LosLobo

I’m impressed by your attempt at a logical, non-ad hominem argument, albeit poorly executed. Relying on a 2014 study with data from 2004–2014 to claim intellectual superiority is outdated, especially considering the shifts since Trump’s rise. While the study found a slight verbal IQ advantage for Republicans, the GOP demographic has since become defined by populism and anti-intellectualism, with Trump leading a base that rejects intellectual elites. Under Trump, science denial and conspiracy theories surged, particularly around climate change, COVID-19, and the 2020 election. Research indicates that college-educated individuals are less likely to believe in misinformation, while those with lower education levels are more susceptible. Trump’s populist rhetoric has deepened this divide, with demographic shifts now showing that higher education correlates with Democratic support and lower education with Republican loyalty. Since the 2014 study didn’t account for these changes, its findings are less relevant today. Citations: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/words-matter/202011/why-college-educated-people-believe-fewer-conspiracy-theories https://www.npr.org/2020/09/08/how-trump-s-anti-science-politics-increased-belief-in-conspiracy-theories

Verbatim (ChatGPT): While you are outside Australia Your Age Pension and Pension Supplement may be paid indefinitely. After 42 days outside Australia Your Energy Supplement can no longer be paid. Your Pensioner Concession Card will be cancelled. Your Pension Supplement reduces to the basic rate. After 26 weeks outside Australia Your rate may be affected by the length of time you were an Australian resident, between the age of 16 and age pension age. Our records show that you resided in Australia for at least 420 months between the relevant ages. As you have at least the minimum Australian residence of 35 years required to receive the maximum proportional rate of payment, your Age Pension and Pension Supplement will not be affected after 26 weeks outside Australia. How you will be paid Your payments will continue to be paid into your Australian bank account every four weeks. It is up to you to arrange how you get your money from your bank while you are outside Australia. You will have to pay any fees your bank charges to do this. While you are outside Australia While you are receiving payment, you still need to tell us of any changes in your circumstances. For example, if your relationship status changes, or your income or assets change, your rate of payment may be reduced. If you own a home in Australia and you are away from it for more than 12 months or leave it permanently, it will be treated as an asset. If you rent out your home in Australia or buy a home in another country, your payment may be affected.

You're right, it’s bizarre. Trump brokered peace agreements in the Middle East, but none of the countries were actually at war. His failure to include Palestine and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem likely caused the recent Israeli-Palestinian war. Trump’s "peace efforts" really deserve an Ig Nobel Peace Prize, joining past winners like: 2005: Pepsi Philippines, for causing 800,000 people to riot by announcing the wrong contest number, uniting warring factions in chaos. 2007: Jacques Chirac, for celebrating Hiroshima’s 50th anniversary with atomic bomb tests. 2010: Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, for proving politicians make more progress by punching each other than by waging war. 2019: The Royal Navy, for ordering sailors to stop using live cannon shells and instead just shout "Bang!" Trump’s “peace” efforts definitely fit in with these. List of Ig Nobel Prize winners - Wikipedia

Elon Musk Admits He Was Wrong About Gaza Condoms When Confronted By Reporter: ‘Some Things I Say Will Be Incorrect. https://www.mediaite.com/politics/elon-musk-admits-he-was-wrong-about-gaza-condoms-when-confronted-by-reporter-some-things-i-say-will-be-incorrect/?

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