1 minute ago, NanLaew said:

I worked for Aramco for several years. My office was on the second floor and I had to contend with wall-to-wall cock-waving and BS from the self-entitled, all-male graduate Saudi's that fell under my tutelage. They lived for their weekend over the causeway in Bahrain, whoring and drinking while doing everything possible to avoid an honest day's work back in the office and field.

On my final year, I was promoted to a position on the third floor, among senior local management. We had female personal assistants and secretaries, and it was a blissful oasis of professional calm and sensibility away from the testosterone-fuelled nonsense below. It made me appreciate women's place in the workforce even more.

Have you seen the way that Saudi men drive?

Thanks for that insight, as you know I'm not a fan of the middle east, in its entirety and can well imagine what the driving is like. There seems to be something in the Middle East that makes everyone aggressive and I suspect it's cultural. I remember once walking with a friend from that part of the world in Mallorca, and he suggested we bump into people on purpose just to start a fight. It was a matter of manliness for him, if you did it you were a real man. That's how they roll.

On 8/11/2026 at 5:47 AM, fredwiggy said:

Cleaner air and water, especially certain rivers.

in 1960, microplastics were only just starting to appear in the environment.

In 2026, they are in everything, including our blood, testicles and ovaries.

27 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

You must be new here.

15 years here. Here's a cost comparison FYI, given a roof over one's head is the single biggest expense:

City To buy To rent/month Strata fees/rates pa (USD)

Melbourne $330,000 $1945 $8050

(35 sqm)

Chiang Mai $77,000 $425 $851

(47 sqm)

Chiang Rai $43,000 $319 $510

(35 sqm)

2 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

Thanks for that insight, as you know I'm not a fan of the middle east, in its entirety and can well imagine what the driving is like. There seems to be something in the Middle East that makes everyone aggressive and I suspect it's cultural. I remember once walking with a friend from that part of the world in Mallorca, and he suggested we bump into people on purpose just to start a fight. It was a matter of manliness for him, if you did it you were a real man. That's how they roll.

And once their oil and gas is gone how will they supply their 700 princes and the entire native population that never had to work, as "immigrant workers" built their skyscapers and every thing else. With the income of "tourism" and the non taxable income of some Internet Infuencers? Oil and gas is all they have. Empires rise and fall, the Arab Empire will be extremly short lived.

6 minutes ago, swissie said:

And once their oil and gas is gone how will they supply their 700 princes and the entire native population that never had to work, as "immigrant workers" built their skyscapers and every thing else. With the income of "tourism" and the non taxable income of some Internet Infuencers? Oil and gas is all they have. Empires rise and fall, the Arab Empire will be extremly short lived.

Yes, to be fair I think they're aware of this and are trying to do all they can to diversify. Not so easy when the workforce is so lazy, incompetent and workshy as it is in the middle east, and when you have Israel as a neighbour dragging the whole region into wars again and again.

How can people live without lava lamps?

44 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

I worked for Aramco for several years. My office was on the second floor and I had to contend with wall-to-wall cock-waving and BS from the self-entitled, all-male graduate Saudi's that fell under my tutelage. They lived for their weekend over the causeway in Bahrain, whoring and drinking while doing everything possible to avoid an honest day's work back in the office and field.

On my final year, I was promoted to a position on the third floor, among senior local management. We had female personal assistants and secretaries, and it was a blissful oasis of professional calm and sensibility away from the testosterone-fuelled nonsense below. It made me appreciate women's place in the workforce even more.

Have you seen the way that Saudi men drive?

I have been to Ras Tanura.

It's a dump.

Just like the rest of the country.

They probably drive cars the same way they drive camels....side-saddle....

On 8/11/2026 at 2:43 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

What, exactly, is better today than what we had in the year 1960?

(Anything, besides YouTube and Facebook, for example.)

1 Music is better, I can listen to anything ever made at no charge whenever I feel like it.

2 Movies and TV are better, I can watch anything ever made, not just view TV after 5:30 pm with whatever they chose to offer.

3 Books are better, I can read any book ever written at anytime I want at no charge without having to walk to the library.

4 Personal transport is better, my ev and emtb cost nothing to run, and charge direct from my solar panels.

5 My income is better, and I don't even need to work for it.

6 Access to frequent sex is better, even if it's with women that aren't teenagers

7 TV size is better, used to be 26" tube, now it's a 75" led.

8 Portable music is better, phone with internet much improved over transistor radio and 4 or 5 channels.

I can't think of one thing that was better in the 1960s over today, apart from not having my parents around anymore!

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

1 Music is better, I can listen to anything ever made at no charge whenever I feel like it.

2 Movies and TV are better, I can watch anything ever made, not just view TV after 5:30 pm with whatever they chose to offer.

3 Books are better, I can read any book ever written at anytime I want at no charge without having to walk to the library.

4 Personal transport is better, my ev and emtb cost nothing to run, and charge direct from my solar panels.

5 My income is better, and I don't even need to work for it.

6 Access to frequent sex is better, even if it's with women that aren't teenagers

7 TV size is better, used to be 26" tube, now it's a 75" led.

8 Portable music is better, phone with internet much improved over transistor radio and 4 or 5 channels.

I can't think of one thing that was better in the 1960s over today, apart from not having my parents around anymore!

Movies and TV is a disaster, especially following the year 2000.

This was the pivotal year when movies became incredibly dumb, which was probably based on some ridiculous marketing decision.

Portable music is better, the technology of portable playback, but this alone is not worth the rampant degradation of our world, as we are now witnessing it every day of our lives.

10 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I can't think of one thing that was better in the 1960s over today, apart from not having my parents around anymore!

Snogging Isobel Morrison behind the bike shed at East End Primary maybe?

Yes, I miss mum and dad, my sister too. With regard to one's parents and siblings, I do regret not spending more time with them as an adult. We did keep in touch and I did visit at least twice a year but in hindsight, I should have stayed longer.

2 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Snogging Isobel Morrison behind the bike shed at East End Primary maybe?

Yes, I miss mum and dad, my sister too. With regard to one's parents and siblings, I do regret not spending more time with them as an adult. We did keep in touch and I did visit at least twice a year but in hindsight, I should have stayed longer.

Mine were dead by the time I was 23, I never really had the chance to know them as an adult.

13 hours ago, BritManToo said:

1 Music is better, I can listen to anything ever made at no charge whenever I feel like it.

2 Movies and TV are better, I can watch anything ever made, not just view TV after 5:30 pm with whatever they chose to offer.

3 Books are better, I can read any book ever written at anytime I want at no charge without having to walk to the library.

4 Personal transport is better, my ev and emtb cost nothing to run, and charge direct from my solar panels.

5 My income is better, and I don't even need to work for it.

6 Access to frequent sex is better, even if it's with women that aren't teenagers

7 TV size is better, used to be 26" tube, now it's a 75" led.

8 Portable music is better, phone with internet much improved over transistor radio and 4 or 5 channels.

I can't think of one thing that was better in the 1960s over today, apart from not having my parents around anymore!

If things/life is not better now, then we are doing something wrong.

Nostalgia? ...................overrated IMO.

31 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

If things/life is not better now, then we are doing something wrong.

Nostalgia? ...................overrated IMO.

Who's this "we" who aren't doing things right.

Nostalgia is ok, but allowing the past to totally taint one's view of the present or future isn't really a great idea.

Propaganda is much better now than 1960.

Thanks Rupert Murdoch! 😃

3 minutes ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Propaganda is much better now than 1960.

Thanks Rupert Murdoch! 😃

I wonder if Karoline Leavitt's going to stop using that stuff now she's retired?

7 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

I wonder if Karoline Leavitt's going to stop using that stuff now she's retired?

Whenever someone leaves a cult they sound like someone who's been pulled out of freezing water, very lucid and clear minded. 😁

15 hours ago, Lacessit said:

in 1960, microplastics were only just starting to appear in the environment.

In 2026, they are in everything, including our blood, testicles and ovaries.

Yes, and the smarter countries have recycling.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Who's this "we" who aren't doing things right.

Nostalgia is ok, but allowing the past to totally taint one's view of the present or future isn't really a great idea.

Fair point .......I am doing something wrong if things are not better now.

.....and they ARE.

Nostalgia is fine for enjoying looking back on events of the past. I have never been one for wanting to turn the clock back and say "I wish I could go back to the good old days". That was then, this is now - and this is the one that we may have some control over.

On 8/11/2026 at 6:24 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

FALSE

FALSE

FALSE

Because, the stats are not yet in.

We do not know how long children of today will live, compared to the children of the 1950s.

So far, the prognostications are not looking good for the children of today.

Do you need substantiation re this point, or not?

Or, please feel free to check with your favorite AI.

(Do not forget to add in....Quality of Life.)

True, true true. Again, live there before you assume things about the US, as many things you'll read are biased and or opinions. No, they can only estimate how long the children of today will live, but it can be an accurate hypothesis based on all the data they've accumulated over the centuries. Facts are, anyone who follows the Blue Zone lifestyle will live longer on average. The Mediterranean Diet is another name for it. You use AI as much or more than anyone, and if you also research and already have the knowledge, that's more -proof.

15 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Movies and TV is a disaster, especially following the year 2000.

This was the pivotal year when movies became incredibly dumb, which was probably based on some ridiculous marketing decision.

Portable music is better, the technology of portable playback, but this alone is not worth the rampant degradation of our world, as we are now witnessing it every day of our lives.

If you are a movie and series watcher and know them, you can see how many high ranked movies and series came out after 2000. This is a short list of some of them, as there are many that are very good that didn't get to the 8.0. Anything above 6.0 is considered a good movie or series. ........................Top-Rated Sci-Fi and Thrillers

• Inception (2010) – IMDb: 8.8

• Interstellar (2014) – IMDb: 8.7

• The Prestige (2006) – IMDb: 8.5

• Memento (2000) – IMDb: 8.4

Epic and Action Hits

• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – IMDb: 9.0

• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – IMDb: 9.0

• The Dark Knight (2008) – IMDb: 9.0

• Gladiator (2000) – IMDb: 8.5]

Acclaimed Dramas and Crime

• The Departed (2006) – IMDb: 8.5

• Whiplash (2014) – IMDb: 8.5

• The Pianist (2002) – IMDb: 8.5

• City of God (2002) – IMDb: 8.6 .....Top Series Released After 2000

  Breaking Bad (2008–2013) – 9.5/10

  • Crime and drug drama about a chemistry teacher turned meth maker.

  ---

  Band of Brothers (2001) – 9.4/10

  • World War II historical miniseries following Easy Company.

  ---

  Chernobyl (2019) – 9.3/10

  • Dramatization of the 1986 nuclear disaster and its cleanup.

  ---

  The Wire (2002–2008) – 9.3/10

  • Gritty look at Baltimore's drug scene, institutions, and law enforcement.

  ---

  Game of Thrones (2011–2019) – 9.2/10

Edited August 13Aug 13 by fredwiggy

It's so heartwarming to see people agreeing that the Democrats led the best period in American history. John F. Kennedy (Democratic, 1961–1963), and Lyndon B. Johnson (Democratic, 1963–1969) sure did bring in a period of sanity for most Americans.

17 minutes ago, Purdey said:

It's so heartwarming to see people agreeing that the Democrats led the best period in American history. John F. Kennedy (Democratic, 1961–1963), and Lyndon B. Johnson (Democratic, 1963–1969) sure did bring in a period of sanity for most Americans.

These are the best days of my life.

Do I need to thank The Donald?

1 hour ago, hotandsticky said:

These are the best days of my life.

Do I need to thank The Donald?

It's all well and good unless you're a citizen shot dead on the street by a masked, pardoned terrorist who has the full approval and protection of The Don.

I guess if they're protesting and a "Dumocrat" it's fine?

2 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

Yes, and the smarter countries have recycling.

Too late.

"Microplastics are considered ubiquitous. Scientific sampling over the past two decades has detected plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters to 1 micrometer in virtually every major ecosystem, weather system, food supply chain, and human organ examined. They can be found in the Marianas Trench, and at the top of Everest".

There's quite strong evidence they are affecting human fertility in both genders.

9 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Too late.

"Microplastics are considered ubiquitous. Scientific sampling over the past two decades has detected plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters to 1 micrometer in virtually every major ecosystem, weather system, food supply chain, and human organ examined. They can be found in the Marianas Trench, and at the top of Everest".

There's quite strong evidence they are affecting human fertility in both genders.

For certain people that would be a blessing. But true, the world needs to be recycle mandatory and a stepped up ocean clearing is something that needs to be done immediately, as they kill certain species.

Edited August 13Aug 13 by fredwiggy

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

For certain people that would be a blessing.

Yes. Unfortunately, microplastics don't discriminate on the basis of IQ.

4 hours ago, Purdey said:

It's so heartwarming to see people agreeing that the Democrats led the best period in American history. John F. Kennedy (Democratic, 1961–1963), and Lyndon B. Johnson (Democratic, 1963–1969) sure did bring in a period of sanity for most Americans.

It was heartwarming to see Kennedy and Johnson escalate the war in Vietnam, resulting in the loss of 58,000 US service members. I always anticipated watching the evening news to hear about the daily body counts. It was a truly heartwarming experience.

4 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

True, true true. Again, live there before you assume things about the US, as many things you'll read are biased and or opinions. No, they can only estimate how long the children of today will live, but it can be an accurate hypothesis based on all the data they've accumulated over the centuries. Facts are, anyone who follows the Blue Zone lifestyle will live longer on average. The Mediterranean Diet is another name for it. You use AI as much or more than anyone, and if you also research and already have the knowledge, that's more -proof.

The only thing good about TEXAS is the fact that Musk has chosen to build his gargantuan TERAFAB facility there.

One terawatts of compute chips per year.

This is about 500 times the fabrication capacity of the entire world, today.

The investment will be immense.

As I say, the choice of land, about one hour from Houston, has already been made.

If Elon likes Texas, then I suppose I can tolerate it, myself.

4 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

If you are a movie and series watcher and know them, you can see how many high ranked movies and series came out after 2000. This is a short list of some of them, as there are many that are very good that didn't get to the 8.0. Anything above 6.0 is considered a good movie or series. ........................Top-Rated Sci-Fi and Thrillers

• Inception (2010) – IMDb: 8.8

• Interstellar (2014) – IMDb: 8.7

• The Prestige (2006) – IMDb: 8.5

• Memento (2000) – IMDb: 8.4

Epic and Action Hits

• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – IMDb: 9.0

• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – IMDb: 9.0

• The Dark Knight (2008) – IMDb: 9.0

• Gladiator (2000) – IMDb: 8.5]

Acclaimed Dramas and Crime

• The Departed (2006) – IMDb: 8.5

• Whiplash (2014) – IMDb: 8.5

• The Pianist (2002) – IMDb: 8.5

• City of God (2002) – IMDb: 8.6 .....Top Series Released After 2000

  Breaking Bad (2008–2013) – 9.5/10

  • Crime and drug drama about a chemistry teacher turned meth maker.

  ---

  Band of Brothers (2001) – 9.4/10

  • World War II historical miniseries following Easy Company.

  ---

  Chernobyl (2019) – 9.3/10

  • Dramatization of the 1986 nuclear disaster and its cleanup.

  ---

  The Wire (2002–2008) – 9.3/10

  • Gritty look at Baltimore's drug scene, institutions, and law enforcement.

  ---

  Game of Thrones (2011–2019) – 9.2/10

The movies, films, TV-videos, you have listed here are all GARBAGE.

Why am I not surprised.

Anyway, I detest Fantasy garbage more than anything.

Choice of film entertainment is HEAVILY INFLUENCED by CULTURE.

Hence, most people from the USA cannot relate to Bollywood fare.

But, I consider your choices of film garbage, and with good reason, from a cultural perspective.

I did not see any Woody Allen flicks on your list, by the way.

WHY NOT?

12 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

The only thing good about TEXAS is the fact that Musk has chosen to build his gargantuan TERAFAB facility there.

One terawatts of compute chips per year.

This is about 500 times the fabrication capacity of the entire world, today.

The investment will be immense.

As I say, the choice of land, about one hour from Houston, has already been made.

If Elon likes Texas, then I suppose I can tolerate it, myself.

Driving down a highway doesn't give you any idea what Texas is. Texas is a fantastic state with clean beaches, beautiful scenery, all types of geographical wonders, all the world's best food, great music and concerts,great hunting and fishing, and friendly people.