Leaderboard
Popular Content
Showing content with the highest reputation on 11/08/2023 in all areas
-
Israel And The Palestinians: A Nightmare In Desperate Search Of A Solution
Marc in Calif and 4 others reacted to reader for a topic
I’ve gradually come around to the belief that this is precisely how Hamas figured it would play out. Given Israel’s consistent history of rapid and overwhelming response, how could they possibly believe otherwise. Hamas’ goal was to sacrifice its own citizens to bring about unrest throughout the Mideast and beyond. And although they invited the disaster that’s unfolding daily, they way well be on their way to their ultimate objective.5 points -
war is such horrible thing chiefly because ever since modern weaponry was developed is about killing innocent and unarmed people. It's why it should be avoided by any cost. Too bad neither Hamas nor Putin aren't reading this board. Unfortunately current one was not started by Israelis. Yes , Palestinians have tons of legitimate grievances but that doesn't not change fact that current carnage was triggered by Hamas onslaught. Like in every other war , aggressor need to take into consideration that side attacked will respond with all force it can muster. They broken all rules including main one- don't start war without idea how you want finish it and means to meet your goal.4 points
-
he was, it's why they divorced4 points
-
Finally some encouraging news for Dems
stevenkesslar and 2 others reacted to reader for a topic
From the Hill Five takeaways from a winning election night Democrats saw a successful Election Night on Tuesday, scoring wins in a number of competitive contests. In deep-red Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear sailed to reelection, while in Virginia Democrats flipped control of the House of Delegates and maintained control of the state Senate. Abortion rights advocates also saw a number of wins, most notably in Ohio, where voters chose to enshrine abortion protections. Abortion proved to be a top issue for voters on Tuesday over one year out from the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Abortion access advocates saw a major victory in Ohio, where a majority of voters voted “yes” on Issue One, a ballot measure that enshrines abortion rights into the state’s constitution. Ohio was one of several states that rolled back abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The state made headlines after a 10-year-old girl was denied an abortion in Ohio and had to travel outside of the state to undergo the procedure. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Beshear won his reelection bid after he campaigned on expanding abortion access. Beshear’s campaign released an ad showing a prosecutor criticizing the lack of exceptions for rape and incest under Kentucky’s ban on the procedure. His GOP opponent, Attorney General Daniel Cameron,said during the campaign that he would approve legislation that would include rape and incest as exceptions to the ban, but later appeared to tack to the right on the issue. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Democrats maintained their majority in the state Senate and flipped the House of Delegates by largely campaigning in competitive districts on the threat of an abortion ban. The victories for abortion rights advocates, particularly in right-leaning Ohio and Kentucky, are a good sign for Democrats going into 2024. A number of Democratic incumbents and candidates, including Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), have signaled that they plan to campaign on the issue next year. As for Republicans, Tuesday’s results show that they have yet to find a successful message on abortion in a post-Roe World. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) embraced a proposed 15-week ban on abortion with exceptions in the state and a number of down-ballot Republicans followed his lead. But the strategy does not appear to have paid off. Continues at https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4298989-five-takeaways-from-a-winning-election-night-for-democrats/3 points -
In my opinion, they should protest the lawmakers, the people taking money from oil companies, the oil companies themselves, etc. Targeting people going about their daily business, art galleries, etc is the easy option, self defeating (they will never win without public support) and leads to violence.3 points
-
Poll PANIC
Marc in Calif and one other reacted to JKane for a topic
Glad of it. Occasional voters come out to oppose not to affirm. We were told 2022 would be a red wave as the most recent concrete example of polls being bs. I'll take this 1000% over "Biden's got this in a walk!" alternative. Poll companies make money by selling poll results and 24 hour news makes money by SCARING PEOPLE... match made in... what's a "journalism"? Further, who the fuck answers a political poll? "Likely voters" my ass. "Geriatrics happy to have anybody to talk to" more likely. And then there's...2 points -
Finally some encouraging news for Dems
unicorn and one other reacted to Marc in Calif for a topic
Democrats, liberals, progressives -- all had great success in the elections on Tuesday, 8 November. 😃 The Biggest Loser was Drumpf himself, as the causes and candidates he supported went down to ignominious defeat. Before I start discussing all of the big wins, let me just post the following report from my favorite columnist. (For those of you who are non-native speakers of English or are simply confused, the following report is SATIRE.) OHIO (The Borowitz Report) Irate Republican officials in Ohio have been crying foul over Tuesday night’s election results, claiming that there were “widespread cases” of women voting across the state. Harland Dorrinson, a G.O.P. operative in Lake County, said that he had “eyewitness accounts” of “swarms of women” standing in long lines outside of polling places. “Many of our poll workers spotted women going into voting booths and literally casting votes,” he said. “These were not isolated incidents.” Dorrinson said the “nightmare scenario” that unfolded on Tuesday has dire implications for both Ohio and the nation. “There is every indication that women meddled in this election,” he said. “What’s to stop them from doing it again in 2024?”2 points -
Patpong comings and goings
reader and one other reacted to Marc in Calif for a topic
A statement that starts with "The Jew who owned the museum... " is typical of anti-Semitic writing. It connects religion and business/money in a common trope that has been associated with Jewish people since the Middle Ages in Europe. No explanation or clarification can excuse this type of statement. But I'm eager to see the reactions and responses to my comment. We can only raise our eyebrows. 🙄2 points -
I’ve been experiencing many of the symptoms (with exception of difficulty breathing) described below for the past week and two other board members have likewise. From Thailand News Agency The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapan said that the Department of Pollution Control has predicted that there will be a high concentration of fine dust marked in orange with adverse effects on health from tomorrow to Sunday. However, there is still a chance of rain which may help reduce the level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). People are advised to wear face masks when going outside. Vulnerable groups and the elderly should stay at home and avoid outdoor activities. The elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with underlying health conditions who experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and rashes should seek medical attention promptly. The BMA’s Medical Service Department has prepared to respond to the situation by establishing air pollution medical clinics in affiliated hospitals within the city to address PM 2.5 levels exceeding 75 micrograms per cubic meter. (TNA)2 points
-
This is scary
Marc in Calif and one other reacted to vinapu for a topic
this is what I meant and it's why I object to narrative that Gazans have what they had voted for. Unfortunately word ' only ' needs to be removed as it's very inaccurate. If you have doubts I invite you to observe any crossing from Palestine to Israel proper or to stroll through Hebron in West Bank. Raise your head when strolling to Tomb of Patriarchs and you notice guys with the guns on the roofs. They are not Palestinians, rest assured2 points -
Bangkok braces for Hazardous Dust
KeepItReal and one other reacted to reader for a topic
Of late, air pollution in Asia has increased, particularly in built-up areas due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. The present study sets out to examine the impact that pollution can have on the health of people living in the inner city of Bangkok, Thailand. Consequently, in 2021, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and coarse particulate matter (PM10) chemical composition and sources are evaluated at three locations in Bangkok. To identify the possible sources of such particulates, therefore, the principal component analysis (PCA) technique is duly carried out. As determined via PCA, the major sources of air pollution in Bangkok are local emission sources and sea salt. The most significant local sources of PM2.5 and PM10 in Bangkok include primary combustion, such as vehicle emissions, coal combustion, biomass burning, secondary aerosol formation, industrial emissions, and dust sources. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36361157/2 points -
Finally some encouraging news for Dems
stevenkesslar and one other reacted to KeepItReal for a topic
I am not too surprised. It is a question of a) a house divided for democrats vs b) a house on fire for republicans. At least, that is my opinion atm.2 points -
First Came 'Love China'; Now It's 'Love Britain'
Ruthrieston and one other reacted to PeterRS for a topic
Indeed it is just another Chinese city that is beginning to suffer as Shanghai takes over. The "difference" is that many believe China is at fault for having broken the "50 year" promise. As always seems to happen with secrets and lies, it was in fact broken 38 years ago by the British2 points -
No doubt Hamas has or at least had support of big chunk of Gazans but I wouldn't place too much faith in election process there to put it mildly. Election when population is terrorized are not the same like we have in the West. Would you blame North Koreans, Cubans or Equatorial Guineans for faults of leaders "they elected"?2 points
-
Walking the streets of Silom daily, the absence of groups of Chinese is noticeable. However, that doesn’t mean there’s an overall dearth of tourists. I’ve never seen Thaniya more crowded. The Patpong Night Market is vibrant and pedestrian traffic most nights is strong. Observing the passers by on Patpong 2 last night from Hot Male beer bar with a fellow board member, it was evident that tourists from elsewhere in Asia and western countries are picking up some of the slack. Hotel bookings are strong and restaurants and pubs are doing well. Soi 4 is doing a robust business on most nights and the massage shops are holding their own despite stiff competition. Venues like 76 Garage are obviously hurting because they owed their success to tourists from a single source who travel in groups. Individual Chinese are still finding their way to Bangkok but aren’t necessarily drawn to those attractions. The Chinese trade will be slower to materialize because of some of the reasons cited in the OP but also due to China’s current economic woes. Meanwhile, Thailand seems destined to prosper because it simply has so much to offer to all.2 points
-
Hamas intentionally targets civilians. The IDF targets Hamas murderers. Hamas tortures (cuts open pregnant woman's stomachs, throws babies into ovens, gouges out victim's eyes, murders children in front of parents, murders parents in front of children, murders teenage concert-goers, etc.), rapes, and kidnaps the elderly, children, and babies. The IDF does not. End of story. It's really that simple.2 points
-
Having legitimate grievances doesn't justify supporting animal like behavior of Hamas but doesn't invalidate legitimate Palestinian' grievances. They chose wrong people to express those , goes without saying but to prevent repeat such atrocities in the future their cell must be opened. Israelis wont behead babies, ( not that sure about raping girls, but lets assume they won't ) but in their justified quest to fell safe no doubt they will kill much more babies in their onslaught of Gaza they Hamas did on Oct 7 as ration of Palestinian death vs. Israelis was always multiplier of the second. as for strict sharia law , while you are correct , short visit to Mea Sharim will tell you that such treatment of women is not limited to Arabs and it's clearly something in the Middle Eastern water which makes their men thinking that low about their mothers, sisters and daughters2 points
-
Damaging artworks is criminal and should be treated as such, even damaging those of dubious value. Interrupting performances may send message across but not necessarily in a way intended2 points
-
October 2023 Trip Report - Bangkok and Pattaya
BL8gPt and one other reacted to moistmango for a topic
Was he the Mandarin-speaking Caucasian fellow who used to emcee/provide commentary for the shows at the old DB? That dude was hilarious. When a particularly big drag queen came thundering down the spiral staircase, the flimsy stage shuddering with her every step, he would recite in a complete monotone, in near pitch-perfect Mandarin: "Here comes the big elephant. <pause> Here comes the big elephant." I had to lower my head to hide my laughter, for fear that the drag queen in question would leap off the catwalk to beat the sh*t out of me.2 points -
Raid on Dream Boys Pattaya
Travellerdave and one other reacted to orson for a topic
or your mouth from his d***2 points -
Day 7: I decided to have a leisurely buffet breakfast today. i can't believe i stayed almost 2 hours just lounging around the breakfast table. I see a lot of tourist fall for ordering a coconut. but it takes a lot of space, i prefer to just ask for coconut water. I choices are not that extensive, but it food items were quality. As i failed to get anything for me in yesterday's trip to platinum mall, i made my way to MBK. I was surprised how the mall has changed. The japanese department store was gone. A whole floor has been transformed to a sea of stalls selling mobile phones. The chinese stalls selling foodstuffs were also missing. Walked around looking for shops that sells those bigger sized clothing. I didn't find XXL, but found Export Shop which sells similar clothing (bigger sized export overruns). I realised it wasn't really cheap, but i bought a few for a souvenir of this trip. After MBK, i walked around the Museum in front of it and later to the 2 other malls near it before reaching siam paragon just in time for dinner. i tried a few of the multi year michelin awarded stalls. a bit disappointed with the pad thai, and the curry was just ok for me - maybe the crispy noodles made a textural difference from the usual. Bottomline - don't trust michelin to judge what is a good asian dish. After dinner, i went to dreamboys via the front entrance. i was surprised there were no touts. Maybe it was a slow night being a weekday. Inside i was ushered to the very front row, it's a good thing i am tall so the performers were still at my eyelevel. they have a few groups already lounging on the upper curved booths, most with whiskey service. this place seemed to be designed for large groups in mind as the 3rd level are all booths. that can accomodate around 8 people. There was some go go dancing in between the parade of boys. The guys were wearing white trunks. The show itself was a combination of lots of cabaret with the usual sexy show - but no f**k show. Before the actual show started, went to the rest room. When i got out, i met an guy i used to off in Tawan - Mr. O. Asked him to sit with me to catch. up. I noticed that they sexy show has a fair bit of a similarity with the old tawan shows. Now i don't know if who copied who, or if there was indeed some copying involved. I also learned that the german owner has already returned to his motherland, so dreamboys is now owned bTheny a thai. He mentioned there have a lot of non-thai boys, and pointed to a few. Then there was this customer who arrived with 2 guys dressed in security shirt. i don't know if it was all for show or if he was indeed some hi-so customer. The "guards" later left after he was seated. The guy who used to be the odd man out in the old dreamboy, seemed to have cleaned up pretty well. He was of course the star of the big cock show. he seemed to have judged my interest, and later sat with me without invitation. i bought him a drink, for a quick chat and grope. but his junk has returned to normal size. alas, it was all for show - i suspect they use a pump of something. After the show, decided to call it a night and took a taxi back to the hotel.2 points
-
Airlines flying at the ‘speed of sound’ right now
splinter1949 and one other reacted to vinapu for a topic
Whatever technical niceties are what counts is that early arrival, been there , done that, few times. But as Peter noticed it may work other way around, Last year what was supposed to be 2 hr layover at Narita was reduced to 20 minutes sprint through security (granted, extremely well streamlined by Japanese and Thai jet was waiting for us few conecting passengers ) . I made it to Bangkok but my luggage did not until next day. Nice gesture was that Just before we took off they warned us that fight to Narita will arrive 100 minutes late even if we departed on the dot. Shocking for me was fact that First and Business passengers were also late exactly as much as we humble economizers.2 points -
I have left Bangkok and write from Vientiane. I am enjoying a down-time trip here, with not good opportunities for a forum post involving adventures, observations and dilemmas about Laos. I think I will post from Vietnam, my next stop with more time. Thank you for the replies. Forrestreid your post is brilliant. I think I am back in Bangkok in a fortnight and I will follow much of your itinerary, for sure! You correctly make reference to Paris but it is also important to recognise London (in the past, Camden, and now East London) and Dublin. The reason an English language word to flaneur is difficult is because it is all of the things you say leading to nuance. I especially appreciate your attention to detail in providing practical information which saves me much time. As I promised, I provide an unstructured update but with less time to edit and refine. On future trips I will try to commit to a diary as is the custom but I hope this is interesting even to just one person! I was quick to comment on Tawan unfairly. On my second visit the atmosphere was brighter. Twinks make up no more than 20% of the gathering of men working in the bar. I heard more about the loss of our beret-wearing friend. I was told he was 60 and died suddenly of a heart attack. An off from Tawan was not in the cards for me this time. To Sol. I was more comfortable on my second visit (a theme?). I was first quick to compare Sol with the old Dream Boys. I think this is because they have done little with the inside so the comparison is hard not to begin with. They have taken away all branding of Dream Boys, replacing it with usually nothing or with their own logo which is not easy to my eyes (a past failed career in marketing does not help me here). But the men they have are friendly and plentiful in number with variety, aged early 20s to early 30s towards the toned rather than thin. One older western guy was enjoying the company of four or five men during my visit (I think the youth would call this ‘living your best life’) with French-kissing, 1000 bhat tips dispensed every few minutes to the delight of the workforce. I met a man in his late 20s who accompanied me to my room for detailed contemplations on the success or otherwise of the Asian Development Bank vis a vis other international comparisons. Following Vinapu’s super advice on first trying ‘non-steamy’ small-chat, I learnt about his broken mobile phone leading to the need to start working in the bar as being a Grab delivery driver without a phone is impossible. A 600 bhat per day wage to a 200 bhat per day wage in the bar was the outcome (unless there is an off, which he claimed I was his first in two weeks of working). I suspected this would lead to a request for a mobile phone, but it did not. The story seemed true when, in a moment of forgetfulness, I asked for his LINE ID later and was told he did not have one because he did not have a phone! Dream Boys had change during my visit. As was reported on the forum by another, there was an incident involving the theft of several 1000s of bhat and a mobile phone from a hotel, by a worker from a customer. I learnt from a talkative (thank you Vinapu for your advice about asking for English language ability from mamasan) man who works there that the owner immediate let go of all staff that were not Thai, as the man could not be traced. This came from just one worker who erred on the side of gossip and perhaps exaggeration in tone. Some men are now in Banana Bar, according to this report. The Dream Boys ensemble are now fewer but the quality is high (to my eye). The vision of the owner is apparently for an all-Thai group from this time forth. Banana Bar show is lots of fun and laughs, marketed to those out with friends and groups as well as the tourist looking for company. Men appear not often on stage. I did not, on two visits, enjoy more than one quick beverage in Screw Boys. The atmosphere was difficult as the only customer or one of three, being so close to the stage with all eyes looking, I was self-conscious. Men are early 20s to early 30s. The mamasan who refused to not sit alongside me was funny with her sales-approach towards the huddle of men as they march which went something like ‘This boy, very big, does everything, no English. This boy, less big, only man but good English. This boy, very big, does everything, good English’. I was sad that an excursion to Arena was not available in the Le Meridian list of tours (feedback will be provided to Marriott) but I was able to visit anyway. Once I had found the place (ignore Google Maps which takes you down some side road to a car park with an angry looking guard, go the front of the building, walk past the restaurants and to the lift at the back, third floor) I was very happy at what was inside. Five men looked not quite ready for Tawan but like they had recently left the gym and were ‘normal looking’ and handsome were in attendance and I spent time with a man in his early 30s from Chang Mai. Again thank you for all replies. I hope to post something from other countries as I visit in the weeks upcoming.2 points
-
Progressive success in November elections in the U.S.
khaolakguy reacted to Marc in Calif for a topic
Democrats, liberals, progressives -- all had great success in the elections on Tuesday, 8 November. 😃 The Biggest Loser was Drumpf himself, as the causes and candidates he supported went down to ignominious defeat. Before I start discussing all of the big wins, let me just post the following report from my favorite columnist: OHIO (The Borowitz Report) Irate Republican officials in Ohio have been crying foul over Tuesday night’s election results, claiming that there were “widespread cases” of women voting across the state. Harland Dorrinson, a G.O.P. operative in Lake County, said that he had “eyewitness accounts” of “swarms of women” standing in long lines outside of polling places. “Many of our poll workers spotted women going into voting booths and literally casting votes,” he said. “These were not isolated incidents.” Dorrinson said the “nightmare scenario” that unfolded on Tuesday has dire implications for both Ohio and the nation. “There is every indication that women meddled in this election,” he said. “What’s to stop them from doing it again in 2024?”1 point -
Chinese Tourists Avoiding Thailand: BBC Report
splinter1949 reacted to scott456 for a topic
Scary stuff. I guess I will have to hire an escort to walk me back to hotel after clubbing late at night. It's too bad that I still look young.1 point -
Having trouble in Puerto Vallarta
Boy69 reacted to floridarob for a topic
Not cheap either, a weeks salary for most workers...same thing happens to people that go to other countries, they think is usd and what it would cost at home, you're not in the US. Is why people take advantage of tourists/foreigners1 point -
Thanks for clarification. But what does the owner being a Jew have to do with anything?1 point
-
Bangkok braces for Hazardous Dust
floridarob reacted to reader for a topic
Just book a flight and it’s all here for the taking. 🙂1 point -
1 point
-
Berlin
vinapu reacted to revengeboo for a topic
Oh my, I stepped away for a few days flying to 3 different cities, and didn't see this firestorm I set off about Berlin. I mentioned a "hot Chinese student living in Barcelona" because I was surprised to hook up with someone of that demographic in Berlin - I figured that the clubs would be 98% white and that was not the case. Nothing more or less to be said, haha - not a negative or positive inference, simply different than what what I expected. It was a diverse crowd and that was a good thing IMO. I've hooked up with men of all races and various nationalities and I am quite happy with that. 🫡1 point -
Looks that it's their crooked and blood soaked logic but one who sows the wind harvests storm.1 point
-
Israel And The Palestinians: A Nightmare In Desperate Search Of A Solution
Marc in Calif reacted to Latbear4blk for a topic
1 point -
Poll PANIC
Marc in Calif reacted to caeron for a topic
Polls this far out mean absolutely nothing. Fake drama.1 point -
Israel And The Palestinians: A Nightmare In Desperate Search Of A Solution
Kostik reacted to Latbear4blk for a topic
Hey, Bright One, the one taking sides is you and your friends in the Proud Hypocrites Club. I am denouncing both mass murderers, Hamas and the State of Israel.1 point -
Airlines flying at the ‘speed of sound’ right now
alvnv reacted to thaiophilus for a topic
Maybe, but in most countries "transit" is not "entry", and passengers in transit to a third country are not required to go through immigration checks if they remain airside. Certainly I have passed through airports in France, Germany, Italy, Dubai, Jordan, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, to name a few, without immigration checks. Only in the USA was it different.1 point -
4a.m. Closing for bars from Dec. 15
Ruthrieston reacted to vinapu for a topic
one nonsesnse removed , next one is created next minute like Jomtien is another city 27 km from Pattaya or Naklua right on Lao border1 point -
reminds me my first flight to Thailand. It was just post 9/11 , early Nov2001 so plane was not full. Thai flight from Los Angeles had refuelling stop at Kansai(Osaka), we were made to deplane but because security checks it was going pretty slow. I, as always sitting in the back was one of the last to leave and by time I reached scanner that already started boarding back so basically I just had circular walk and went straight back to my , still warm seat1 point
-
First Came 'Love China'; Now It's 'Love Britain'
Ruthrieston reacted to PeterRS for a topic
I have to add to my earlier post a fact that came to light just before the 1997 handover. I quote from a radio programme aired in Australia with direct quotes from people who were directly involved and moderated by an Australian journalist with a great deal of background information on the complicated Hong Kong situation. I quote - Sally Neighbour: The people of Hong Kong had good reason to believe that democracy was guaranteed. The 1984 Joint Declaration said the legislature - until then appointed - would be constituted by elections and would have the power to hold the government accountable. What it didn't say was that the wording had been left vague deliberately because Britain and China could never agree on definitions for these terms. The Chinese had refused to allow any reference to democracy. Over the coming years, Britain would adopt a policy of deliberate deceit - secretly accepting China's position while publicly holding out the promise of democracy to the people of Hong Kong. That promise of democracy was broken barely a year after it was made. After agreeing to the handover, Britain and China set up a Joint Liaison Group to oversee the transition to Chinese rule. At only its second meeting, in November 1985, Britain and China reached a secret agreement that would stop any move towards democracy in Hong Kong. Under the deal made by the Joint Liaison Group, Britain agreed not to make any political changes until after China had completed its own political blueprint, the Basic Law - a task that would take five years. In short, Britain handed to China control of Hong Kong's political fate. For the British Government, the desire for smooth relations with China had outweighed the need to honour its promise to the people of Hong Kong. To keep China happy, democratic elections had to be stalled. John Walden, Hong Kong Director of Home Affairs, 1976-1981: The whole thing was done in secret and a pretense was made that Britain hadn't departed from its undertakings on political reform. But if you look at what came out of the Basic Law at the end [in 1990] you can see it wasn't what was promised, wasn't what was promised in Parliament in 1984, so there had been a back down, a change of policy, a big cover up. Patten would certainly have been fully briefed on that 1985 secret agreement. He therefore was perfectly well aware that his announced reforms in the mid-1990s were not only a deliberate violation of that agreement, he and his advisors would have been equally aware that China would just throw them out on July 1 1997. And that is precisely what happened. Patten assumed he had some sort of super power that would alter the myth perpetuated when Britain sold Hong Kong down the river in 1985! He didn't. He just made it worse.1 point -
One day people here will actually read what is written and not just jump on things without reading them properly. I am so lucky not to be in a situation where I had children missing and so do not have to make a decision like that. Let's put this another way. If your children were missing you'd just leave them there and go have more instead?1 point
-
Absurd pricing. Walk away. It would be rare that any one of the guys would be worth it. Save up, visit Brazil, Santo Domingo, Medellin, etc.1 point
-
"had to mention"??! "had to meet"?!? revengeboo said he met a guy and that Berlin was a melting pot implying a diverse crowd. He didn't say he "had to meet" an Asian, he just said he did. Scott456 was the one who turned that comment into a "had to meet". Scott456 was the one who said he "had to mention" it. It was a conversation about clubs in Berlin. Talking about who you met seems pretty normal conversation in such a thread to me. Marc is right, Scott456 reading so much into that comment says a great deal more about him than it does about the OP. Hell, Revengeboo has posted all of seven times in the forums. It isn't like he's got enough of a track record on anything to warrant this kind of slam. Stop projecting and read what people actually write.1 point
-
One thing that should not be lost in all this is that Hamas are still holding over 200 hostages including children. I'm against the war but if it were my children were being held hostage, I can't say I wouldn't tear Palestine to its foundations and kill everyone that got in the way looking for them.1 point
-
I know that, in true Russian fashion, you pick and chose arguments that fit your narrative in a given moment, but you were the one, just yesterday, comparing Israel and Palestine to Ukraine and Russia, so there… As far as the events in Gaza are concerned, I believe that the Israeli response is disproportionate. I am against Israeli policies towards Palestinians, but strongly believe in Israel’s right to exist. Stupidity and brutality of Hamas (much like that of Putin’s regime, in general) played right into Bibi’s and Likud’s right-wing ambitions. The devastating attack on October 7 all but gave them Carte Blanche to act on these ambitions. Add to that the abundance of emotions that clouds the common sense on both sides and it brings us to extended conflict that has no winners in the end.1 point
-
This is scary
Marc in Calif reacted to KeepItReal for a topic
1 point -
This is scary
Marc in Calif reacted to unicorn for a topic
Sorry, but you're factually wrong (NOT a matter of opinion): https://guide-humanitarian-law.org/content/article/3/military-objectives/ "...The destruction of the object—in whole or in part—capturing it, or neutralizing it must show a specific military advantage. Hence, attacks that will result in solely unspecified or potential advantage are prohibited...". Civilian power stations are NOT legal targets, but rather terroristic ones.1 point -
While subject of that thread is scary what we have here are fundamental differences of opinions but still manage to keep 6 pages of civil discussion. Tempers are there but mercifully well contained I must say we should congratulate ourselves as topic at hand is not only almost impossible to solve to satisfy everybody but even great powers and great minds are not coming closer to solutions that we humble boy chasers here.1 point
-
Thailand invites Putin...
splinter1949 reacted to PeterRS for a topic
There are some elected politicians who make me cringe every time I see then on television, even before they open their mouths because I know what is coming. This morning, though, on CNN, the awful Senator Lindsay Graham took things to a ridiculous level. He stated that had Trump been President Russia would not have invaded Ukraine and Hamas would not have committed its atrocities in Israel. It reminds me of an old joke originally about a different group of people but let's assume for a bit of fun that they were the three senator amigos - the weird friendship between Graham, John McCain and Joseph Lieberman. The three are on a park bench and discussing the state of the Middle East. McCain: I had a dream last night and in my dream I saw God who said to me: "John McCain you are a true Christian and I believe your views on Israel are correct." Lieberman: How strange! In my dream I also saw God who told me: "Joe, pay no attention to John McCain, Your views on israel are the only ones that matter." Graham: What did I say?1 point