population, high taxes, and a disciplined government that keeps political hands off the fund. The U.S. has none of these. The SWF is built on state-controlled oil profits, with Equinor (67% state-owned) and a 78% tax on petroleum. The U.S. has no nationalized oil sector—profits go to private companies. Norway’s 5.5 million people benefit far more per capita, while the U.S. has 330+ million, making a similar fund far less effective. The state is funded with a 38.2% top income tax and 25% VAT. The U.S. has no federal VAT and a lower top tax rate (37%)—raising taxes for an SWF isn’t politically viable. It ranks #4 in least corruption, while the U.S. is #24—an American SWF would be far more vulnerable to political interference. Norway ranks #2 in HDI (Human Development Index), reflecting its high life expectancy, education levels, and standard of living, with universal healthcare and higher education provided at little to no cost. In contrast, the U.S. ranks #21, relying on private wealth, employer-based systems, and student loans. Norway controls nearly 2 million barrels/day, ensuring public benefit, while the U.S. produces 12M+ barrels/day, but profits stay private—a key difference. And no, it is not socialist. Norway operates a mixed economy: capitalism with state ownership in key sectors. Private businesses thrive, economic freedom is high (#12 globally), and the welfare state is funded by high taxes, not socialism. Different systems, different realities. This model works for Norway, but it wouldn’t work in the U.S.

Yet, Bernie Madoff, the biggest fraudster in financial history, was already a multi-millionaire before he started his infamous Ponzi scheme.

'And Trump will use this money for the benefit of the masses, not greedily horde it for himself'. Right! Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are meant to boost national wealth, but they can be ripe for abuse. Due to their secrecy and lack of oversight, SWFs have often been used for corruption, fraud, and political manipulation. How SWFs Can Be Misused: Financial Secrecy: Lack of transparency makes it easy to hide illicit transactions. Political Leverage: Investments are sometimes used to influence foreign governments or reward allies, and sometimes friends. Fraud and Embezzlement: Officials may funnel funds for personal gain, luxury purchases, or political campaigns. Notable Examples: 1MDB (Malaysia): Billions were misappropriated from this SWF, funding luxury goods and political campaigns, leading to one of the largest financial frauds in history. Russia: The lack of transparency in Russia’s SWFs has led to accusations of financial secrecy, with funds used to consolidate wealth among the elite. Germany and Hitler: During WWII, Hitler used Germany’s economic assets to fund the war and personal luxuries, with much of the wealth looted from occupied countries. A significant portion was hidden in secret Swiss bank accounts, making it difficult for post-war governments to trace or recover. MBS and Kushner: Saudi Crown Prince MBS invested $2 billion into Jared Kushner’s firm, raising concerns about political influence and personal enrichment. Conclusion: While SWFs can benefit a nation, they can also be used for fraud, corruption, and political gain. Transparency and oversight are crucial to prevent these funds from being exploited for personal or political enrichment. The big question is can you trust a convicted criminal and known fraudster?

With all due respect, I just couldn’t help myself with an ad hominem… It’s pretty clear you’re full of it, Yellowtail—your name is conclusive evidence of verbal diarrhea.